Cane Corso vs Neapolitan Mastiff
Breed Snapshot
Best For
The loyal Cane Corso thrives on strong bonds and regular exercise. This Italian breed is best suited to an experienced dog parent committed to consistent training and socialization.
Cane Corso Temperament
You’ll never get bored with a Cane Corso around—you simply won’t have time for it. The training, socialization and exercise needs of this breed will keep you busy throughout their whole life. This is a working breed who was bred to be a guard dog, making the...
You’ll never get bored with a Cane Corso around—you simply won’t have time for it. The training, socialization and exercise needs of this breed will keep you busy throughout their whole life. This is a working breed who was bred to be a guard dog, making them sensitive, serious and intensely loyal. With members of their own household, Cani Corsi (that’s the plural term for the breed) can be affectionate companions, but they’re also naturally alert to new people coming to the house and may react toward strangers—both two- and four-legged—if not properly trained and socialized.
Properly trained and socialized Cani Corsi will be calm and confident. They should ignore strangers and animals who pose no threat to themselves or their people. Thankfully, their high intelligence makes it easy to teach them the difference.
Cane Corso Traits
Breed Snapshot
Best For
With their giant size, it's no surprise that Neapolitan Mastiffs were originally trained as guard dogs. Today, these pups have a chill, homebody vibe—as long as there's enough space for them at home. Give...
With their giant size, it's no surprise that Neapolitan Mastiffs were originally trained as guard dogs. Today, these pups have a chill, homebody vibe—as long as there's enough space for them at home. Give them regular exercise and early socialization and you'll have a loyal pal for life.
Neapolitan Mastiff Temperament
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs (aka Mastinos or Neos) love their families. Despite their extra-large size, you may find your gentle giant trying to snuggle up on your lap! And these lumbering pups do well as playmates with children. Just keep an eye on extra-small kids; even though Neos aren’t as...
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs (aka Mastinos or Neos) love their families. Despite their extra-large size, you may find your gentle giant trying to snuggle up on your lap! And these lumbering pups do well as playmates with children. Just keep an eye on extra-small kids; even though Neos aren’t as active as Border Collies, they may knock over a toddler accidentally due to their sheer size.
Neos are wary of newcomers, but they are rarely reactive. Still, their massive size and deep, throaty bark are usually enough to keep unwanted visitors at bay. Early socialization is important to help teach them the difference between friends and foes.
Neos may not naturally get along with other dogs, so proper introductions and lots of socialization are key if you’re adding them to an existing pack. They may do OK with a family cat if raised with them through puppyhood, but some Neos will chase cats.
Mastino puppies are energetic and playful. As adults, they’re the ultimate couch potatoes and live to lounge near their people.
Neapolitan Mastiff Traits
