NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF BREED STANDARD REVISION PROPOSED AMENDMENTS DOCUMENTATION UNITED STATES NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF CLUB First Submitted by the USNMC Judge s Education Committee: Jim Deppen, Carlo Pietroniro, Sharon Costello, Gonnie Shaffer and Lena Moles Reviewed and Revised by the USNMC Board of Directors: Proposed Revision Two President: Carlo Pietroniro, Vice President: Joe Attaway, Secretary: Lena Moles, Treasurer: Rachel Hosking Directors: Carol Armbrust, Santo Donati, Bill Goetz, Will McGill, Alaina Pierret, Deborah Priester, Gonnie Shaffer 1
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 2 Present Standard: Approved: January 13, 2004, Effective: May 1, 2004 Date: 11/06/12- Introduction to BOD Date: Revision One, Reviewed by the USNMC BOD 11-14- 12 Date: September 21, 2012 Annual Meeting, the Neapolitan Mastiff Standard, handed out and discussed whole document. Date: Revision One, proposed to USNMC BOD from BOD Meeting 11-14- 12: as last recorded on 12-6 - 12 by JP, LM, WG Date: January 11, 2013 Submitted to Membership via complete Facebook Page from January 2013 October 2013 Date: Revision One, 1-21- 13 has been submitted public for critique via Facebook Date: Revision One, 2-4 - 1 3 has been submitted to the membership Via monitored Email and 5 postal mail outs Date: September 15, 2013 Annual Meeting, Revision one, handed out and discussed stated this is not final draft. Date: November 5, 2013 J E Committee reviewed made slight edits- 11/5/13 Revision T wo (as per BOD meeting12/12/12) Date: February 22, 2014 J E Committee finalized typing slight edit, Date: March 12, 2014 Emailed & announced to USNMC Officers & Board of Directors the Standard edits were from 11-5-13 Rev 2 are in typeset Date: April 5, 2014 Emailed to Officers and Board for review and approval Date: April 17, 2014 Officers and Board of Directors, Voted and Approved the Rev. 2 of Standard Edits Pg. 2 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 3 An ancient breed, rediscovered in Italy in the 1940 s, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy - boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for the use as a guard and defender of owner and property. An ancient breed, rediscovered in Italy in the 1940 s, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy - boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for the use as a guard and defender of owner and property. No change *1 He is characterized by loose skin over his entire body, abundant hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. *1 He is characterized by a harmonious and well balanced outline, defined by thick loose skin over the entire trunk of his body, but not in exaggeration. Abundant, t hick wrinkles and folds firmly attached to the head and an equally divided dewlap. Page 3 Revision 1 a harmonious and well balanced outline, defined by thick loose skin over the entire trunk of his body, but not in exaggeration. Abundant, thick wrinkles and folds firmly attached to the head and an equally divided dewlap The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size an attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size an attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy. No change Pg. 3 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 4 Size, Proportion, Substance- *2 A stocky, heavy boned dog, massive in substance, rectangular in proportion. Length of body is 10-15% greater than the height. Height: Dogs: 26 to 31 inches, Bitches: 24 to 29 inches. Average weight of mature Dogs: 150 pounds; Bitches: 110 pounds; but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct proportion and working function are maintained. *3[add] *4 The Absence of Massiveness is to be so severely penalized as to eliminate from competition. Size, Proportion, Substance- * 2 A substantial, heavy boned dog, massive in substance, rectangular in proportion. Length of body is 15% greater than the height. Height: Dogs: 26 to 31 inches, Bitches: 24 to 29 inches. Average weight: of mature Dogs: 150-185 lbs; Bitches: 115-150 pounds but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct proportions and working function is maintained. *3 It is not uncommon for the wrinkles and folds of the head of the adolescent Neapolitan mastiff under 18 months not to be as developed or pronounced as in the mature dog. *4 Fault: The Absence of thick wrinkles and folds and Massiveness in the adult dog is to be so severely penalized as to eliminate from competition. Page 4, Revision 2 stocky vs substantial 10-15% vs 15% Dogs: 150 vs 150-185 pounds Bitches: 110 vs 115-150 lbs s Page 4, Revision 3 11/5/13 is Add notes regarding immature dogs: It is not uncommon for the wrinkles and folds of the head of the adolescent Neapolitan mastiff under 18 months not to be as developed or pronounced as in the mature dog Page 4, Revision 4 11/5/13 FAULT: Absence o f thick wrinkles and folds and Massiveness in the adult dog Pg. 4 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 5 Head * 5 Large in comparison to the body. Differentiated from that of other mastiff breeds by more extensive wrinkling and pendulous lips which blend into an ample dewlap. Toplines of cranium and the muzzle must be parallel. The face is made up of heavy wrinkles and folds. Required folds are those extending from the outside margin of the eyelids to the dewlap, and from under the lower lids to the outer edges of the lips. Head Large in comparison to the body. Differentiated from that of other mastiff breeds by more extensive wrinkling and pendulous lips which blend into an ample dewlap.*5 A The length of the skull should be 3/10ths of the total height of the Dog, when measured at the highest point of the withers. Toplines of cranium and the muzzle must be parallel. The face is made up of heavy wrinkles and folds. Required folds are those extending from the outside margin of the eyelids to the dewlap, and from under the lower lids to the outer edges of the lips *5 B creating the jowls. The jowls are not to extend b eyond h alf of the total length of the neck. Page 5, Revision 5 Part A * The length of the skull should be 3/10ths of the total height of the D og, when measured at the highest po int of the withers Page 5, Revision 5 Part B * 11-14-12 creating the jowls. The jowls are not to extend beyond half of the total length of the neck. Severe F aults: Toplines of the cranium and muzzle not parallel. Disqualifications: Absence of wrinkles and folds. Expression: Wistful at rest, intimidating when alert. Penetrating stare. Severe Faults: Toplines of the cranium and muzzle not parallel. Disqualifications: Absence of wrinkles and folds. Expression: Wistful at rest, intimidating when alert. Penetrating stare. 11-14- 12 Pg. 5 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 6 *6 Eyes: Set deep and almost hidden beneath drooping upper lids. Lower lids droop to reveal the haw. Eye color: Shades of amber or brown, in accordance with coat color. Pigmentation of the eye rims same as the coat color. Severe Faults: Whitish- blue eyes; incomplete pigmentation of the eye rims. * 6 Eyes: Set deep and almost hidden beneath moderately drooping upper lids. Lower lids droop slightly to reveal the haw. Eye color: Shades of amber or brown, in accordance with coat color. Pigmentation of the eye rims same as the coat color. Severe Faults: Whitish- blue eyes; incomplete pigmentation of the eye rims. Page 6, Revision 6 11-14-12 moderately slightly *7 Ears: Set well above the cheek bones. May be cropped or uncropped but are usually cropped to an equilateral triangle for health reasons. If uncropped, they are medium sized, triangular in shape, held tight to the cheeks, and not extending beyond the lower margin of the throat. * 8 Skull: Wide, flat between the ears, slightly arched at the frontal part, and covered with wrinkled skin. The width of the cranium between the cheek bones is approximately equal to its length from occiput to stop. The brow is very developed. Frontal furrow is marked. Occiput is barely apparent. *7 Ears: set well above the cheek bones. May be cropped or uncropped but are usually cropped to an equilateral triangle. If uncropped, they are medium in size, triangular in shape, set widely apart at the highest points on the sides of the skull continuing the outline across the summit of the cranium. They should be held tight or close to the cheeks when in repose, and not extending beyond the lower margin of the mandible. * 8 Skull: Wide, flat between the ears, slightly arched at the frontal part, and covered with thick wrinkled skin firmly attached to the skull. The width of the cranium between the cheek bones is approximately equal to its length from occiput to stop. The brow is very developed. Frontal furrow is marked. Occiput is barely apparent. Page 6, Revision 7 11-14- 12 ( for health reasons- ( sized) Removed) in size set widely apart at the highest points on the sides of the skull continuing the outline across the summit of the cranium. They should be held tight or close to the cheeks when in repose Page 6, Revision 8 11/5/13 with thick wrinkled skin firmly attached to the skull. Pg. 6 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 7 * 9 Stop: Very defined, forming a * right angle at the junction of muzzle and frontal bones, and then sloping back at a greater angle where the frontal bones meet the frontal furrow of the forehead. * 9 Stop: Very defined, forming nearly a right angle at the junction of muzzle and frontal bones, and then sloping back at a greater angle where the frontal bones meet the frontal furrow of the forehead. Page 7, Revision 9 nearly * 10 Nose: Large with well opened nostrils, and in color the same as the coat. The nose is an extension of the topline of the muzzle, and should not protrude beyond nor recede behind the front plane of the muzzle. Severe Faults: Incomplete pigmentation of the nose. *10 Nose: L arge with well opened nostrils and in color the same as the coat may be lighter in pigment in the tawny and mahogany colored dogs. The nose is an extension of the topline of the muzzle, and should not protrude beyond nor recede behind the front plane of the muzzle. Severe Faults: Incomplete pigmentation of the nose. Page 7, Revision 10 11/5/13 may be lighter in pigment in the tawny and mahogany colored dogs. *11 Muzzle: It is 1/3 the length of the whole head and is as broad as it is long. Viewed from the front, the muzzle is very deep with the outside borders parallel giving it a Squared appearance. The top plane of the muzzle from stop to tip of nose is straight, but is ridged due to heavy folds of skin covering it. Severe Faults: Top plane of the muzzle curved upward or downward. *11 Muzzle: It is 1/3 the length of the whole head and is as broad as it is long. Viewed from the front, the muzzle is very deep with the outside borders parallel giving it a Squared appearance. The top plane of the muzzle from stop to tip of nose is straight, but is ridged due to the typical characteristic three heavy folds of skin covering it. Severe Faults: Top plane of the muzzle curved upward or downward. Page 7, Revision 11 11/5/13 the typical characteristic three heavy folds of skin covering it. (BOLD) Severe Faults: Top plane of the muzzle curved upward or downward. Pg. 7 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 8 Lips: Heavy, thick, and long, the upper lips join beneath the nostrils to form an inverted V. The upper lips form the lower, outer borders of the muzzle, and the lowest part of these borders is made by the corners of the lips. The corners turn outward to reveal the flews, and are in line with the outside corners of the eyes. Lips: Heavy, thick, and long, the upper lips join beneath the nostrils to form an inverted V. The upper lips form the lower, outer borders of the muzzle, and the lowest part of these borders is made by the corners of the lips. The corners turn outward to reveal the flews, and are in line with the outside corners of the eyes. Bite: Scissors bite or pincer bite is standard; slight undershot is allowed. Dentition is complete. Faults: more than one missing premolar. Severe Faults: Overshot jaw: pronounced undershot jaw which disrupts the outline of the front plane of the muzzle; more than two missing teeth. Bite: Scissors bite or pincer bite is standard; slight undershot is allowed. Dentition is complete. Faults: more than one missing premolar. Severe Faults: Overshot jaw: pronounced undershot jaw which disrupts the outline of the front plane of the muzzle; more than two missing teeth. Pg. 8 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 9 Neck, Topline, and Body * 1 2 Neck: Slightly arched, rather short, stocky and well muscled. The voluminous and well- divided dewlap extends from the lower jaw to the lower neck. Disqualifications: Absence of dewlap. * 12 Neck: Slightly arched, rather short, stocky and well- muscled. Length of the neck should be equal to the length of the head; when measured from the point of the occiput to the highest point of the wither. The abundant and well- divided dewlap extends from the lower jaw to the lower neck ends above the point of the prosternum. Fault: If the dewlap extends below the point of the prosternum. Disqualifications: Absence of dewlap. Page 9, Revision 12 Length of the neck should be equal to the length of the head; when measured from the point of the occiput to the highest point of the wither. Change v oluminous to the point of the prosternum. a bundant Fault: If the dewlap extends below the point of the prosternum. *13 Body: The length of the dog, measured from the point of the shoulder to the furthest point of the buttock is 10-15 percent greater than the height of the dog measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground. Depth of the ribcage is equal to half of the total height of the dog. R i bs are long and well sprung. *13 Body: The length of the dog, measured from the point of the shoulder to the furthest point of the buttock is 15% greater than the height of the dog when measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground. Depth of the ribcage is equal to or greater than half of the total height of the dog. Ribs are long and well sprung. Page 9, Revision 13 11-14-12 15% when or greater than *14 Chest: Broad and deep, well muscled. *14 Chest: Broad and deep, wellmuscled. Extends to or slightly below the point of the elbow. Page 9, Revision 14. Extends to or slightly below the point of the elbow. Pg. 9 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 10 *15 Underline and tuckup: The underline * of the abdomen is practically horizontal. There is little or no tuckup. *15 Underline and tuckup: The underline beneath the abdomen is practically horizontal, created by a skirting of excess skin. There is little or no abdominal tuckup. Page 10, Revision 15 beneath, created by a skirting of excess skin. There is little or no abdominal tuckup. Loin: well- muscled, and harmoniously joined to the back. Loin: well- muscled, and harmoniously joined to the back. *16 Croup: Wide, strong, muscular and slightly sloped. The top of the croup rises slightly and is level with the highest point of the shoulder. *16 Croup: Wide, strong, muscular and slightly sloped. The top of the croup is level with the highest point of the shoulder. Page 10, Revision 16 ( rises slightly and- Removed) Pg. 10 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 11 *17 Tail: set on slightly lower than the topline, wide and thick at the root, tapering gradually toward the tip. It is docked by 1/3. At rest, the tail hangs straight or in a slight S shape. When in action, it is raised to the horizontal or a little higher than the back. Severe fault: Tailed carried straight up or curved over the back. Kinked tail. *17 B Disqualification: Lack of tail or short tail, which is less than 1/3 the length from the point of insertion of the tail to the hock- joint. *17 A Tail: set on slightly lower or is an extension of the topline; reaching to or slightly below the hocks. Wide and thick at the root, tapering gradually to the tip. At rest, the tail hangs straight or in a slight S shape while in repose, but never carried over the back when the dog is in motion. The tail when docked should extend to or rest just above the hock- joint. The intact tail will extend to or slightly beyond the hock, and may have a slight curve at the end. Severe fault: Tailed carried straight up or curved over the back. Kinked tail. *17 B Disqualification: Lack of tail or too short a tail that does not extend beyond the genitalia, and which is less than 1/3 the length from the point of insertion of the tail to the hock- joint. Page 11, Revision 1 7, Part A 11/14/12 or is an extension of the topline; reaching to or slightly below the hocks. ( It is docked by 1/3.- Removed) but never carried over the back when the dog is in motion. The tail when docked should extend to or rest just above the hock- joint. The intact tail will extend to or slightly beyond the hock, and may have a slight curve at the end. ------------------------------------------- Page 11, Revision 1 7, Part B 11-14- 12 too short a tail that does not extend beyond the genitalia, and Pg. 11 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 12 Forequarters: Heavily built, muscular, and in balance with the hindquarters. Forequarters: Heavily built, muscular, and in balance with the hindquarters. *18 Shoulders: Long, well- muscled, sloping and powerful. Upper Arms: Strongly muscled, powerful. In length, almost 1/3 the height of the dog. *18 Shoulders: Long, well- muscled, sloping at nearly 55 degrees and powerful. Upper Arms: Strongly muscled, powerful. In length, almost 1/3 the height of the dog. Page 12, Revision 18 at nearly 55 degrees *19 Elbows: Covered with abundant and loose skin; held parallel to the ribcage, neither tied in nor loose. Forelegs: Thick, straight, heavy bone, well muscled, exemplifying strength. About the same length as the upper a rms. Set well apart. Pasterns: Thick and flattened from front to back, moderately sloping forward from the leg. Dewclaws: Front dewclaws are not removed. *19 Feet: Round and noticeably large with arched, strong toes. Nails strong, curved and preferably dark- colored. Slight turnout of the front feet is characteristic. Elbows: Covered with loose skin; held parallel to the ribcage, neither tied in nor loose. Forelegs: Thick, straight, heavy bone, well- muscled, exemplifying strength. About the same length as the upper arms. Set well apart. Pasterns: Thick and flattened from front to back, moderately sloping forward from the leg. Dewclaws: Front dewclaws are not removed. *19 Feet: Round and noticeably large with arched, strong toes, thick pads. Nails strong, curved and preferably dark- colored. Slight turn out of the front feet is permissible. Page 12, Revision 19 11/5/13 ( abundant - Removed) Page 12, Revision 19 11/14/ 1 2 thick pads. 11/5/13 ( c haracteristic change to permissible ) Pg. 12 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 13 P resent Standard Proposed Amendments Comments, Dates of Revisions Hindquarters: As a whole, they must be powerful and strong, in harmony with the forequarters. Thighs: About the same length as the forearms, broad, muscular. H indquarters: As a whole, they must be powerful and strong, in harmony with the forequarters. Thighs: About the same length as the forearms, broad, muscular. * 20 Stifles: Moderate angle, strong. * 20 Stifles: Moderately angled, wide and muscular and strong. Second thighs well developed, leading to a strong hock joint. Stifle joint is moderately angulated matching the front. Rear legs are wide apart and parallel when viewed from the rear. When the portion of the leg below the hock is correctly "set back" and stands perpendicular to the ground, a plumb line dropped from the rearmost point of the hindquarters will pass in front of the foot. This rules out straight hocks, and since stifle angulation varies with hock angulation, it also rules out insufficiently angulated stifles. Fault--Straight stifles. Page 13, Revision 20 11-14-12 Moderately angled, wide and muscular and strong. Second thighs well developed, leading to a strong hock joint. Stifle joint is moderately angulated matching the front. Rear legs are wide apart and parallel when viewed from the rear. When the portion of the leg below the hock is correctly "set back" and stands perpendicular to the ground, a plumb line dropped from the rearmost point of the hindquarters will pass in front of the foot. This rules out straight hocks, and since stifle angulation varies with hock angulation, it also rules out insufficiently angulated stifles. Fault--Straight stifles. Pg. 13 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 14 Legs: Heavy and thick boned, well muscled. Slightly shorter than thigh bones. Legs: Heavy and thick boned, wellmuscled. Slightly shorter than thigh bones. * 21 Hocks: Powerful and l ong. * 21 Hocks: Powerful and short, ¼ in length of the total height when measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground. Page 14, Revision 21 11-14-12 long - removed short, ¼ in length of the total height when measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground. Rear Pasterns: (metatarsus) Heavy thick bones. Viewed from the side, they are perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, parallel to each other. Rear dewclaws: Any dewclaws must be removed. Hind Feet: Same as the front feet but slightly smaller. Rear Pasterns: (metatarsus) Heavy thick bones. Viewed from the side, they are perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, parallel to each other. Rear dewclaws: Any dewclaws must be removed. H ind Feet: Same as the front feet but slightly smaller. Pg. 14 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 15 Coat: The coat is short, dense and of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are straight and not longer than 1 inch. No Fringe anywhere. * 22 Color: Solid coats of gray (blue), black and mahogany, and tawny, and the lighter and darker shades of these colors. Some brindling allowable in all colors. When present, brindling must be tan (reverse brindle). There may be solid white markings on the chest, throat area from chin to chest, underside of the body, penis sheath, backs of the pasterns, and on the toes. There may be white hairs at the back of the wrists. Disqualifications: White markings on any part of the body not mentioned as allowed. Coat: The coat is short, dense and of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are straight and not longer than 1 inch. No Fringe anywhere. Color: Solid coats of gray (blue), black and mahogany, and tawny, and the lighter and darker shades of these colors. Some brindling allowable in all colors. When present, brindling must be tan (reverse brindle). There may be solid white markings on the chest, throat area from chin to chest, underside of the body, penis sheath, backs of the * pasterns, and on the toes. There may be white hairs at the back of the pasterns. Disqualifications: White markings on any part of the body not mentioned as allowed. 11-14-12 Page 14, Revision 22 11/5/13 ( wrist Removed ) *23 Gait: The Neapolitan Mastiff s movement is not flashy, but rather slow and lumbering. Normal gaits are the walk, trot, gallop, and pace. The strides are long and elastic, at the same time, powerful, characterized by a long push from the hindquarters and extension of the forelegs. Rolling motion and swaying of the body at all gaits is characteristic. Pacing in the show ring is not to be penalized. Slight paddling movement of the front feet is normal. The head is carried level with or slightly above the back. * 2 3 Gait: The Neapolitan Mastiff s movement is not flashy, but rather slow and lumbering. Normal gaits are the walk, trot, and pace. The strides are long and elastic, at the same time, powerful, characterized by a long push from the hindquarters and extension of the forelegs. Rolling motion and swaying of the body at all gaits is characteristic. Pacing in the show ring is not to be penalized. Slight paddling movement of the front feet is normal. The head is carried level with or slightly above the back. Page 15, Revision 23 ( gallop, Removed ) Pg. 15 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 16 Temperament: The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal to his owner, not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. As a protector of property and owners, he is always watchful and does not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is calm yet wary. In the show ring he is majestic and powerful, but not showy. Temperament: The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal to his owner, not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. As a protector of property and owners, he is always watchful and does not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is calm yet wary. In the show ring he is majestic and powerful, but not showy. Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Neapolitan Mastiff. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Disqualifications: Absence of wrinkles and folds Absence of dewlap *24 Lack of tail or short tail, which is less than 1/3 the length from the point of insertion of the tail to the hock. White markings on any part of the body not mentioned. Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Neapolitan Mastiff. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Disqualifications: Absence of wrinkles and folds Absence of dewlap *24 Lack of tail or too short a tail t hat does not extend beyond the genitalia, and which is less than 1/3 the length from the point of insertion of the tail to the hock- joint. Page 16, Revision 24 11-14-12 too short a tail that does not extend beyond the genitalia, and Pg. 16 Of 17
USNMC Documentation for the Proposed Breed Standard Amendments Revision Two 17 Blank [future notes] Pg. 17 Of 17