Neapolitan Mastiff vs French 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
French Spaniel
Foundation Stock Service
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.
French Spaniel Overview
French Spaniels are elegant sporting dogs with a distinctive white coat marked by brown patches. Their medium-sized, athletic build features a noble head carriage, pendulous ears, and expressive eyes reflecting their gentle nature. Standing 21.5 to 24 inches at the shoulder, these dogs possess a balanced structure ideal for both field work and companionship, complemented by their intelligent expression and graceful movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Neapolitan Mastiffs are less energetic than French Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Neapolitan Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to French Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than French Spaniels.
- Trainability: Neapolitan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Neapolitan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French 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 French Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 110-150 lbs 50-68 kg | 50-60 lbs 23-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | French Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful | Gentle, Sociable, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | French 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.
French Spaniel Temperament
The French Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, sociable, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 French 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
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
French Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
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.
French Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French 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, French Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Bloat
- Ectropion
- Heart Issues
French Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
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
French Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with families
- Intelligent
- Gentle temperament
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not suited for apartment living
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Neapolitan Mastiff and French Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.