Working group
Neapolitan Mastiff
An ancient, heavily wrinkled Italian guardian — devoted, imposing and drooly.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive, loose-skinned guardians with an unforgettable look. They are deeply loyal and affectionate at home, but protective, stubborn and prone to health issues linked to their extreme build.
- Height
- 24–31 in61–79 cm
- Weight
- 110–150 lb50–68 kg
- Life expectancy
- 7–9 years
- Size
- Giant
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Naples, Italy
Coat: Short, dense coat over abundant loose, wrinkled skin. Colours: Grey (blue), Black, Mahogany, Tawny, With brindling.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Neos are calm, steady and devoted to their families, often choosing one favourite person. They are gentle and affectionate with those they know.
They are natural guardians and suspicious of strangers. They can be dominant with other dogs. Socialisation from puppyhood and consistent training are essential, and they are best with experienced owners.
Living with a Neapolitan Mastiff
Exercise
Low to moderate: short daily walks and play. Avoid heat and strenuous exercise; Neos overheat easily.
Grooming
Weekly brushing, daily cleaning of skin folds and constant drool management. Keep nails short.
Training
Stubborn but sensitive; start early with short, positive sessions and consistent rules.
Kids & other pets
Loving with their own family; supervise with children because of size. Often best as the only dog.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but needs a cool, comfortable space and secure fencing.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Neapolitan Mastiff right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Neapolitan Mastiff matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Neapolitan Mastiff typically lives 7–9 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Eyelid problems and cherry eye
Loose facial skin causes entropion, ectropion and cherry eye, often needing surgery.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Common in giant breeds; screened parents help.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
A serious heart muscle disease; cardiac screening is recommended.
Skin fold dermatitis
Deep folds trap moisture and bacteria; clean them daily.
Heat intolerance
Neos overheat easily and need shade, water and air conditioning in warm weather.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Cardiac examination
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Neapolitan Mastiff; United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The Neapolitan Mastiff descends from Roman war and guard dogs. For centuries mastiffs of this type guarded estates and farms around Naples in southern Italy.
After WWII, painter Piero Scanziani and other Italian enthusiasts worked to preserve and standardise the breed. The AKC recognised the Neapolitan Mastiff in 2004.
Did you know?
- Fang, Hagrid’s dog in the Harry Potter films, was played by Neapolitan Mastiffs.
- The breed’s loose skin was said to protect it from bites during fights.
- Neos are one of the most drooly breeds.
Library guides for Neapolitan Mastiff owners
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Neapolitan Mastiff needs loose-lead manners early.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Neapolitan Mastiff breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs?
- For experienced owners, yes. They are loyal and loving but powerful and protective.
- Do Neapolitan Mastiffs drool?
- Yes, heavily.
- How long do Neapolitan Mastiffs live?
- Typically 7–9 years.