Breed comparison
Neapolitan Mastiff vs Saint Bernard
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Neapolitan Mastiff
3Affection with family5
3Good with young children5
3Good with other dogs3
3Openness to strangers3
2Playfulness3
2Energy level3
3Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs3
3Adaptability4
5Watchdog / protective5
1Barking1
3Shedding3
2Coat grooming2
5Drooling5
The biggest differences
- Affection with family: the Saint Bernard scores 5 out of 5, the Neapolitan Mastiff 3.
- Good with young children: the Saint Bernard scores 5 out of 5, the Neapolitan Mastiff 3.
They score the same on good with other dogs, openness to strangers, trainability, mental stimulation needs, watchdog / protective, barking.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Neapolitan Mastiff if you prefer a calmer dog. Pick the Saint Bernard if you have young children, you want an energetic exercise partner, you live in a smaller home or move often.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.