What Is an Italian Mastiff?

The Italian Mastiff can be traced back to the second century BCE, and are related to other mastiffs and molossers, such as the English mastiff and the St. Bernard. They're also called Neapolitan mastiffs. This breed shares the massive body and temperament of its relatives, and is often used to guard homes and property. Their instinct to protect their family and their frightening appearance makes them excellent as protection dogs. However, they're surprisingly gentle with children and other small creatures, which means that they're also good pets.

One of the most noticeable features of the Italian mastiff is the large amount of loose skin over its entire body. They have wrinkles and folds on their heads, and often have very large heads. These mastiffs have four basic coat colors: gray, black, tawny and mahogany. However, reverse brindling also appears in silver and beige. White marks occasionally turn up on Italian mastiffs. For show purposes, these markings are acceptable on feet and chest, but considered a fault in any other location. While Italian mastiffs may traditionally have both cropped and uncropped ears, the practice of cropping dogs' ears has been banned throughout Europe since 2007.

Italian mastiffs are smaller than some of their large relatives, but still very massive animals. Males can measure as high as thirty-one inches at the shoulder, and weigh about a hundred and fifty pounds. Females are a little shorter, at up to twenty-nine inches and a little over a hundred pounds. Italian mastiffs are very protective, and tend to be homebodies. They prefer to stay on their territory whenever possible. Since they've been bread as guard dogs, Italian mastiffs may be wary about strangers, but will quickly accept them if their masters are relaxed.

Don't expect your Italian mastiff to make a lot of noise. Unless provoked, they're unlikely to bark. In fact, they're known for their tendency to sneak up on intruders. These stubborn dogs are fast learners and quite obedient, despite their tendency to want to be the "pack leader". If you're worried that an Italian mastiff might be too much to handle, consider getting a female. They have gentler, more easy going temperaments and are more likely to get along with other animals. Both sexes are gentle and loving around children.

It's important, of course, for any children in a household with this type of dog to learn to treat it with respect. The mastiff should be well socialized to avoid any over protectiveness or tendency to be rough. However, even very small children can play with an Italian mastiff under supervision. Their loose skin makes them difficult to hurt, and they are quite patient.

Michael Burrows has been A Mastiff owner and trainer for over 20 years. For More information on the Italian Mastiff.  Visit his site below:

www.mymastiffsecrets.com