Neapolitan Mastiff vs Hygenhund - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Hygenhund - Breed ComparisonHygenhund is originated from Norway but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Hygenhund may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hygenhund may weigh 54 kg / 119 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hygenhund may live 6 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Hygenhund may have less litter size than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both Hygenhund and Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Molosser dogs
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Norway
Italy
Height Male:
48 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
45 - 58 cm
17 - 23 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Hygen Hound, Hygen Dog
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
sometimes combined with white markings. , chestnut (with or without black shading) and black with bright chestnut colors, yellow and red
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
thick, shiny
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective
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

hygenhundThe Hygenhund is a hound from Norway that was developed in the early 1800’s by the Norwegian breeder Hygen. It was developed for hunting small game such as fox, rabbit, hare or racoon. It is known for its endurance and ability to survive travel across vast artic land without fatigue. It was developed by crossing several Norwegian hounds with ones from England and Germany. This includes basset hounds, holsteiner hounds, beagles, Bloodhounds, Scandinavian hounds and English Pointers. The resulting Hygehound is a scent hound whose popularity fell in the 20th century. Most of the remaining dogs today are located in Norway. The Norwegian Kennel Club and the UKC have both recognized the breed yet its numbers remain low. Even at that the breed today remains a great hunting dog but it is also a great companion or family dog.

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

Description

hygenhund puppy - descriptionThe Hygenhund has a solid rectangular and compact body with muscular and compact legs and paws. Their heads are shaped like a triangle with dark eyes and a broad skull. The muzzle and neck are long and the topline is even. They carry their tail high, but they do not curl it over their back. They are a medium sized dog with short hair. They have an overabundance of energy and get bored easily. They can come in black with chestnut or white markings, yellow and red, chestnut without or with black markings.

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

hygenhund dog - characteristics1. Children friendliness – The Hygenhund is very friendly to children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, intelligence and ability to endure cold climates.

Adaptability

Very adaptable in some ways – enduring cold climates for instance. However, they need a large yard or area to run in. They are not as adaptable in an apartment.

Learning ability

The Hygenhund is very intelligent and a quick learner. They love learning new things.

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 Hygenhund is prone to a variety of health problems including:

  • Kidney Stones/Chronic Kidney Infections
  • Food Allergies
  • Arthritis – can cause lameness
  • Bloat – can be fatal if not treated
  • Von Willebrands Disease
  • Anesthesia sensitivity
  • Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness or arthritis

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 the puppy

hygenhund dogs - caringSince the Hygenhund is such a high energy working dog feed a high quality food. Feed 3-4 times a day for a total of 2.3 cups.

Feeding the adult

Again this is a high energy dog. Feed a high protein good quality dog food twice a day for a total of 3-4 cups.

Points for Good Health

Good speed and stamina. Good in cold climates.

Games and Exercises

The Hygenhund needs plenty of exercise to dissipate all its working energy. They will excel at field trials, lure coursing, fly ball, tracking, and agility.

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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  28. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Neapolitan Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  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
  50. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison