Guard dog: Rottweiler vs Neapolitan Mastiff?

Question

I've heard great things concerning both dogs but I don't know which would fit in with my family and situation the best. I don't live in the greatest part of town and a big guard dog (that can protect both property and its owner) I can count on would make me feel more comfortable.

I'm leaning more towards the Neapolitan Mastiff because of its size and looks (which in itself might be a deterrent), but the ability of guarding home and owner while simultaneously being a good family dog with a dependable temperament means a lot more to me--and since I've never owned either, I really don't know which would be a better pick.

Any advice?

Answer 1

Please consider that regardless of which breed you choose, you are in for a huge resposibility!

Neo's are wonderful animals with strong guardian instincts, but keep in mind that they are also a handful to own; both physically and finacially. A purebred Neo from a responsible and ethical breeder can run in excess of $3500.00. In addition, these dogs are genetically predisposed to certain health issues, including entropian eye which in severe cases can cause permanent blindness if not surgically corrected. They are also prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow problems. They are at higher risk than smaller breeds for developing cardiological issues. They also have a fairly short lifespan of only about 8-10 years.

Neos are not a breed for everyone, and especially not if you are a first time big-dog owner. They do best when provided with basic obediance training and owner control classes.

In addition, most good breeders will not sell a pup to an inexperienced owner/handler.

Rotties can be exceptional guard dogs and companion animals. Like the mastiffs, they too can be prone to certain health issues, including joint problems, but overall their health is generally more stable than that of the Neo.

My advice would be to research various breeds, and try your luck with a smaller and more low maintenence breed than the Neo.

Give it time! No one learns the ABC's of big breeds in a day!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Neapolitan Bull Mastiff

Answer 3

Having grown up with Great Danes and then raising 5 children of my own around Great Danes and all of their childhood friends, which were countless, I would have to take exception to that one poster's comment about children and Great Danes. I would trust my danes around kids before any Lab. I have never had an issue with any of my Danes and children, ever. There must be 1000's of photos with children and my dogs by now. Maybe you have been around some poorly bred, poorly trained Danes, I don't know...but that has to be one of the worst generalizations about Danes ever. Thumbs down all the way!! Now to the answer: Truthfully, and probably not what you want to hear, but the answer is correct, neither of these dogs are great gaurd dogs overall. Neither make great jogging companions. The Great Dane does not become skelatonly mature until 18 months of age. Same with the Mastiff. You can't run them young without seriously jepordizing their joint health. I am sure you don't want a crippled a 2-3 year old dog. As adult dogs, they are just not that energtic. I have a couple of Danes here who wouldn't bother getting off the couch if you walked in unannounced unless you have some treats. Most ethcial breeders will not sell either dogs for guarding purposes. That said, their size and loud bark is generally enough to discourage intruders. Although they would most likely will turn and run, it would take some giant 'tes**cles** on your part to walk in my house with 5 Danes barking and carrying on without my permission. If you really need a gaurd dog, there is a reason why the police departments use specific breeds. Overall, Danes and Mastiff's do not make the grade. They are not bred for that purpose. I am not trying to be sh**ty her, but I hope you chose a different breed/playmate. Neither of these dogs are bred for what you are looking for. Both Breeds were bred for hunting, not guarding. Short quick bursts hunting wild bore. The Great Dane is taller and leaner. The Mastiff..well has more mass. The mastiff will be heavier. A male Great Dane is 34" 36" at the withers. A Male Mastiff is about 30" but way rounder,meatier. The Dane is faster and way more agile. The Great Dane is considered the "Apollo of Dogs" because of body type. Hope that helps. sorry.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Guard dog: Rottweiler vs Neapolitan Mastiff?
I've heard great things concerning both dogs but I don't know which would fit in with my family and situation the best. I don't live in the greatest part of town and a big guard dog (that can protect both property and its owner) I can count on would make me feel more...

Answer 5

Go with the Neapolitan mastiff, in my experiance mastiff breeds have been more stable then rotts. Have you looked at the bullmastiff? I own a female bullmastiff curently and in the past have owned a male bullmastiff. They are awsome dogs, they have the perfect split of absolutely adoring there family and being protective against strangers. They are so loyal and would trade its life for its familys protection in a second. The akc even states "the bullmastiff is fearless and once aroused will never back down" It also states "the bullmastiff absolutely craves love from its familly and will walk through walls to be with the ones it loves" The bullmastiff was originally created to be a gaurd dog against grave robbers and has been bred to pin the intruder to the ground and not maul it. They used to have contests in england where grown male adults would see how long they could stay on there feet with a bullmastiff trying to pin them and once they were pinned could they escape. There are many stories of bullmastiffs pinning 300lbs men in a matter of seconds and the men not being able to escape. They are slightly smaller then neo mastiffs but twice as quick and agile which is a huge benefit in gaurd and protection work. That is why police and army dogs are german shepherds because when choosing a dog to gaurd against humans, the biggest isnt always the best, you want a dog that is quick and agile as well. The bullmastiff is used in several different countries as there millitary and police dog such as england, australlia, and they gaurd the diamond mines in africa. The male bullmastiffs weigh between 130-150lbs and the females weigh between 110 and 130lbs. Take a look at them, I promise and would bet any of my possesions on the fact that if you end up buying a bullmastiff it will exceed your expectations of a dog by miles.

Answer 6

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU8BQ

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 7

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Know nothing about Mastiffs, so i will also answer about great danes (although i owned one from European lines, which tend to be a bit stockier and a little more "aggressive") 1) they are sweet, if you want them to be more of a guard dog you can certainly train them, (we did with ours and she was great) but training was not easy. Once a guy tried to break into our house, i was young and opened the door half way, he put his foot in and tried to get into the house, my dog ran out like a crazy maniac barking like they can (basically the ground shakes :)) and as soon as the guy saw her i didn't even see him run, all i know is he was gone, :) 2) she was great with kids 3) she did like to run, but only a little bit, so i would say overall it wasn't her favorite activity. She was definitely a great dog, very smart and loyal and beautiful. I also recommend, like the other poster, a Doberman, they are definitely little balls of energy and love to run/ exercise and are supposed to be great guard dogs. (i dunno from personal experience yet, as mine is only 17 weeks old and thus far i am not even really sure if she known how to bark :))

Answer 8

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/nuwH0

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 9

I've had Rotties for 20 years (currently own my 4th). My goal is to raise sweethearts that love everyone and are wonderful to be around, ie: well trained and socialized. You wouldn't want a dog that size to be mean or aggressive--it's like a loaded gun. I don't go around telling everyone my 100lb. goofball is a big teddy bear that would rather slobber all over you than attack you, but just having a big scary looking dog is enough. And, they are very intelligent and I believe would respond in case of a REAL threat--it is what they are bred to do--protect (though originally they were bred to guard herds). Repairmen and neighbors don't bother me. :)

Answer 10

Read everything you can about both breeds. Join Yahoo! Groups dedicated to the breeds, and get to know owners and breeders there. You will find a wealth of information. And attending a few dog shows (search "Events" on the AKC web site) will help -- there's nothing like seeing the big ones in action!