Which is Better between the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff? A Very Detailed Review.

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.

Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff

FactorChihuahuaNeapolitan Mastiff
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/53/5
Life Span10 to 18 years8 to 10 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Dog Friendly2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/51/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
General Health2/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/51/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/55/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds120 to 200 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/53/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/53/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder24 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years9.0 years
Average Price$1820$2820
Price Range$850 – $2500$1800 – $3800
Temperament Score69.6 percent66.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds30105

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Neapolitan Mastiff is 71 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff

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

  • Chihuahuas do not have the tendency to drool. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Chihuahuas are good for new dog owners. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

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

    Chihuahuas live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Temperament of the Chihuahua Versus the Neapolitan Mastiff

    The Chihuahua has a better temperament than the Neapolitan Mastiff.

    This is because the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 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 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 66.7 percent, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 15 Neapolitan Mastiffs.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Neapolitan Mastiff

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Neapolitan Mastiff puppy is $2820. The price of the Neapolitan Mastiff typically ranges from $1800 – $3800. 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 95 Neapolitan Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Neapolitan Mastiff is more expensive than the Chihuahua.

    `
    Chihuahua Neapolitan Mastiff
    Average Price $1820 $2820
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1800 to $3800

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. 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 Chihuahua 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.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff

    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 Chihuahua and the Neapolitan Mastiff over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Neapolitan Mastiff. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 30 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Neapolitan Mastiff is 105 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff

    Popularity of Neapolitan Mastiff

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    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Neapolitan Mastiff Popularity Rank
    2013 22 111
    2014 24 114
    2015 28 106
    2016 30 99
    2017 32 107
    2018 33 102
    2019 35 100
    2020 34 100
    2021 37 106

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Neapolitan Mastiff

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Neapolitan Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Neapolitan Mastiff

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs have a very high tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Neapolitan Mastiffs?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Neapolitan Mastiff

    Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Neapolitan Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Neapolitan Mastiff?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Neapolitan Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

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

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