FCI-Standard No 197 / 10. 09. 1992 /
Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano)

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the great Roman Mastiff described by Columelle in the first century A.D. in his book "de re rustica". Widespread all over Europe by the Roman legions, with which he has fought, he is the ancestor of numerous mastiff breeds in the other European countries. Having survived as so many centuries in the countryside at the foot of the Mt.Vesuvius and in general in the region of Naples, he has been re-selected since 1947, thanks to the tenacity and devotion of a group of dog lovers.

Here, I just wish to add one fact, Mastino history, for sure, is much more in-depth...

First of all, in my opinion as a lover and breeder of the mastino, the standard is perfect in all parts, the writer of the standard did not  wish, to make a ``gladiator`` as such, but observing, with full attention, examples which  be enable to see, in such time. So, breeders of these ``gladiators``, should give full respect to the standard, if they disagree, let he or she move to another breed or make their own personal creature. So, elementary duty, of any breeders, of this magnificent ``protector``,  should build their own personal knowledge and make an effort to understand standard and breed perfectly, and follow such ``signs``, never mind if any judge or club says at shows the opposite. This is the minimum we have to do, in our battle to keep health-character-functionally of this great GLADIATOR. Once You understand and love the breed in its purest form, then You will have no problem being objective, to judge Mastino even if You recognized same faults on Your personal dog. To LOVE the breed, is key, of Mastino wisdom .


GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A heavy, massive, and stocky- bulky dog of great size, whose length of the body is greater than the height at the withers.


Perfect, just perfect, these proportions are the  base, for specific ability of  Neo, when moving, exercises, jumping,

haunting, training, defending or...
do any pleasure activity, grabbing.

 

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:

The length of the body is 10% greater than the height at the withers. The length of the head is equal to 3/10 of the height at the withers.

The proportion of the cranium to the muzzle is 2 to 1.
This is haw the standard has been set. These  relations and proportions are the grounds for everything that follows and therefore are most important. 

 

BEHAVIOR AND CHARACTER:

The character of the Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal, not aggressive or apt to bite without reason.


True. Absolutely true. If Mastino is completely healthy, feels no pain from such problems as hip dysplasia  or else, then his character will be dominated by his very deep Nature, but if he has some troubles-pain that is bothering him, then we have same ``unexpected reactions``, in specific situations, as produced in unprofessional  breeding programs. Healthy,soundness Mastino, as standard says, is a  steady and gentle giant and we mast keep it that way.
   
So, what is important to remember, the  standard portrays a healthy animal, if any ``deformations``occur  visually or mentally, this animal shall not be used in any breeding programs. This is our responsibility and this is what I call ``love for the breed``. Here, I wish to add one important think , not one of my Neos, which has been used in my breeding program has any health problems. No problems with hearts, nor with breathing , no cherry eyes, no skin problems,no dysplasia in hips or elbows, no immunity problem. This is a big guarantee to me, to let a child be involved in Mastino exercises ...
...as their relationship is on ``healthy grounds``.
As protector of his property and persons,he is excellent and ... 
Exactly, as perfect protector, we should not ``damage `` any part of his magnificent body structure, which may give him  problems doing his duty. For example,excessively  long lips, (modern tendency of same show breeders), (I will not put here any pics for example, as I do not wish to be rude, to use their  dogs, but it is possible to see on many of  today's ch.), so with such lips, who can Neo protect? No one, can only bite himself and after that will be so confused and aggressive, as his lips will be on his teeth, he will feel pain and won`t be aware of  what is  happening. This is a realistic situation. At the moment, I will go no further ,about body problems, as later we will discuss it further. So, as protector he should be able to do such a  job furiously, but in a noble manner with no doubt, with tail always up, showing all the time ``who is boss`` ... 
...and with energy, that  reflects to anyone, or anything, who is matchless defender here,...
...in any situation , never mind if snowy-winter... 
...or hot summer.

 

... he is always watchful, intelligent,...

 

...noble, and majestic.

 

Once, we have the opportunity to observe, true Mastino, how intelligently and dominantly they protect large property, not only to be examined in kennel-behind bars, then we realize, why it has been written, ``defense dog par excellence``. That deep genetic, is what makes the Neo unique, and what we should attempt to cultivate-care but not aggressiveness behind bars or on ``chain``, many dogs are used for this purpose already. For sure, it is easy to demonstrate such ``military-police`` activity, as he do so with no problem, but if we wish to do not hurt his ``gentle nature``, we have to let them have a more majestic duty. Dominate Neo, ``alpha dog`` in his property, chose the best place, from where he can observe as much land as possible and ``always watchful``, even when youngest plays.