Because of its interesting look and aura, the Neapolitan Mastiff has been featured in more than a few films and literary works. Perhaps the most memorable appearance of the breed in the big screen is that of Fang, a character in the Harry Potter film series. Although Fang was described as a boarhound (another name for Great Dane) in the original books, the dog in the film was played by a Neapolitan Mastiff.

Fang is a pet of Rubeus Hagrid, a major character in the book and film series. No background information was given as to how Fang was acquired or when he was born. He has been a constant companion of Hagrid and other characters in several events throughout the series. In the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Fang played a minor yet memorable role when he accompanied Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy when entering the Forbidden Forest to serve as their “punishment” for being caught out of their beds late in the night. The three, along with Hagrid, Hermione and Neville are all tasked to find and help out an injured unicorn in the forest. Harry, Draco and Fang set out as a group and encounter a mysterious hooded figure who was drinking the blood of the unicorn, causing Fang to run away due to fear. Later on, Fang locates Hagrid’s party and brought them to Harry and Draco’s whereabouts.

Fang had other minor roles in the film franchise, such as accompanying Harry and Ron Weasley into the Forbidden Forest. He was also present during Buckbeak’s trial conducted by the Ministry of Magic. His later life, however, was not specified, both in the books and the film. However, Fang was not listed in the casualties, which makes it safe to assume that he survives and lives out his days with Hagrid. Ironically, Hagrid usually refers to Fang as a “bloody coward” when in fact, the Neapolitan Mastiff is anything but.

The Harry Potter film franchise became a worldwide phenomenon and became one of the top grossing film series of all time. The films also helped make the Neapolitan Mastiff a more recognizable breed, especially with Fang being such a likeable character.

Other than the Harry Potter series, the Neapolitan Mastiff has made appearances in other big screen favorites, including Babe: Pig in the City (the character named Alan), American Gangster, Hotel for Dogs, Belly and Dragonheart. Neapolitan Mastiffs are also frequently featured in literature – “Pansy” from Andrew Vachss’ Burke series; and “Sweetie”, from the Butch Karp novels by Robert Tanenbaum.