Yorkshire Terrier 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.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Neapolitan Mastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
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: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Neapolitan Mastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Neapolitan Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing 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: Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 7-9 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 24-31 inches 61-79 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 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 | Yorkshire Terrier | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Loyal, Dignified, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Neapolitan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers 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, Yorkshire Terriers 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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Bloat
- Ectropion
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
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 Yorkshire Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.