History of Neapolitan Mastiff dogs

It is said that a Latin author in the first century found the Neapolitan Mastiff.  His name is Lucio Giunio Mederato Columella.  He said that guard dogs should be black to have a more terrifying appearance, which was the Roman Mastiff at that time.  The dog lost in the shadows during night time and cannot be seen during an attack.  He described the dog having a massive head, the ears falling toward the front, penetrating black and gray eyes, deep and hairy chest, wide shoulder, brilliant and powerful legs. In the past 50 years, the breed had progressed from a few concerned individuals in the Italian countryside.  During that time, the Italians are molding the Napoletano Mastino to its own standards of what constitutes a dog.  It was documented that the Neapolitan Mastiffs were brought to the United States in the early 70's.  Mr. Michael Sottie introduced the breed to the Americans.