Dog breeds :
Mastino Napoletano / Neapolitan Mastiff
Victoria, owner: Carol Paulsen
General
A heavy, massive, thick-set dog of great size, whose length of
body exceeds its height at the withers.
Characteristics
Important Proportions: The length of the body is 10% more than its height at the withers.
Length of head is equal to 30% of the height at the withers. The ratio of length of skull to
muzzle is as 2 is to 1.
Temperament
Steady and loyal in character, not aggressive nor liable to bite without
reason, a defender of property and its inhabitants, he is always vigilant, intelligent, noble
and majestic.
History
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendant of the Molussus, the ancient
mammoth war dogs of the Middle East (Sumeria, Assyria, Phoenecia, and
Babylonia). It is first and foremost a working/utility breed, whose purposes are
greatly varied. It has been primarily a farm helper/protector, also serving as a
herding dog, flock protector, cattle drover, cart dog, large game hunting dog,
and personal protection dog.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the great Roman
Mastiff described by Columelle in the 1st century A.D. in his book, "De Re Rustica". Spread
throughout Europe by the Roman legions alongside whom he fought, he is the ancestor of
numerous mastiff breeds in other European countries. Having survived many centuries in
the countryside at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius and in the region of Naples, the breed was
revived after 1947, thanks to the tenacity and devotion of a group of dog lovers.
Origin
Italy
Utilization
It has been primarily a farm helper/protector, also serving as a
herding dog, flock protector, cattle drover, cart dog, large game hunting dog,
and personal protection dog.
Classification
Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossians and Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs
Size
Extra Large
Height
Height at withers - males 65 - 75 cm. [25 ½ - 29 ½ ins] females 60 - 68 cm. [23 ½ - 26 ½ ins]
Weight
Males 60 - 70 kg [132 - 154 lbs]. Females 50 - 60 kg. [110 - 132 lbs].
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