Neapolitan Mastiff breed guide

Most adults are calm animals who sleep a lot, AKC says, while young Neapolitan Mastiffs are active, curious and cuddly and adolescents are energetic, powerful animals when awake, so it is important to start training early.

Their inner dignity and nobility matches the majestic bearing of these guardians.

Neapolitan Mastiffs live 7 to 9 years. AKC says one minor problem that often occurs is cherry eye, a red, inflamed tissue in the corner of the eye that usually leaves no permanent damage.

Despite the wrinkles and loose skin most do not have skin problems, but bloat, a sudden life-threatening condition of deep-chested dogs and other giant-dog problems can affect the breed.

Short-coated, the Neapolitan needs only a bath now and then. Check and gently clean the eyes and ears with a damp cloth or paper towel whenever necessary and keep a towel handy to dry the face and lips and yourself.

Every dog needs chances to run and romp, but AKC says not to emphasize running and quick turning because the joints are easily damaged. A big, heavily built breed that overheats easily, it calls for care in warm weather.

If Neapolitan Mastiffs look like strange visitors from antiquity, it is because that is exactly what they are. The breed may go back as far as 700 B.C., with artifacts from several ancient civilizations depicting Mastino-like canines.

In the Roman Empire they worked as war dogs, gladiators and guardians whose bestial looks and huge frame were meant to throw fear into adversaries. AKC says those attributes still send an ill-willed intruder running.