PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

Neapolitan Mastiff vs French Bulldog

Discover the differences between Neapolitan Mastiff and French Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

Try different breeds

vs
Neapolitan Mastiff
Italy

Neapolitan Mastiff

Working Group
Large

Massive yet gentle, this loyal guardian forms deep bonds with family members. Famous for its loose, wrinkled skin and calm, protective temperament.

French Bulldog
France

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

60–70 kg

Coat:

Short, dense

Lifespan:

7–9 years

Female:

50–60 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Size:

Small

Male:

9–13 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

8–12 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Friendliness
3/5

Aloof with strangers, affectionate with family

Intelligence
3/5

Learns basic commands, can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Calm, prefers lounging over activity

Playfulness
2/5

Rarely initiates play, gentle when playing

Adaptability
2/5

Struggles with new environments and changes

French Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing

Adaptability
5/5

Comfortable in apartments and various environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Neapolitan Mastiff

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
40–60 minutes daily
Shedding:
Moderate shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, cherry eye

French Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Neapolitan Mastiff

First-time Owner
2/5

Challenging for beginners

Needs experienced handling and consistent training

Apartment Living
2/5

Not apartment friendly

Large size and noise may disturb neighbors in close quarters

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Low activity needs

Prefers relaxed environments over highly active households

Kids
2/5

Supervision needed

Protective but size and strength can overwhelm young children

Multiple Pets
2/5

Needs careful introductions

May show dominance or aggression toward other pets

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not suitable

Dislikes being alone and may develop separation anxiety

French Bulldog

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Neapolitan Mastiff

  • Loyal family protector
  • Strong guarding instincts
  • Calm and steady temperament
  • Tolerant with children when socialized
  • Minimal grooming needs despite loose skin

French Bulldog

  • Affectionate with families and children
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Minimal grooming requirements
  • Generally quiet and not prone to barking
  • Strong loyalty to owners

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Neapolitan Mastiff

  • Prone to drooling and slobbering
  • Requires early and consistent socialization
  • Can be stubborn and independent-minded
  • Needs ample space due to large size
  • Susceptible to joint and skin health issues

French Bulldog

  • Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
  • Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
  • May develop separation anxiety
  • Stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk of obesity without portion control

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Discover more helpful tools

Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours