So, you cannot decide between owning a Cane Corso or Pitbull. You might be wondering if is there some chance to get both puppies. Well, there is always the option of trying to find a Cane Corso Pitbull mix.
This mixed breed is a bit rare, but it perfectly exhibits the personalities of both parents. They might not be for everyone, since they are large, strong, and energetic dogs.
Before you get one, you should understand the personality, temperament, compatibility, training needs, exercise needs, and health risks. And that is what we will try to do today.
This guide should help you understand whether a Pitbull Cane Corso mix is the right puppy for you.
Meet The Breed
When a designer breed has its own name, it means you can have a popular dog. For example, this mixed breed is known as American Pit Corso. It is a medium to large breed that is the offspring of an American Pit Bull Terrier and an Italian Cane Corso.
It resembles the body and build of both parents. It was bred to be an excellent family companion and guard dog.
And in the past few years, this canine has become quite popular. It inherits personality traits from both parents, making it a good guarding dog, but also a great family dog that is friendly and affectionate.
Meet The Parents
We said this mixed puppy inherits the personality traits of both parents. So, let’s meet the parents.
Pitbull
The American Pit Bull terrier has one of the most unfair and unjustified reputation. Because of its bad reputation in dog fighting sports, it is not officially recognized by The American Kennel Club. But that is all in the past. Nowadays, you might hear the term is an umbrella term for American Staffordshire terrier, American Pitbull terrier, American Bully, and American Bulldog.
But its dog-fighting personality is all in the past. Nowadays, the Pitbull is one of the friendliest and most affectionate dogs in the whole world. They are friendly to everyone, strangers, animals, children, and everything in between. You cannot see an aggressive Pitbull unless its owner makes him be.
Muscular and athletic, Pitbulls are some of the best dogs for sports and agility competitions. Here are some of their common personality traits:
- Loving and affectionate with every member of the family, strangers, children, and other animals
- Love to spend time with human companionship, suffering from anxiety when left alone
- Terrible guarding instincts
- Needy and quite dependable on human companionship
Cane Corso
Now let’s talk about Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff. This breed descends from the Neapolitan Mastiff, an ancestor that was used for working on the ranch. The Cane Corso has retained the guarding instincts of its ancestors.
Back in the day, this canine was used to pull carts, drive livestock, protect the house, protect the family estate, and hunt wild boar.
Measuring between 23 and 27 inches, Cane Corso is one of the larger dog breeds. This muscular dog is less athletic than the Pitbull. Here are its common personality traits:
- Strong guarding instincts
- Natural instinct to chase small animals
- Amazing family pet, loyal to its family
- Wary of strangers and aloof around unknown people
Appearance
Now let’s talk about your mixed breed, the American Pit Corso puppy. This hybrid canine usually resembles the Cane Corso parent breed. Yet, their head and muzzle look more like the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The resemblance can vary from one dog to another, depending on the genes of the parent, and whether it is F1 or F2 canine.
In any case, you will have a muscular dog, standing between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 50 and 90 pounds. It makes them one of the largest mixed breeds, and large dogs in general.
These dogs stop growing at the age of 18 months, yet, they can still gain a few more inches. The final size is dependent on lifestyle and nutrition.
If they inherit more Pitbull genes, they will have a tight short coat, with a slightly longer body than their parent. If they inherit Cane Corso genes, they will have short, yet dense fur with a few folds on the coat.
As for coat color options, you can expect shades of fawn, black, brown, gray, and brindle. They will also have almond-shaped eyes varying in brown and gray shades. If your mix puppy has blue or yellow eyes, they will be more expensive due to rarity.
Temperament
Temperament is one of the reasons why people want to get the Cane Corso Pitbull mix. One of these two dogs has strong guarding instincts, while the other is among the friendliest canines in the world.
The Pitbull Cane Corso mix is a big dog with a bigger heart. They love their family more than anything and get strongly attached to them. If you want a puppy that will follow you anywhere, this designer breed might be the one.
Deep down, this big and muscular dog has a soft heart. You and your family can expect lots of cuddles and kisses. Loving and gentle with family members, they are a bit wary of strangers. In a way, this dog is the perfect middle ground between the friendliness of the Pitbull and the protective instincts of the Cane Corso.
Because he is not as protective as the Cane Corso dog breed, this puppy can be easier to handle. Generally speaking, you will have an intense dog around the house that craves human company and affection. At the same time, this Cane Corso Pit mix will hate to be left alone.
Cane Corso mix puppies get along with other pets, especially if they grew up together. They might chase smaller animals when their hunting instincts kick in. But these instincts are not as intense in purebred Cane Corso puppies. That makes it easier to handle and train them to get along with even smaller animals.
Training
Now let’s talk about training. There are three things you have to pay special attention to. The first one is the socialization of your Cane Corso Pitbull mix with strangers.
Make sure to socialize your dog with people of all ages, different appearances, genders, and environments. Cane Corso is usually protective around its owner, and wary of strangers. You need to train and socialize them to understand that people are loving and they do not need to protect you.
The second challenge is their hunting instincts, which can also be handled during puppyhood. When your puppy is young, socialize and teach them to play with smaller animals. This will help later on.
And the last one is crate training because the Cane Corso puppy is quite needy and dependable on human companionship. Crate training will help you get a more independent puppy that can be left alone.
The good news is that Pitbulls and their mixes are easy to train. Use positive reinforcement and lots of praise to reward good behavior. Cane Corso is a bit challenging, but when mixed with Pitbull, this dog can be a bit easier to train.
Do not use punishment or harsh leash restrictions. This will make your Cane Corso Pitbull puppy disinterested in training. Instead, focus on building a quality bond with positive reinforcement.
Exercise Needs
When it comes to exercise needs, this dog is in the middle of two worlds. Pitbulls are among the most active breeds, needing between 60 and 90 minutes of exercise and mental stimulation. And on the other hand, a purebred Cane Corso needs only 30 to 45 minutes of walking. Their large body makes them get tired easily.
So, consider something in the middle. Long walks will do it, but you also need to play some games every now and then. Hiking once per week is a nice option as well. These dogs also love to swim.
Do not forget some mental stimulation games and learning tricks at the home. This might not be a dog booming with intelligence, but you still need to work out their brain every now and then.
Health
One of the reasons why designer dogs have become so popular is health. And when you have a giant breed, health is often an issue. Larger breeds have the shortest lifespan. But in this case, by crossing two breeds, you get a healthier canine.
This mix has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years, which is a lot better than the one of Cane Corso. There are some health issues they can inherit from their parents, like:
- Bloating
- Epilepsy
- Demodex mange
- Hip dysplasia
- Eyelid issues
Grooming
This puppy sheds throughout the year. Yet, because of their short coat, their grooming requires no effort. Brushing them once per week will be enough.
Use a shampoo made for canines with sensitive skin. But only bathe your dog once every four to six months.
Is Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Hypoallergenic?
No, while some mixed breeds are hypoallergenic, this one is not. Usually, dogs mixed with Poodles are hypoallergenic.
They will shed less than some dogs, but they are not hypoallergenic.
Is This An Aggressive Breed?
Sadly, both Cane Corso and Pitbull suffer from a bad reputation as aggressive dogs. But that is not the case. When badly trained, they might develop aggressive tendencies.
But Pitbulls are some of the most affectionate and friendly puppies. Cane Corsos are protective and wary of strangers. But this mixed breed is friendly and less wary than purebred Cane Corsos.
In any case, they are not aggressive at all.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- A bit of a challenge to train their hunting and guarding instincts
- Can be a bit large dog not suitable for apartments
- These puppies might have sensitive skin
Why Should You Get One?
- One of the friendliest dogs in the canine world
- Need significantly less exercise, making them suitable for people with a not as active lifestyle
- Loves people and children, making them amazing family pet