Neapolitan Mastiff vs Posavac Hound - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Posavac Hound - Breed ComparisonPosavac Hound is originated from Croatia but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Posavac Hound may grow 11 cm / 4 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Posavac Hound may weigh 59 kg / 130 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Posavac Hound may live 5 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Posavac Hound may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Posavac Hound requires Low Maintenance. But Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
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Croatia
Italy
Height Male:
43 - 59 cm
16 - 24 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 59 cm
16 - 24 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Posavina Hound
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
Fawnish and white
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
Short and smooth
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

posavac houndThe Posavac Hound originates from Croatia and is believed to have descended from the Molossian.

The name Posavac Houndare or Posavac Hound was a name bandied about and the name was officially recognized in 1969 by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

The dog was categorized as a Scent hound. The breed is unrecognised by any of the UK or US Kennel Clubs.

neapolitan mastiffAn 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.

Description

posavac hound puppy - descriptionAlthough the Posavac Hound is a rare dog breed, people who have owned the dog say it should be far better known as it is a gem of a dog.

The Possie as he is fondly referred to as, is a solidly built dog resembling the Beagle. He stands at between 43 - 59 cm and weighs 16 - 20 kg.

He has long, floppy ears and a kind, gentle expression on his face. The coat is short and smooth, being slightly longer on the stomach and around the back of the legs. The coat color is a wheaten, cream shade. He has bright brown eyes and a long tail, often with a white tip.

Temperament:

The Posavac may look gentle, but in character he is happy and enthusiastic. He makes the most wonderfully faithful, loving dog. He likes to be busy too, game for all kinds of activities but he is intelligent as well. He responds well to training and socialization.

People who have owned this dog say he has a truly amazing temperament, being eager to please his human owner. You’ll find him getting along well with children and other pets in the home.

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.

Characteristics

posavac hound dog - characteristicsPeople who have kept the Posavac as a pet say he has wonderful features which make him a sought after canine friend.

He has always been a working dog and he is confident and assured, independent, social and friendly. He makes a great friend of children and gets on well with other pets in the house.

He thrives on activities and doesn't want to be left to just lie around ignored. He becomes frustrated and destructive. It wont be the dogs fault but the owners. If you're looking for a lively, friendly, loving dog, you’ll find the Posavac a great addition to your home.

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.

Health Problems

posavac hound puppies - health problemsYou won’t find many health disorders linked to this lovely dog. He can reach 11 – 14 years of age fairly easily if well taken care of. Of course, his floppy ears pose a bit of a problem.

It is quite difficult to keep the inside of the ears dry and clean, and this means dirt, wax and moisture can cause bacteria and ear infections.

Because he is also a deep chested dog, he can be prone to bloat. Bloat is when gas collects in the stomach and it twists. You will notice your pet’s abdomen swollen and hard. He will require immediate veterinary attention.

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

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

posavac hound dogs - caringYour Posavac Hound is going to need lots of exercise. He’s used to being a working dog and being kept busy. A good walk will delight him, but it won’t be enough. If you go cycling or riding on a horse, you can count him in to run alongside you. He will also plunge into the swimming pool with you.

While he can adapt to life in the city, he is essentially a country living dog, loving to get outside and be active.

Grooming:

Because of the short, smooth coat, and being an average shedder, the Posavac will only require a brush twice a week, so he is fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming.

Check for signs of an ear infection – redness inside the ear and your pet scratching at his ear can be signs,

Trim his nails.

Check inside his mouth for teeth problems. Bad teeth can create a host of problems.

Diet:

Provide your dog with an excellent diet. It needs to be nutritious food if you’re going with a commercially manufactured dog food. High quality dry kibble can be excellet for your pet, but break the monotony by mixing in some home made food occasionally. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, swee pototatoes, carrots and spinach, al chopped up and mixed in twice week with the drykibble can be awaited twice a week with yur pet. Raw meat added in sometimes can also contibute to your pets health. Feeding a dog doesnt have to be complicated. Dos thrive on consistency and simplicity and this diet will have him healthy ad hapy Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Posavac Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  31. Posavac Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Posavac Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
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  34. Posavac Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Posavac Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Posavac Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  38. Posavac Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Posavac Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Posavac Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Posavac Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Posavac Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Posavac Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Posavac Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Posavac Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Posavac Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Posavac Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Posavac Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Posavac Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Posavac Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison