Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Neapolitan Mastiff as a Pet? Answer…

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Neapolitan Mastiff

Fila Brasileiro versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Overview

Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are similar in size. The Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are both giant-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Factor Fila Brasileiro Neapolitan Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 8 to 10 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 120 to 200 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1270 $2870
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1800 – $3700
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 66.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Fila Brasileiro 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 a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get the Neapolitan Mastiff!

    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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Fila Brasileiros have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are most similar:

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Neapolitan Mastiff

    The Fila Brasileiro has a better temperament than the Neapolitan Mastiff.

    This is because the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 they 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 15 Neapolitan Mastiffs.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Neapolitan Mastiff

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 a 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Neapolitan Mastiff
    Average Price $1270 $2870
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1800 to $3700

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Fila Brasileiro and Neapolitan Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Fila Brasileiro puppies or how many Neapolitan Mastiff puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Neapolitan Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Neapolitan Mastiffs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Fila Brasileiro 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Neapolitan Mastiff

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros and many Neapolitan Mastiffs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, Neapolitan Mastiffs are also available for adoption. For example, Fabio (New Intake) is a Male Neapolitan Mastiff that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Neapolitan Mastiffs like Fabio (New Intake) that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also Gus, an adorable Male Neapolitan Mastiff on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Fila Brasileiros and Neapolitan Mastiffs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Neapolitan Mastiff

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Neapolitan Mastiff

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Fila Brasileiros have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Boerboel.
  • 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:

  • Doberman Pinscher (67 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Mastiff.
  • Spanish Mastiff (69 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Fila Brasileiro and how the Neapolitan Mastiff compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Fila Brasileiro and of the Neapolitan Mastiff to other breeds:

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Belgian Malinois     Fila Brasileiro versus Westiepoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Papillon     Fila Brasileiro versus Norwich Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Komondor     Fila Brasileiro versus Spinone Italiano     Fila Brasileiro versus Shichon     Fila Brasileiro versus Plott     Fila Brasileiro versus Mastiff     Fila Brasileiro versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     

    Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Neapolitan Mastiff versus Biewer Terrier     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Rottweiler     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Afghan Hound     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Kooikerhondje     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Australian Cattle Dog     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Siberian Husky     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puggle     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Neapolitan Mastiff versus German Longhaired Pointer     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Neapolitan Mastiff better suits you and your family.