Neapolitan Mastiff
- Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossian breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
- Section 2: Molossoid
- Without working trial
Neapolitan Mastiff
Male 65-75 cm Female 60-68 cm
Male 60-70 kg Female 50-60 kg
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a recognized by the FCI Italian breed (FCI Group 2, Section 2.1, Standard No. 197).
Origin and History
It is believed that the Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendant of the Roman war dogs, the Molosser is. These dogs were used in both campaigns as well as for fighting against humans and wild animals in the circus arena. The meaning of war dogs waned over the centuries. Thus the Mastino Napoletano to watch and guard dog of the farms in southern Italy. 1947 began the systematic breeding of the breed.
Description
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy, bulky, burly and big dog, whose body length at the withers (up to 75 cm at 70 kg) exceeds. The hair is short, rough and hard, dense, the preferred colors are: gray, leaden gray and black, but also brown, fawn and intense fawn ( deer red ). The head is large and bulky, the zygomatic arches, broad skull; the length of the head reaches about 3/ 10 of the height at withers. The abundant skin forms wrinkles and folds. The skin is the body thick, abundant and loose. In relation to the size of the dog 's ears are small, triangular in shape, flat and close to the cheeks.
Problems
Keeping and breeding these dogs was long under meager conditions, so the race is still subject to breeding problems ( being and health). Generally, this breed belongs only in the hands of an experienced dog owner.
Legal
In Germany the breed is listed in some states in the race lists of the respective dogs laws. In Austria, the Neapolitan Mastiff is in Vorarlberg on the race list.
In Switzerland lead six of the eleven cantons with the Neapolitan Mastiff breed lists on their lists, the attitude is subject to authorization in these cantons. In the cantons of Geneva and Valais keeping, breeding and importation shall be forbidden.