The Doberman and Cane Corso are both very powerful dogs with an intimidating appearance. When they are bred together to create a Doberman Cane Corso mix, the result is a large breed that’s as gentle as they are muscular.
History and Where the Doberman Cane Corso Mix comes from
The Doberman Cane Corso mix is a hybrid dog breed, also known as a designer breed. No one knows where they came from, or who created this new breed.
What we do know is that they have only been around for a decade or two.
A lack of history is the rule with designer breeds, rather than the exception. They simply seem to appear out of nowhere.
History of Designer Breeds
Designer breeds may seem like a new phenomenon, but the fact is that only the name is new. Many of today’s popular “pure breeds” were created by mixing two other breeds.
The French Bulldog is a great example. They were created by breeding toy bulldogs native to England with Ratters from France.
Another example is the most popular breed today, the Labrador. They were created by breeding New Foundlands and English hunting dogs.
Breeds were combined in an effort to get specific traits, characteristics, or skills. This is still true today. It’s quite possible that in 100 years, the Doberman Cane Corso mix will have its own name, and be considered a pure breed.
Doberman History
The Doberman, also known as the Doberman Pinscher, is a descendant of the ancient Mollosser breed. This breed is the ancestor of many of today’s popular breeds, including Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and Great Danes.
The Doberman was created in Germany in 1890, making it a much newer breed than the Cane Corso. They were created by Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman, which gives them their namesake.
Doberman was a tax collector, and also ran a dog pound. He wanted a dog to protect him when he was collecting taxes. So, he began breeding dogs, in an effort to create one that was strong, loyal, and could act quickly.
The work that he began was eventually completed by two other individuals, and the Doberman was born. No one is sure which dogs contributed to the Doberman. Some speculate that the Beauceron, German Pinscher, German Shepherd, and Weimaraner were the ancestors of the breed.
Others believe it was the shorthaired shepherd, Rottweiler, black and tan Terrier, and the German Pinscher.
Cane Corso History
The Cane Corso is also a Mollosser. They first appeared in ancient Rome. They fought beside soldiers in wars. When the war was over, they found other ways to make themselves useful.
They became excellent guard dogs and would watch over livestock, property, and people. They also performed tasks on the farm.
The Cane Corso was nearly extinct after World War 1. A chance encounter of the dogs in Italy allowed the breed to have a resurgence.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Facts
Dobermans and Cane Corsos are both large breeds. Despite their aggressive appearance, they are gentle giants.
It’s important to note that if you purchase a Doberman Cane Corso, they will not be registered. The AKC and other organizations don’t recognize designer breeds, because they aren’t pure breeds.
This means that you can participate in some AKC events, like agility, but you will not be able to participate in confirmation events.
However, if you simply want a companion, or even a guard dog, this isn’t a concern.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Appearance
Mixed breed dogs will always inherit some physical traits from both parents. There can be a lot of variation in the way Doberman Cane Corsos look, even between puppies from the same litter.
The Doberman and Cane Corso have many similarities in their appearance, so there’s less variation than with dogs who look very different. However, to get a better idea of how the Doberman Corso will look, it’s important to know the appearance of their parent breeds.
Doberman Appearance
Dobermans have a sleek muscular body. They are strong and well muscled, yet graceful. They have a wedge shaped head, with a long muzzle. Their ears and tail are typically docked.
Their coat is short, smooth, and glossy. They can be black, dark red, blue or fawn. They will also have rust colored markings on their face, paws, and chest.
Cane Corso Appearance
The Cane Corso is also well muscled, with a stockier appearance than the Doberman. Despite their large muscles, they also have a graceful appearance.
Their ears are naturally floppy, and their tail is long. However, many owners will dock their ears and tail, giving them a more aggressive appearance.
They have a short dense double coat that is typically solid colored. Their coat can be black, gray, fawn, or red. They can also be brindle, which gives them black stripes over the base color.
Doberman Cane Corso Appearance
The Doberman Cane Corso can have a large rectangular head of the Corso, or the wedge shaped head and muzzle of the Doberman.
They will have a muscular body, which can be stocky or slim, depending on which parent trait they inherit. They will appear sleek and graceful.
Most inherit the large floppy ears of the Cane Corso. However, their ears can be docked.
They will have a short dense double coat, like both parent breeds. The most common coat colors are black, brown, rust, and brindle.
They can also inherit a red or blue coat, but these colors are rare.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Price and Expenses
You can expect a Doberman Cane Corso mix to cost between $1,000 to $2,500. This is in line with the cost of the parent breeds.
Registered Cane Corsos are typically within this same price range of $1,000 to $2,500. Dobermans are a bit more expensive, with most registered puppies costing $1,500 to $2,500.
Both parent breeds can cost more if they are from a prestigious bloodline or are a very rare color.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Rarity
Doberman Cane Corsos are rare for a few reasons. First, there are few breeders who breed them. This is because they are a new breed, and also because many breeders avoid designer breeds.
The other reason for their rarity is the rarity of the parent breeds. Dobermans are currently ranked the 16th most common breed in the U.S. Cane Corsos are much rarer, ranking 40th.
This means that Cane Corsos are rare compared ot other breeds. So, this means less Cane Corso hybrids as well.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Life Expectancy
Large breeds tend to have shorter lives than smaller breeds. The Doberman Cane Corso has a life expectancy of 10-12 years, which is common for large breeds.
Cane Corsos have a lifespan of 9-12 years. Dobermans live for 10-13 years.
You can maximize your pooch’s lifespan by providing a healthy diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Size and weight
The size and weight of a Doberman Cane Corso mix can vary, and be difficult to predict, due to being a mixed breed. Most Doberman Corsos will be 24-28 inches tall, and weigh 65-110 pounds.
Female Cane Corsos are 23-26 inches tall, and weigh 85-99 pounds. Males will grow to 25-28 inches tall, and weigh 90-120 pounds.
Male Dobermans are 27 to 28 inches tall, and weigh around 70 pounds. Females are 25-27 inches tall, and weigh 60-65 pounds.
A Doberman Cane Corso can inherit any of these traits to a degree. It’s possible for them to be tall like the Doberman, and heavier like the Cane Corso, for example.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Health
Doberman Cane Corsos are healthy pooches. It’s thought that hybrid vigor makes them more healthy than their parent breeds. Of course, they can also inherit health problems from either or both parents.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a problem for both parent breeds, and the Cane Corso Doberman. In fact, it’s a problem for many large and medium sized breeds, due to their size.
Hip or elbow dysplasia occurs when the joint doesn’t form correctly. Over time, this allows the joint to slip out of place. This can lead to pain, particularly with movement.
The risk of the condition is determined by genetics. However, a healthy weight and proper exercise can lower your pooch’s risk. Genetic testing can also reveal the risk of your dog developing the condition.
Bloat
Bloat can occur in any dog. However, it’s more common in large or deep chested breeds, like the Doberman Cane Corso. It’s a life threatening condition that all dog owners should be aware of.
It occurs when gas is trapped in the stomach. If it’s not treated, the stomach can twist due to increased pressure. When the stomach twists, bloat is fatal in 50% of cases. However, if the pooch gets veterinary treatment before the stomach twists, they have an 80% survival rate.
The symptoms of bloat include severe stomach pain, bloating or swelling of the stomach, and retching or gagging without productive vomiting. If your pooch has these symptoms, they need immediate veterinary care.
You can reduce the risk of bloat by feeding your pooch at least two meals a day. If they eat too quickly, use a slow feeder bowl so they will eat more slowly. Avoid exercise within 30 minutes of eating.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
Like their parent breeds, the Doberman Cane Corso is a great guard dog. They are very protective. They are intelligent, and usually serious. They are a bit reserved, but affectionate with family.
They have high energy levels, and require plenty of exercise to be well behaved.
They do best when they have plenty of mental stimulation as well. Without it, they can become bored. This will lead to behavioral issues, like being destructive.
They need a job to do. This helps provide mental stimulation, and helps them feel useful. This is a need for this breed, as it is for their parent breeds.
Their job can be guarding the family or house, learning new commands, or even helping with tasks. What they do isn’t really important. What is important is that they have something to do. This allows them to contribute to their family, or pack.
Despite their aggressive appearance, the breed is really gentle, particularly with family. They do have a high prey drive. If they aren’t well socialized with smaller animals, they may view them as prey.
How to care for a Doberman Cane Corso Mix
Caring for a Doberman Cane Corso mix requires a lot of work, particularly when it comes to exercise and training. They need lots of time and attention to prevent them from becoming bored or lonely. On the other hand, grooming them is relatively easy.
How much exercise do Doberman Cane Corso Mixes need?
Both parent breeds are active, so your Doberman Corso will require plenty of exercise each day. They will need 1 to 2 hours of high intensity exercise each day.
Of course, like anything involving hybrids, this can vary, based on the traits they inherit from their parents.
Cane Corsos are calm and reserved most of the time. They require 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day. They don’t have a lot of stamina, so a few shorter exercise sessions are great for them.
Dobermans are more energetic. This high energy breed needs a minimum of 2 hours of exercise daily.
this means that your Doberman Corso may be perfectly happy with 1 hour of exercise each day, or may need at least 2 hours. Keep in mind that they need high intensity exercise as well. Running or jogging, fetch, tug of war, and agility courses are great ways to burn their energy.
If your pooch doesn’t get enough exercise, you can count on behavioral problems as a result. High energy dogs are similar to children. If you don’t tire them out, they will get into things that you don’t want them to.
They may be destructive, bark excessively, or try to escape from the home or fence.
Do Doberman Cane Corso Mixes shed a lot?
No, Doberman Cane Corsos don’t shed a lot. They will shed twice a year, in the spring and fall. This allows their coat to conform to the changing temperatures, becoming cooler in the spring and thicker and warmer in the fall.
However, their short coat makes the process easier and less messy than it is for long-coated breeds.
Do you need to groom Doberman Cane Corso mixes often?
Doberman Cane Corsos need regular, short grooming sessions. You’ll need to brush them a few times a week. When they are shedding, it’s best to brush them daily.
Thanks to their short coat, brushing them is a fast process.
When it comes to bathing, they need a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Use a shampoo designed for dogs, and avoid products designed for humans.
Do you need to train Doberman Cane Corso Mixes a lot?
Because they are large powerful dogs, Doberman Cane Corsos do need a lot of training. Owning this breed comes with a responsibility to yourself, family, and society.
Training should begin early. The good news is they are highly intelligent. However, they are also strong willed. Dobermans can be difficult to train, because they are very independent. Cane Corsos have a different temperament, with a strong desire to please.
Your Doberman Corso can fall anywhere on this spectrum. Training them requires a firm and confident leader. If they don’t see you as the alpha, they will try to run things.
If you are not an experienced dog owner, you should sign you and you pooch up for obedience class to get the best start.
In addition, you’ll need to socialize them well. Both parent breeds are very protective, and wary of strangers. If not properly socialized, they can be aggressive with strangers or other animals.
When they are socialized early in life, this shouldn’t be a problem. They may not warm up to strangers easily, but they should be calm and tolerant around them.
Doberman Cane Corso Mix Diet
A balanced diet is important for all dogs, but it’s particularly important for large breeds, like the Doberman Corso.
They need a high protein diet due to their large size and massive energy. Dogs use protein to build muscle, and for energy.
Choose a food that is low in carbohydrates and medium in fat. Foods that are labeled as high protein are a good choice. You may also choose a food that is labeled for high energy dogs or large breeds.
You’ll also need to feed them a food designed for their life stage. Puppies should eat puppy food, at least 3 times a day. Once they are 1 year to 18 months, you can switch them to an adult food. Feed them at least 2 times a day. Older dogs should be given a food designed for seniors.
Are Doberman Cane Corso Mixes good family pets?
Doberman Cane Corsos are a good choice for many families. They require lots of exercise daily, so they are a good companion for energetic kids.
They are very loyal, and will do anything for their owners. However, there are some things to consider before choosing a Doberman Corso for your family.
Serious Protectors
Both parent breeds are extremely protective. They are naturally inclined to guard their families and their homes. This can be helpful for families, because your pooch will literally guard your loved ones with their life.
One Person Pooch
Cane Corsos will love everyone in the family. Dobermans, however, sometimes bond closely with one person, and don’t have a lot of affection for anyone else.
Your Doberman Corso can inherit either trait. They may love everyone, or consider one person their owner.
Domination
They may also try to dominate everyone else in the household. They won’t be aggressive if they are trained and socialized. It’s not in their nature to be aggressive with family, unless they aren’t raised properly.
However, they may try to run the show, and “bully” others. This is particularly problematic if they sense fear in family members. If they don’t view you as confident and assertive, they may walk all over you.
Older children can hold their own with this pooch, but they may not be the best choice for younger children.
How do you buy a Doberman Cane Corso Mix?
Doberman Cane Corsos are difficult to find due to their rarity. Finding one can require some time and effort. However, you should also take the time to be sure the breeder is ethical.
The Puppy Mill Problem
Puppy mills are essentially puppy production factories. Rather than focusing on breeding healthy dogs and creating healthy pups, puppy mills focus solely on profits.
They create as many puppies as possible to maximize the profits. Unfortunately, the dogs and puppies are often kept in poor conditions. There’s little to no discretion about which dogs to breed, which can lead to pups with behavioral or health problems.
Puppy mills usually focus on breeds that are popular or trendy. At this time, Doberman Cane Corsos aren’t well known. However, if they become more popular, they are more likely to be found in puppy mills.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
It can be difficult to find a Doberman Corso breeder near you, so you may not have the option of visiting the breeder’s home and meeting the parents in person.
However, you can request a video chat to get an idea of the dogs’ personalities and living conditions.
You should also ask the breeder a few questions. How do they determine breeding pairs? How do they ensure their dogs and puppies are healthy?
Reputable breeders will focus on the health and temperament of their dogs.
You can also expect the breeder to ask you questions. Ethical breeders want to be sure their puppies are going to good homes. They may ask about your previous dog experience, and the living conditions the pooch will have.