Neapolitan Mastiff vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Neapolitan Mastiff may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Australian Cattle Dog. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 63 kg / 139 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 6 years less than Australian Cattle Dog. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Australian Cattle Dog. Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance. But Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance

History

neapolitan mastiff - historyAn 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.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Italy
Australia
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
1 - 7
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
straight, dense, short
short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

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.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

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.

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

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

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

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.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  3. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  4. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  5. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  6. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  7. Nebolish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  9. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  15. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  18. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  19. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  20. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  22. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  27. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds