Neapolitan mastiff, << nee uh POL uh tuhn MAS tihf, >> is a large breed of dog developed in the area of Naples, Italy. A male Neapolitan mastiff measures 26 to 31 inches (66 to 79 centimeters) high at the shoulder and weighs about 150 pounds (68 kilograms). A female grows smaller. This breed has distinctive loose skin over its entire body. Its large, heavily wrinkled head includes a dewlap, a loose fold of skin below the throat. Such features make the breed look more fearsome than it really is, enabling it to serve effectively as a guard dog. Neapolitan mastiffs can have solid gray, black, mahogany, or tawny (light brownish-yellow) coloring. White markings may occur on such areas as the chest, the throat, the underside of the body, and the toes.
The ancestors of the Neapolitan mastiff date back to ancient times. Some of these dogs served with early Greek and Roman soldiers in battles and hunts. The modern breed first achieved recognition in 1949.
Neapolitan mastiffs have gentle, loyal personalities. With proper training, they can make excellent pets.
