Neapolitan Mastiff vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison

English White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. English White Terrier may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. English White Terrier may weigh 70 kg / 154 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both English White Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff has almost same life span. English White Terrier may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both English White Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
undefined
United Kingdom
Italy
Height Male:
44 - 46 cm
17 - 19 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
42 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
5 - 8 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
6 - 12
Size:
Small
Giant
Other Names:
Old White English Terrier, White English Terrier Old English Terrier British White Terrier. Old White Terrier
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
brown, white with brindle, black or other markings
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
Close, hard, short, and glossy
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving
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

The English White Terrier was developed in the 1860’s by a group of breeders from the Sealyham terriers, the Jack Russell terrier, and the Fox Terrier. These breeders were looking for a white terrier that could be more successful in the show ring than the current prick-eared English terrier. They named their new breed, the English White Terrier or the Old English terrier. In later years in the United States, the English White Terrier was mixed again with the Rat Terrier and the Old English Bulldog to create both the Boston terrier and the Bull terrier.

Although the breed did not last long it did have a prestigious ancestry that could be traced back centuries in England among ancient terriers. The word terrier was in use in England in 1440, showing that the dogs were well known at that time. Most historians agree that the dogs were even older than the 1400’s. It is believed that terriers who “went to ground” after prey, existed as far back as the time of Christ in England.

Most of these ancestors of the English White Terrier were not white. White terriers came onto the scene around the 1700’s.The first picture of white terriers appeared in 1790 when Sawre Gilpin, a British artist, painted “A Huntsman with Hounds Foxhunting” and the terriers in the painting were white with brown marks. Others began to show the same kind of terriers in their artwork – white coated. Before this it is believed that breeders killed the white terriers at birth because they were often deaf and inferior to the other terriers. In the early part of the 19th century, the white terrier began to be completely white with no markings. The Kennel Club recognized them in 1874 as the White English Terrier.

The breed faced many genetic issues, deafness and the Kennel Clubs felt there was no difference between the current White English terrier and the English White terrier despite the difference in their ears. The new English White Terrier had dropped ears instead of Prick-ears. They considered them to be the same breed and not even different types. They were the smallest of all terriers and considered to be a good pet but not a show dog or a working dog. Because of this it was not very popular, and it actually had been bred to be a show dog and not a working dog. The English White Terrier was not recognized by any Kennel Club and within 30 years it was extinct.

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

The English White Terrier had a pure white coat with no markings of any kind. His coat was short, hard, and glossy and his body was firm, muscular and hard. The breed was small – almost a toy. They had a body like the Manchester Terrier. They had long legs and large feet. The tail was medium size and straight out from the body.

The English White Terrier had a very refined head with a fairly long muzzle. Their bite was even, and their eyes were brown, amber or black. Their ears dropped – unlike the pricked ears of the White English Terrier.

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

The English White Terrier was affectionate and devoted to his family. It was the softest tempered of all terriers and made an excellent pet. Some of the English White Terriers were animal aggressive while others were not. Training was difficult because of the wide-spread deafness in the breed. IT loved to be cuddled and held. They were also tenacious and game for any type of fight or hunt despite their size and deficiencies.

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

The breed was considered to be unhealthy for the most part and became extinct because of this. Many complained that the breed was inbred and had a weak constitution because of it. Deafness was prevalent throughout the breed. This deafness occurs in many white animals, but the English White Terrier had the highest rates among all white dogs.

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

Feeding

It was best to feed the English White Terrier 1-2 cups of dry meal per day served in 2 meals.

Health issues

As mention previously, the English White Terrier was congenitally deaf and had a weak constitution.

Exercise and games

This little dog with all its problems was still a very energetic dog and needed considerable exercise. Owners had to develop exercises and games to keep the English White Terrier occupied as with any terrier. If they didn’t have a job or something to occupy their minds and bodies, they were destructive.

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. English White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English White Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English White Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English White Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English White Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English White Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English White Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English White Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English White Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English White Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English White Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English White Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English White Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English White Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English White Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English White Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English White Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English White Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English White Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English White Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison