Sarplaninac vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Sarplaninac vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonNeapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Sarplaninac is originated from Macedonia. Neapolitan Mastiff may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Sarplaninac. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than Sarplaninac. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 5 years less than Sarplaninac. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Sarplaninac. Both Neapolitan Mastiff and Sarplaninac requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
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Italy
Macedonia
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
3 - 8
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Illyrian Sheepdog, Illyrian dogs, Macedonian Sheepdogs
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
white, Different shades of grey, tan and black
Coat:
straight, dense, short
Different shades of grey, white, tan and black
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

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.

sarplaninacHailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

Description

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.

sarplaninac puppy - descriptionThe Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

Characteristics

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.

sarplaninac dog - characteristicsThese dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

Health Problems

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

sarplaninac puppies - health problemsThe Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

Caring The Pet

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.

sarplaninac dogs - caringEvery dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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