Neapolitan Mastiff vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed ComparisonNeapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Austrailian Blue Heeler is originated from Australia. Neapolitan Mastiff may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 63 kg / 139 pounds more than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 7 years less than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance. But Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High maintenance

History

neapolitan mastiff - historyAn ancient breed, the Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive dogs with a history of protecting their family and their property. The breed has deep rooted protective instincts and they are very frightening in appearance. The Neapolitan is of the Molosser group of dogs, all of whom probably came from the same line. It is known that all the mastiffs in Europe are descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff. The Tibetan Mastiff is considered the most ancient of all canines.

The Asian Mastiffs came from India to Greece around 300 BC with Alexander the Great. Then the breed was brought to the Romans by the Greeks and then introduced them in their circus in fights. Another possibility is that around 500 BC the mastiffs came to Britain from the Phoenicians. Either way the Roman Molossus is the ancestor of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

The Romans crossed the breed with the English Mastiff around 55 BC and developed a premiere war dog that was called a Mastini.

The breed eventually became extinct in Europe with the exception of Campania. The breed was recognized in 1946 with the standard accepted in 1949. However, it is believed that the Neapolitan Mastiff has been continuously present in Campania for over two thousand years. The breed was initially developed as war dogs and for the Roman coliseum spectacles.

In 1946 Dr. Piero Scanziani established a program to breed them in Italy. He wrote the breed standard in 1949.

Today the Neo is a farm dog, an army dog, a police dog and a guard dog. They were shown in Italy for the first time in 1946 but only in 2004 was the breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It was 1973 when the Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America was born and 1996 when the standard was approved by the AKC. They are still a rare breed in the United States.

austrailian blue heeler - historyIn 1840, George Elliott made a match with Australian Dingo and Collie and got a clever and very active dog breed – Australian Blue Heeler. Soon, he showed his good herding instincts and protective nature and got really popular among the cattlemen and ranchers. Soon, as the USA soldiers arrived in Australia, they decided that it will be a great dog to bring home.

Australian Blue Heeler has short, double coat. The coat is water resistant and helps them when the temperature is too high as well. Their coat is rough to the touch, naturally. They can be found in blue or red coat colour mix. The Blue Heeler isn’t actually blue, but their black coat has a bluish tint. Red Heelers have red fur instead of black. They have long tails, strong legs, Dingo-like heads with pointy ears and muscular necks and balanced and athletic bodies.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Italy
Australia
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
1 - 7
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
blue, red
Coat:
straight, dense, short
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

neapolitan mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive dog , so powerful and very intimidating in his looks. With an incredibly large head and hanging folds and wrinkles, the Neo is an impressive animal. His inner nobility and dignity is evident in his stance and the way he holds himself. He is relaxed, calm, quiet yet imposing none the less. His coat is dark whether black, tawny, gray or mahogany. He is muscular beyond imagination. The Neo is 10-15% longer than he is tall.

On his massive head his eyes are deep set and covered by his eye lids that droop. His eyes are blue as puppies then dark and coordinated with his coat. and his nose is large and the color of his coat. Ears are natural or can be cropped, and they carry their tail straight and curving back. The Neo has round paws and arched toes.

austrailian blue heeler puppy - descriptionThis breed is somehow designed for an outdoor life and outdoor activity. This implies that Blue Heelers have nature made of the high dose of energy. They are always ready to go anywhere you go, and they will be a loyal friend. They are actually very clever, intelligent and ready to help.

If you are a type of the person who prefers being indoors and having minimal physical activity, Blue heelers are not the type of a furry companion for you. They have a high daily need for the activity, and they love having lots of space to run and explore. Sometimes, you will realize that having a leash is a must because they will get so playful that they will forget about you!

If you start teaching them to be friendly with other dogs while they are still pups, they will accept that kind of lifestyle. But, if your Blue Heeler is raised as the only dog on the ranch, note that they won’t be very friendly toward other dogs.

Since most of the herd dogs usually respond to only one person, most of the Blue Heelers can follow this old instinct. They can be very independent, as well, and they are usually not the type of the dog that will always be around your leg waiting for a cuddle or ear scratch. But, they build the respect towards humans depending on how they treat him so they can be very lovable and friendly pets.

If you are still confused about their name, you must know that the Blue Heelers can actually lightly nip your heel for attention. They are not aggressive, but they tend to be very protective of the family, humans around them and their property.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

neapolitan mastiff dog - characteristicsOlder children in their family. No toddlers or strangers.

Special talents

Protective yet quiet, calm, relaxed

Adaptability

No they won’t adapt well to apartment living or to strangers.

Learning ability

They are intelligent and trainable but must be socialized and know the human is the alpha or they will take over.

Children friendliness

austrailian blue heeler dog - characteristicsThey are generally good with children, but you must be aware of their inherent desire to herd. Always supervise when your Blue Heeler is around small children.

Special Talents

Ball tricks, frisbee fun, running companion, herding cattle.

Adaptability

It is best to buy a puppy. These dogs get attached to one human and to the territory.

Learning ability

They are generally quick learners. If you teach them to be playful, friendly and loving, they will learn it in no time. So be aware of the decisions that can cost you when the dog grows up.

Health Problems

neapolitan mastiff puppies - health problemsThe Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to many of the same issues as any massive, extra large breed. The most common of these is Cherry Eye.

Other issues include:

  • Hypothyroidism – treated with medication
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis
  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis
  • Cardiomyopathy – heart issues
  • Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus – can be fatal, needs immediate attention
  • Sensitivity to Anesthetics

Eye problems

austrailian blue heeler puppies - health problemsProgressive Retinal Atrophy usually causes slow and painless loss of sight. This process takes years, but there are cases where this disease took only months before the dog ended up completely blind. It is advisable to take your Blue Heeler to the vet for a test that can tell you if your dog is carrying the gene for this disease.

Lens luxation is a disease where the lens of dog’s eye separates partially or completely. Good news is that this disease can be treated.

Joint diseases

Most common is the hip or elbow dysplasia. This is the disease where hip joints do not develop properly and begin to grind. This condition can sometimes be treated with physiotherapy, but there is a chance that your Blue Heeler will need a surgery. If you have a habit of regular vet checks and keeping your dog slim and fed with quality food, you can a make a big difference.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) causes the dog to have excess cartilage and deficient bone, where cartilage does not get replaced by bone during fetal development. This disease usually requires surgery and prescribed medicines.

Deafness

Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness – CHSD is a common form of deafness.

Bilateral deafness can be identified when the dog is still a puppy, more-less at six weeks of age. A puppy with deafness in only one ear is harder to identify, but it can happen.

Portosystemic shunt means that the blood flow is getting back into the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. That means that liver can’t clear out the toxins, and the organ itself fails to grow properly. This inherited type of shunt can be treated with surgery if the diagnose is set on time.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

neapolitan mastiff dogs - caringNeapolitans grow fast and so don’t overfeed when they are young. Lower protein and higher fat content.

Feeding the adult

Don’t overfeed the adult as they can become obese.

Games and Exercises

This big hearty breed needs exercise but not too much. They overheat easily. The puppy will push himself, so you have to make sure he doesn’t over do it. No tug of war games. They need a long walk twice every day.

Feeding the puppy

austrailian blue heeler dogs - caringChoose a dog food that will provide nutrients that will help in the bone developing. Since they are more likely to suffer from joint diseases, you must take this advice seriously. It would be great if you speak about this with your vet before you choose food on your own.

Feeding the adult

The best food for Blue Heeler is a high-quality food which supplies them with premium nutrition to fuel their activity.

They also drink a lot of water, so be sure that they always have a fresh water available.

Points for Good Health

Lots and lots of the outdoor activity and a quality food. You must be very cautious because this kind of dogs gets overweight easily because they just love the treats and extra food portion.

Games and Exercises

Any outdoor activity that is mentally challenging and interesting enough to keep them from running in the field trying to catch anything that moves.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Cur vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  31. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  32. Nebolish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  38. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  40. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  43. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  44. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  45. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds