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BREED HISTORY
Mastino history is extended over the smallest pores of ancient
civilizations, but we will mention it form Alexander the
Great. Royal family in ancient Epirus was called “Molos”, and
there from was a king’s daughter Olympia – mother of Alexander
the Great. Princess, according to stories and sagas, was
breeding large defensive dogs which were very appreciated,
respected and expensive. Alexander took these dogs with him in
war campaigns, mostly as warriors and guardian dogs of
equipment and soldiers.
Conquering the Far East, Persia exactly, Alexander gets from
their king, as a gratitude sign two females of “fighting”
dogs, who were according to inscriptions half dogs and half
tigers. Trying the first female Alexander was not too
thrilled, because of her un-interest in fighting with bear. On
suggestion of the Persian king that the opponent should be
more inspiring, Alexander releases the second female first on
a lion and then after a good “job” on an elephant.
Pliny (Pliny the Elder’s-“narurals Historia” book 8 ch. 4 AD
70) further say that a female had such a good tactic that
after a long tiredness and aestivating she went for a deadly
attack, because the elephant was very exhausted!
Overjoyed Alexander mates his warrior – guardian dogs with
these fighting females, and here comes our Mastini! Later, in
the ages of Rome this dog again becomes very popular and it is
known that in the time of Diocletian were extremely popular
fights of Mastini's with gladiators and beasts. Caesar used
these dogs in conquering Gallia, we have thousands of
inscriptions from that time.
Quite later, in 1735 Buffon expressly mentions the dogs from
Epirus as among the strongest and most powerful dogs in the
world, “on s’en sert pour tires des voitures”.
There are different meanings and opinions about the origin of
the word “Mastini”, but the one closest to us and the one most
acceptable is that it leads from Celtic word “MAS” – house and
“TUIN” – guarding. So, this term is used all over Europe and
world.
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We
would like to recommend that you research this breed
thoroughly - as a Neapolitan Mastiff isn't for everyone
The
Neapolitan is a loyal, peaceful and steady dog - not
aggressive or prone to biting without reason
A super
guardian of his persons and property
The
Neapolitan is a vigilant, intelligent, noble and majestic
beast
Also it
is not uncommon for the Neapolitan to be headstrong,
independent and strong willed with a sometimes shy streak
The
Neapolitan deserves respect from adults and children alike
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