Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz or the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Japanese Spitz is a small-sized dog while the Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff

Factor Japanese Spitz Neapolitan Mastiff
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 8 to 10 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 120 to 200 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1600 $2870
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1800 – $3700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 out of 125.

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

    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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff

    Below is a list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are most different:

  • Japanese Spitzs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Japanese Spitzs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Japanese Spitzs are good for new dog owners. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Japanese Spitzs can tolerate cold weather. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Japanese Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff

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

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff.

    Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 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.

    Lifespan of Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is 9.0 years.

    Japanese Spitzs live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.

    Price of Japanese Spitz versus Price of Neapolitan Mastiff

    The average price of the Japanese Spitz puppy is $1600. The price of the Japanese Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $2000. However, the price of a Japanese Spitz can be as low as $800 and as high as $2200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 5 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz.

    Japanese Spitz Neapolitan Mastiff
    Average Price $1600 $2870
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1800 to $3700

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Spitzs. 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 Japanese Spitz 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Neapolitan Mastiff

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs 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.

    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 Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Neapolitan Mastiff

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    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 Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitz or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs and Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff vs Dutch Shepherd.
  • 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 Japanese Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher.
  • Mastiff (72 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Mastiff.
  • Spanish Mastiff (69 percent match with Neapolitan Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Japanese Spitz vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Boerboel     Japanese Spitz versus Shetland Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Coton de Tulear     Japanese Spitz versus Westiepoo     Japanese Spitz versus Labrador Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus English Cocker Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Jack Russell Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Sealyham Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Golden Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Bich Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Bichon Frise     Japanese Spitz versus Harrier     Japanese Spitz versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Japanese Spitz versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Japanese Spitz versus Great Dane     Japanese Spitz versus Basenji     Japanese Spitz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Japanese Spitz versus Valley Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Afghan Hound     Japanese Spitz versus Siberian Husky     Japanese Spitz versus Irish Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Puli     Japanese Spitz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

    Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Neapolitan Mastiff versus Morkie     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Coton de Tulear     Neapolitan Mastiff versus American Bulldog     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Sheepadoodle     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Shetland Sheepdog     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Tibetan Mastiff     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pekingese     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bulldog     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Affenhuahua     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Azawakh     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Irish Setter     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Saluki     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Lhasa Apso     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puggle     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Dogo Argentino     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Saluki     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Chow Chow     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Border Terrier     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Black Mouth Cur     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Japanese Chin     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Belgian Tervuren     Neapolitan Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz and the Neapolitan Mastiff better suits you and your family.