Neapolitan Mastiff vs Shiba Inu
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
Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting 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.
Shiba Inu Overview
Spirited and independent, the Shiba Inu showcases a compact, muscular build with a distinctive fox-like appearance. Their double coat features a straight outer layer and soft undercoat, typically displaying rich red, cream, or sesame coloring. Alert triangular ears, dark almond eyes, and a confident bearing reflect their ancient Japanese heritage and hunting prowess.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Neapolitan Mastiffs are less energetic than Shiba Inus, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Neapolitan Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to Shiba Inus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shiba Inus.
- Trainability: Neapolitan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Neapolitan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 13-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm | 14-17 inches 34-42 cm |
| Weight | 110-150 lbs 50-68 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful | Alert, Active, Attentive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Shiba Inu Temperament
The Shiba Inu is characterized by being alert, active, attentive, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Shiba Inu, 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
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
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.
Shiba Inu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shiba Inus 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, Shiba Inus 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
Shiba Inu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- 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
Shiba Inu
Pros
- Independent nature
- Clean and fastidious
- Minimal grooming needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Apartment-friendly size
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- May be aggressive with other dogs
- Prone to escaping
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Neapolitan Mastiff and Shiba Inu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.