Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Pointer: Introduction
- Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer: Overview
- Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer
- The Similarities Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer
- Size (Weight and Height) of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer
- Lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer
- Temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff Versus the Pointer
- Price of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Price of Pointer
- The Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Popularity of Pointer
- Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Health Problems of Pointer
- Tolerates Being Alone: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer
- Do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed more than Pointers?
- Which one drools more, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer?
- Does the Neapolitan Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?
- Do Neapolitan Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?
- Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Neapolitan Mastiff vs. Pointer
- Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer?
- Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Pointers?
- How Kid-friendly are Neapolitan Mastiffs and Pointers?
- Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Easier to Train than the Pointer?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Neapolitan Mastiff
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?
Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Pointer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer? 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and for the Pointer. 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer.
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer: Overview
A very important difference between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Pointer is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Neapolitan Mastiff to the Pointer 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer
| Factor | Neapolitan Mastiff | Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 120 to 200 pounds | 45 to 75 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 8 to 10 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 9.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2870 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3700 | $800 – $1300 |
| Temperament Score | 66.7 percent | 90.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 104 | 115 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Neapolitan Mastiff 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 Pointer. 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 Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pointer is 75 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pointer is a better pet than the Neapolitan Mastiff. So, you should get the Pointer!
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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer
Below is a list of where the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer are most different:
The Similarities Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer
The Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer.
Neapolitan Mastiffs weigh 120 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Neapolitan Mastiffs are 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer
The lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is 9.0 years.
The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.
Pointers live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff Versus the Pointer
The Pointer has a better temperament than the Neapolitan Mastiff.
This is because the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 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 66.7 percent, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 15 Neapolitan Mastiffs and 20 Pointers.
Price of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Price of Pointer
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 reviewing the prices of 83 Neapolitan Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of the Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is more expensive than the Pointer.
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Pointer | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2870 | $1080 |
| Price Range | $1800 to $3700 | $800 to $1300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Neapolitan Mastiff and Pointer. For different price points, the charts show how many Neapolitan Mastiff puppies or how many Pointer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Neapolitan Mastiffs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Pointers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy or the Pointer 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 Neapolitan Mastiff versus Popularity of Pointer
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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Neapolitan Mastiff is more popular with dog owners than the Pointer. 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 Pointer is 115 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff
Popularity of Pointer
| Year | Neapolitan Mastiff Popularity Rank | Pointer Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 111 | 114 |
| 2014 | 114 | 119 |
| 2015 | 106 | 114 |
| 2016 | 99 | 117 |
| 2017 | 107 | 113 |
| 2018 | 102 | 114 |
| 2019 | 100 | 115 |
| 2020 | 100 | 116 |
Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Health Problems of Pointer
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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer 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 Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Neapolitan Mastiff.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pointer than for the Neapolitan Mastiff.
4 health tests are recommended for Neapolitan Mastiff while 5 tests are recommended for the Pointer.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs and in Pointers.
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.
Pointer Health Problems
Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pointer 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 Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pointer 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 Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs and Pointers
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:
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 Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pointers, and how common these diseases are in Pointers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Neapolitan Mastiff and in Pointer and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer:
| Disease | Neapolitan Mastiff Rank | Pointer Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 6 out of 198 dog breeds | 137 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 87 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 17 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 44 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 66 out of 144 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: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.
Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed more than Pointers?
Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.
Pointers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer
Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Pointers are very easy to groom.
Does the Neapolitan Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?
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.
Pointers 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.
Do Neapolitan Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Neapolitan Mastiff vs. Pointer
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer?
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Pointers?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Neapolitan Mastiffs and Pointers?
Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Easier to Train than the Pointer?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Pointers are very easy to train.
Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Pointer?
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Pointer?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
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 Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pointer 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 Pointer:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Neapolitan Mastiff and how the Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff and of the Pointer to other breeds:
Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Scottish Deerhound Neapolitan Mastiff versus Standard Poodle Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bichon Frise Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bull Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd Neapolitan Mastiff versus Australian Cattle Dog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Australian Kelpie Neapolitan Mastiff versus Akita Chow Neapolitan Mastiff versus Tibetan Spaniel Neapolitan Mastiff versus Aussiedoodle Neapolitan Mastiff versus Fila Brasileiro Neapolitan Mastiff versus Standard Poodle Neapolitan Mastiff versus Cocker Spaniel Neapolitan Mastiff versus Siberian Husky Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pomsky Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Neapolitan Mastiff versus Beaglier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Berger Picard Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Neapolitan Mastiff versus Vizsla Neapolitan Mastiff versus Brittany Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bouvier des Flandres Neapolitan Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever Neapolitan Mastiff versus Great Dane
Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound Pointer versus Japanese Spitz Pointer versus Cockalier Pointer versus Bordoodle Pointer versus Chow Chow Pointer versus King Shepherd Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Pointer versus Samoyed Pointer versus English Setter Pointer versus American Water Spaniel Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher Pointer versus Golden Retriever Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog Pointer versus Welsh Terrier Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound Pointer versus German Pinscher Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer Pointer versus Belgian Malinois Pointer versus Bordoodle Pointer versus Goldendoodle Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Pointer versus Afghan Hound
Conclusion: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pointer. 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 Neapolitan Mastiff and the Pointer better suits you and your family.