Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino, is a huge Italian guardian with massive wrinkles, heavy jowls and a slow, rolling gait. It is calm and loyal with family and imposing to strangers, and it requires experienced owners and a lot of room.

Origins and appearance

The breed is descended from ancient Roman war dogs and was preserved by Italian breeders in the twentieth century. Neapolitans are massive, with loose, abundant skin, deep wrinkles, a huge head, drooping lips and a short, rough coat in black, blue, mahogany or tawny, sometimes brindled.

Temperament

They are calm, loyal and protective. They bond closely with family and are suspicious of strangers. They are watchful and imposing, with a deep bark used sparingly. They are strong-willed and may be dominant with other dogs. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need moderate exercise, such as short daily walks. They prefer cool weather. Avoid heavy exercise in heat or while growing. Keep them lean.

Training

They are intelligent but stubborn. Use calm, consistent, positive methods and early, thorough socialization. Teach leash manners before the dog is large. Work with an experienced trainer.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. See short coat dog grooming guide. The skin folds on the face and body need daily cleaning and drying. Wipe the drool, clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Skin fold dermatitis. See skin fold dermatitis in dogs
• Cherry eye and eyelid problems. See cherry eye in dogs
• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Heart disease, including cardiomyopathy
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Heat sensitivity. See dog heatstroke

Living with a Neapolitan Mastiff

They suit experienced owners with space and cool conditions. They are poorly suited to small homes and hot climates.

A typical day

A Neapolitan walks slowly, naps for much of the day and watches. They like to be near family.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are large and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Avoid stairs and heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a giant dog and significant vet costs. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They suffer in heat and need shelter in cold. Travel requires a very large vehicle.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include skipping fold care, exercising in heat, poor socialization and underestimating size.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, elbow and heart tests, and lifespans in the lines. Meet the parents.

Fold care in practice

Use a damp, soft cloth or unscented wipes on the folds daily, dry thoroughly and watch for redness or odor. Ask your vet about medicated wipes if irritation occurs.

Calm but imposing

A well-socialized Neapolitan is typically still and observant. Their appearance alone deters, and many owners need to manage visitors, delivery workers and neighbors carefully.

Daily care checklist

Plan on a slow walk, weekly brushing, daily fold and face cleaning, nail trims and measured meals. Provide cool resting areas and learn the signs of bloat.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Neapolitan Mastiff suits experienced owners with space who want a calm, imposing guardian and accept drool, care and health costs. It may not suit small homes or hot climates. For a related Italian guardian, see the Cane Corso.

The takeaway

Neapolitan Mastiffs are huge, wrinkled and loyal, and they need space, fold care and experienced handling.