The Cane Corso and Pitbull are both imposing looking dogs with a big heart. When combined, they create an amazing canine companion. These large pooches are always ready to work, and highly protective over their family.
History and Where the Cane Corso Pitbull Mix comes from
The Cane Corso Pitbull is a new designer dog breed. Designer breeds are created by breeding two purebred dogs to create a new crossbreed.
This may seem like a new practice, but it’s actually been occurring as long as we’ve had dogs as companions.
The pitbull is actually a result of a cross like this. Of course, they weren’t known as designer dogs at that time. The term is new, but the practice itself is as old as the modern dog itself.
History of the Cane Corso Pitbull
Unfortunately, we don’t know when or where the American Pit Corso was first created. We can assume it occurred in America, fairly recently. This is the case with many designer breeds. They just seem to appear out of nowhere.
History of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is descended from an ancient breed, known as Molossus, from ancient Greece. The Molussus is now extinct.
The Romans discovered the Cane Corso, and brought the breed back home with them. The Corso fought alongside the Romans in the Macedonian war, proving themselves to be fierce fighters.
After the war, they found new jobs to do. They were hunting companions, farm hands, and guard dogs. They can still be found performing these tasks today.
It was thought they had died out in the 1900s. However, a chance discovery brought the breed back in the 1970s. Italian Corso lovers began bringing the breed back. In 1984, Society Amorati Cane Corso, which means Society of Cane Corso Lovers, was founded.
History of the Pitbull
The Pitbull has a rich, but unfortunate, history. English bulldogs were used to fight bulls for entertainment in England. In the 1800s, this practice was outlawed.
Those who were involved simply transitioned to new activities. Ratting involved placing rats in a pit with a dog. This required smaller, more agile dogs.
The bulldog was bred with Terriers, to create a more compact, yet muscular, dog. This became the pitbull, because they were descended from bulldogs, and placed in pits to fight.
Dogfighting also became popular at this time, and Pitbulls were the most popular dog to use. These practices were eventually outlawed. Unfortunately, dog fighting still occurs underground today.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Facts
The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is often referred to as the American Pit Corso. It’s created by crossing a Cane Corso with a Pitbull, technically known as an American Pitbull Terrier.
The breeds are similar in appearance, so you may wonder if the two are related. Pitbulls are descended from bulldogs and terriers. They are officially considered Terreirs. The Cane Corso, on the other hand, is a Molusser breed.
Despite their similar appearance, and even temperament, they are not closely related.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Appearance
The Pit Corso inherits its build and coat from both its parents. They have a very muscular body. Typically, their head is square shaped and large. Their neck is thick, like both parents.
They have a long tail, and floppy ears. Both parents have these features as well. However, their ears and tails are often docked, to make them appear more intimidating.
Some Pit Corsos have large saggy jowls, like the Cane Corso. However, they aren’t quite as pronounced as a Corso, so they will not drool as much as a Corso.
Their coat will be short, and can come in several colors. Brown, fawn, gray, white, black, and brindle coloring are common. Other colors may be possible, depending on the color of the parents. There’s not enough information about the mix to know for sure.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Price and Expenses
The price of a Cane Corso Pitbull ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. This will vary based on the parents, and the color of the Pit Corso. Since this breed is still rare and new, the prices can range even higher.
Adoption typically costs $100-$500.
In addition to purchasing the pup, there are other costs to consider. The costs of dog ownership range from $1000 to $9,000 a year.
There are also costs associated with getting a dog. Basics, including food, bowls, and a dog bed, cost about $300.
If you choose to spay or neuter your dog, this can cost $300 to $800. Initial veterinary visits, including vaccinations, cost $300-$480. If you want to microchip your pooch, this will cost about $80.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Rarity
The Cane Corso Pitbull is relatively rare, because it’s a new breed. As it gains in popularity, you can expect it to become more common.
Some colors of Pitbull Corso are much rarer than others, however.
White is the rarest color for the mix, because it’s rare in their parents. The merle or albino genes are responsible for the white coloring in this breed.
Unfortunately, it increases the risk of blindness and deafness. Due to this, breeding for this color is controversial, and can be considered unethical. However, it’s possible to have white Pit Corso pups unintentionally as well.
Red and Blue nose Cane Corso Pitbulls are rare as well. Again, the coloring is rare in the parents. These genes are recessive, which means the pup most inherit the gene from both parents for it to be expressed.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for a Cane Corso Pitbull is 10-14 years. Pitbulls are a fairly long lived breed, with a lifespan of 12-14 years. Cane Corsos have a slightly shorter lifespan, of 10-12 years.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Size and weight
Cane Corso Pitbulls have a large size and weight range, because their parents are different sizes. You can expect them to be a large breed when they reach adulthood.
A pup that takes after the Corso in size will be larger than one who favors their Pitbull parent.
Corsos weigh an average of 100 pounds, and can easily reach 120 pounds. They range from 23-28 inches in height. Pitbulls weigh between 30-60 pounds. They grow to 18-21 inches tall.
Cane Corso Pitbuls can be expected to reach a height of 21-28 inches. Their weight ranges from 70-115 pounds.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Health
The Pitbull Cane Corso is a new breed, so information about their health is limited. However, looking at the health conditions common in their parents can give you an idea of potential health issues.
Some conditions must be inherited by both parents, while others can be triggered if inherited from one parent. It’s important to note that their diet and activity level have a huge impact on their health.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common in both Cane Corsos and Pitbulls. The hip joints are looser than they should be, which causes pain and stiffness. It can affect mobility as well.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is another condition that can occur in both breeds. It causes abnormal electrical function in the brain, which leads to seizures. It can’t be cured, but it can be treated with medication.
Eye Problems
Eye problems also occur in the parent breeds. Pitbulls can develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is a congenital condition that leads to blindness.
Cataracts create cloudy spots on the eyes. This can eventually lead to blindness.
Skin Issues
Skin issues can occur as well. These are often caused by allergies. Food allergies and environmental allergies can cause skin itching, frequent licking, and hair loss.
Bloat
Bloat is a condition that can occur in any dog. However, it’s more common in large breeds like the Cane Corso. Bloat occurs when gas gets trapped in the stomach.
As food digests, the gas and pressure in the stomach increase. If not treated, this can cause the stomach to twist. Bloat can be fatal within hours, so prompt treatment is essential.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
Despite their reputation for aggressiveness, both parents have a wonderful temperament when it comes to their family. They are extremely loyal and protective.
Neither are typically aggressive towards their family. However, their protective nature means they can be aggressive towards strangers. It’s important to socialize them early and well to avoid this issue.
The Cane Corso Pitbull, like its parents, is happiest with a job to do. This may be simply watching over the family, or learning new commands. They also make excellent helpers around the farm.
What they do isn’t that important. What is important is that they feel productive and needed.
Are Cane Corso Pitbulls Aggressive?
Let’s dive deeper into this question. Cane Corsos have an undeserved reputation for aggression, likely due to their size and physical appearance.
The American Temperament Test Society offers an objective way to measure aggression and other aspects of a dog’s temperament, including stability and affection. The test is performed on individual dogs, and the data is compiled into statistics.
87% of Cane Corsos pass the test. This is higher than the noble German Shepard, who have 85% passing the test. Surprisingly, Pitbulls also fared slightly better than the German Shepherds, with 86% passing the test.
The truth is that these dogs can be aggressive, as any dog can. Much of it comes down to their socialization and training, and individual temperament. However, the odds of them being aggressive are actually lower than that of many dogs.
Given the non-aggressive temperaments of their parents, it’s safe to say that the Pit Corso is not aggressive when properly trained.
It is important to point out that Corso Pitbulls are large, powerful dogs. Pitbulls account for 74% of all fatal dog attacks. A Cane Corso Pitbull is even more powerful.
This doesn’t mean you should fear them, or avoid them. You should be aware that owning them is a big responsibility. You must treat and train them properly. If you notice any behavioral issues, address it with a professional immediately.
Individual Personality
The exact personality of your Cane Corso Pitbull is impossible to predict. Each dog, even if they are from the same litter, has its own unique personality.
This is one of the beautiful things about dog ownership. You’ll get to know your dog as an individual, as well as the overall personality of the breed.
How to care for a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix
Each dog breed requires unique care. The Cane Corso Pitbull’s needs include lots of exercise and a job to do.
How much exercise do Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes need?
Both Pitbulls and Cane Corsos are active dogs. Cane Corso Pitbulls are high energy as well.
The good news is, they don’t require a massive amount of exercise. However, they will need at least 40-60 minutes of exercise each day.
In addition to physical exercise, which can include walking, jogging, or swimming, they need plenty of mental stimulation.
Playing games with them and puzzle toys are a great way to provide mental exercise. Training is another way to provide them with mental exercise.
Obstacle courses can provide both mental and physical exercise.
Do Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes shed a lot?
Both Cane Corsos and Pitbulls shed, but they are not heavy shedders. Both breeds will shed slightly all year round.
Do you need to groom Cane Corso Pitbull mixes often?
Both parents are low maintenance in terms of grooming. They will need regular baths. Depending on their lifestyle, they may need bathing once a week to once a month.
Regular brushing is beneficial. You should brush them once every few days. However, it only takes a few minutes to brush them because of their short coat.
Do you need to train Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes a lot?
Training is essential for any dog, but it’s particularly important to train your Cane Corso Pitbull. They are very strong and tough dogs, with a high bite force.
Both the Cane Corso and the Pitbull can be aggressive if they aren’t properly trained and socialized.
In addition to this, they can be head strong. It’s important to establish yourself as the Alpha, or the head of the household. If you don’t establish this early, you may have more than you can handle on your hands.
The good news is, both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable. They have a strong desire to please. You should always use positive reinforcement, and never punish your dog.
You’ll need to begin training and socialization when the Pit Corso is a puppy. Start with basic commands, and then work on more difficult ones.
You can socialize them by having puppy playdates, and taking them to dog parks.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Diet
Cane Corsos and Pitbulls are both muscular dogs, and their pups are as well. This means that they need a high protein diet. A high protein food is a good choice for them.
Puppies should be fed a high quality puppy food. Once they reach 12 months old, you can switch them to adult food. Puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day. As they get older, you can switch to feeding them twice a day.
You should feed them at least twice a day even as an adult. This reduces the risk of bloat, and helps meet their calorie needs.
Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes good family pets?
Cane Corso Pitbull mixes are wonderful pets for the right family. You must be willing to train and socialize them properly. This begins in puppyhood, but applies to this breed throughout their lives.
They are highly affectionate and surprisingly tolerant. They won’t get angry if their tail is pulled. They don’t get nervous or aggressive in new situations.
They love to play and exercise, but they generally have the calm temperament of a Cane Corso. They are more likely to wag their tail or bring you a stick than to jump on you, for example.
They are excellent companions. In fact, they may not do well if they are left alone for long periods of time. Multiple people to give them love and attention is ideal.
The Pit Corso is also extremely protective. They will keep a watchful eye on children, and be highly alert when a stranger approaches. They are not aggressive, but they will not hesitate to act if they sense a threat.
How do you buy a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix?
There are two ways to buy a Cane Corso Pitbull. You can adopt a pooch from a shelter, or find a breeder.
Adopting a Pit Corso
Adopting a Pit Corso is a difficult task, but it is certainly worthwhile. Because the breed is rare, they are difficult to find in shelters.
However, it’s not necessarily an impossible task. Both Pitbulls and Cane Corsos are given up more frequently than most breeds, because their owners didn’t understand their needs or temperament.
Many owners surrender these breeds because of local laws or housing regulations prohibiting them as well.
You can check your local shelters, but you will probably have more luck with agencies devoted to Pitbulls or Cane Corsos.
If you adopt, you will likely only find adult dogs. Puppies of any type are difficult to find in shelters. The disadvantage is that you may not know a lot about the dog, or their previous history.
The advantage is that you’ll be providing a home to a dog that may not find one otherwise. These dogs often have an extra measure of loyalty, as if they understand you’ve rescued them.
Finding an Ethical Breeder
Breeders are relatively easy to find. However, you must be sure they are a reputable breeder, and this takes some work.
Some unethical breeders breed only for profit. They have little to no concern about breed standards, or the health of their dogs.
One red flag to look out for is being highly concerned with color. Reputable breeders will sometimes breed for color, but only after considering the temperament and health of the prospective parents.
If a breeder places color or profit above all, they should be avoided.
You should ask the breeder what they do to ensure the health of the puppies. Have their parents been screened for genetic diseases? Do they have a health certificate? Have the puppies had an initial health screening?
An ethical breeder takes the health of their dogs seriously, and will happily answer these questions.
Registration Considerations
Another way to decide if a breeder is ethical is to ask if their dogs are registered, and if they belong to any clubs. Breeders who register their dogs must follow strict guidelines.
Pitbulls can not be registered with the AKC, because they do not recognize the breed. Cane Corsos, however, can be. This means Pit Corso pups can have one registered parent, but can’t be registered themselves.
Pitbulls can be registered with other organizations. The American Pitbull Registry is a registry for Pitbulls exclusively. American Pitbull Terriers can also be registered with the United Kennel Club.
Both UKC and AKC allow limited registration for Pitbulls. This allows them to compete in some events, including performance and junior showmanship competitions. They can not participate in confirmation shows.
In truth, whether Pit Corsos have registered parents doesn’t matter that much. After all, you can’t register them. However, it is an indication that the breeder has high standards. It can also give you information about your dog’s lineage.
Finding a Breeder
There are a few ways to find a breeder. The simplest is to do a Google search of Cane Corso Pitbull breeders in your area. However, this leaves you to determine if they are ethical, and weed out any bad breeders.
Going through a breeder directory or registry can make this process easier. The AKC directory can provide you with a list of reputable Cane Corso breeders. You can contact them and see if they have any Pit Corsos.
The American Pitbull Registry has a directory of Pitbull breeders. You can contact them to learn if they have any Cane Corso Pitbulls as well.