Russian Toy vs Neapolitan Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Russian Toy
Miscellaneous Class
Neapolitan Mastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Russian Toy Overview
Russian Toys embody elegance in a compact frame, featuring delicate bone structure and graceful movements. Their distinctive large, round eyes and erect triangular ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Available in both smooth and long-coated varieties, these diminutive companions showcase a refined build with long legs and a high-set tail carried in a sickle curve.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Russian Toys are less energetic than Neapolitan Mastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Russian Toys require less grooming attention compared to Neapolitan Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russian Toys tend to be more reserved with strangers than Neapolitan Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Neapolitan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Neapolitan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russian Toys 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 Russian Toy and Neapolitan Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Russian Toy | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Russian Toy | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 110-150 lbs 50-68 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Russian Toy | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Smart, Charming | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Russian Toy | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Russian Toy Temperament
The Russian Toy is known for being loyal, smart, charming, 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.
Neapolitan Mastiff Temperament
The Neapolitan Mastiff is characterized by being loyal, dignified, watchful, 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 Russian Toy and Neapolitan Mastiff, 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
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Russian Toy
Rating: 2/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Russian Toy
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Russian Toy Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russian Toys 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, Russian Toys require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Neapolitan Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Neapolitan Mastiffs 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, Neapolitan Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Russian Toy Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Murmurs
- Bone Fractures
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Bloat
- Ectropion
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Russian Toy
Pros
- Compact size
- Minimal grooming needs
- Affectionate nature
- Good for apartments
Cons
- Fragile build
- Can be yappy
- Not ideal with young children
- Temperature sensitive
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Russian Toy and Neapolitan Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.