Steady and solid as an oak tree, the Neo is a guardian rather than an attack dog. He's always alert and aware, even if it looks like he's relaxing. If you aren't home, they simply won't let anyone onto your property. And really, who's going to argue with them? The Neapolitan Mastiff should be even tempered, loyal, vigilant, intelligent and slightly aloof. The movement is an important characteristic which could be compared to the motion of large mammals, when pacing the Neapolitan moves like a bear, and when trotting he moves like a lion. Neapolitan Mastiffs are not attack dogs and should never be trained to be so. When you welcome someone, though, your Neo will accept that person as well, although he'll probably remain aloof. This isn't a "hail fellow, well met" kind of dog. The Neo is affectionate toward his family, but he's also strong-willed--and big enough to have his own way. Whist they move in a slow, lumbered fashion and can strike fear into the hearts of passers-by, but they are really big babies with hearts of gold. Not to put it past them though as they are fiercely protective of the ones they love, but generally they are giant love bugs wanting nothing more than a cuddle. Making the deepest bonds with their favourite people, they are both loving and patient as well with older children