Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss mountain dogs |
| Origin | Italy |
| Weight | 50–70 kg |
| Height | 60–75 cm |
| Life expectancy | 7–9 years |
Temperament
Calm, loyal and protective, very attached to the family. Imposing, it needs an experienced owner and early socialisation.
History
An Italian breed descended from Roman molossers, used for guarding.
Fun facts
Fang, Hagrid’s dog in the Harry Potter films, is a Neapolitan Mastiff.
The Neapolitan Mastiff coat
A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.
Skin with many folds and drool: clean and dry the folds well.
What we do in the salon
A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | Usually no cut needed. |
Special attention
Skin folds: they are cleaned and dried well at every bath to prevent irritation and odour. At home, wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them straight away.
A large breed: when booking, tell us your dog’s size so we can prepare.
Care at home between visits
- Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
- Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
- Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
- Look after the nails and ears.
Frequently asked questions about the Neapolitan Mastiff
Does the Neapolitan Mastiff shed a lot?
It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.
How often should I bring my Neapolitan Mastiff to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Does it need clipping?
Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.