Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bolognese - Breed ComparisonBoth Bolognese and Neapolitan Mastiff are originated from Italy. Bolognese may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Bolognese may weigh 75 kg / 165 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Bolognese may live 5 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Bolognese may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both Bolognese and Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Molosser dogs
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Italy
Italy
Height Male:
27 - 30 cm
10 - 12 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
6 - 12
Size:
Small
Giant
Other Names:
Bichon Bolognese, Bolognese Toy Dog, Bologneser, Bolo
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
White
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
Long, curly, wavy or straight, fluffy hair
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

bologneseThe Bolognese has already been on record since the 13th century, being particularly popular among the aristocracy during the Renaissance. The breed hails from Italy. He belongs to a family of dogs that include the Maltese and Bichon Frise, all with similar temperaments and looks. Even though there are these similarities the Bolognese is a breed on its own – a distinctive breed.

The exact ancestry of the Bolognese isn’t altogether clear. The dog breed was brought to England in 1990 by Liz Stannard and it was in 2001 that the breed was shown at dog shows. He is classified as a toy companion 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

bolognese puppy - descriptionThe long, flocked white coat doesn’t have an undercoat and the large, round, dark eyes peer out of a cloud of white hair. His hair sheds very little and some owners of the Bolognese like to keep the woolly hair texture trimmed. He has black nails and a largish black nose. He is a small dog, with the male standing between 27–30cm and the female being slightly smaller.

These little dogs weigh in at about 4kg. A toy breed, he is considered to be a true companion dog. He is compact and squarely built with his floppy ears set high on his head. The long tail is carried curved over the dog’s back.

He is a friendly, social dog and can very easily become a typical lap-dog because he just craves human companionship. He wants to be with you and close to your side, whether you live in the city or in the countryside – he adapts to life wherever you are.

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

bolognese dog - characteristicsThe Bolognese is an easy-going, playful, intelligent little dog who will respond well to training and socialization. He can actually become calm and docile dog, although never dull as he can sometimes act like a clown and be quite entertaining. He makes a wonderful pet and becomes a loyal and devoted companion to adults and children.

Non-aggressive by nature, he will be friends with other pets in the home too. He is a small dog, so he isn’t going to be highly active and therefore won’t need loads of exercise, although he will love to go for a walk with you. He’ll also want to have games with the ball. He is such an amicable little dog and will easily adapt to life in the city or country, so long as he can be loved and cherished by his owners.

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

bolognese puppies - health problemsBecause this particular dog breed is uncommon, you won’t find many details on his health problems. When he is well looked after, he can reach 14 years of age. The Bolognese is from the Bichon Frise family so you can expect similar health problems, and also because he is a pedigree dog.

Skin problems – battling with itchy skin conditions are a typical problem with the Bolognese.

Ear infections are common because of a lot of hair in the ear which can collect dirt.

Eye diseases - cataracts which can eventually lead to blindness.

Other health problems to watch for are heart disease, and epilepsy. Periodontitis is something you want to keep an eye on too because the small jaw is prone to developing periodontal infection which can lead to tooth loss.

Remember if you don’t want your Bolognese to be a parent, neutering and spaying provides major health benefits for your 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

His Coat

bolognese dogs - caringThe little Bolognese isn’t a big shedder so he isn’t a high maintenance pet. His long cloud of white hair can’t just be left though, because it will become tangled and dirty. Get the right grooming tools because his hair will require a good brushing every 2nd day or so. Professional grooming will also be required to keep his coat in tip-top condition.

Feeding your Bolognese

You may want to use commercially manufactured dog food from leading brands recommended by your vet for small breed dogs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but just like you want some variety in your diet, so does your pet.

Rice, meat and vegetables can be added into his food now and then as well as ensuring he has some raw meat in his diet. This is important if you want to ensure the health of your dog. Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Clean your pet’s ears

You can actually buy pet ear cleaners but you have to very careful not to go too deep into your pet’s ears as this can cause damage.

Teeth

Brush your dog’s teeth a couple of times a week. Never use human toothpaste. You can buy special dog’s toothpaste and toothbrush.

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