Neapolitan Mastiff history

The first Asian mastiffs who appeared in Europe were probably brought from India to Greece by Alexander the Great around 300 BC. Then Romans adopted them and used them for combats. The name Mastiff has Latin origin and means massive. Another theory have English experts. The mastiff was brought to Britain by the Phoenicians in 500 B.C. and spread from there to the rest of Europe. Anyway, there is some interesting historical facts - the Neapolitan Mastiffs were bred for use in war and in bloody Roman arena spectacles.

 

About Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is descended from the Tibetan Mastiff. This breed is a strong, powerful dog with massive body and flat large head. Neapolitan's large nose has well open nostrils of the same color as the coat. Interesting is that all puppies are born with with blue eyes, which later darken. The ears may be cropped or left natural. Many owners prefer to opt out of docking and cropping, preferring the natural look, as it is painful for the dog. The tail is carried straight up and curved over the back.  The round feet are large with well arched toes. A little white color of coat is permitted on the chest and toes. No white should be on the face. Chocolate colors of Neaoplitan dogs are really rare.