Scottish Terrier vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Scottish Terrier vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonScottish Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Scottish Terrier may grow 44 cm / 17 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Scottish Terrier may weigh 69 kg / 152 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Scottish Terrier may live 4 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Scottish Terrier may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both Scottish Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance.

History

scottish terrier - historyThe Scottish Terrier is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier but people who love and know him refer to him fondly as the Scottie.

These little dogs were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and their actual origin is ancient. It is believed that the first descriptions of these dogs date way back to 1436 with there being 2 varieties - a rough-haired Scotch Terrier and a smooth-haired English Terrier.

In 1881 the Scottish Terrier Club of England was founded with the Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland being founded in 1888. Scotties were introduced to America in the early 1890s.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
Italy
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 10 kg
17 - 23 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
6 - 12
Size:
Small dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Scottie, Aberdeen Terrier
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
black-grey, Black, brindle, wheaten
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
wiry, medium length
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

scottish terrier puppy - descriptionThe Scottish Terrier is a small dog, fairly robustly built but with short legs. He has a wiry, weather-resistant coat and a soft undercoat. The coat is essentially black but there are other colors too such as a wheaten shade, grey-black and brindle too.

The ears are erect, the eyes small and bright. The tail isn’t docked but is of medium length and is nearly always held up, without curling over the back.

Height at withers for both males and females should be roughly 23 to 26cm and weight in the region of 8 – 10 kg.

Temperament:

The Scottie is a an independent, robust breed. He is playful as a puppy, but as he matures he becomes more dignified and dour. He is stubborn, but being a terrier he is alert and makes a good watchdog. For a small dog he has a powerful bark.

He is smart too. Have him trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient.

Brave, loving and loyal, he can fit into life in the city or the countryside so long has he has his human family close by. He doesn’t take kindly to strangers and he he slightly aggressive with other dogs he doesn’t know. He makes a great playmate for children but he certainly doesn’t like being prodded, sat on and poked by small children.

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

scottish terrier dog - characteristicsThe Scottie is strong willed and independent, and training and socialization is important if you don’t want your Scottie believing he has the final say.

These dogs are stubborn and dominant and will need a strong, firm but kind owner. They’re aggressive with other dogs, but get on well with their human family.

When you bring one of these distinctive looking dogs into your home, he’ll be a loving, loyal friend.

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

scottish terrier puppies - health problemsYour Scottie is looked upon as being a generally healthy dog breed, but as with any other healthy dogs, he can succumb to some of the conditions and diseases that dogs get -

Von Willebrand's Disease:

This is an inherited blood disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. The dog will bleed excessively after an injury. Fortunately, while there isn’t a cure, dogs can lead normal lives.

Cancer:

Scottish Terriers are more prone to developing cancer than other dogs. Bladder cancer, lymphosarcoma and malignant melanoma are just some of the cancers they can get. Some cancers are treatable and there is a good success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy.

When you brush your Scottie, look out for new, unusual lumps that could be indicative of cancer.

Scotty Cramp:

Scotty Cramp isn’t serious but uncomfortable for your pet. When your dog becomes worked up, you’ll see him arching his spine and he walks around for a few minutes with a stiff unnatural gait.

Obesity:

Obesity is regarded as a serious disease as it puts strain on the dogs joints and also creates back pain and digestive disorders.

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:

scottish terrier dogs - caringScotties were once bred as working dogs, and they will certainly require daily exercise and stimulation. He will love a walk but you can’t expect him to run with you as he has short legs.

Grooming:

The Scottie sheds, so he will need to be brushed at least twice weekly. He will require quite a bit of grooming in terms of having the coat professionally trimmed and clipped.

His eyes and ears will need to be checked as well as his teeth. He can’t tell you if he has terrible toothache and while brushing him, check the teeth. Trim his nails too.

Diet:

It is always recommended that you feed dogs according to size, age and activity levels. Dogs are individuals and they don’t all need the same food.

The quality of the dog food you provide makes a huge difference on your dog’s health. It always pays to go with the better quality kibble available to dogs. Your Scottish Terrier will be depending on your for quality kibble with the right blend of vitamins and minerals.

Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency and you want to provide him with some home-made food too that gels well with his digestive system. A little bit of raw meat occasionally can also do him the world of good.

Make sure he always has cool, fresh water to drink.

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

  1. Scottish Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Scottish Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  5. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Scottish Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Scottish Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Scottish Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Scottish Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Scottish Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Terrier vs Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Scottish Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  18. Scottish Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Scottish Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Scottish Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Scottish Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Scottish Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Scottish Terrier vs Schnorkie - Breed Comparison
  24. Scottish Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Scottish Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - 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