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Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Italian Bulldog or Abruzzese Sheepdog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog" Compare Maltese and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is better: Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Neapolitan Mastiff Maremma Sheepdog
OriginsItaly flagItaly Italy flagItaly Italy flagItaly
Group Companion Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank33107398
Reviews385
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Italian Bulldog
Italian Mastiff
Italian Molosso
Mastino Napoletano
Neo
Abruzzese Sheepdog
Abruzzo Sheepdog
Maremma
Maremmano
Maremmano-Abruzzese
Pastore Abruzzese
Pastore Maremmano
Cane da Pastore
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Small Giant Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 140 pounds (63.5 kg), Female: 110 pounds (49.5 kg) Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog? Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), Female: 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) 24-29 inches (60-73 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 28 inches (70 cm), Female: 26 inches (65 cm) 26.5 inches (66.5 cm)

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $1500-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Neapolitan Mastiff is easier than average to get.
Average: The Maremma Sheepdog is a commonly available dog breed.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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A slightly harder to train than average.
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Maremma Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Maremma Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maremma Sheepdog dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Stubborn
Protective
Obedient
Dominant
Trainable
Fearless
Dignified
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Determined
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
High: Maremma Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Neapolitan Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Maremma Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Neapolitan Mastiff rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Maremma Sheepdog rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Maremma Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Neapolitan Mastiff breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Maremma Sheepdog indoors.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: Maremma Sheepdog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maremma Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Neapolitan Mastiff dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Neapolitan Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Maremma Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff: 9 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Maremma Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Neapolitan Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maremma Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Obesity

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Maltese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog?
Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Neapolitan Mastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
High: The Maremma Sheepdog breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. What colors are available?
White Black
Blue
Tawny
Mahogany
White
Yellow
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Neapolitan Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The Maremma Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
The Maremma Sheepdog is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maremma Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Rough
Thick
Double
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog? Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Maremma Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is best with kids?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Neapolitan Mastiff or Maremma Sheepdog?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not dog-friendly.
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
No
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Maremma Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Neapolitan Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maremma Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are commonly okay with elderly people.
Maremma Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Neapolitan Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maremma Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 6-12 puppies 5-9 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Maltese vs Neapolitan Mastiff vs Maremma Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004 as a Working breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Maremma Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
No data available American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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