Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba. Neapolitan Mastiff may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Dogo Cubano. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 33 kg / 73 pounds more than Dogo Cubano. Both Neapolitan Mastiff and Dogo Cubano has almost same life span. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Dogo Cubano. Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance. But Dogo Cubano requires Low 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.

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

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.

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

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.

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

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 Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

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.

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Italy
Cuba
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
2 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
Coat:
straight, dense, short
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Cubano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Cubano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Cubano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Cubano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Cubano vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Cubano vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Cubano vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Cubano vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Cubano vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Cubano vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Cubano vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Cubano vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Cubano vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Cubano vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  31. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  32. Nebolish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  38. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  40. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  43. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  44. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  45. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds