Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Origins and History
It is generally accepted the that the Tibetan Mastiff is oldest of the dog species. There are two theories on the arrival of these Mastiffs
dogs in Europe, one brings direct import of Tibetans to Greece by Alexander
the Great in approximately 300 BC. The other theory suggests that
Tibetan-type Mastiff dogs came to Northern Europe via Phoenicians in the
area of Egypt around 500 BC. It's true the original Mastiffs can be traced
back to areas of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and parts of Asia. Many
believe that this is the same dog breed that was known as the
Molosser or the Molossus, the forerunner of the modern mastiff canines and a large solid breed
for work and fighting. The Neapolitan Mastiff is considered to be the
version of the Tibetan refined in Greco-Roman history and often depicted
as a war dog and companion of the period.
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| Neapolitan Mastiff Stud Dog |
This warring characteristic has helped
them to become highly recognized guard dogs (Training a protection dog) in modern times. Though the
breed has been around for quite some time, initial recognition and
standards were not officially put to paper until the mid to late 1940s.
The Neopolitan has often be employed as a farm dog and by the Italian
police. Neopolitan Mastiff puppies can look forward to having an active
work life no matter what task they are given. The are still
working canines by nature though some families also choose to bring them
home. They are a fairly rare breed outside of Europe.