The Neo. The Mastino. A monster of a dog. The Neopolitan Mastiff was developed in southern Italy in the vicinity of Naples. The Neapolitan breeders focused on creating a dog who was massive in size with heavy, loose skin that would protect them in case of attack but would come home and be a wonderful family pet.
Mastiff-type dogs have existed for millennia. The first Mastiffs are thought to have been developed in Tibet, some 5,000 years ago. The use of these dogs in battle and as guard dogs dated back to the Roman Empire.
During the second world war, the breed nearly went extinct. In 1946 a journalist by the name of Piere Scanziana discovered the breed. He saw the breed as a living remnant of the Roman Empire, a descendant perhaps of the mastiffs of Epirus who accompanied Roman consul Paolo Emilio on his triumphant entry into the city after defeating Perseo of Macedonia. Scanziani helped promote the breed and was helpful in creating a breed standard by Italy’s national dog registry. Guaglione, One of Scanziani’s dogs, was the first to become an Italian champion.
By the early 1970s the Neo had gained some popularity in Europe. The first Neo in the United States was imported by Jane Pampalone. The Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America (NMCA) was formed in 1973 and kept a registry of pedigrees, lineage, and ownership for the majority of American Neapolitan Mastiffs.
In the 1990s, the American Neapolitan Mastiff Association and the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club were formed. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2004.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are no match for an apartment. These dogs need room. They are bred to guard and will guard the entirety of your home. They don’t need a huge yard, but in a small house you can expect them to knock some furniture around while they look for a comfortable place to sprawl out. They may appear to be a bit lumbering and slow moving but don’t mistake the power behind those paws. They can be intimidating to strangers. If you aren’t home, they simply won’t let anyone onto your property. And really, who’s going to argue with that? Get used to being stopped on the street though. If you want a dog that will get attention this is the dog for you.
Don’t be deceived. This dog is 200 pounds of wrinkled love. If they need to attack they will
in defense but they are generally very people friendly. They are not recommended for young children due to their size. They love their families, but they can be wary of strangers. They tend to stick close to home. They will do fine with other dogs and cats as long as they are socialized properly and raised with them.
Do not get a Neo if you have a weak stomach. These dogs are drooly, gassy, and stinky. Keep a towel on hand and a can of air freshener nearby.
For the right family, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a wonderful companion with unyielding loyalty and humor. They are not afraid to die for the ones they love.
These dogs do require a lot of grooming. They shed minimally, but their wrinkles and folds must be regularly cleaned out or they can get infected.
They are prone to obesity and cardiac issues so a healthy diet and plenty of exercise is important. It is important 
to make sure when purchasing from a breeder that the dogs are health tested. Never buy a Neapolitan Mastiff from a puppy mill, a pet store, or a breeder who doesn’t provide health clearances or guarantees. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their dogs make sure they’re free of genetic diseases and temperament issues.
Begin training early, be firm and consistent and use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and food rewards. The Neo is best suited to a home with a fenced yard. Although they’re a homebody and not prone to wandering, a fence will help them to know the limits of their property, an important bit of knowledge for a guard dog. Start training your Neo as soon as you bring them home.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions. Not all Neos will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. Watch for Hip Dysplasia/elbow dysplasia, Cardiomyopathy, Cherry Eye, Cleft Palates, Demodicosis, and Fold Dermatitis. Avoid over exercising them due to their size. They should not be allowed into pools or large bodies of water, they are dense and don’t swim well and the water can get into the folds of their skin and cause infection. When they get wet they must be dried well, including all of their wrinkles. They are extremely sensitive to heat and prone to heatstroke. They can get cold easily due to their short coat.