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Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff

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Photo of the Mastiff dog breed
MastiffPhoto: Radovan Rohovsky — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)
Photo of the Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed
Neapolitan MastiffPhoto: Philip Thompson — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

Side by side

Comparison of Mastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff
TraitMastiffNeapolitan Mastiff
GroupPinschers, molossers and mountain dogsPinschers, molossers and mountain dogs
SizeGiantGiant
Weight70–100 kg50–70 kg
Height at withers70–85 cm60–75 cm
Life expectancy6–10 years7–9 years
Energy
With children
With other dogs
Trainability
Grooming needs
Shedding
Heat tolerance
ApartmentNot recommendedNot recommended

Key differences

  • Heavier: Mastiff (about 85 kg vs 60 kg on average)
  • Taller: Mastiff (about 77.5 cm vs 67.5 cm on average)

Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.

Which one is right for you?

A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.

Apartment living
Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
Family with children
Mastiff is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
First-time owner
Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
Hot climate
Mastiff is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
Active owner
Both are similarBased on energy level.

Meet the two breeds

Mastiff

One of the heaviest dogs in the world, the Mastiff is a calm, dignified giant that is very gentle with its family.

Read the full Mastiff profile

Other comparisons