Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Briard Versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Introduction
- Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Overview
- Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff
- The Similarities Between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff
- Size (Weight and Height) of Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff
- Lifespan of Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff
- Temperament of the Briard Versus the Neapolitan Mastiff
- Price of Briard versus Price of Neapolitan Mastiff
- The Popularity of Briard versus Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff
- Health Problems of Briard versus Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tolerates Being Alone: Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff
- Do Briards shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs?
- Which one drools more, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff?
- Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Neapolitan Mastiff?
- Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?
- Can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Neapolitan Mastiff
- Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff?
- Are Briards good family dogs? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?
- How Kid-friendly are Briards and Neapolitan Mastiffs?
- Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Neapolitan Mastiff?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Briard
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Neapolitan Mastiff
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
Briard Versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Briard and for the Neapolitan Mastiff. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Overview
A very important difference between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Briard is a large-sized dog while the Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Briard belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Neapolitan Mastiff belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Briard to the Neapolitan Mastiff based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff
| Factor | Briard | Neapolitan Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 8 to 10 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 100 pounds | 120 to 200 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 9.0 years |
| Average Price | $2250 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $2125 – $2375 | $1800 – $3700 |
| Temperament Score | 81.7 percent | 66.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 133 | 104 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Briard in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Neapolitan Mastiff. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Briard is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Briard is a better pet than the Neapolitan Mastiff. So, you should get the Briard!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff
Below is a list of where the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff are most different:
The Similarities Between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff
The Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Briards weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Briards are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh 120 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Neapolitan Mastiffs are 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff
The lifespan of Briards is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Briards is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is 9.0 years.
Briards live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Temperament of the Briard Versus the Neapolitan Mastiff
The Briard has a better temperament than the Neapolitan Mastiff.
This is because the temperament score for the Briard is 81.7 percent while the temperament score for the Neapolitan Mastiff is 66.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 81.7 percent, the Briard has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 382 Briards and 15 Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Price of Briard versus Price of Neapolitan Mastiff
The average price of the Briard puppy is $2250. The price of the Briard typically ranges from $2125 – $2375. However, the price of a Briard can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Briard puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy is $2870. The price of the Neapolitan Mastiff typically ranges from $1800 – $3700. However, the price of the Neapolitan Mastiff can be as low as $500 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 83 Neapolitan Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is more expensive than the Briard.
| Briard | Neapolitan Mastiff | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2250 | $2870 |
| Price Range | $2125 to $2375 | $1800 to $3700 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Briard and Neapolitan Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Briard puppies or how many Neapolitan Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Briards. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Neapolitan Mastiffs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Briard puppy or the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
The Popularity of Briard versus Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Neapolitan Mastiff is more popular with dog owners than the Briard. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Neapolitan Mastiff is 104 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Briard is 133 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Briard
Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff
| Year | Briard Popularity Rank | Neapolitan Mastiff Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 127 | 111 |
| 2014 | 132 | 114 |
| 2015 | 130 | 106 |
| 2016 | 132 | 99 |
| 2017 | 127 | 107 |
| 2018 | 132 | 102 |
| 2019 | 135 | 100 |
| 2020 | 150 | 100 |
Health Problems of Briard versus Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Briard is prone to more genetic health problems than the Neapolitan Mastiff.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Briard than for the Neapolitan Mastiff.
5 health tests are recommended for Briard while 4 tests are recommended for the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Briards and in Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Briard Health Problems
Briards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Briard puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Briard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Briard breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Briards for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Briards here.
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Problems
Neapolitan Mastiffs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Neapolitan Mastiff puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Neapolitan Mastiff breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Neapolitan Mastiffs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Neapolitan Mastiffs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Briards and Neapolitan Mastiffs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Briard Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Briard ranks 84 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2881 Briards, 406 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Briards, and how common these diseases are in Briards relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Neapolitan Mastiff ranks 6 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 236 Neapolitan Mastiffs, 118 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Neapolitan Mastiffs, and how common these diseases are in Neapolitan Mastiffs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Briard and in Neapolitan Mastiff and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff:
| Disease | Briard Rank | Neapolitan Mastiff Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 84 out of 198 dog breeds | 6 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 130 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 134 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 87 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff
Briards can be left alone only for a short time.
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.
Do Briards shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs?
Briards do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff
Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.
Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Briards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Briards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?
Briards are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.
Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Neapolitan Mastiff
Briards have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Briards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Briards get along very well with other dogs.
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Briards good family dogs? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?
Briards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Briards and Neapolitan Mastiffs?
Briards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Briards are very easy to train.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Briard Better for Apartment Owners than the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Briard or the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Briards are OK for new dog owners.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Briard
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Briard that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Briard:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Neapolitan Mastiff
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Neapolitan Mastiff that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Neapolitan Mastiff:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Briard and how the Neapolitan Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Briard and of the Neapolitan Mastiff to other breeds:
Briard Versus Other Dog Breeds
Briard versus Boykin Spaniel Briard versus West Highland White Terrier Briard versus Norfolk Terrier Briard versus Dachshund Briard versus Golden Cocker Retriever Briard versus Estrela Mountain Dog Briard versus Affenpinscher Briard versus Icelandic Sheepdog Briard versus Schnoodle Briard versus Collie Briard versus Puggle Briard versus Australian Terrier Briard versus Bull Terrier Briard versus Catahoula Bulldog Briard versus Peek A Poo Briard versus American Staffordshire Terrier Briard versus Irish Wolfhound Briard versus German Longhaired Pointer Briard versus Boerboel Briard versus Kuvasz Briard versus Affenhuahua Briard versus Shih Tzu Briard versus American Foxhound Briard versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Briard versus Hovawart
Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Akbash Neapolitan Mastiff versus Mastiff Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bullmastiff Neapolitan Mastiff versus Black Russian Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Schnoodle Neapolitan Mastiff versus Vizsla Neapolitan Mastiff versus Braque du Bourbonnais Neapolitan Mastiff versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Valley Bulldog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bearded Collie Neapolitan Mastiff versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Skye Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Schnoodle Neapolitan Mastiff versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Akita Neapolitan Mastiff versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shichon Neapolitan Mastiff versus English Setter Neapolitan Mastiff versus Miniature Schnauzer Neapolitan Mastiff versus Tibetan Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bracco Italiano Neapolitan Mastiff versus English Springer Spaniel Neapolitan Mastiff versus Labrador Retriever
Conclusion: Briard versus Neapolitan Mastiff. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Briard and the Neapolitan Mastiff better suits you and your family.