Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dalmatian - Breed ComparisonDalmatian is originated from Croatia but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Dalmatian may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dalmatian may weigh 47 kg / 103 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dalmatian may live 6 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dalmatian may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dalmatian requires Low Maintenance. But Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Molosser dogs
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Croatia
Italy
Height Male:
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
56 - 60 cm
22 - 24 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Coach Dog, Carriage Dog
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
White with Black spots
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
Short and smooth
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive
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

dalmatianThe history of the Dalmatian dog is also fairly scant, and the information you get is often unclear.

The name Dalmatian wasn’t used until the end of the 18th century, although it seems as though, according to murals on ancient tombs, there were white hounds then with specks over the body.

It does seem firm that the modern Dalmatian is because of breeding of the English nobility. They used these dogs to accompany them on their carriages. The dogs were also bred with the purpose of getting an exquisite spotted pattern.

It was in 1890 that the first Dalmatian Club was established in England and the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

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

dalmatian puppy - descriptionThe Dalmatian is a medium sized dog with its beautiful white coat with black or liver spots being its main feature. The coat is short and dense and the Dalmatian pretty much sheds all year round.

It is notable that at birth, the puppies are pure white, with their spots starting to form about 4 weeks later.

Both the male and female stand at anything between 56–61cm in height and weigh between 22 to 35kg. He is a slender, muscular dogs with plenty of stamina. The ears of the dog are floppy, he has brown eyes and a long tail.

Temperament:

With his human family, the Dalmatian is an active, playful dog. He has the reputation of being somewhat unfriendly and aloof, but many who have kept him as a pet say this isn't so. He loves to take part in games and gets on well with children in the home.

He is intelligent, but when it comes to strangers, the Dalmatian is reserved and even aloof. If you want to get the best from your Dalmatian, make sure that he is trained and socialized as he then knows how to behave well around people. He makes a good watchdog too.

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

dalmatian dog - characteristicsThe Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog, energetic and playful and he is good with pets and children in the home.

He is intelligent too and training and socialization for him will be easy and promise to bring out all his good points.

The Dalmatian became popular in the 1800's when they were used as coach-dogs, and their popularity has been enhanced because of films from Hollywood such as ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Unfortunately many people receive Dalmatian puppies as gifts after seeing movies like this and then hand their dogs into rescue centers when they grow up and are no longer the cute little puppy they first met.

Be a responsible dog owner. A Dalmatian has feelings and you need to commit to caring for him for up to 15 years. You’ll be rewarded by having a wonderful, loyal canine 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

dalmatian puppies - health problemsDalmatians, with good care, can live to be about 10 to 15 years. However, just as with other breeds, the Dalmatian is prone to certain health problems that are more specific to their breed. Some of these problems are skin allergies, deafness and urinary stones.

Skin Allergies:

Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin and they are prone to topical allergies. When you brush your dog, you should check his skin for redness and also check for fleas and ticks.

Red bumps on his skin could mean an allergy and can be distressing for your pet. Your pet may be scratching excessively and the skin may be red and moist with runny, itchy eyes. It is time to get your dog to the vet, who may prescribe an antihistamines to get the itching and allergies under control.

Urinary Stones:

Unfortunately, the Dalmatian is a dog which has a tendency to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. A genetic mutation causes the raised uric acid levels which is more prevalent with the male Dalmatian. Straining to urinate can be tremendously stressful for your dog and you will need to get him to the vet immediately.

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

Grooming:

dalmatian dogs - caringThe Dalmatian is an easy dog to maintain and brushing twice a week will get rid of loose hairs. What is notable with the Dalmatian is that not only does he look like a well groomed dog, he also doesn’t have that typical dog smell around him.

Diet:

No matter what kind of dog you have, a high-quality dog food is always beneficial for your dog’s health. Home-made food is always good for your dog and wholesome food such as brown rice, vegetables and some cooked chicken will delight your pet and keep him interested in his food.

There are also excellent manufactured foods and kibble is a good food to have when you select it according to your dog’s age and energy levels.

These foods, especially the top quality ones, ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he needs. Adding some raw meat into the diet can be highly beneficial for your pet and will keep him bright eyed, bushy tailed and with a wet nose.

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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  5. Neapolitan Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Neapolitan Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  13. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
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  19. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
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  25. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Dalmatian vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dalmatian vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Dalmatian vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Dalmatian vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Dalmatian vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Dalmatian vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Dalmatian vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Dalmatian vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Dalmatian vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Dalmatian vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Dalmatian vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Dalmatian vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Dalmatian vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Dalmatian vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Dalmatian vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Dalmatian vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Dalmatian vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Dalmatian vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Dalmatian vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Dalmatian vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dalmatian vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dalmatian vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Dalmatian vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Dalmatian vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Dalmatian vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison