07-13-2003, 11:08 AM
Some breeders believe that the Neopolitan mastiff is the direct descendant of the Molossian war dog. It certainly looks fearsome enough. Writer Andrew Vachss, who raises them, described one as "a 150 pound monster that can bite the top off a fire hydrant." They are the favorite pet of Mafia dons, who closely resemble Roman politicians. <p></p><i></i>