Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed ComparisonDogo Guatemalteco is originated from Guatemala but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Dogo Guatemalteco may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dogo Guatemalteco may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dogo Guatemalteco may live 3 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Dogo Guatemalteco may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both Dogo Guatemalteco and Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Molosser dogs
undefined
Guatemala
Italy
Height Male:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 12
Size:
Large
Giant
Other Names:
Guatemalan Molosser, Guatemalteco Bull Terrier
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
White with black markings
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
Short and smooth
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, 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

History

dogo guatemaltecoKnown as the Guatemalteco Bull Terrier or Guatemalan Molosser, the Dogo Guatemalteco is also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco, Guatemalan Bull Terrier, and Guatemalan Molosser.

This big Molosser-type dog originates in Guatemala. In the 20th century, it was known as the Bullterrier Guatemalteco, but at the end of the century, it was changed to Dogo Guatemalteco.

Today, while the dog is kept as a companion dog, most are working guard dogs. The Dogo Guatemalteco isn’t recognized by any major international kennel clubs. However, the Kennel Club of Guatemala has given full recognition to this dog and it was in 1981 that the Guatemalan government named the dog as their national dog breed.

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

dogo guatemalteco puppy - descriptionThe Guatemalteco is a medium to large dog standing at 54 – 60cm and weighing between 40-45kg. He has a short, smooth coat and is essentially white with some black markings on the head.

This breed was created from a crossing between a bull terrier, boxer and dalmatian. Some of the dogs are thickly built, while others are more leaner and athletic looking.

The ears of the dog vary quite a bit because while sometimes the ears fold down closely to the head, others are semi-pricked. There are some dog owners who have their dogs ears cropped into fully erect triangular shapes. The eye are small and usually dark brown.

Temperament:

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a fearless, evenly tempered dog. He was bred as a guard dog and he wants to protect his human family, forming a deep bond with them. It makes them difficult to re-home because of this.

It is imperative to have this dog trained and socialized because it might believe its the leader of the pack in your home. He is quite capable of getting along well with children and pets in the home. Because of his dominant nature, he isn’t suited as a pet for the first-time dog owner. He also doesn’t warm easily to strangers.

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

dogo guatemalteco dog - characteristicsYour Dogo Guatemalteco is an intelligent dog breed, and because he is strong-willed and stubborn he might give you a hard time during training. It is possible though and it is important as the training will turn him into an obedient, relaxed dog, able to get on with all his family members, including pets.

He is an energetic dog and will require walks and other forms of exercise each day.

This is certainly not the kind of dog that you buy to protect your property and provide little else for him except food and water. Frustration on the dog’s part can lead to destructive behavior and aggression.

Treat him well and he can make an excellent family companion.

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

dogo guatemalteco puppies - health problemsThis dog can be susceptible to skin allergies. The skin is sensitive and prone to rashes.

Another health concern with this dog because of his white coat, is congenital deafness. The deafness could be in one- or both ears.

The dog could also experience lameness, of which the most common problem is hip dysplasia. Because skeletal problems occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pet tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

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

dogo guatemalteco dogs - caringThe coat of the dog is short and harsh and it sheds throughout the year. While he is still looked upon as a low maintenance dog, regular brushing will be required twice a week.

Because he is a dog breed that is susceptible to skin allergies, bathing isn't necessary as it removes the dog’s natural oils.

Other areas of grooming for this dog are brushing his teeth twice a week, trimming his nails and checking his ears.

Diet:

Always choose a high quality dog food for your Dogo Guatemalteco and look at the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

When you feed your pet kibble, you can also mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetable and chicken for variety and contentment.

Raw meat is also advised from time to time. Don’t just go on and on through the years feeding your dog the same amount of food, as there are factors to take into account when deciding on food quantity. The age of your dog, it’s stage of life and its activity levels will mean regulating your pet’s food to match his needs.

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