Country/Date of Origin: Italy/100 BC
A living bit of ancient Italian history, the Neapolitan Mastiff is left over from the days of the Roman Empire where it was used to fight in the circus rings. These enormous animals were also used as home guardians, hunters of large dangerous game and war dogs.
For many centuries the breed was largely ignored and it was not until after World War II that several fanciers, led by the painter Piero Scanziani, undertook the promotion of the breed and ensured its survival.
FCI Group: 2 (Working)