Neapolitan Mastiff

Written By

Sophie Kininmonth

published on

January 21, 2026

Updated on

February 8, 2026

People usually start searching for the Neapolitan Mastiff when they’re weighing up a giant guardian breed: how big they really get, what they’re like to live with, and what can go wrong if you underestimate the training, space, or vet bills.

The Neo is built like a stone doorway and moves with a slow, rolling confidence. That mass brings consequences: early, steady training matters, heat and hard exercise need care, and some health risks (especially bloat) don’t allow for “wait and see”. Here’s a clear, practical look at size, temperament, care, and common health concerns—without the myths.

Height: 60–75 cm (bitches usually smaller)^{1, 2}
Weight: 50–70 kg (bitches usually lighter)^{1, 2}
Coat: Short, dense, hard-textured, with a natural sheen^{1, 2}
Colours: Grey/lead-grey and black preferred; also brown, fawn/deep fawn (red deer). Brindling is permitted; small white on chest/toes may be allowed in standards.^{1, 2}
Temperament: Calm, steady, loyal, protective; typically wary of strangers without good socialisation.^{3, 4}
Life span: Often around 7–9 years (varies by lines and health)⁴
Common health concerns: Hip/elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV/bloat), eyelid problems (entropion/ectropion) and “cherry eye”, plus cardiac disease reported in the breed.^{4, 5, 6}
Exercise: Moderate, steady exercise; avoid pounding or forced running, especially in growing dogs.³
Grooming: Simple coat care, but frequent wipe-downs of skin folds and attention to drool hygiene.^{1, 2}
Training: Early, consistent, calm handling; structured socialisation is essential.^{3, 4}

What a Neapolitan Mastiff really is (and isn’t)

The Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano) is a giant molosser breed, re-selected and standardised in Italy in the mid-20th century from traditional dogs kept around the Naples region. You’ll still see that history written on the body: heavy bone, loose skin, deep chest, and the deliberate, ground-covering gait typical of the breed standard.²

They’re often described as “gentle giants”, but size changes the rules. Even a calm dog can knock an adult over by turning too quickly in a hallway. A wary dog can make ordinary visitor management feel tense. With this breed, good outcomes usually come from planning rather than “fixing it later”.³

Size, coat and that unmistakable silhouette

Most adult males sit roughly in the 65–75 cm range at the withers, with females typically 60–68 cm. Weight commonly falls around 60–70 kg for males and 50–60 kg for females, depending on frame, condition, and breeding lines.^{1, 2}

The coat is short and dense, with a hard texture and a natural sheen. The skin is loose—especially over the head and neck—forming folds and a pronounced dewlap. Breed standards specifically warn against exaggerations that compromise health and welfare.^{1, 2}

Colours vary, with grey/lead-grey and black preferred in standards, and other shades (including fawn/deep fawn and brown) accepted. Brindle is permitted, and small white markings may be allowed in limited areas (often chest/toes) depending on the standard used.^{1, 2}

Temperament: calm, watchful, and not automatically social

A well-bred, well-raised Neo is usually steady at home—unhurried, observant, and physically affectionate with their people. Many are naturally protective, which is the point of the breed, but it means visitor routines matter: secure fencing, clear introductions, and management when tradespeople come and go.³

They’re often wary with strangers and can be selective with other dogs. Early, thoughtful socialisation helps them read the world more accurately—so they don’t treat every unfamiliar sound at the gate as a problem to solve with their whole body.^{3, 4}

Training: start early, stay calm, be consistent

This is not a breed to “out-stubborn”. Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to do best with quiet, consistent handling and clear household rules. Keep sessions short. Reward the behaviours you want, and practise them where it counts: at doors, near the car, around food, and when visitors arrive.^{3, 4}

Prioritise body control: loose-lead walking, a reliable recall (within realistic limits), and a calm “place” cue.
Teach cooperative care: handling paws, ears, lips, and face folds gently from puppyhood.
Build safe management: baby gates, a well-fitted harness, and visitor plans that don’t rely on luck.

Exercise needs: less about distance, more about steadiness

Most Neos don’t need endless running, and many won’t enjoy it. Aim for moderate daily movement, broken into manageable chunks, and avoid heavy impact—especially while they’re still growing. Stairs and slippery floors can be a practical problem for giant-breed joints in the growth period, so set the house up like you would for an elderly dog: stable footing, controlled access, no heroic leaps off the back step.^{3, 4}

Grooming and day-to-day care: simple coat, fiddly folds

Coat care is straightforward: regular brushing to remove loose hair and occasional bathing as needed. The more important work is often around the head and neck—keeping skin folds clean and dry, checking for irritation, and staying on top of drool hygiene around lips and jowls.^{1, 2}

Wipe and dry facial folds (especially after meals and drinking).
Check ears and eyes routinely.
Keep nails short; giant breeds can splay and strain when nails get long.

Health issues to take seriously

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Like many giant breeds, Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Genetics play a role, and so do growth rate, weight management, and the type of exercise a young dog does. If you’re buying a puppy, ask what health screening is done in that breeding line and what the results mean in plain language.⁴

GDV (“bloat”): urgent, fast-moving, and not rare in deep-chested giant breeds

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach distends and may twist. Large, deep-chested breeds are considered higher risk. The important part is speed: GDV can deteriorate quickly, and delays increase the chance of complications and death.^{5, 6}

Signs that warrant an immediate emergency vet visit include:

Retching without bringing anything up
Rapid abdominal swelling
Restlessness, pacing, drooling
Weakness or collapse

Risk reduction strategies commonly recommended include feeding multiple smaller meals (rather than one large meal), avoiding raised bowls (for at-risk dogs), and restricting vigorous activity after eating. Some owners of high-risk breeds discuss preventive gastropexy with their vet, often around desexing, but it’s an individual decision.^{6, 7}

Eyes: entropion/ectropion and “cherry eye”

The same loose skin that gives the Neo its look can contribute to eyelid problems such as entropion (lid turning in) and ectropion (lid turning out). “Cherry eye” (prolapse of the third eyelid gland) is also reported in the breed and is usually treated surgically. If a Neo is squinting, rubbing, or has persistent discharge, don’t wait—eye issues can become painful and complicated quickly.^{2, 4}