AKA: Mastino Napoletano, Italian Mastiff, Mastino, Italian Bulldog, Neo Mastiff

Description: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful dog that looks intimidating and serious. It has a rectangularly proportional body, with a wrinkled face, a massive head, and a muscular limbs. Its wrinkles usually go from the face to the chin and continues to go down the neck, forming a prominent dewlap. The skull is broad, somehow emphasizing its intimidating look. Add to that that the Neapolitan Mastiff walks with a loose and cat-like gait.

The nose is black, and the jaws form a scissors bite. The ears can be cropped, and the Neapolitan Mastiff’s tail can be docked. But these are painful for the dog, and so many prefer the natural look of the breed. The eyes of the Neapolitan Mastiff is blue at first, at puppyhood, but as it grows darker as it grows up. They usually vary with the dog’s coat color.

Dynamics: It may have a vicious and intimidating appearance but the Neapolitan Mastiff is actually a calm and peaceful dog. When provoked or threatened, however, they become fearless and overprotective. It is a highly intelligent breed that is loyal and devoted of its owner or family. It is serious and quiet, but suspicious of strangers.

In owning the Neapoiltan Mastiff, one has to be dominant and show some leadership skills. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not for the meek people. It should be trained consistently and confidently, with you as a leader and the dog as an obedient companion. Socialization is also important for this breed, beginning at puppyhood. This breed gets along well with non-canine pets if socialized with them early on. It also does well with children but the children also has to know how to be dominant over the dog.

The Neapolitan Mastiff was once used for fighting, and so the breed has grown tolerant of pain. It is also a natural guard dog even without the necessary training. Excessive barking will not be a problem with the Neapolitan Mastiff as it is usually a calm animal.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg), but there have been cases where a male Neapolitan Mastiff went up to nearly 200 pounds (90 kg)

Height: males 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), females 24-28 inches (60-70 cm)

Color: The coat of the Neapolitan Mastiff can either be solid or brindle, and blue is the most common color. Black is also very common among the breed. A chocolate Neapolitan Mastiff is rare. There are dogs with a little white on the chest and toes and this is acceptable. However, there should be no white markings on the face.

Country of Origin: The Neapolitan Mastiff comes from directly from the line of the Roman Molossus, but it is commonly acknowledged that all European mastiffs descended from the Tibetan Mastiff. The first Asian mastiffs were said to have been brought to Greece by Alexander the Great, and then the Greeks introduced the dogs to the Romans. The Romans then trained and used the dogs in combat and fighting, and from the first of these dogs descended the Neapolitan Mastiff. It became a prominent breed of Italy in 1946.

Activities: The Neapolitan Mastiff, as a pup and in its growing up years, should be limited in its exercises and play sessions. This is to reserve their energy for healthy bones and muscles. When it becomes old enough, it will need a great deal of exercise and long walks.

Grooming: The coat of the Neapolitan Mastiff is short, and therefore easy to groom. Bathe only when necessary, and groom regularly with a rubber brush.

Other Info: The Neapolitan Mastiff has a life expectancy of up to 10 years. Its massive body make sit prone to physical ailments like hip dysplasia and pano-ostiosis (growing pains). It is also prone to the “cherry eye,” where the eye tissue protrudes too much and becomes irritated and inflamed. The Neapolitan Mastiff can live in an apartment as long as it is exercised everyday.

Photo: Lisa M. Herndon

Description: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge has a square head that appears larger then its body. The head is a little wrinkled, with the forehead flat and sunken between the eyes. Its eyes are set low and a little far apart from each other. Its ears are set high and are round-tipped. The jaws are large, with the lower one turned up an protruding beyond the upper jaw. The muzzle is short but broad, and the dewlap has two folds.

The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge is known for its size and strength. It is bigger than the Olde English Bulldogge. It body is very muscular and proportional, although the neck is short and the head is large. The shoulders are broad, the chest deep, and the ribs so well-rounded. The front legs can either be straight of slightly bowed. The legs and thighs are as well-muscled as the rest of the body. The dog’s tail can either be cork-screwed, pump-handled, or bent. Its coat is short and is slightly coarse.

Dynamics: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge is a sweet and friendly dog. It gets along well with the entire family, including the children. It is playful and affectionate. It can be dominant, though, and may want to show their power to the submissive dogs through play. It is also reserved with strangers, and can be protective and a little territorial with people it doesn’t know. Socialization is important, and training should begin at puppyhood. Whoever owns a Larson Lakeview Bulldogge should also know how to be assertive towards this breed. It has to know that you should be obeyed, else it will act dominant towards you as well.

Breed Group: Working

Weight: males 70-110 pounds (32-50 kg), females 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg)

Height: males 20 inches (51 cm) and up, females 16 inches (41 cm) and up

Color: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge usually comes in brindle on white. The brindles can be red, grey, black, or brown. Calicos also exist.

Country of Origin: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge was bred by Kevin Larson at the Larson Lakeview Kennels, in Minnesota, USA. It took seven years and lots of breeds (American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, and Bull Terrier) to finally make the breed.

Activities: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge is a working dog, and needs to be doing something in order for it not to become destructive. It needs to be taken on daily walks to exhaust some of its energy. It also likes to run around. Play is something that it looks forward to everyday.

Grooming: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge has short fair so there is no need for heavy grooming. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Larson Lakeview Bulldogge has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. It is also healthy for the most part, which is unusual for any kind of bulldog. This breed may not do well in an apartment since it likes to run around and play a lot, preferably on a large yard.

Photo: Great Dog Site

AKA: Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bulldog

Description: The French Mastiff is a mastiff breed that is short, stocky, and muscular. Its head is a distinctive feature, with an undershot and powerful jaw, and a distinguishable black or red mask around and under the nose, lips, and eye rims. The nostrils are very open and the upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The ears naturally hang down.

There is a dewlap on the neck. The thick skin is loose. The front legs are straight and the tail is straight, curving when the dog is excited.

Dynamics: The French Mastiff has a calm and gentle personality, although originally it was considered ferocious. It is a brave and loyal companion, and is patient and devoted to its family. It is gentle with children and other family members. It makes a wonderful watchdog and guard dog.

The French Mastiff can be aggressive with other dogs. It has to be socialized and trained firmly from an early age. The male French Mastiff generally does not tolerate other male dogs.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2kg)

Height: 23-30 inches (58-75cm)

Color: The French Mastiff comes in shades of fawn to mahogany. The black or red mask on the face is always present. White markings on the toes and chest are acceptable.

Country of Origin: The French Mastiff comes from France, where it has been a dog of many services throughout history, from being a war dog to becoming a cattle driver and bodyguard.

Activities: The French Mastiff needs a lot of exercise as it has a huge amount of energy within. This breed has served man throughout history as a war dog, flock guardian, dog fighter, cattle driver, watch dog, and guard dog.

Grooming: The French Mastiff’s coat does not need that much attention. An occasional combing and brushing is enough.

Other Info: The French Mastiff has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, although litters are small and birth is difficult because of the puppies’ large heads. The French Mastiff will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

AKA: British Bulldog, Bulldog
Description: English Bulldog has an athletic build and square body shaped,appearing to be a very strong and muscular breed even though their short. They have a distinguished face like their body, with a muzzle that is tight and short too. Their lower jaw is noticeably longer than its nose and upper jaw and lips is flabby hanging low towards their lower jaw. Eyes are dark,well set and round, they have a noticeable cheeks in both front and side view. Their ears are small, thin and very close to head just like a rose form and they are known to have a so called “wrinkles”, a folded skin on their forehead. They have thin,glossy and even coat.

Temperament: This breed is an ideal human companion. They are a very affectionate and faithful in nature, always seek attention to their owner that is why they hate to be left alone. They are very smart, intelligent dog and needs to be trained properly especially when dealing with other pets or people around them, because they could also be aggressive at times and has an attitude of being a bossy type. Training them with good manners and proper socialization is very important while they are still on their younger age.

Moreover, They too could be a good guard dog to their family. They have certain approach to let their owner know or be alert with some suspicious stranger. Good for children since English bulldog loves to play with them. But not ideal for children who is fund of having a strenuous running activity everyday.
Activity: Daily walk and exercise is required of them. They always enjoy a joy ride in a car with their owner.

Health: When it comes to health, they are prone to digestive and breathing problems. This breed could easily be exposed to heat stroke causing a problem with their heart. Proper care is much needed for them. Life span is about 8 years.

Grooming: They are just an average shedder so they don’t require heavy grooming. A simple daily brushing will do good and bathe them only when necessary. Keep an eye of thei face always wipe with wet cloth on their wrinkled face. To cleanse dirt hiding inside their folded skin.

Breed Group: Mastiff
Color: red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or washed-out red, or white or a combination of the colors mentioned.
Height: about 12-16 inches (31-40 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 53-55 pounds (24-25kg.) Bitches 49-51 pounds (22-23kg.)
Country Of Origin: Great Britain

Dynamics: A very faithful to their owner kind of breed, calm loves to play with children but could also be aggressive sometimes. Socialization training is also important for them.

AKA: English Bulldog, British Bulldog

Description: The Bulldog is a small, wide, and compact dog with a massive head. The head is broad and it has cheeks that extend to the sides of the eyes. The skin on the skull and forehead falls in dense folds. The muzzle is short and pug. The eyes are dark, round and far apart. The ears are small and thin and folded. The nose is broad and black, with large nostrils. The upper lip is pendent, and the lower jaw is undershot.

The Bulldog carries its short tail low. It walks in some kind of a waddle because its stocky legs are set squarely at each corner of its body.

Dynamics: The Bulldog is actually a gentle dog despite its mean-looking face. It is very affectionate, and is gentle with children. This breed seeks out human attention, and is happy when it gets it. The Bulldog is also known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. It is good with family pets too, although some can be suspicious with strange dogs.

The Bulldog can be stubborn and persistent at times. It can be dominating and it will need an owner who can display strong leadership. It is full of energy, but as it grows older it will be less agile. This breed snore very loudly, and some have drool and slobber tendencies.

Breed Group: Mastiff, Non-Sporting

Weight: males 53-55 lbs (24-25 kg), females 49-51 lbs (22-23 kg)

Height: about 12-16 inches (31-40 cm)… shorter ones are more prized

Color:The Bulldog’s coat comes in red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or washed-out red, or white, and can combine any of these colors. The muzzle is sometimes dark.

Country of Origin: The Bulldog originated from England, descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff.

Activities: Adult Bulldogs may or may not want to take any exercises, as their liveliness gradually fades with age. But all Bulldogs still need to have daily walks because of their innate fondness to walk.

Grooming: Grooming the Bulldog is easy because its coat is short and smooth. Comb and brush with a bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Be sure to clean the inside of the wrinkles by wiping its face with a damp cloth.

Other Info: The Bulldog’s life expectancy is an average of 8 years. It is prone to breathing problems; some may have small windpipes. It is also prone to having poor eyesight. It is susceptible to heat stroke in warm weather and places. It is also cold sensitive. Skin infections, hip and knee problems may also be a problem. Its digestive system is also active, and may not bode well with people with sensitive noses. The Bulldog is good for apartment life. It is an indoor dog and is not really active indoors. This breed does best in temperate climates.