The Neapolitan Mastiff can likely be traced back to the large and heavy dogs that have been around since ancient times, including the huge war dogs of the Middle East and Asia. These ancestors were often used for livestock control, guarding homes, and battles with everything from men to elephants to lions. It was around 330 B.C. that Alexander the Great is said to have scattered a few native giant Macedonian war dogs throughout the conquered lands, and some of those dogs were bred with short-haired dogs that hailed from India. The result was the Molossus breed, which is thought to be the progenitor of many large breeds known today. Experts believe that the Romans brought their dogs when they took over Greece. In 55 B.C., when the Romans invaded Britain, they gained several British mastiff dogs. The British mastiffs were crossed with the Molossus dogs and created a breed of "giant gladiators" and war dogs. According to research, these dogs were called "mastini" (Italian for "mastiffs"), over the years the dogs were further scattered. In southern Italy, specifically the Neapolitan area, the breed was perfected over a span of several centuries and used to guard homes and estates. But it wasn't until approximately 1946 that the breed became recognized by the rest of the world...... Find out more about this dog breed.
Neapolitan Mastiff Pictures
Neapolitan Mastiff Breeders
Neapolitan Mastiff Clubs
Neapolitan Mastiff Info
Neapolitan Mastiff Rescue
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