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| The Neapolitan Mastiff, or
Mastino Napoletano (Molossian), originates from in and
around Naples, Italy. It is physically impressive,
foreboding and massive. The breed today resembles (and
dates back to) the Roman Molossian of ancient times.
These Molossians were used in battle and as guardians of
the home. He was very common as a guard dog in the
crime-driven Naples and even today in modern Italy many
people are fearful of the Mastino. In around 500bc Cyrus and Serse used to supply their armed forces with thick packs of Molossians. It is said that in Lydia, absorbed by Cyrus in 546bc into the Persian Empire, a contingent of battle-ready Molossian hounds was fully maintained. The loose connective tissue on the head, dewlap, and body, which the standard calls for, protects the Neo from attack. If an enemy in any form was to bite or pull at the flesh the protective skin would stretch leaving the vital parts unhurt. The skin is especially loose around the throat, (forming the dewlap) usually the most vulnerable part of a dog. The modern Neapolitan that we know today did not surface until the late 1940's. A journalist named Piero Scanziani was overwhelmed by the dogs he saw and ended up dedicating much of his life to the preservation of the breed. He collected the most specimens that he could find which represented the old time Roman Molossian and began his work. It was at this time that the first standard for the breed was drawn up. This was updated and refined in 1971 and again in 1991. Even though their past is colourful and long, they are still a relatively new breed in today's dog world. |
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