Spanish Water Dog 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.
Spanish Water Dog
Herding Group
Neapolitan Mastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Spanish Water Dog Overview
Spanish Water Dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and athletic build, standing 40-50 cm at the shoulder. Their powerful frame combines agility with strength, featuring a well-proportioned body and expressive eyes. Known for their rustic appearance, these versatile herders display remarkable intelligence and an eager-to-please attitude while maintaining their natural working instincts.
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: Spanish Water Dogs are more energetic than Neapolitan Mastiffs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Spanish Water Dogs require more grooming attention compared to Neapolitan Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Spanish Water Dogs 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: Neapolitan Mastiffs adapt better to apartment living, while Spanish Water Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Spanish Water Dog and Neapolitan Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-20 inches 40-50 cm | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm |
| Weight | 31-49 lbs 14-22 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 | Spanish Water Dog | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful but also Work-Oriented. Very Active and Upbeat. | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Spanish Water Dog | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Spanish Water Dog Temperament
The Spanish Water Dog is known for being playful but also work-oriented. very active and upbeat., making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Spanish Water Dog 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
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 4/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 1/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Spanish Water Dog
Rating: 5/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Spanish Water Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spanish Water Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Spanish Water Dogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Spanish Water Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CHD
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Bloat
- Ectropion
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Spanish Water Dog
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Excellent swimming ability
- Low shedding coat
- Versatile working dog
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Strong herding instincts
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 Spanish Water Dog and Neapolitan Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.