The Dog Codex

Compare

Side by side

Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.

Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland

Working · Canada (Newfoundland)

  • AKC group

    Working

  • Size

    Giant

  • Height

    66–71 cm

  • Weight

    45–69 kg

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    Moderate, in line with this site’s other giant Working plates and with AKC’s own exercise copy: “Newfoundlands need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. ” The standards still describe a powerful working athlete — AKC wants “good reach, strong drive… effortless power”; The Royal Kennel Club’s general appearance is “strength, great activity and effortless power”; FCI warns against a “sluggish appearance.

  • Trainability

    High

  • Coat

    A flat, water-resistant double coat.

  • Origin

    Canada (Newfoundland)

  • Temperament

    Sweetness of temperament is, in the AKC standard’s own closing words, “the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed. ” The same standard opens by calling the dog sweet-dispositioned, neither dull nor ill-tempered, and a devoted companion, with an expression that reflects “benevolence, intelligence, and dignity.

Mastiff

Mastiff

Working · United Kingdom

  • AKC group

    Working

  • Size

    Giant

  • Height

    ≥70 cm

  • Weight

    not specified in standards (AKC overview ~54–104 kg / 120–230 lb)

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    Moderate. FCI utilisation is watch and security dog without a working trial; standards emphasise dignity and calm presence rather than high-drive sport work.

  • Trainability

    Moderate

  • Coat

    Short or moderately short coarse outer coat with dense, close undercoat; long or wavy coats faulted (AKC).

  • Origin

    United Kingdom

  • Temperament

    Standards centre on grandeur and good nature with courage and docility (AKC/CKC); calm, affectionate, and capable of guarding; usually indifferent to strangers; timidity unacceptable (FCI/KC). Dignity rather than gaiety.