Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Puli: Introduction
- Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli: Overview
- Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli
- Lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli
- Temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff Versus the Puli
- Price of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Price of Puli
- The Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli
- Do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli?
- Does the Neapolitan Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Neapolitan Mastiffs Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Neapolitan Mastiff vs. Puli
- Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli?
- Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Neapolitan Mastiffs and Pulis?
- Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Neapolitan Mastiff
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli: Overview
A very important difference between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant-sized dog while the Puli 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 Puli 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.
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Neapolitan Mastiff to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Neapolitan Mastiff | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 120 to 200 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 10 to 15 years |
| Average Lifespan | 9.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $2870 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3700 | $1875 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 66.7 percent | 92.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 104 | 150 |
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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Neapolitan Mastiff. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Puli 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 Puli
Below is a list of where the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli
The Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli.
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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli
The lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Neapolitan Mastiffs is 9.0 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Pulis live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff Versus the Puli
The Puli has a better temperament than the Neapolitan Mastiff.
This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 15 Neapolitan Mastiffs and 26 Pulis.
Price of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Price of Puli
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 Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is more expensive than the Puli.
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2870 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1800 to $3700 | $1875 to $2750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Neapolitan Mastiff and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Neapolitan Mastiff puppies or how many Puli 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 Pulis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy or the Puli 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 Puli
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 Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Neapolitan Mastiff is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. 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 Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff
Popularity of Puli
| Year | Neapolitan Mastiff Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 111 | 136 |
| 2014 | 114 | 151 |
| 2015 | 106 | 154 |
| 2016 | 99 | 159 |
| 2017 | 107 | 142 |
| 2018 | 102 | 160 |
| 2019 | 100 | 160 |
| 2020 | 100 | 143 |
Health Problems of Neapolitan Mastiff versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Neapolitan Mastiff.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Neapolitan Mastiff.
4 health tests are recommended for Neapolitan Mastiff while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs and in Pulis.
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.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs and Pulis
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 Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Neapolitan Mastiff and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Puli:
| Disease | Neapolitan Mastiff Rank | Puli Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 6 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 87 out of 145 dog breeds | 39 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 70 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 144 out of 182 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 Puli
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed more than Pulis?
Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli
Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Neapolitan Mastiff Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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 Pulis?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Neapolitan Mastiff vs. Puli
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pulis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli?
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Neapolitan Mastiffs and Pulis?
Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Easier to Train than the Puli?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Neapolitan Mastiff Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Puli?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pulis 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Neapolitan Mastiff and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Neapolitan Mastiff and of the Puli to other breeds:
Neapolitan Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds
Neapolitan Mastiff versus Japanese Spitz Neapolitan Mastiff versus Havanese Neapolitan Mastiff versus Boston Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Mastiff Neapolitan Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever Neapolitan Mastiff versus Lagotto Romagnolo Neapolitan Mastiff versus Australian Cattle Dog Neapolitan Mastiff versus Dutch Shepherd Neapolitan Mastiff versus American Hairless Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Weimaraner Neapolitan Mastiff versus Pekingese Neapolitan Mastiff versus Afghan Hound Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bluetick Coonhound Neapolitan Mastiff versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bull Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Lakeland Terrier Neapolitan Mastiff versus Field Spaniel Neapolitan Mastiff versus Alaskan Malamute Neapolitan Mastiff versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Neapolitan Mastiff versus Australian Shepherd Neapolitan Mastiff versus Schnoodle Neapolitan Mastiff versus Standard Schnauzer Neapolitan Mastiff versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Neapolitan Mastiff versus Bich Poo Neapolitan Mastiff versus Goldador
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Catahoula Bulldog Puli versus Puggle Puli versus Swedish Vallhund Puli versus Redbone Coonhound Puli versus Maremma Sheepdog Puli versus Shiranian Puli versus Stabyhoun Puli versus Afghan Hound Puli versus Irish Setter Puli versus French Bulldog Puli versus Norwich Terrier Puli versus Portuguese Pointer Puli versus Goldendoodle Puli versus Dalmatian Puli versus Saluki Puli versus Irish Setter Puli versus Boykin Spaniel Puli versus Pomapoo Puli versus Lagotto Romagnolo Puli versus Vizsla Puli versus Cavachon Puli versus Redbone Coonhound Puli versus Pomchi Puli versus Mudi
Conclusion: Neapolitan Mastiff versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.