Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Toy Spaniel
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
English Toy Spaniel
Toy 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.
English Toy Spaniel Overview
English Toy Spaniels feature a distinctive domed head, short muzzle, and large, dark eyes that give them an endearing expression. Their silky coat comes in four color combinations, with long feathering on ears, chest, and legs. Compact and square-proportioned, these gentle companions carry themselves with a dignified yet playful air, typically standing 9-10 inches at the shoulder.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Neapolitan Mastiffs are less energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Neapolitan Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- Trainability: Neapolitan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Neapolitan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels 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 English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 110-150 lbs 50-68 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, playful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. 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 English Toy Spaniel, 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
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
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.
English Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy Spaniels 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, English Toy Spaniels 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
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
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
English Toy Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Affectionate nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Health issues common
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Neapolitan Mastiff and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.