Cane Mastino Napoletano: Un Compagno di Famiglia Protettivo

The Cane Mastino Napoletano is a loyal companion that will protect your family with its life. This ancient breed has been a part of Neapolitan families for centuries.

One of the key characteristics of the Cane Mastino Napoletano is its protective nature. It was originally bred to guard the city of Naples and its inhabitants from harm.

In order to be a good companion, the Cane Mastino Napoletano requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. Without it, they can become destructive and restless.

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The Mastino Napoletano has a rich history that dates back to Ancient Rome, where it was used as a war dog and fighter in the arena.

This breed's distinctive characteristics were solidified in Naples, where mastiffs were used as guard dogs for properties.

During the Renaissance, Italian nobles used mastiffs as guard dogs and companions.

The Mastino Napoletano nearly disappeared due to the lack of attention from breeders and the rise of newer dog breeds.

A group of dog enthusiasts revived the breed in the 1940s, working to preserve its unique characteristics and improve its health and longevity.

The Mastino Napoletano was officially recognized as a breed in 1949, thanks to the efforts of Piero Scanziani.

The breed is believed to have descended from the canis pugnax, a guard dog of Roman legionnaires.

The Mastino Napoletano was likely first seen by Piero Scanziani in 1946, at an exhibition at the Castel dell'Ovo in Naples.

The Mastino Napoletano is a large breed with a muscular and powerful build.

The males can weigh up to 90 kg and reach a height of 79 cm, while females are slightly smaller.

Their head is large and broad, with a face characterized by folds and wrinkles.

Their eyes are usually dark brown in color, and their ears are triangular and hanging.

The Mastino Napoletano's coat is short, dense, and smooth, and can be black, grey, brown, tigrato (tiger-striped), or golden in color.

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The skin on their head and neck can form deep folds and wrinkles.

Here is a summary of the breed's size and weight:

The Mastino Napoletano's head is brachycephalic, meaning it's broad and flat, with prominent cheekbones and a well-defined stop.

Their muzzle is wide and deep, with a black nose and white teeth.

Their eyes are well-spaced and have a color that matches their coat.

Their ears are small and triangular, with a high attachment point.

Their neck is muscular and well-developed, with a loose fold of skin.

Their body is muscular and powerful, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.

Their tail is broad at the base and tapering towards the end, hanging low when at rest and held horizontally or above the back when in motion.

Their front legs are robust, with a strong bone structure and well-developed muscles.

Their paws are round and voluminous, with five well-separated toes and dark-colored pads.

Their hind legs are powerful and robust, with long and muscular thighs and a slightly shorter girth.

The Mastino Napoletano's coat is vitreous, dense, and uniform, with a maximum length of 1.5 cm and no fringes allowed.

Their coat can be grey, lead, or black, with some white markings on the chest tolerated.

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The Mastino Napoletano is a loyal and gentle soul, but don't let that fool you - it's also a natural guard dog with a strong instinct to protect its family. It's not aggressive, but it's not afraid to stand its ground either.

This breed is known for being intelligent and vigilant, always on the lookout for potential threats. It's also surprisingly agile, despite its large size. In fact, it can move quickly and decisively when it needs to.

A Mastino Napoletano is a loving companion to its family, but it can be wary of strangers. It's not uncommon for this breed to suffer from separation anxiety, so it's essential to provide plenty of attention and socialization.

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The Mastino Napoletano is a unique breed with a strong personality. It's essentially a guard dog, but with a good character, being loyal to its owners and not aggressive.

This breed is known for being vigilant and intelligent, with a noble and majestic demeanor. Its loyal nature makes it a great companion, especially for families.

One of the most important things to consider when raising a Mastino Napoletano is socialization. If you want it to get along with other dogs, start training from an early age. This breed can be dominant, so it's essential to teach it good manners and respect for others.

In terms of its relationship with children, the Mastino Napoletano is generally excellent. However, due to its size, it's crucial to supervise interactions between the dog and young children.

Here are some key characteristics of the Mastino Napoletano's temperament:

As a breed, the Mastino Napoletano is highly protective of its family and can be quite suspicious of strangers. However, with proper training and socialization, it can learn to coexist with others.

The Collo is a distinctive feature that can reveal a lot about a person's behavior and temperament. In this case, it's described as being slightly convex at the top.

The Collo's shape and size are also noteworthy. It's about 2.8/10 of the height at the shoulder, and its perimeter at the middle is about 8/10 of the height at the shoulder.

The pelt on the Collo is also worth mentioning. The lower margin is rich in loose skin that forms a well-defined groove, which starts at the mandible and ends at the middle of the Collo.

This combination of features suggests a robust and proportional build, with a vertical profile and robust bone structure.

The Mastino Napoletano is a large and robust breed that requires a balanced diet to maintain its muscle mass and prevent health problems. They are prone to a condition called torsione/dilatazione gastrica, so it's essential to limit their movement after eating and divide their daily ration into two or more meals.

Their diet should consist of a balanced mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding them specific food for puppies is recommended, and they should be fed small, frequent meals to aid digestion and provide energy.

Mastini Napoletani are also susceptible to eye problems, such as entropion and ectropion, which can cause discomfort and pain. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.

To prevent stomach torsion, it's recommended to feed them smaller, more frequent meals and choose high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large breeds.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Mastino Napoletano:

This breed is also prone to skin infections and allergies, so regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are crucial.

The Mastino Napoletano is a majestic breed that requires special care and attention. To prevent torsione/dilatazione gastrica, limit your dog's movement after meals and consider dividing the daily ration into smaller, more frequent meals.

A well-balanced diet is crucial for this breed. Many breeders now opt for raw meat and a homemade paste made from meat and vegetables instead of dry food.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor the Mastino Napoletano's health. Be aware that this breed is prone to eye problems, such as entropion and ectropion, which can cause discomfort and eye infections.

To prevent these issues, it's recommended to have your dog's eyes checked regularly. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

The Mastino Napoletano is also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as skin conditions like demodectic mange and seborrhea. A reputable breeder will provide you with information on the health of the parents and their offspring.

To ensure your Mastino Napoletano lives up to its average lifespan of 8-10 years, provide a comfortable and spacious living environment. Regular grooming and attention to dental health are also essential to prevent health issues.