dogs

Hagrid’s Faithful Furry Friend Fang has followed Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry since the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. With the release of the next instalment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows this week we take a look at this magnificent breed.  Although the books describe Fang as a Boarhound, in the films Fang is actually a Neapolitan Mastiff.

This ancient breed of dogs is believed to have originated in Italy. Apart from guarding their owners and property, in earlier times, Neapolitan Mastiff dogs were also used for fighting against lions. Some other popular names for these dogs are Italian Mastiff, Neapolitan Bulldog, Mastino Napoletano, Mastino and Neo Mastiff.
The Neapolitan’s massive size and abundant wrinkles combine to make him one of the most intimidating dogs there is, helping them serve as excellent guard dogs. They are fearsome only in appearance not in temperament. In fact, they are highly affectionate and trustworthy dogs.