- The Neapolitan Mastiff, Mastino Napoletano

- Quadrupled chinned, with the lilt of a hippotamus, the Neapolitan Mastiff is as beguiling and commanding as a 150-pound brachymorph can be.  His appearance is massive, strong, and coarse and yet synchronously majestic.

- The rustic Neo has been protecting and performing in southern Italy since Roman times.  The breed is a descendant of the ancient molossus that were transported to Rome to fight in the arenas.  In their pit days, stoicism was key although the type of pugnacity with which the Pit Bull Terrier approaches the match was never achieved.  Piero Scanziani, after witnessing the first Neos to enter the show ring in 1946 (Naples), became an avid breeder and is honored for his efforts that brought the dogs to the public's eye

- This is an unsurpassed defender of home and property.  However, he is never aggressive or tenacious with people.  His docility and even temperament make him a lovable and lovingly bumbling companion.

- For more on the Cob Neos, click on the image to enter.