Tenterfield Terrier vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Tenterfield Terrier vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonNeapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Tenterfield Terrier is originated from Australia. Neapolitan Mastiff may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Tenterfield Terrier. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 49 kg / 109 pounds more than Tenterfield Terrier. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 5 years less than Tenterfield Terrier. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Tenterfield Terrier. Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance. But Tenterfield Terrier requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Terrier dog
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Italy
Australia
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
26 - 31 cm
10 - 13 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
28 - 30 kg
61 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
26 - 28 kg
57 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
2 - 6
Size:
Giant
Small
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
mini foxie terrier, miniature fox terrier
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white
Coat:
straight, dense, short
Short, smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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.

tenterfield terrierThe ancestors of the Tenterfield Terrier came to Australia with the British and from them came this Australian breed. The English terriers were bred to be ratters on the ships to Australia. Today’s breed is a hardy, strong, athletic and agile dog. These first dogs were miniature Fox Terriers, bred for ratting. The miniature Fox Terrier was an established breed in the late 19th century in Australia with families and was know as a Mini Foxie. The breed became a steady presence in homes by the 1920’s.

The breed might not have been named after the area of Tenterfield as many have guessed. Instead they may have been named after a breeder. The owner of the Tenterfield saddlery was called Tenterfield Saddler and he owned several of the breed. In 1990, Don Burke, a television personality suggested the breed be named the Tenterfield Terrier.

The Miniature Fox Terrier Club of South Australia. Now there were several clubs in Australia and a lot of disagreement about exactly what type of dog a miniature fox terrier was. Some did not think the name was legitimate, but they wanted recognition from the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC). So, they became the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia in 1993. They were recognized by 2002.

Today the breed standard for the Tenterfield Terrier is different from the one for the Miniature Fox Terrier. They are now entirely separate breeds. In addition to the ANKC, the breed is recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club but not by the AKC. It is also recognized by the American Pet Registry, Inc, the American Canine Registry and the Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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.

tenterfield terrier puppy - descriptionThe Tenterfield Terrier is square and compact. He has a head shaped like a wedge and unusual in the terrier group. They have pricked ears and are predominantly white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white. They have naturally occurring bob tails or docked tails. The nose is usually black unless the dog is liver colored, they have liver noses. The jaws are strong, and lips are tight with a strong neck.

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.

1.Children friendliness – yes like most other terriers they love kids.

2.Special talents –high prey drive and sense of smell.

tenterfield terrier dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – they need space even though they are small. They need a lot of exercise. They can adapt if they get another exercise. They can live in apartments and can play indoors as well as out.

4.Learning ability – They are extremely intelligent, but they can be stubborn like all terriers.

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

tenterfield terrier puppies - health problemsThey are small in stature and because of their face they seem to have dental issues. The breed does not have a lot of health issues but deals with the same issues as many small terriers. Not all members of the breed are susceptible to these, but some are just like the Australian Terrier.

1. Legg-Perthes Disease – hip disorder occurring in puppies.

2. Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Weakness can cause this to happen.

3. Seizures – Can be medicated.

4. Patellar Luxation – Moving kneecap can cause pain and lameness.

5. Diabetes – rare but does happen.

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.

tenterfield terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed but do feed high quality puppy food for small breeds and terriers.

2.Feeding the adult – This is an active breed but don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality adult dog food for terriers or small breeds. Feed 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health – the breed has a lot of stamina and energy.

4. Games and Exercises – The breed has a high energy level and needs a lot of exercise. He is a terrier and loves to “go to ground”. Play activities that allow him to do that are best. He plays barn hunt, lure coursing and terrier specific competitions.

Comparison with other breeds

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  39. Tenterfield Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Tenterfield Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Tenterfield Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Tenterfield Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Tenterfield Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Tenterfield Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Tenterfield Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Tenterfield Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Tenterfield Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
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