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Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Italian Bulldog or African Lion Hound or South African Mastiff? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel" Compare Neapolitan Mastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which is better: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
 
 
 
Name Neapolitan Mastiff Rhodesian Ridgeback Boerboel
OriginsItaly flagItaly Zimbabwe flagZimbabwe South Africa flagSouth Africa
Group Working Dogs Hunting Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank10741124
Reviews861
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Italian Bulldog
Italian Mastiff
Italian Molosso
Mastino Napoletano
Neo
African Lion Hound
African Lion Dog
South African Mastiff
South African Boerboel
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Which is the smallest dog, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Giant Large Large
Giant
Weight
Which is heavier, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Rhodesian Ridgeback? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel weight comparison:
Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54 kg) Male: 80-90 pounds (36-41 kg), Female: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) 154-200 pounds (70-90 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 140 pounds (63.5 kg), Female: 110 pounds (49.5 kg) Male: 85 pounds (38.5 kg), Female: 70 pounds (31.5 kg) 177 pounds (80 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel height comparison:
Male: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), Female: 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) Male: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 25-28 inches (64-70 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (59-65 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 28 inches (70 cm), Female: 26 inches (65 cm) Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 26.5 inches (67 cm), Female: 23-25.5 inches (62 cm)

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Which is more expensive?
$1500-$2000 $900-$1200 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Frequent: The Neapolitan Mastiff is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Boerboel is easier than average to get.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Trainability
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel trainability comparison.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite easy to train.
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Boerboel dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are average watchdogs.
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Boerboel dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Boerboel dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel behavior/temperament comparison:
Stubborn
Protective
Obedient
Dominant
Trainable
Fearless
Dignified
Sensitive
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Dominant
Territorial
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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Boerboel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?
Average: Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average: Boerboel dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel social needs comparison:
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are a social breed.
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Boerboel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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The wanderlust potential of the Boerboel is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
See more.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Boerboel dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
See more.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel playfulness comparison:
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a playful breed.
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Average: Boerboels, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?
Low to Average: The Neapolitan Mastiff rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback rarely barks.
See more.
Low to Average: The Boerboel rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Boerboel breed in the home.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Average: Boerboel dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Neapolitan Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rhodesian Ridgeback bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Boerboel bite force: The Strongest.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Boerboel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel mouthiness comparison:
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Boerboel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel health comparison. Which is the healthier: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?
Very healthy dog breed.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Boerboels tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel health problems comparison:
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Dermoid Sinus
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Joint Dysplasia
Vaginal Hyperplasia
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Neapolitan Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Rhodesian Ridgeback should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Boerboel should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Life Expectancy
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel lifespan comparison. How long do Neapolitan Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boerboel breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff: 9 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgeback: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Boerboel: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?
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.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel energy level comparison:
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.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Boerboel 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
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Boerboel dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Boerboel dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2 3/4 to 4 3/8 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel weight gain potential comparison:
High: The Neapolitan Mastiff breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Boerboel has an average risk for obesity.
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Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel coat comparison:
Dense Dense Dense
Shiny
Smooth
Colors
What are the original Neapolitan Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boerboel color?
Black
Blue
Tawny
Mahogany
Gray
Red
White
Golden
Wheaten
Copper
Red
Cream
Brown
Tawny
Brindle
Reddish
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel grooming comparison:
Easy to groom: The Neapolitan Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Rhodesian Ridgeback requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Boerboel requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or {name3 shedding:
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs shed none to minimal.
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Boerboel dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?

High 🔼

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Boerboel has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Boerboel drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
See more.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Boerboel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Which dog is more friendly?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel?
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not dog-friendly.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Boerboel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?
No
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Yes
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Boerboel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Neapolitan Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rhodesian Ridgeback is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Boerboel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are commonly okay with elderly people.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Boerboels are usually recommended for elderly people.

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Neapolitan Mastiff or Rhodesian Ridgeback or Boerboel? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

Boerboel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
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Yes

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Yes

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

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Neapolitan Mastiff and Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boerboel have?
6-12 puppies 6-8 puppies 7-10 puppies

Neapolitan Mastiff vs Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Boerboel Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1955 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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 Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
No data available 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
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club Of The US
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

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