[Bella]

Don't know about mastiffs other than they're similar to a rottie, but related? Never heard that before. If referring to size, temperament, I'd say possibly.

[Unknown Freeper]

bump for more info?

[Pharmboy]

I imagine the Neopolitan Mastiff (pictured above) is the same as the Italian. Here is the blurb on the origins of the Rotty:

The Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a herd dog. It was bred in the German town of Rottweil in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800's, the breed population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. Some of the Rottweilers talents include: tracking, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, carting, competitive obedience, and schutzhund.