What happens when you mix America’s favorite dog, the Labrador Retriever, with a large but sweet breed like the Cane Corso? You get a friendly, active, and large hybrid, the Labrador Corso.
History and Where the Labrador Cane Corso Mix comes from
The Labrador Cane Corso is a hybrid breed, created by breeding a Cane Corso with a Labrador Retriever. They are also known as a designer breed.
Designer breeds are considered a new phenomenon. They’ve only became popular in the last 20 years. However, this practice is actually as old as dog domestication.
Many of today’s most popular breeds were created by mixing two or more breeds to achieve a new breed with the desired traits.
We don’t know who began breeding the Labrador Cane Corso. This is the case with most designer breeds. However, we can take a look at the parent breeds for a greater understanding of them.
Labrador History
The Labrador Retriever emerged in Britain in the 1830s. St. John’s Water Dogs were bred with European hunting dogs. The resulting breed combined with the aquatic skills of the St. John’s with the retrieval skills of the hunting breeds.
The Duke of Buccleuch and the Earl of Marlmesbury had both picked up this new breed. They attended a waterfowl shoot. They began discussing the dogs, and realized they were very similar.
Marlmesbury sent two of his dogs, named Ned and Avon, to Buccleuch. The dogs were bred, and the Labrador Retriever was officially created.
They became popular in the 1900s. Hunters and farmers began purchasing the breed. They were used for hunting, particularly waterfowl hunting, bringing in fishing nets, and for companionship.
Cane Corso History
The Cane Corso originated in ancient Rome. They are descendants of the Greek Mollosser breed, along with other breeds, including Dobermans, Great Danes, and Bulldogs.
The Cane Corso was a war dog, fighting beside Roman soldiers. Whne the war ended, they became guard dogs and farm dogs.
They almost became extinct in the 1900s. A chance encounter in their native Italy led to their resurgence. Today, they are well established breed.
Cane Corso means “bodyguard dog”. This is because they were used to guard people, property, and animals. The tradition continues today, with Cane Corsos being beloved pets as well as guardians.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Facts
Labrador Cane Corsos are lovable, despite their intimidating appearance and size. They are energetic, and require a strong owner.
It’s important to note that when it comes to any mixed breed, you won’t be able to register them with the AKC.
If you want a dog for companionship, this isn’t a concern. However, unregistered pooches can’t be shown in confirmation shows.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Appearance
The appearance of the Labrador Cane Corso can vary greatly, even among puppies from the same litter. Each puppy will inherit some of its traits from each parent.
However, they will usually inherit more of their looks from one parent than the other. They may look more like a Lab, or more like a Cane Corso, with some traits of each present.
Physical Characteristics
Labradors and Cane Corsos have very different appearances in many ways. However, there are some similarities as well.
Labradors are athletic with a large chest, a broad head, and a long strong tail. Cane Corsos have a stocky muscular build. They have a broad chest, powerful shoulders, and a sleek silhoutte.
A Labrador Corso will typically look like a mix of their parents. They will be stockier than a Lab, but not quite as muscular as a Corso. They may inherit the Labrador’s powerful tail, or the Corsos understated one.
Coat and Colors
A Labrador Corso will have a short double coat, like their parents. A Labrador’s coat is thicker than a Corsos, and most Labardor Corsos inherit this type of coat.
Black and chocolate are the most common Labrador Corso colors, because each of their parents can have these coat colors.
Labradors can also have a yellow coat. Cane Corsos can have red or fawn coats. Both parent breeds can be gray, but this is rare. Your Lab Corso can inherit one of these colors, but it’s not common.
They can inherit the Corsos brindle pattern, however. Brindle Labrador Corsos will have black stripes on a lighter base coat. Their eyes are typically brown, but they can inherit blue eyes as well.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Price and Expenses
Labrador Cane Corsos are usually $1,000 or more. This is due to their rarity, and the cost of the parent breeds.
Registered Cane Corsos cost $1,000 to $2,500, with prestigious bloodlines or rare colors sometimes selling for more. Registered Labrador puppies cost $700 to $1,500.
Ownership Expenses
When you purchase a Labrador Cane Corso, the puppy might not be the biggest expense. Initial supplies and expenses can cost $250 to $1,100. This includes a dog bed, crate, and toys.
Initial veterinary costs, including spay or neuter and vaccinations, can cost $315 to $1,260.
Because they are a large breed, they need a significant amount of food. Food can cost $60 to $80 each month.
The total expenses for a Labrador Cane Corso will range from $650 to $2,430.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Rarity
The Labrador Cane Corso is considered rare. One reason for this is the rarity of one of the parent breeds.
Cane Corsos are relatively rare. They are the 17th most common pooch in the U.S.The Labrador, on the other hand, is the most common dog in the U.S.
In addition to the rarity of the Corso, there are few breeders creating this designer pooch. This makes them very hard to find.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Life Expectancy
A Labrador Cane Corso has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. This is similar to the lifespan of the parent breeds.
Labradors have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Cane Corsos can live for 9-12 years.
You can maximize your pooch’s years with a proper diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Size and weight
A Labrador Cane Corso weighs between 55-110 pounds and reaches 22-28 inches tall. Females will be a few inches shorter, and several pounds lighter, than males.
They have a bigger variation in size than most breeds, because their parent breeds differ in size and weight. Your Labardor Corsos size will depend on which genes it inherits from each parent.
Labradors are 22-24 inches tall, and weigh 55-79 pounds. Cane Corsos are significantly larger. They grow to 23-28 inches tall, and weigh 55-120 pounds.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Health
Mixed breed dogs tend to be a bit healthier than parent breeds, thanks to hybrid vigor. However, they can inherit health issues from either parent. Before getting a Labrador Corso, it’s important to know the health issues that could develop.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common problem for medium and large breeds. It is often hereditary, and causes the joints to not form correctly as the dog is growing. This allows the hip or elbow joint to slip out of place easily.
The extra weight larger dogs support also makes the issue more likely. A proper diet and exercise can help reduce your dog’s chances of developing hip dysplasia, or lessen its severity.
Eye Conditions
Both parent breeds are susceptible to a few eye conditions. Your Labrador Cane Corso can develop progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA. This essentially programs the eyes to stop working, causing blindness. It often occurs at 2 or 3 years old.
Cataracts are another concern. Cataracts occur when a film forms over the eye. This isn’t painful, but it does affect the dog’s ability to see.
Entropion and ectropion are common issues as well. These occur when the eyelid rolls inward or outward.
Heart Concerns
Labrador Corsos can develop heart issues. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common, and can be inherited from the Cane Corso parent. It causes the heart to dilate and enlarge. This prevents it from functioning correctly.
Symptoms usually appear when the pooch is 1 to 8 years old. Exercise intolerance, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Heart failure and sudden death can occur.
Bloat
Bloat can affect any breed, but it’s more common in medium to large breeds, and those with wide barrel chests. It occurs when the gas that forms during digestion can’t be released from the stomach.
As food digests, gas continues to form. This causes increased pressure. This causes severe bloating or swelling of the stomach, intense pain, and retching or gagging without productive vomiting.
Bloat can be fatal within hours of symptoms beginning, so prompt treatment is essential. Without treatment, the stomach can twist. 50% of cases where the stomach twists are fatal, even with veterinary care.
If they get to the vet before the stomach twists, they have an 80% chance of survival.
You can reduce the risk of bloat by feeding your Labrador Corso several smaller meals each day. If they eat quickly, a slow feeder bowl is also helpful.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
To understand the Labrador Cane Corso’s temperament, it’s helpful to understand their parents. The two breeds have some similarities, and some differences.
Both breeds require lots of time with their family. They don’t do well with being alone for long periods of time. Both enjoy working. In fact, your Lab Corso may not feel fulfilled unless they are given a job to do.
When it comes to affection, Labradors are more expressive. Cane Corsos are a bit more reserved. Your Labarador Corso may fall at either end of this spectrum, or somewhere in the middle.
Your pooch may enjoy being around strangers if they inherit the Labrador attitude. If they take after the Corso, they will be reserved around strangers.
You can expect some degree of protectiveness, thanks to the Corsos fiercely protective nature.
How to care for a Labrador Cane Corso Mix
Labrador Cane Corso mixes aren’t particularly high maintenance, but they do require plenty of attention and exercise. Before getting one, be sure you have the time, energy, and space to devote to them.
How much exercise do Labrador Cane Corso Mixes need?
Labrador Cane Corsos are medium to high energy, like their parents. However, their needs can vary somewhat, depending on which parent they take after.
They generally need 1-2 hours of moderate to intense exercise each day. This can include walks, swimming, and off leash runs.
Cane Corsos typically need 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day. When they receive enough exercise, they are calm and reserved most of the time.
Most Labradors do fine with an hour of exercise each day. Some are slightly less energetic, and prefer about 45 minutes, while high energy Labs crave a 1 1/2 hours of exercise daily.
Because they are intelligent, they also need mental exercise. You can provide them with mental stimulation by playing games with them, getting them puzzle toys, and teaching them commands or tricks.
Do Labrador Cane Corso Mixes shed a lot?
Larador Cane Corsos do shed, but not as much as some breeds. Exactly how much your pooch sheds will depend on the coat they inherit.
They will have a double coat, and shed in the Spring and Fall. This allows them to adjust their coat to the changing temperatures. Labradors have a thicker coat, and will shed more than Corsos.
So, if they inherit a Labrador coat, they will shed a bit more than if they inherit the Corsos shorter coat.
Do you need to groom Labrador Cane Corso mixes often?
Thanks to their short coat, grooming a Lab Corso isn’t difficult. They will need to be brushed at least once or twice a week. When they are shedding, it’s best to brush them daily.
They do require a simple ear cleaning at least once a month to prevent ear infections. They may also need nail trimming once every 4-6 weeks. However, if they spend a lot of time running, this may not be necessary. The nails can wear down naturally.
Neither parent breed requires frequent bathing. You can bathe your Labrador Corso once every 4 to 8 weeks. However, if they have a tendency to get dirty, you can bathe them as much as once a week.
Do you need to train Labrador Cane Corso Mixes a lot?
Labrador Cane Corsos do require significant training. They are energetic and powerful animals. They can be highly protective as well. As an owner, you have a responsibility to train them well to prevent unwanted accidents or behaviors.
Some will be easy to train, and some are a bit more difficult. Labradors are intelligent, and always eager to please. They learn and follow commands easily.
Cane Corsos are highly intelligent as well. They will understand what you want them to do quickly. However, they can be stubborn. Cane Corsos have a strong desire to work for their family, which also gives them a desire to please.
However, they can also be stubborn and independent. It’s important to start training early. If a Cane Corso sees you as the alpha, training is relatively easy. If they don’t, they will attempt to do things their way.
Your Labrador Cane Corso can inherit these traits from either parent. You should be prepared for challenges in training. If you are inexperienced, an obedience class is a great idea.
In addition to training, socialization is extremely important for these pooches. You’ll need to begin socializing them early and often. Allow them to socialize with other dogs, and other people.
If they will be around other pets, they should socialize with them as well. This will prevent them from thinking of these animals as prey, rather than companions.
Labrador Cane Corso Mix Diet
The diet your Labrador Cane Corso gets is very important. Large breeds have greater nutritional needs than smaller breeds. Both parent breeds require a high protein diet.
Look for a food with protein as the first few ingredients. Avoid ingredients like fish or bone meal in the first 3 ingredients. Cane Corsos are prone to obesity, so it’s best to select a food that’s not high in fat.
Puppies should be fed a puppy food. Adults should be fed an adult formula. You can switch their diet between 12-24 months. It’s also best to choose a food that is designed for large breed dogs.
Some dog owners, particularly those of large muscular pooches like Lab Corsos, feed their dogs a raw diet. Others choose a commercial food. Still others feed a combination of raw and commercial food.
Before deciding on a diet for your pooch, it’s a great idea to consult your vet. This is particularly true if you want to feed them something other than a standard commercial diet. Your vet can help make sure your dog’s nutritional needs are met.
Puppies should be fed at least 4 times a day. When they are 6 months old, you can cut back on feeding them 3 times a day. At around 1 year old, you can feed them twice a day. You should feed them at least twice a day throughout their life.
Are Labrador Cane Corso Mixes good family pets?
Yes, when properly trained and socialized, Labrador Cane Corsos are excellent family pets. However, there are a few things you should know.
You can expect your dog to be very gentle and understanding. A toddler pulling their tail won’t phase them. They are basically fearless as well, so fear aggression isn’t a real concern. They play well with children, seeming to understand them.
Your pooch may be highly protective, like the Cane Corso parent. This can be a great thing, giving your child an extra set of eyes to watch over them.
However, it can also mean that your Lab Corso may not enjoy strangers. You shouldn’t have to worry about them hurting anyone, but they may not want to interact with new people.
Their moderate to high energy level also makes them a good choice for families. If you have energetic kids, you have a match made in heaven.
Lastly, a Labrador Cane Corso is very loyal to their family. They will develop a close bond with everyone in the household. They always want attention, so there’s plenty of love to go around. This makes them a great pet for the whole family.
How do you buy a Labrador Cane Corso Mix?
Labrador Cane Corsos are relatively rare, which makes them hard to find. When buying one, you’ll need to take the time to properly research breeders before making a choice.
Finding A Labrador Corso
The best way to find a Labrador Cane Corso is through an internet search. You can speak to Labrador and Cane Corso breeders. Even if they don’t breed Lab Corsos, they may know someone who does.
You can also check out the Labrador Retriever Club and Cane Corso Association of America.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
Once you’ve found a breeder, you’ll need to determine if they are ethical. One of the best ways to do so is to visit the breeder and the dogs. This allows you to see their personalities, as well as the dog’s living conditions.
Of course, this isn’t always possible. If your pooch is shipped to you due to distance, request a video chat. This will allow you to meet the breeder and your potential pooch.
You should also ask the breeder some questions. How do they ensure the health of their dogs? Do the parents undergo genetic testing? How do they determine breeding pairs?
These questions will help you understand the breeder, and their breeding practices. Good breeders will always focus on the health and temperament of their dogs. They want to improve the breed, and create healthy and friendly puppies.
Unethical breeders focus on profits, with little to no concern about their animals. Not all unethical breeders have these motivations. Some are simply uneducated, and aren’t aware of proper breeding practices.
Regardless of their motivation, poor breeding practices increase the risk of health and behavioral issues.