Neopolitan Mastiff

Whether by its protective demeanor or simply its fearsome appearance, the Neopolitan Mastiff is one of the most effective of guard dogs. Owners often use words like "awe-inspiring"� and "huge"� to describe this breed, and it is one of the world's largest canines because it is descended from those of the ancient Molosser group. Indeed, the world "mastiff"� comes from the Latin world meaning "massive"�. Its appearance might also be described as startling: a stocky, rectangular bundle of power, with large wrinkles over its entire body. This dog stands from 26 to 31 inches, and males can weigh up to 200 lbs. It carries a prominent dewlap, and its tail is held straight up and curved over its back. The average lifespan of the Neopolitan Mastiff is 7 to 9 years, but with care to its health it may live to be 10 or more. One of the world's ancient breeds, the Neopolitan Mastiff was not officially recognized in its native Italy until 1946, although it has a long history of serving the Italian people. This breed does not require specific training to guard property; its natural instinct to protect is quite strong. Its appearance is often enough to discourage an intruder. The breed is well-known for its habit of sneaking upon its subject quietly, rather than simply going on the attack. The Neopolitan Mastiff, rarely seen in North America, should not be confused with the more common English Mastiff, which is a much more mellow dog. The Neopolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff, a breed brought to the West from India with Alexander the Great's army, around 325 BC. The Greeks in turn introduced it to the Roman world. Ancient Roman culture readily embraced the powerful "Roman Molossus"�, using it for bloody fighting exhibitions for the public, and to fight alongside the Roman Legion. It is said that the Roman armies used to fit their mastiffs with thick leather harnesses decorated with sharp spikes; when the dogs ran under the bellies of enemy horses, the horses were severely incapacitated or even disemboweled. There is some disagreement as to how the Neopolitan Mastiff came into Northern Europe; the prevailing theory is that it came with the ancient Phoenicians to England about 500BC, and then spread into continental Europe. At any rate, its popularity had spread over Europe before the turn of the millennium.With the advent of WWII the Neopolitan Mastiff became nearly extinct in Europe. Available food had to go to the human populace, and entire kennels of several breeds were put down en masse during that era. But within the semi-isolated Campania region of Italy the breed continued, until after the war a conscious effort could be made to bring it back. Because of this survival in Italy, it is rightly said that the Neopolitan Mastiff has existed in Italy for over 2,000 years. There it is still used for police work, in the Italian army, and to protect both business and private properties including even small farms. Although the Neopolitan Mastiff requires little grooming, daily vigilance to its health is important. This breed does not display pain, but will hide it in times of injury; the dog should often be examined for any injuries that are not readily visible. Dirt and bacteria can hide within the many deep wrinkles over its body, and the wise owner frequently wipes these areas clean to prevent pyoderma (skin inflammations). This breed is prone to treatable eye disorders such as entropion, ectropion and "cherry eye"�, in which the inner lid protrudes excessively and becomes inflamed. These can usually all be corrected with minor surgery. Given good breeding, adequate exercise and watchful care, the Neopolitan Mastiff is very healthy in general. When diseases do occur, they are generally those common to large breeds: cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) occasionally occurs in this breed, as does hypothyroidism and bloat. The biggest health issue that the owner must watch for in the Neopolitan Mastiff is pano-osteosis, commonly known as "growing pains"�. This is a condition in which the young dog, still in the process of growing bone and muscle, is allowed to over-exercise to its detriment. It occurs from the ages of 4 months to 18 months and disappears as the dog ages. But ignoring the issue will sometimes cause poor development of bone and muscle tissue, and the young Neopolitan Mastiff should not be allowed to exercise too long and hard, or to engage in activities that involve jumping over, on or off furniture and other objects. It must be stressed that the Neopolitan Mastiff requires an experienced owner with leadership skills; this is not a dog for the novice dog handler. The breed is naturally suspicious, strong-willed and dominant. Although it is peaceful, calm, steady and quiet, it is capable of great bursts of powerful energy when excited or provoked. The owner must be willing to spend time and effort when the dog is very young to socialize it properly to other dogs and strangers, and to teach physical restraint. The Neopolitan Mastiff is not recommended for households with young children, for when provoked it can be reactive and unaware of its own strength. While puppies should never be over-exercised, the adult requires a great deal of exercise. The Neopolitan Mastiff does not bark excessively, and is calm indoors; it can make a fine apartment dog. However, it must have two longs walks daily. During these walks, the owner should constantly reinforce the heeling command and make certain the dog is walking at the owner's side or behind, never in front. These small things, when done consistently, maintain a dog that is well-mannered and well under control at all times. With some education, common sense, and a commitment to providing strong, consistent leadership, the owner will find that the Neopolitan Mastiff can be both an excellent guard dog and a pleasant house pet.

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