The Cane Corso and Pitbull are two of the most revered dog breeds in the world. Both offer a great deal of companionship and protection, but which is right for you? In this ultimate selection guide, we’ll compare these two powerhouse breeds to help you make the best decision for your family.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Which breed is better for you?
Cane Corsos and Pitbulls are both popular dogs that have a lot to offer their owners. Both breeds are loyal, loving, and protective, but there are some important differences between them that potential owners should be aware of before making a decision.
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Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Breed History
Both American Pitbulls and Cane Corsos are known for being popular breeds and great family dogs.
American Pitbulls were originally bred in England in the 1800s for bull-baiting, a popular sport at the time. They were later brought to the United States, where they became popular as working dogs on farms and as family pets.
Cane Corsos are an ancient breed that originated in Italy. They were used as hunting dogs and guard dogs and were later brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s.
Is Choice of Breeder Important?
The choice of breeder is vitally important for a number of reasons below.
A reputable breeder is someone who has a history of breeding healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They will typically have a waiting list for their puppies, and they will be able to provide you with references from satisfied customers.
Backyard breeders are people who breed dogs without any regard for health or temperament, and their puppies may have serious health and behavior problems.
Puppy mills are commercial breeding operations that mass-produce puppies for sale to pet stores and other outlets. The dogs in these facilities are often kept in cramped, unsanitary conditions, and they may be poorly socialized and have health problems.
Choosing a reputable breeder is the obvious choice when looking for a healthy, well-adjusted puppy.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Size and Appearance
Cane Corsos and Pitbulls are both amazing breeds. However, there are some interesting differences between the two when it comes to size and appearance.
Pit bulls are typically medium-sized dogs, known for their deep chest and protective nature. They measure 18-21 inches tall at the shoulder, and typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds They have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brindle, and brown.
Cane Corsos are known for their huge size and muscular body type. They have blocky heads and a broad chest, measuring 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder. They have short, dense coats that are black, blue, or fawn-colored. Cane Corsos typically weigh between 90 and 120 pounds.
Is a Cane Corso stronger than a Pit Bull?
In general, the Cane Corso is considered to be a stronger breed than the Pit Bull. This is likely due to the Cane Corso’s larger size and weight, as well as its heritage as a working dog breed.
Meanwhile, the Pit Bull is smaller and lighter on average, and it was originally bred for companionship rather than work.
The Cane Corso is known to be an incredibly powerful dog, and its physical strength is often compared to that of a small bear.
While the Cane Corso may be stronger than the Pit Bull overall, it is important to remember that every dog is an individual. There can be variations in size, strength, and temperament between individual dogs of any breed.
It is always best to assess each dog on its own merits rather than rely on generalizations about breeds.
Are Cane Corsos more aggressive than Pit Bulls?
Cane Corsos are considered to be more aggressive than Pit Bulls. This is likely due to the fact that Cane Corsos were bred for guarding and fighting, while Pit Bulls were originally bred for dogfighting.
As a result, Cane Corsos tend to be more protective of their homes and families and are more likely to attack strangers or other animals, while Pit Bulls are typically less aggressive overall.
The prey drive of a Cane Corso is also likely to be higher than that of a Pit Bull, as Cane Corsos were bred to hunt large game such as wild boar.
This means that Cane Corsos may be more likely to chase and attack smaller animals, even if they have been raised with them from puppyhood.
Pit Bulls, on the other hand, are not typically considered to be aggressive dogs. In fact, many people believe that Pit Bulls are actually very gentle and loving animals.
This is likely due in part to the fact that Pit Bulls were originally bred for companionship, rather than fighting or guarding.
As a result, Pit Bulls tend to be more affectionate towards their families and less likely to attack strangers or other animals.
It is important to note that, while Cane Corsos may be more aggressive than Pit Bulls on average, there is a lot of individual variation within each breed.
There are some very gentle and loving Cane Corsos, just as there are some aggressive and dangerous Pit Bulls.
The best way to determine whether a particular dog is likely to be aggressive is to meet the dog and get to know its individual personality.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Bite Force
The Cane Corso is a large powerful breed of dog. They are known for their strength, size and guarding abilities. The Cane Corso has a very strong jaw and a large head. They also have an impressive bite force. The Cane Corso’s bite force is one of the strongest of any dog breed.
According to studies at the University of Lincoln in England, the Cane Corso has a bite force of 700 psi (pounds per square inch). This is significantly higher than the average dog’s bite force of 320 psi. The Cane Corso’s powerful jaw and large head give them the ability to generate a lot of force when they bite down.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are a smaller breed of dog but they are also known for their strength. Pitbulls have a bite force of 235 psi. Although this is lower than the Cane Corso’s bite force, it is still significant.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Bite Statistics
The above statistics collected from the Canine Journal clearly demonstrate the Pitbull breed as being the most dangerous. The study identified 3397 attacks by pitbulls over the period in question, resulting in 295 deaths.
Unlike the pitbull, the Cane Corso has had very few reported incidents of attacks on people. The data from the study has identified 21 attacks over the period, with a total of 2 deaths.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Exercise Requirements
Exercise is important for both canines, but the amount of exercise required by each breed will vary. The Cane Corso is a more active dog that requires an hour or more of exercise daily, while the Pitbull’s activity level is average and only requires about half an hour of exercise daily.
The Cane Corso is an active breed that has a moderate to high activity level. They would therefore be better suited to an active family.
The best way to provide their exercise is through walks, runs, hikes, or other activities that get them moving.
Pitbulls are not as active as Cane Corsos, however, their average exercise requirement is around 30 minutes each day.
Both breeds also require mental stimulation.
This can be provided through interactive toys, food puzzles, dog sports, and other activities that help to keep their minds active and engaged.
Failing to provide an appropriate amount of mental stimulation can lead to behavioral problems such as boredom, chewing, and barking.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Nutrition needs
Both the Cane Corso and the Pitbull are active breeds, so a high-quality diet is important for both. A diet that is high in protein and fat will help to maintain their energy levels and keep them lean and muscular.
The Cane Corso may require slightly more food than the Pitbull due to their larger size, but both breeds should have a diet that meets their specific nutritional needs.
The best food for optimal nutrition and growth is a diet that is:
- high in protein
- moderate in fat
- low in carbohydrates
- rich in vitamins and minerals
- easy to digest
Dry kibble, wet food, and raw meat are all good sources of nutrition for both breeds.
Table scraps and human junk food should be avoided, as they can lead to obesity and other health problems.
When choosing food for your dog, be sure to read the label carefully and choose a product that is made with high-quality ingredient.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Temperament
Cane Corsos are a loyal and devoted breed that make excellent family pets. They are affectionate with their family and love to spend time with them. They are also protective of their family and will guard them against any perceived threats.
Cane Corsos are not typically aggressive, but they can be if they are not properly socialized. It is important to expose them to a variety of people, places, and situations from an early age so that they learn how to interact with the world in a positive way.
In relation to young children and elderly people, the Cane Corso is patient and gentle. They make great companions for both groups of people.
The Pitbull is an American Staffordshire Terrier, which is a mix of an English Bulldog and a terrier. They were originally bred in the 1800s as fighting dogs, and according to studies they have a reputation for being aggressive. However, with the right training and socialization, they can be gentle and loving companions.
Pitbulls are not recommended for first-time dog owners who are not prepared to put in the required effort to train them. They are also not recommended for families with young children, as they can be too rough at times. The exception, of course, is to provide early training and socialization to ensure your pitbull has a stable temperament.
However, they do make wonderful companions for elderly people or singles who are looking for a loyal friend.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Territoriality
The Cane Corso is a very territorial breed and will guard their home and family against any perceived threats. This is largely due to their natural instinct to protect their pack.
The Pitbull is not as territorial as the Cane Corso, but they may still attempt to protect their home and family if they feel that they are in danger.
Typical signs of either breed becoming territorial include growling, barking, and lunging at strangers.
If you live in an apartment or do not have a lot of space for your dog to roam, then the Cane Corso may not be the best breed for you.
The Pitbull, on the other hand, can do well in smaller spaces as long as they get enough exercise.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Training needs
The Cane Corso is a very intelligent breed and is easy to train. When starting a training routine, it is important to be consistent and use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise.
The Cane Corso responds best to short training sessions that are held on a regular basis.
The Pitbull is also an intelligent breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Training a Pitbull requires patience, time, and consistency.
Both breeds should be provided with the following training:
- crate training/house training
- basic obedience training
- behavioral training
Along with socializing your pup from an early age, novice dog owners are advised to enroll their pup in obedience classes. Specialist dog trainers can provide structured training routines for your dog, which will do wonders for his temperament and general behavior.
Are Cane Corsos smarter than Pit Bulls?
Some experts believe that Cane Corsos are indeed more intelligent than Pit Bulls. This is based on the fact that Cane Corsos were originally bred as hunting dogs, and therefore had to be very good at problem-solving in order to be successful.
Additionally, Cane Corsos are often used as working dogs in various fields such as law enforcement and military service, which also requires a high level of intelligence.
The break it down, there are different types of intelligence levels for dog breeds.
Cane Corsos have high working/obedience intelligence, which means they are quick learners and excel at following commands.
Pit Bulls, on the other hand, have high adaptive intelligence. This means that they are good at learning from their surroundings and adjusting to new situations quickly.
So, while Cane Corso’s may be better at following commands and working on specific tasks, Pit Bulls may be more adaptable and able to learn new things more quickly.
It really depends on what you are looking for in a dog when it comes to deciding which breed is smarter.
If you want a dog that will be easy to train and excel at obedience, then a Cane Corso may be the better choice.
However, if you want a dog that is more adaptable and can learn new things quickly, then a Pit Bull may be a better option.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which breed is right for you based on your individual needs and preferences.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Playfulness
Pit Bulls are well-known for being very playful dogs. They love to roughhouse and play games, and will often try to engage their owners in these activities.
Cane Corsos, on the other hand, are not typically as playful as Pit Bulls. This is likely due to the fact that they were originally bred as hunting dogs, and therefore were not selected for this trait.
However, this does not mean that Cane Corsos do not enjoy playing or is not an affectionate dog breed. They can still have a lot of fun with their owners, just in different ways than Pit Bulls typically do.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Health and Care
Pit Bulls and Cane Corsos are both relatively healthy dog breeds. However, there are some differences in the health concerns that these two breeds are prone to.
Below are some of the potential health conditions for pitbulls:
- Allergies
- Anal Furunculosis
- Cancer
- Cardiomyopathy
- Demodicosis
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Below are some of the potential health conditions for Cane Corsos:
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart defects
- Gastric Torsion (bloat)
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Cherry Eye
As outlined, both Pit Bulls and Cane Corsos are prone to some of the same health conditions. However, there are some conditions that are more common in one breed than the other.
For example, Pit Bulls are more likely to suffer from allergies and cancer, with one out of four pitbulls developing cancer at some point.
Cane Corsos are more prone to joint problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
While every day is uniquely different, it is important to be aware of these potential health concerns if you are considering either of these dog breeds.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Grooming Requirements
Both Pit Bulls and Cane Corsos have relatively short coats, which means they do not require a lot of grooming.
However, Cane Corsos are considered to be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, while Pit Bulls are considered to be medium-maintenance.
This is because Pit Bulls tend to shed more than Cane Corsos, and therefore require more brushing to keep their coats looking clean and healthy. They have single coats which means they only have one layer of fur, making them less protected in colder climates.
Cane Corsos, on the other hand, have a double coat, which means they have two layers of fur. This helps to protect them from the cold weather and makes them less likely to shed.
Therefore, if you are looking for a dog that requires less grooming, then a Cane Corso may be the better choice due to their coat type and shedding levels.
In addition, both dog breeds are prone to drooling, so it is important to have a good supply of dog towels on hand if you own either of these breeds.
Cane Corso vs Pitbull: Life Span
The average life span of a Pit Bull is 10-15 years, while the average life span of a Cane Corso is 10-12 years.
This means that, on average, Pit Bulls will live two years longer than Cane Corsos.
However, both dog breeds have the potential to live much longer if they are well-cared for and have no major health concerns.
Pro Tip:
The maximize your dog’s longevity, make sure to feed them a high-quality diet, provide them with regular exercise, and take them for annual check-ups at the vet.
Final Thoughts
Pit Bulls and Cane Corsos are both great dog breeds with a lot to offer their owners.
However, there are some important differences between these two breeds that potential owners should be aware of before making a decision.
Careful consideration of the above factors will hopefully assist you in making an informed decision on which dog breed is right for you.
