Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Working Group
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Neapolitan Mastiff Overview
Massive and imposing, the Neapolitan Mastiff features distinctive loose, wrinkled skin and a large, powerful frame. Their broad head, deep-set eyes, and pendulous jowls create an unmistakable appearance. These ancient guardians move with a deliberate, dignified gait, displaying both strength and surprising agility for their size. Their short, dense coat typically comes in various shades of gray, black, or mahogany.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terriers possess a distinctive appearance with their long body, short legs, and notable topknot of silky hair. Their large, expressive eyes and scimitar-shaped tail create an unmistakable profile. The breed's coat combines a soft, silky topcoat with a crisp undercoat, appearing in either mustard or pepper colors. Their proud carriage and dignified demeanor reflect their independent nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Neapolitan Mastiffs are less energetic than Dandie Dinmont Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Neapolitan Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
- Trainability: Neapolitan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Neapolitan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Neapolitan Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 110-150 lbs 50-68 kg | 18-24 lbs 8-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful | Independent, Smart, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Neapolitan Mastiff Temperament
The Neapolitan Mastiff is known for being loyal, dignified, watchful, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Temperament
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is characterized by being independent, smart, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Neapolitan Mastiff and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Neapolitan Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Neapolitan Mastiffs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Neapolitan Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dandie Dinmont Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dandie Dinmont Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Bloat
- Ectropion
- Heart Issues
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Glaucoma
- Disc Disease
- Hip Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cushings
Pros & Cons
Neapolitan Mastiff
Pros
- Extremely loyal to family
- Excellent guardian
- Gentle with family members
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Significant health issues
- Expensive maintenance
- Not suitable for novice owners
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Pros
- Loyal companion
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low shedding
Cons
- Independent nature
- Grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Limited exercise tolerance
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Neapolitan Mastiff and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.