Neapolitan Mastiff vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Russian Setter is originated from Russia. Both Neapolitan Mastiff and Russian Setter are having almost same height. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 47 kg / 104 pounds more than Russian Setter. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 5 years less than Russian Setter. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Russian Setter. Both Neapolitan Mastiff and Russian Setter requires Moderate maintenance.

History

neapolitan mastiff - historyAn 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.

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Setter dog
Origin:
Italy
Russia
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
5 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
None
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
Coat:
straight, dense, short
Short or long, smooth or wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

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.

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

Characteristics

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.

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

Health Problems

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

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

Caring The Pet

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.

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  3. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  4. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  5. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  6. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  7. Nebolish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  9. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  15. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  18. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  19. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  20. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  22. Sakhalin Husky vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  23. Schnauzer vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  24. Schnoodle vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  25. Santal Hound vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  26. Sanshu vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Sapsali vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Setter vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Setter vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Setter vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Setter vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Setter vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Setter vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Setter vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Setter vs Pomsky - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Setter vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Setter vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Setter vs Other - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Setter vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Setter vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Setter vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds