Neapolitan Mastiff vs Working Kelpie
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
Working Kelpie
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.
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Neapolitan Mastiffs are less energetic than Working Kelpies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Neapolitan Mastiffs require more grooming attention compared to Working Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Working Kelpies.
- Trainability: Neapolitan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Neapolitan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Working Kelpies 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 Working Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-9 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm |
| Weight | 110-150 lbs 50-68 kg | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful | Alert, Eager, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Neapolitan Mastiff | Working Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is characterized by being alert, eager, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Neapolitan Mastiff and Working Kelpie, 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
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
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.
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Working Kelpies 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
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
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
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Neapolitan Mastiff and Working Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.