The Working Neo

fact or Fiction?

As functional molosser enthusiasts, we’ve recognized a fair bit of controversy surrounding the “working Neapolitan mastiff”. We’ve taken this opportunity to share some of our own personal opinions on the breed type, historical observations, and a potential path forward to promote future breed health and functionality.

Brief HistorY

The infamous molossians of antiquity were well known as large and powerful dogs, who sported muscular bodies, powerful heads with short, broad muzzles, strong limbs, and substantial bone. These dogs were routinely used in battle, the protection of livestock and the hunting of large game by the Sumerian, Mesopotamian, Assyrian, Persian, Macedonian and Roman civilizations. Dogs of such type frequent ancient artwork and writings, primarily amongst Assyrian works, and are thought to have been ancestors of the dogs Alexander the Great had found when he conquered Mesopotamia and western Asia in the fourth century BC (Allen, 29). War and migration had perpetuated the distribution of the molossian landrace throughout the world.

The death of Alexander the Great, lead Macedonia and Eastern Europe to fall to the Romans. The Romans recognized the breed’s strengths and began to perpetuate a type of guard dog which would not only protect their families (known as the Roman house guard dog “Paterfamilias” meaning, father of the house). Through the legacy of the artwork and literature from these ancient civilizations, we are able to trace the lineage of our mastiff dogs from one conquering people to another up to more modern times. The nationalities of the people owning the dogs change, but the physique of the massive gigantic, broad nosed, dewlapped guard and fighting dog remain the same. (Allen 30)

The Mastino evokes the power of Roman armies, but technically working to trace the linage of the Neapolitan Mastiff from the age of the Roman Empire until 1946 is tricky. Despite the various writings, paintings, and authors/artists documenting the breed type across Europe, the mixing of dogs from both Macedonian, and Roman stock amongst native dogs of various regions, perpetuated a larger genepool and diverse traits. The dogs who likely stayed in the original regions likely retained the features most valued by the ancient Romans.

Southern Italy

In 1503, Southern Italy became part of the Spanish Empire, as the kingdom of Sicily and Naples had been the focus of dispute between France and Spain for several decades. France abandoned their claim to the kingdom under the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis in 1559, and the new client state “Stato dei Presidi” was established and governed directly by Spain as part of the Kingdom of Naples. According to the Neapolitan Mastiff Club (UK) The native Italian Molosser continuned to work as a property/livestock guardian, and wild boar hunter, but was numerically weak despite the distinction between the two types of indigenous molossian (light (Corsi) vs heavy (Mastini) types). Because a great number of dogs were routinely lost during the hunt, a major contributing factor to the survival of the Italian Molosser was the injection of another regionally unique molosser, the Spanish “Perro de Presa” strengthening both the native Italian molossers genepool, overall purpose and ability. It was this breed type, which came to be known as the “Cani de Presa”.

The Spanish Kingdom in Italy had ended in 1861 - and the Italian Molosser still survived in small numbers in many regions around Mt. Vesuvius. Despite the infusion of Spanish molosser blood, towards the end of the 19th Century, social and economic conditions hit the region hard, and further decreased the Italian Molsser’s population. With limited resources, the care and maintenance of large dogs ensured that only those with purpose and ability were kept. Routinely used as a chained farm guardian, livestock dog, or combat dog - such a beast of brutality was valued. This led to the remaining Cani de Presa breed types to be carefully guarded and preserved by families for generations.

Breed Prototype - Guaglione

The “Cani de Presa” were always considered the indigenous livestock guardians of what is today southern Italy. With a strong selection for intense guardian instincts and a docility towards family and stock, these original farm dogs were routinely bred with blood from different locales. Their phenotypical differences merely a reflection of different regional requirements. These dogs we bred to be all purpose farm dogs, with many routinely sporting cropped ears, and spiked collars indicative of their use as livestock guardians - protecting them from attacks from wolves or stray dogs.

The Neapolitano Mastino, Cane di Marcellaio, Dogo Sardo, Cane d Branco, Bucciriscu Calabrese, Sicilian Vucciriscu were all variants of the same landrace of the indigenous Italian molosser type dogs. Before 1946 there was no distinction between these subtypes and they were routinely labeled under the umbrella term “Cane de Presa” or “Dog of Grip”. We consider all of these dogs to be of “Bandog Type” - serviceable working crosses who were capable of variety of tasks without being a strictly set type - not the modern definition pertaining to breed composition.

The original Mastino prototype began to take shape October 12, 1946 when Swiss Journalist Piero Scanzani and Veterinarian Ruggero Soldati visited the first exhibition show at the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples. Eight “Cane de Presa” were observed, all of various size, color and phenotype, including black, blue, and brindle dogs. One dog in particular however caught Scanzini’s eye, named Guglione.

Scanziani’s appreciation of Guaglione however, was not shared by the judges from Northern Italy (at the time, this was a latitudinally conscious country, and many from Southern Italy, had a dis-truct of Northern Italians). It’s been rumored that most of the judges were more interested in working closely with Zoologist Giuseppe Solaro, who was instrumental in starting a number of Internationally recognized Italian breeds including the Maltese, Bracco Italiano and the Maremma Sheepdog during that time.

Scanziani had hoped that the judges as well as Solaro would consider Gugalione’s type to be reminiscent of the ancient molosers of the past, and is famed by writing “In vain I showed them Guaglione and spoke of the old molossus, but the most authoritative of the judges decreed: “the breed is missing, and even the dog is missing”.

That last statement can arguably be considered the death blow for a breed whose physical appearance was always steeped in controversy and opinion. In the eyes of the judges, to provide substance (aesthetic mass and wrinkle) was to give the breed “type”, allowing it to stand out amongst the other unique Italian breeds. Unfortunately, the selection for “type” arguably began to move the dog away from the functionality behind the “Cane de Presa” and more towards the show ring inspired Mastino Napoletano.

Scanziani was so enamored by Guglione, that he purchased the dog in 1949 when he was 5 years old, and used him to become the patriarch of the breed. Guglione was registered as the first Mastino and was the prototype for the first breed standard drafted by himself and Soldati. Guglione went on to become the first Italian champion in 1951.

Of particular note, Solaro - the famous judge who was so dismissive of Guaglione and the seven other dogs exhibited in 1946 later produced his own version of the Mastino standard, emphasizing heavy bone and a dog of more character and substance - arguably beginning the evolution of the modern show standardized “Mastino Napoletano”. (The Neapolitan Mastiff Club UK)

.

The Neapolitan Mastiff Today

What is seemingly lost within the Mastino Community is recognition of breed origins and respect of the original prototype. In the quest to solidify notable differentiation between the Mastino and other Mastiffs, judges have perpetuated a show standard that has negatively influenced overall breed health. Excessive wrinkle, bone, increased head size, lumbering movement - praising and rewarding dogs who have become a fraction of the dogs tasked with protecting the livelihoods of thriving agricultural communities. Extra mass cannot seize a feral hog, wrinkles that cover the eyes aren’t useful in combat against stray dogs, pinched nostrils are useless when in pursuit of an intruder - how are these physical traits (abnormalities) conducive to an active farm dog?

The English often referred to the dog as the “Italian bulldog”. This wasn’t represented the same as how the English used them (bull baiting) but rather, similarly to how the Southern Farm Bulldogs were utilized in the US.

The 1908 Diplomatic and Consular Report from the British Foreign Office States:

“The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy and useful cattle dog. He has a fine smooth coat and is generally brindled or black. He is kind by nature, but easily made savage if he is tied up or ill-treated. His original use was to go out with the cattle and goats and protect them from the wolves in which in olden days were very common all over the district. Then, as now, he guarded the homestead at night”

The modern Neapolitan mastiff is governed by judges who focus on a breeds physical differentiation more than actually observing how these attributes enable a dog to do, what it was meant to do. This has done both the dogs and the public a great disservice. The excessive subtypes routinely rewarded by the show ring, plays into a lucrative marketing scheme readily adopted by breeders. The perversion of breed history in the pursuit of profit occurs when modern mastino breeders romanticize history, claiming that these exaggerated subtypes were fighting in the colosseums, or the war dogs of Alexander the Great. When breeders and judges continue to claim expertise - without being knowledgeable of or referring to the original Mastino prototype, they aren’t paying homage to the breed; they are disrespecting and destroying it.

The physical appearance of the Neapolitan Mastiff has been created by the purposeful blending of recessive traits which are usually considered undesirable in the more common breeds of dogs we in the 20th century are familiar with. Some of the very traits that are considered unsound in other breeds are argued if “bred out” of the Neo to create a more “sound dog” we begin to breed out the appearance of the dog we are seeking to maintain. It is this contradiction of goals that makes breeding Neapolitan mastiffs so difficult. What one breeder may consider an improvement to the breed, another may consider a detriment.

Show breeders and judges need to re-evaluate their standards, brush up on their history, and improve the mastino population by working together. The mastino community can still perpetuate aesthetic mass, wrinkle, movement and head size, to produce a desired aesthetic. Style is not the issue - failure to pair it with modern breed development and modern history is. I believe the mastino to be more a “type” than a breed anyway; and that shouldn’t take away from the preferences people have for the look of their dogs (be it modern conformation standards or a more historic and functional look). Regardless, the health and well-being of all mastino subtypes should come first. Both show and working community can come together to achieve that goal.

The fault within the mastino community is refusal to accept just what the traditional prototype of the breed is, and using a romanticized history to celebrate exaggerated dogs. If breeders are following any standard other than the one set in 1951 by Scanzani and Guaglione - I’d argue they are on the wrong side of history.

The Thyroid and “Type”

The modern Mastino is a culmination of unusual traits which fanciers of other breeds seek to remove. Many of these traits are responsible in part due to a lower than normal thyroid hormone level. The lower the thyroid hormone levels are, the more “typey” the dog becomes, sporting thick loose skin, excessive folds, short face, neck, and legs - due to retarded bone growth.

The thyroid hormone affects dogs in many ways but typically goes unnoticed - especially in large breeds. A low (hypo) thyroid makes for a calm, large and heavier dog. In many ways - this could be argued to be beneficial. Many handlers wouldn’t be able to handle boundless energy in a 120-150lb dog. A dog with a lower thyroid is more inclined to sleep as opposed to dig, bark, or chew; commonly expressed as (hyper) active destructive behaviors.

A hypothyroid can lead to muscle inflammation, stiffness, and reluctance to move. The characteristic show shuffling gait praised in the conformation ring speaks to the ossification of the joints. It can also create incongruent bones and improper changes of cartilage to calcium rations - leading to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and arthritis. It’s no surprise that many mastino have an impaired immune system, and increased susceptibility to infections. Gastro and intestinal motility and a predisposition for bloat is common. Reproductively, males suffer from low sperm count, low labido and testicular atrophy, while females may experience sporadic heat cycles and false pregancies.’.

A normothroid allows a dog to grow taller, leaner, develop longer thinner appendages, a longer muzzle and lose its wrinkles and heavy lips. The perpetuation of a normal or hypothyroid is the result of selection. Breed enthusiasts must make a decision to get involved with a romantic vision which may have varying degrees of physical deformities or go for a more constitutionally healthy and sound representation of the breed. (Dr. Allan, DVM)

The “working neo” today, What is it?

Recreating what works - is what working dog breeding is all about. What is a “working neo”, do they actually exist, and where can we find them? The short answer is - yes, pure “cani de presa strains/mastino/corsi subtypes” still exist in isolated pockets within parts of world. Its reasonable to assume that they are jealously guarded and protected by families for generations with a stern belief in maintaining quality through prevention of export. The long answer is a little more complicated. The Cane de Presa and its subtypes have always been a working molosser. Famous for its talents serving as a catchdog, livestock guardian, and sentry dog. What did the breed type need changing?

Throughout Europe, Australia and the US, many of the “working neo subtypes” exist as either less typey “pedigreed purebreds”, as well as what could also be considered functional modern recreations (bandog types). Interestingly enough, many of these crosses are more true to type than many domestic or international pedigreed show Mastino’s with deep generation ancestries. So what is a “Working Neo”? Is it simply a less typey mastino? A mastino based bandog? Does it actively guard livestock? Does it chase bite sleeves? Bark at the doorbell? Catch wild hogs? Have a few live bites under its belt? Unfortunately it’s extremely subjective, but there are a few things breeders and enthusiasts can do to improve the health and functionality of this breed type, especially as they try to locate one for themselves.

I believe that the admission that the Cane di Presa, and all its regional subtypes have always been and will be, of bandog type. They were functional working dogs maintained by the selection pressures of southern Italy. When the mastino community can agree that their dogs consist of multiple breed origins - we can begin to enhance both health and functionality of our stock. There is so much emphasis on “purebred or show Neapolitan mastiffs” that instead of focusing on the value an individual dog can provide in a functional working cross, they immediately devalue the dog by placing it in a category. Emphasis on paperwork, or pure ancestry destroys breeds. How can working breed enthusiasts be so short sighted? Or feel as though appropriately selected show stock individuals have nothing to contribute in a cross?

When we view the cane de presa with the understanding that purity doesn’t dictate ability, we can begin to recognize the value of outcrossing within the mastino subtype, and the drastic enhancements that can be immediately experienced. In order to improve movement, temperament, athleticism, reduce wrinkle, health and longevity - outcrosses are essential. Bred to Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, Bull Mastiffs, even more modern dog breeds such as American Bulldogs, and American Pit Bull Terriers - strategic outcrossing can maintain “Type” without drastically altering the breed itself. Can these bandog crosses truly bring this working dog back to its former glory in just a few generations? Perhaps the secret lies in breeding strategically outcrossed dogs to purebred show stock to save and maintain the breed.

The theory is not lost on Dalmatian and English pointer breeders within the American Kennel Club to correct genetic faults, why can it not be successfully incorporated and managed in the mastino?

The “working mastino” in my kennel Cass is a testament towards a step in the right direction. When breeders begin selecting less typey dogs, they begin to improve their programs and work towards a phenotype reminiscent of dogs in the past. I value both phenotypic and behavioral contributions in all working crosses. What’s most important is the ability to appreciate the dogs in front of us, learn the complexities of instinctual behaviors, and force ourselves to think outside of the box. A working Neapolitan should represent a molosser who is a capable catchdog, livestock guardian, confident in manwork, and capable of serving as an overall deterrent.

Opinions on health and functionality are always adapting. It would appear that people are beginning to look to the past, to improve the future.

Works Cited:

Allen, Sherilyn VMD. The Official Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Health Improvement Strategy - The Neapolitan Mastiff Club (UK)

We Breed Better. SavantK9