Are Neapolitan Mastiffs easy to train?

Neapolitan Mastiffs have low trainability. They are known for being loyal, protective, watchful. They require an experienced handler who understands independent breeds.

Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good with children?

Neapolitan Mastiffs have moderate compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Neapolitan Mastiff need?

Neapolitan Mastiffs have low energy levels. 20-30 minutes daily. Short walks only; they overheat easily and joints are fragile.

How long do Neapolitan Mastiffs live?

The average lifespan of a Neapolitan Mastiff is 7-9 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Working group · Italy

Neapolitan Mastiff

Also called Mastino Napoletano, Neo, Italian Mastiff.

What makes them remarkable

This Italian estate guardian nearly disappeared before a post-war revival shaped the modern breed.

Loyal
Protective
Watchful
Dignified
Calm

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Giant
Weight: 50 to 68 kg110 to 150 lb
Lives: 7 to 9 years
Energy: Low
Trains: Low
Barks: Low

Training

Training a Neapolitan Mastiff

Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.

Experienced Owners Only
Start here
Not for first-time dog owners. Their size, stubbornness, and guardian instincts require confident, experienced handling.
Extensive Early Socialisation
Naturally suspicious of strangers. Without proper socialisation, can become dangerously overprotective.
Accept Their Pace
Neos process commands slowly and deliberately. Patience is essential, they're thinking, not defying.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Neapolitan Mastiff and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.

Gets on with

ChildrenModerate
Other dogsLow
StrangersVery Low
CatsModerate

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 20-30 minutes daily. Short walks only; they overheat easily and joints are fragile.
Grooming: Low coat maintenance but high facial care. Clean wrinkles and folds daily to prevent infection.
Drool: Very High
Coat: Short, DenseGrey, Black, Mahogany, Tawny, Blue
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Cherry Eye
Moderate
Prolapse of the third eyelid gland; common due to loose facial skin
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint malformation causing arthritis and mobility issues
Cardiomyopathy
Severe
Heart muscle disease; regular cardiac screening recommended

Where they come from

History

Descended from ancient Roman war dogs. The breed nearly disappeared but was revived in Italy after WWII by Piero Scanziani who established the modern breed standard. Prized as estate guardians.