Neapolitan Mastiff vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison

Blue Paul Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy. Blue Paul Terrier may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Neapolitan Mastiff. Blue Paul Terrier may weigh 54 kg / 119 pounds lesser than Neapolitan Mastiff. Blue Paul Terrier may live 3 years more than Neapolitan Mastiff. Both Blue Paul Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff has almost same litter size. Blue Paul Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
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United Kingdom
Italy
Height Male:
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
7 - 9 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
6 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Scottish Bull Terrier, the Blue Poll or the Blue Poll Bulldog
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Colors Available:
Dark blue, red, brindle
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Coat:
short and smooth
straight, dense, short
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

Known also as the Scottish Bull Terrier, the Blue Poll or the Blue Poll Bulldog, the Blue Paul Terrier’s origins, as with many unusual dog breeds, are still not known precisely. However they do appear to have been bred with Staffies at some point and appear to have slowly transformed into the Staffie or Pit Bull as we know them today.

There doesn’t seem to be much documentation on the dog’s origins, making many stories of its origins to be looked upon as folklore. It seems as if the dog originated out of Scotland. The name ‘Paul’ is included in the name simply because it is believed that John Paul Jones, who was a sailor, brought the dog to the USA in 1777.

Because this dog has superb fighting skills, it was introduced as part of Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeding in the early 19th century. It is believed that the first dogs came with English immigrants to the United Stated in the middle of the 19th century. At some time, the dog became extinct, but dates of this time can’t be established.

neapolitan mastiffAn ancient breed, the Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive dogs with a history of protecting their family and their property. The breed has deep rooted protective instincts and they are very frightening in appearance. The Neapolitan is of the Molosser group of dogs, all of whom probably came from the same line. It is known that all the mastiffs in Europe are descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff. The Tibetan Mastiff is considered the most ancient of all canines.

The Asian Mastiffs came from India to Greece around 300 BC with Alexander the Great. Then the breed was brought to the Romans by the Greeks and then introduced them in their circus in fights. Another possibility is that around 500 BC the mastiffs came to Britain from the Phoenicians. Either way the Roman Molossus is the ancestor of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

The Romans crossed the breed with the English Mastiff around 55 BC and developed a premiere war dog that was called a Mastini.

The breed eventually became extinct in Europe with the exception of Campania. The breed was recognized in 1946 with the standard accepted in 1949. However, it is believed that the Neapolitan Mastiff has been continuously present in Campania for over two thousand years. The breed was initially developed as war dogs and for the Roman coliseum spectacles.

In 1946 Dr. Piero Scanziani established a program to breed them in Italy. He wrote the breed standard in 1949.

Today the Neo is a farm dog, an army dog, a police dog and a guard dog. They were shown in Italy for the first time in 1946 but only in 2004 was the breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It was 1973 when the Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America was born and 1996 when the standard was approved by the AKC. They are still a rare breed in the United States.

Description

Staffie/Pit Bull Look Alike

The Blue Paul Terrier was a smooth coated, medium sized dog. His coat was mostly dark blue but this sometimes varied to red or brindle. He was a muscled and well built dog, much like our pit bull terriers. He weighed about 20 to 25kg kg, measuring up to 56cm at the withers. He had a broad chest, large head with small cropped ears and a tail that was set low. He is a dog that always stood strongly on his legs. It seems as if he had an aggressive nature as they were used by local dog fighters.

Aggressive by Nature

There is not much information on the temperament of the Blue Paul Terrier, but we can assume, that because he was a Terrier, he would have been full of character and self confidence. Most Terriers don’t actively look for a fight, but will certainly get into a fight if provoked. Aggressive by nature and a fighter, the Blue Paul Terrier possibly had some Staffordshire Bull Terrier in him, so his temperament would be that of a fighter.

He may have been able to live peacefully with children and other dogs and cats in the home, but he would no doubt have had to be raised from a puppy in such a household. Stubborn and headstrong, he would require a firm owner who could take charge of him and training would have been imperative for such a dog.

neapolitan mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive dog , so powerful and very intimidating in his looks. With an incredibly large head and hanging folds and wrinkles, the Neo is an impressive animal. His inner nobility and dignity is evident in his stance and the way he holds himself. He is relaxed, calm, quiet yet imposing none the less. His coat is dark whether black, tawny, gray or mahogany. He is muscular beyond imagination. The Neo is 10-15% longer than he is tall.

On his massive head his eyes are deep set and covered by his eye lids that droop. His eyes are blue as puppies then dark and coordinated with his coat. and his nose is large and the color of his coat. Ears are natural or can be cropped, and they carry their tail straight and curving back. The Neo has round paws and arched toes.

Characteristics

Nobody is quite certain what the Blue Paul Terrier was like. He definitely seemed to be a mix of Pit Bull and Staffie – the same compact, muscular build with a look that speaks of confidence and boldness.

Perhaps if the Blue Paul Terrier wasn’t used for fighting, he might well have made a good pet with training and socialization. Nobody really knows. Maybe he was so aggressive that when dog fighting didn’t work out, and it was discovered that he wasn't really pet-material, nobody bothered when the breed went into extinction. That's the thing with Blue Paul Terriers, nobody is really certain about what they were really like.

Children friendliness

neapolitan mastiff dog - characteristicsOlder children in their family. No toddlers or strangers.

Special talents

Protective yet quiet, calm, relaxed

Adaptability

No they won’t adapt well to apartment living or to strangers.

Learning ability

They are intelligent and trainable but must be socialized and know the human is the alpha or they will take over.

Health Problems

The Blue Paul Terrier Health was generally a healthy dog, but he would no doubt have had the same common dog ailments that most dog breeds have to contend with. All those years ago, when the Blue Paul Terrier was ill, his owner no doubt would have taken him to see the veterinarian for a full screening.

Just like with other dog breeds, he would have been watched for hip dysplasia , ticks and fleas, cataracts and skin infections. It is possible that in those days, owners of the Blue Paul Terrier weren’t aware of how plaque could cause dental problems or gum disease.

neapolitan mastiff puppies - health problemsThe Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to many of the same issues as any massive, extra large breed. The most common of these is Cherry Eye.

Other issues include:

  • Hypothyroidism – treated with medication
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis
  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis
  • Cardiomyopathy – heart issues
  • Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus – can be fatal, needs immediate attention
  • Sensitivity to Anesthetics

Caring The Pet

Feed

Because these dogs were used in fighting, it is a breed that no doubt would have required plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep him fighting fit. No doubt he would have received a high quality food to build up his strength and stamina. Because he was no doubt a high energy dog, his owners would have had to give him nutritious food and ensured fresh, clean water for him.

Grooming

The Blue Paul Terrier had a short, smooth coat, so they were no doubt low maintenance dogs who received a brush down every now and then to remove his loose hair.

Feeding the puppy

neapolitan mastiff dogs - caringNeapolitans grow fast and so don’t overfeed when they are young. Lower protein and higher fat content.

Feeding the adult

Don’t overfeed the adult as they can become obese.

Games and Exercises

This big hearty breed needs exercise but not too much. They overheat easily. The puppy will push himself, so you have to make sure he doesn’t over do it. No tug of war games. They need a long walk twice every day.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Blue Paul Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Blue Paul Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Blue Paul Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Blue Paul Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Blue Paul Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Blue Paul Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Blue Paul Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Paul Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Blue Paul Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Blue Paul Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Paul Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Paul Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Paul Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Blue Paul Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Blue Paul Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Blue Paul Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Blue Paul Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Blue Paul Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Blue Paul Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Blue Paul Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Blue Paul Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Blue Paul Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Paul Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Blue Paul Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison