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Barbet vs Neapolitan Mastiff Comparison. Which dog is better for you: French Water Dog or Italian Molosso?

Compare the Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a French Water Dog or a Italian Molosso? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

French Water Dog
Italian Mastiff, Mastino Napoletano, Can39;E Presa, Italian Bulldog, Neo, Italian Molosso

Weight

What is the average weight of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?
49.5 pounds ( 22 kg )
175.0 pounds ( 79 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff
24.0 inches ( 61 cm )
28.5 inches ( 72.4 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbet has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Neapolitan Mastiff tends to gain weight easily, needs increased exercise and playtime along with controlled food intake.

Hypoallergenic

Are Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Barbets are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

No

Unfortunately, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff dogs?
Companionable
Intelligent
Obedient
Cheerful
Joyful

Protective
Fearless
Stubborn
Dominant
Obedient
Trainable

Shedding Level

Do Barbets shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs, or which breed sheds more, Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs?

Barbets shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbets are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Choose a Neapolitan Mastiff if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff dog breeds?
France

Italy

Ancestry

What are the origins of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds?
Water dog

british mastiff

Date of Birth

When were Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds first developed?
1500s

ancient times

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?
Sporting
Gun dog (UKC)

Working (AKC:2004)
Guardian (UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff dogs?
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?
Black
Brown

Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds?
Black
Brown
Fawn
Gray
Pied

Black
Brown
Red
Fawn
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds?

Barbets have medium-length coats.

Neapolitan Mastiffs have short coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?
Curly

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Barbet can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

8-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Neapolitan Mastiff can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Barbets have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Neapolitan Mastiffs may have difficulty adjusting to changes in lifestyle and living environments, preferring consistency.

Health Issues

Between Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Barbets are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

The Neapolitan Mastiff breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds?
Entropion
Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia
Bloat

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?
Cataracts
Epilepsy

Entropion
Ectropion
Cherry Eye

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds?
Eye
Hip
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Barbets and Neapolitan Mastiffs compare?

Barbets thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Barbet vs Neapolitan Mastiff social needs comparison

Barbet has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Neapolitan Mastiff has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Exercise Needed

Barbet vs Neapolitan Mastiff exercise need comparison.

Barbets need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Neapolitan Mastiffs need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbets are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Neapolitan Mastiffs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbet minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Neapolitan Mastiff excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs bark more/less frequently?

Compared to most other breeds, Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff tend to be less vocal and bark less frequently. They typically only bark when necessary, such as to communicate or alert their owner, and do not bark excessively, especially when left alone.

Territorial

Is the Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff a better guard dog?

While Barbet dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Barbet vs Neapolitan Mastiff?

Roaming urge

Barbet vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff entertained?
Fetch, Walking, Walk, Play, Dressing up

Hide & Seek

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs?

Medium

Both Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff walk each week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Barbet, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Neapolitan Mastiff, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs require more exercise?

45 minutes

In general most Barbets usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

60 minutes

In general most Neapolitan Mastiffs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs?

The Barbet requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The Neapolitan Mastiff has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff dogs?

Weekly

Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Barbets and Neapolitan Mastiffs?
Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff in cups?

3 cups

For an average 37-62 pound (17 - 28 kg) Barbet feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

6.5 cups

For an average 150-200 pound (68 - 91 kg) Neapolitan Mastiff feed 6.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Barbet is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

$5.60 - $6.30 / day

The average cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff is somewhere $5.60 - $6.30 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Barbet is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$168 - $189 / month

The average per month expenses of a Neapolitan Mastiff is between $168 - $189. This makes an average of $2016 - $2268 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Barbets vs Neapolitan Mastiffs

Barbets are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Neapolitan Mastiff has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff compare in sensitivity?

Barbets have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Barbet vs Neapolitan Mastiff?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbets are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Neapolitan Mastiffs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Child Friendly

Do Barbets or Neapolitan Mastiffs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Barbets are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Neapolitan Mastiffs have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Cat Friendly

Do Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Barbets and Neapolitan Mastiffs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbets are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not dog-friendly.

Pet friendly

How do Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Barbet or Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbets are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very stranger friendly.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Barbet and Neapolitan Mastiff?

Barbets are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Barbets and Neapolitan Mastiffs compare?

Barbets are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Neapolitan Mastiffs may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.

Common match-ups