The Neapolitan Mastiff belongs to the second group of this classification: the Pinscher and Schnauzer type Dogs – Molossoids and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. The dogs of this group are guard and defense dogs. They are physically powerful, muscular and deterrent. They also have a strong character. The Neapolitan Mastiff belongs more precisely to category 2A, that dedicated to Molossoids of the Mastiff type.

The Neapolitan Mastiff descends from the Tibetan Mastiff through the large Roman Molossers, which were already described by the agronomist Columella in the 1st century. It was then spread throughout Europe by the legions of Rome alongside whom he fought. But the Neapolitan Mastiff was also used in circus games. It is the origin of many Mastiff breeds in other European countries. Particularly thanks to the blood of Spanish Mastiffs, the Naples Mastiff has survived for many centuries. Since 1947, it has been reselected and it was in 1975 that the first individuals of the breed appeared in France.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the giant breeds. The male measures 65 to 75 cm and weighs 60 to 70 kg. As for the female, she measures 60 to 68 cm and weighs between 50 and 60 kg. Heavy and massive in profile, the Naples Mastiff is however a dog with a noble and majestic physique. Its skin is thick, abundant and loose. Its gait is slow, reminiscent of a bear. Galloping is rare in this breed. The body of the Neapolitan Mastiff is massive and longer than it is high. Its neck is frustoconical with a double dewlap. Its withers are broad and not very out, its back broad, its chest ample, its ribs well sprung, its croup wide, robust and inclined. Its limbs have a robust frame. Equipped with round and voluminous feet, they end in arched and tight toes. Its tail is broad and thick at the root and tapers slightly towards its tip. It naturally reaches the hock. When resting, he wears it hanging. The head of this dog is short and massive, but above all impressive. Its skull is broad and flat. Her skin is loose with wrinkles and folds. Its muzzle is broad and high, its jaws powerful, its nose voluminous and its lips fleshy, thick and ample. Its round eyes are set wide apart and darker in color than the individual's coat. Its small ears are triangular, flat and set against the cheeks. The preferred colors for the coat of the Naples Mastiff are gray, lead gray and black, brown, fawn, intense fawn (deer), small white spots sometimes appearing on the chest and at the tips of the fingers. All of these coats can also be shaded in brindle. Its hair is short (max. 1.5 cm), coarse, hard, tight and smooth.

The Naples Mastiff, due to its very large size, is one of the breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia. This breed is also affected by eye disorders such as entropion, ectropion, and Harder's gland prolapse. He can also suffer from cardiac and dermatological disorders. Its lifespan is estimated at 10 years and it is relatively resistant to low temperatures. It is obviously necessary to pay attention to the diet of the Neapolitan Mastiff in order to avoid obesity. Regular brushing as well as monitoring of the folds of the skin and eyelids are necessary for the maintenance of dogs of this breed. To avoid the formation of unsightly calluses on the elbows and hocks, it is advisable not to make him lie down too often on hard surfaces.

The Naples Mastiff is a calm, loyal, devoted dog, very affectionate with his owners and, what is more, gentle with children. He also knows how to be courageous, dominant over his peers and suspicious of strangers, without being aggressive or biting for no reason. It must be said that his physique is already sufficiently dissuasive! However, if he is provoked, he can become formidable. His education must be early and very firm. Trained to attack, he can be very dangerous. City life is not really made for this fan of wide open spaces and daily exercise.