Neapolitan Mastiff

Also called Mastino Napoletano, Mastino

A calm, loyal giant that watches over its home and people with quiet vigilance rather than aggression.

Size	Giant
Weight	50 to 70 kg (110 to 154 lb)males 60 to 70 kg, females 50 to 60 kg1 2
Height	60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 in)males 65 to 75 cm, females 60 to 68 cm1 2
Coat	Short, dense smooth coat
Origin	Italy, around Naples and southern Italy, descending from the mastiffs of ancient Rome.1 3
Group	Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 2)

Recognised breedShort profile

calm, steady guardian of home and family

deeply loyal and gentle with its own people

impressive, majestic presence

1 2 4

Personality what they are like

A calm, loyal giant that watches over its home and people with quiet vigilance rather than aggression. Around its family it is sweet-natured and placid, while it stays naturally reserved with strangers.1 4 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense smooth coat

A massive, heavy-boned body wrapped in loose skin that falls into deep folds on the head and neck. The coat is short (about 1.5 cm at most), hard, dense and glossy with no fringes.1 2

Coloursgreylead greyblackmahoganybrownfawndeep fawnbrindle in any colourhazel, dove-grey and isabella shades toleratedsmall white marks on chest and toes allowed1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Neapolitan Mastiff. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, taken at a steady pace.5

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

About one brush a week keeps the short coat in order; the skin folds on the face benefit from being kept clean and dry.5 1

Home where they are happiest

A giant breed that is best suited to a home with plenty of room, ideally in the country with a large garden.5

Company who they like around

Very devoted to its household and likes to stay close to its people.4 1

The story where it all began

Large guardian mastiffs have lived around Naples since Roman times, working as protectors of farms and property. The breed was brought back into the spotlight after an exhibition in Naples in 1946, when painter and writer Piero Scanziani began a careful breeding programme and wrote the first standard, recognised in Italy in 1949.1 3 5

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Legend says Neapolitan-type mastiffs marched with Roman legions into battle.5
2
Hagrid's dog Fang in the Harry Potter films was played by Neapolitan Mastiffs, which raised the breed's profile.5
3
The modern breed owes its revival to Piero Scanziani, an Italian painter and writer.3
4
Beyond guarding, their ancestors were used to drove cattle, pull carts and help on hunts.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for Naples, Italy, where it was developed and known in its homeland as the Mastino Napoletano.6

Famous ones stars of the breed

Fang Played Hagrid's dog in the Harry Potter films.6
Guaglione First registered Neapolitan Mastiff and first Italian champion of the breed.6
Caligola di Ponzano Won the World Dog Show in Valencia, Spain, in 1992, besting some 6,600 dogs.6

Name ideas for your new friend

BrunoLunaRoccoStellaTitoBellaMaximoNonnaGuidoPiaOrazioZara

A day in the life told by a Neapolitan Mastiff

I spend my morning sprawled across the cool kitchen tiles, watching my humans shuffle in for coffee. A gentle tail wag greets each one. After breakfast patrol, I lumber into the garden for a slow sniff around the fence line, all quiet, as it should be. When the postman arrives, I give a low, rumbling woof just to remind him I'm here. My favorite part of the day is evening cuddle time on the sofa, where I rest my heavy head on a lap and let out happy sighs until bedtime.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 197, Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, mastiff type; standard dated 17.12.2015. Accepted by the FCI in 1956 per Wikipedia.1
ENCI (Italian kennel club): First standard officially recognised in 1949.3
UKC: Recognised 1 January 1995.2
The Royal Kennel Club: Working group.5
AKC: Recognised AKC breed with its own breed page.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Neapolitan Mastiff tip

Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to obesity and bloat, so stick to low-calorie treats and split meals into smaller portions. Brush their teeth daily to keep those strong teeth healthy, and always ask your vet before introducing new foods.

Source: akc.org purina.co.uk

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Neapolitan Mastiff, and at what times?

Feed adult Neapolitan Mastiffs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A morning and evening routine works well, but follow your vet's advice for your dog's specific needs.7

What should a Neapolitan Mastiff eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for giant breeds, and avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for a balanced diet.8

How often should I bathe a Neapolitan Mastiff?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, but you can bathe as needed, at least every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their skin healthy.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Neapolitan Mastiff need brushing?

Brush your Neapolitan Mastiff about once a week to keep its short coat in order. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat glossy.5 1 9 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Neapolitan Mastiff's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Take small amounts off and stop before the quick to avoid discomfort.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Neapolitan Mastiff need?

Your Neapolitan Mastiff needs up to an hour of steady exercise daily, such as walks and play. They enjoy a calm pace and plenty of time with you.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Neapolitan Mastiff's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, drying them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Neapolitan Mastiff live?

The lifespan of a Neapolitan Mastiff varies; please ask your vet for guidance specific to your dog.

Is a Neapolitan Mastiff good with children and other pets?

Neapolitan Mastiffs are sweet-natured and placid with their family, including children, but they are naturally reserved with strangers. Early socialization helps them get along with other pets; consult a good breeder for advice.1 4 2

Can a Neapolitan Mastiff be left alone?

Neapolitan Mastiffs are very devoted and prefer to stay close to their people, so they may not do well if left alone for long periods. It's best to have someone at home or provide company.4 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.