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Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Comparison - Dog breed selector: Old English Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog or Italian Bulldog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff" Compare Mastiff and German Shepherd. Which is better: Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff?
 
 
 
Name Mastiff German Shepherd Neapolitan Mastiff
OriginsEngland flagEngland Germany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank282107
Reviews3218
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds.
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Italian Bulldog
Italian Mastiff
Italian Molosso
Mastino Napoletano
Neo
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is the largest?
Giant Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 140 pounds (63.5 kg), Female: 110 pounds (49.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff? Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff height comparison:
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), Female: 24-28 inches (60-70 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 28 inches (70 cm), Female: 26 inches (65 cm)

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1200-$1500 $800-$2000 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff?
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Neapolitan Mastiff is easier than average to get.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is easiest to train?
Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is most alert?
Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is most protective?
Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff? Compare temperaments.
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Stubborn
Protective
Obedient
Dominant
Trainable
Fearless
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff?
High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff social needs comparison:
Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Neapolitan Mastiff rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is most playful?
Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Mastiff indoors.
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 German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Neapolitan Mastiff breed in the home.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is most flexible?
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Neapolitan Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which has fewer health issues?
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
No data available

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which breed is most active?
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff?
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Neapolitan Mastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which needs most food?
8 to 10 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. 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. What colors are available?
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Blue
Tawny
Mahogany
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Easy to groom: The Neapolitan Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which drools least?
The 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 German Shepherd 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Fuzzy Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very 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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Mastiff or German Shepherd or Neapolitan Mastiff? Mastiff or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Good With Comparison

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

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes good 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 Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect 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 Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

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

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

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 Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

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

Yes

This breed would make an excellent 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 Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Not really

German Shepherd 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.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

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

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.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. 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.

Yes

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

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. 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.

Mastiff vs German Shepherd vs Neapolitan Mastiff Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Mastiff, German Shepherd, and Neapolitan Mastiff. 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
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
No data available

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