Neapolitan Mastiff tends to gain weight easily, needs increased exercise and playtime along with controlled food intake.

Rat Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Protective
Fearless
Stubborn
Dominant
Obedient
Trainable

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Rat Terriers are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Choose a Neapolitan Mastiff if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Rat Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Italy

United States

british mastiff

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

ancient times

1800s

Working (AKC:2004)
Guardian (UKC)

Terrier (AKC:2013 & UKC)

A Neapolitan Mastiff can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Neapolitan Mastiffs may have difficulty adjusting to changes in lifestyle and living environments, preferring consistency.

Rat Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

The Neapolitan Mastiff breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

While the Rat Terrier breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Hip Dysplasia
Bloat

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Entropion
Ectropion
Cherry Eye

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Eye
Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Neapolitan Mastiffs are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Rat Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Neapolitan Mastiff has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Rat Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Neapolitan Mastiffs need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Rat Terriers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Neapolitan Mastiffs have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Rat Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Neapolitan Mastiff excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

Rat Terrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Rat Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Hide & Seek

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

The Neapolitan Mastiff has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Neapolitan Mastiff has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Neapolitan Mastiffs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Rat Terriers make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Neapolitan Mastiffs have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Rat Terriers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Rat Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not dog-friendly.

Rat Terriers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very stranger friendly.

Rat Terriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Rat Terriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Neapolitan Mastiffs may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.

Rat Terriers are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.