Neapolitan Mastiff vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed ComparisonNeapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Harlequin Pinscher is originated from Germany. Neapolitan Mastiff may grow 37 cm / 15 inches higher than Harlequin Pinscher. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 74 kg / 164 pounds more than Harlequin Pinscher. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 6 years less than Harlequin Pinscher. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Harlequin Pinscher. Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance. But Harlequin Pinscher 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.

harlequin pinscher - historyThis toy-sized dog is a type of Miniature Pinscher originating in Germany. The dog was developed by crossing traditional Miniature Pinschers with other toy-sized short-haired terriers. He falls into the Terrier category.

The dog was used to kill rats, but has always been a devoted pet at the same time. They nearly became extinct after World War II, but the breed was once again restored. Today it is an established breed, but it isn’t recognized by any of the major kennel clubs.

In fact, The Harlequin Pinscher Association is the only breed club that recognizes the Harlequin Pinscher. It can be registered with the Harlequins Pinschers Association or with the American Canine Association.

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.

harlequin pinscher puppy - descriptionThis is a small compact dog standing at 25 – 33cm in height and weighing about 3kg to 4 or 5kg. He has dark eyes and ears which are set high and which are erect with just the top of them folding forwards.

The legs are straight and thin with small cat-like shaped paws. The tail is traditionally cropped, but these days the tail is left longer. He has a short coat which is available in a range of colors – black, brown, red, fawn patterns of merle, brindle or piebald. The Harlequin Pinscher is like a Bambi or a small deer, especially when they're a bit long in the leg.

Temperament:

Alert and inquisitive, the Harlequin Pinscher is a feisty, devoted little dog, brave and loyal and he has a lot of energy. He is intelligent too and with training and socialization, he becomes such a pleasure to have around, obedient and responding well to instructions.

He is known to be good with other pets as well as with children, so long as the children have been taught to respect animals. As always, a dog pretty much turns out the way the owners are, and with training and firmness while being patient and fair, you don’t have to worry about your Harlequin turning into a ‘small dog syndrome’ animal – whining, snappy and disagreeable. He is actually described as a big dog in a tiny dog's body.

The Harlequin Pinscher is a social dog and wants to be with you wherever you go.

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.

harlequin pinscher dog - characteristicsThe Harlequin Pinscher may have once been good at catching rats but these days they are much more sought after for their ability to be a splendid companion and pet.

He is such an entertaining, social little dog, wanting to spend as much time with you as possible. He is fearless, energetic, playful, confident, loving and intelligent and those who have owned them say they are courageous way beyond their size.

He is strong willed, stubborn and confident and this larger-than-life dog is just waiting to show you what a wonderful friend he can be to you too.

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

harlequin pinscher puppies - health problemsHarlequin Pinschers, just like other dog breeds, have health issues that they are prone to such as epilepsy, dental issues, obesity and Patellar Luxation.

Epilepsy or Seizures:

Some seizures in dogs are genetic or related to illness. A dog could have ingested something poisonous while a head injury can also cause seizures in dogs. If your pet has a seizure you may notice foaming at the mouth, drooling or twitching of the legs.

After a seizure you could see your dog walking in circles and bumping into things. It is important to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

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.

Grooming:

harlequin pinscher dogs - caringThe short, smooth coat of the Harlequin Pinscher is easy to maintain, shedding little. With such a small, nimble dog, you can even take a damp cloth and wipe him down. You can brush him down once or twice a week to keep his coat healthy and shiny.

Dogs can develop dental problems such as tartar and plaque build-up. and this can lead to canine dental problems which can turn life-threatening as bad teeth affect the heart, kidneys and the liver.

You need to brush your pet's teeth 2 or 3 times a week making use of canine toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use regular human toothpaste for your dog as it can be poison to him. It is why dry kibble is better than soft food as the soft food sticks to the dogs teeth.

Diet:

Your Harlequin Pinscher is also a member of the toy breed group and he has high energy levels. Always choose a high quality kibble for a small dog breed and also which is in keeping with his age and activity levels. He will do well on a high quality dry commercial food, some raw meat or home-cooked food such as chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables. If your dog is an energetic dog, he will benefit from a diet rich in protein.

It will be tempting to feed your little pet tasty treats such as chocolate, nuts, coffee and milk but be careful as these can cause severe digestive problems with your dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Terrier dog
Origin:
Italy
Germany
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
25 - 23 cm
9 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
2 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Spotted Pinscher, Merle Pinscher, Harlequin Miniature Pinscher, Harlequin Min Pin
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
brown, Black, brindle or piebald, fawn patterns of merle, red
Coat:
straight, dense, short
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
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, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Harlequin Pinscher vs Biewer - Breed Comparison
  2. Morkie vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  4. Pekingese vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  5. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Toy Terrier vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Phalene vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  8. Harlequin Pinscher vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  10. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  11. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  13. Harlequin Pinscher vs Bichonpoo - Breed Comparison
  14. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  15. Harlequin Pinscher vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Harlequin Pinscher vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  17. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Harlequin Pinscher vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  19. Harlequin Pinscher vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  20. Harlequin Pinscher vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  21. Harlequin Pinscher vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  22. Harlequin Pinscher vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  23. Harlequin Pinscher vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  24. Shih Tzu vs Harlequin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  25. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  26. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  28. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  31. Nebolish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  33. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  37. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  38. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  42. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  43. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  44. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds