Neapolitan Mastiff vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Hanover Hound - Breed ComparisonHanover Hound is originated from Germany but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Hanover Hound may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hanover Hound may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hanover Hound may live 5 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hanover Hound may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hanover Hound requires Low Maintenance. But Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
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Germany
Italy
Height Male:
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
48 - 53 kg
105 - 117 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
48 - 53 kg
105 - 117 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 12
Size:
Large
Giant
Other Names:
Hanoverian Hound
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
Dark reddish brown with brindling
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
Short and smooth
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
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

hanover houndSometimes referred to as a Hanoverian Hound, this dog dates way back to the 17th century in Germany.

This dog breed continues to be fairly rare today and has always been used as a hunting and tracking dog. It is believed the dog comes from bloodhounds dating back to medieval times. The dog isn’t recognized by the AKC but he is a member of the Scenthound group.

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

hanover hound puppy - descriptionThis is a sturdy, well built dog with a short, smooth, dense coat which is a reddish-brown color with brindling.

He is a well built, deep chested dog standing at about 50 – 55cm in height and weighing 48-53cm. He has the typical dark brown, soulful eyes of the Hound dog with long, broad, floppy ears.They usually have black noses, he has a deep chest, strong, straight legs and long, tapering tail.

Temperament:

Calm and gentle, the Hanover Hound is a loyal dog who bonds closely with his human family. When you socialize him he gets along well with children.

He is a hunting dog and loves nothing more than to be following some scent. You can call out his name, but he will not likely take notice, so determined is he to track down his prey, being known for his superb sense of smell.

His hunting instincts are strong and this means that you won't often find him being kept essentially as just a pet – they are first hunting dogs and then pets. Nonetheless, as already suggested, the Hanover Hound is more than capable of forming a strong bond with his human family, making a good family pet.

He is aloof and wary with strangers and this makes him a good watchdog. It is important to have him trained and socialized as then he becomes obedient and amicable when you need him to be like that around friends and family.

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

hanover hound dog - characteristicsThe Hanover Hound is an intelligent dog breed that responds well to training and socialization. They are dedicated hunting dogs but they are loyal and loving to their human family.

He will require an owner who is active and on the go while being firm and consistent with his treatment of him.

When socialized, he makes a good friend of children too. Keep him busy, exercise him, provide him with good food and consistent love and attention and he'll make you a devoted hunting companion and 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

hanover hound puppies - health problemsCapable of living to between 10 and 14 years of age, the Hanover Hound, like many other dogs, may well be prone to some of the more common dog illnesses there are.

Ear Infections:

Because of his long, floppy ears, he will typically be more prone to developing otitis externa. This is why it is important to be checking your long, floppy-eared dog regularly and cleaning his ears to avoid wax- and dirt build-up and infection. Chronic ear infections will have to be treated by your vet.

You'll recognize the illness when you see your pet shaking his head often and scratching at his ears.

Hip Dyplasia:

This is a genetic orthopedic disorder that affects many dogs and will eventually cause lameness. Hip dysplasia is due to malformed hip joints.

Entropion & Ectropion:

Eye diseases and problems with the eyelid can cause your pet a lot of discomfort as this is when an eyelid rolls in and then rubs against the eye.

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

Exercise:

hanover hound dogs - caringThe Hanover Hound is a hunting breed so he won’t easily adapt to life in the city with a tiny garden. He will need a large garden or a farm to run around in.

He is a hunting dog that loves to put his nose to the ground and to follow a scent. This is a dog breed which will need to be provided with a good amount of exercise every day to ensure his happiness and health.

Diet:

As a large dog breed, you want to be sure to be feeding him a high quality food. It is always a good idea to add in some home-made food to his kibble. Read the packaging carefully of commercial manufactured dog foods and make sure you get food that is geared towards large, active breed dogs.

Add in cooked food such as cooked chicken, vegetables or brown rice and pasta and remember to include some raw meat into his diet from time to time.

Before dogs were domesticated they would eat raw meat as opposed to harmful grain based commercial dog foods of today. Benefits of adding in some raw meat from time to time include healthier skin, more energy and shinier coats and eyes. Make sure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

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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  31. Neapolitan Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
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  36. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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