Neapolitan Mastiff vs Russian Harlequin Hound - Breed Comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff is originated from Italy but Russian Harlequin Hound is originated from Russia. Both Neapolitan Mastiff and Russian Harlequin Hound are having almost same height. Neapolitan Mastiff may weigh 48 kg / 106 pounds more than Russian Harlequin Hound. Neapolitan Mastiff may live 3 years less than Russian Harlequin Hound. Neapolitan Mastiff may have more litter size than Russian Harlequin Hound. Neapolitan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance. But Russian Harlequin Hound 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.

The origins of the Russian Harlequin Hound are somewhat vague as there are many Russian hunting hounds and many of them have a similar ancestry.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is an indigenous hound whose origins go back to the 18th century. The first breed standard was published in 1925.

The breed was then developed during the early 1900s – being a mix of Russian Hound and English Foxhound. The Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed and you will find it almost exclusively in Russia.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
Italy
Russia
Height Male:
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
61 - 79 kg
134 - 175 pounds
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
Weight Female:
51 - 69 kg
112 - 153 pounds
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 9 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 12
6 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Can'e presa • Italian Mastiff • Italian Molosso • Mastino • Mastino - Mastini plural • Mastino Napoletano • Neo
Anglo-Russkaya Gontjaja, Russian Spotted Hound
Colors Available:
black, mahogany and tawny, blue, chocolate, gray
White with tan and black markings
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, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is a medium to large sized dog that stands between 55 – 68cm in height and weighs between 18 – 31kg.

He has a solid build with long, straight legs with a long tail that can be slightly curved. The head is broad and square with medium sized ears which are floppy. The short coat is essentially white with tri-colored markings of white, tan and black.

Temperament:

The Russian Harlequin Hound has an amicable expression to his face and is a friendly social dog breed. He is lively and energetic, and with his hunting background will required a good deal of exercise.

They make great family pets, getting on well with children in the home and making friends with any other pets in the family. He is a gentle dog and with training and socialization is well mannered and obedient.

He loves his human family and wants to spend time with them in their company. He isn't suited to life in the city and a small property, but will require a home with bigger grounds.

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.

The Russian Harlequin Hound has always been a hunting dog, known for his excellent hunting skills. He isn’t only a good hunting dog, but he makes a good family pet too.

If you’re looking for an unusual dog breed that is also intelligent, loyal and loving, then you might want to consider this Russian Harlequin Hound.

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

Your Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed that can reach 12 years of age if well cared for. There are some dog ailments that must be watched for. Cancer, ear infections and skin allergies can be problems to look out for. Other troublesome ailments can be -

Bloat:

This is a more common disease with deep-chested dogs, and the deep chested Russian Harlequin Hound is prone to bloat. Gas is trapped in the stomach and the stomach can actually twist. It can be life threatening. Your pet will have a hard, swollen belly and will be restless and salivating. Get him to the vet immediately. He may well require immediate surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is all about problems with the hip joints. It is sad for any dog with this disease as it can be painful for your pet to walk. Inflammation and arthritis can mean your pet being in pain. He can become lame too.

There are anti-inflammatory medications and your vet will suggest other treatments to make sure your pet is as comfortable as can be.

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.

Exercise:

The Russian Harlequin Hound needs both mental and physical stimulation. He is a curious dog and wants to be out and about sniffing around and exploring. He will need to have a walk every day as well as lots of ball- and rope games. He will suit being the pet of a busy, outdoorsy family as opposed to a family of couch potatoes.

Grooming:

The Russian Harlequin Hound is looked upon as a low maintenance dog breed, and with his short, dense coat you can get by with just brushing him twice a week. Because he is such a lover of the outdoors check him over for ticks and fleas when you brush him.

Check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Open his mouth and look for bad, rotting teeth.

Check him over for any unusual lumps.

Make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge.

Trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog should be fed excellent food as this encourages good health. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be wonderfully convenient and nutritious if you get the better quality ones.

Try and include some simple, tasty home-made food to his diet . High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more tasty for him by giving him some chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. This can be added into the dry kibble twice a week.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  3. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  4. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  5. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  6. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  7. Nebolish Mastiff vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  9. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  14. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  15. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  18. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  19. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  20. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  22. Santal Hound vs Russian Harlequin Hound - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  26. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Harlequin Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Harlequin Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds