The Rottweiler and Cane Corso share a lineage, and many of the same traits. When they are bred together, the Rotticorso is born. Like it’s parents, the pooch is large and intimidating. However, beneath the tough exterior is a sweet and loyal companion.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Facts
The Rottweiler Cane Corso is very devoted to their family. They are extremely loyal, but are typically standoffish with strangers. They make excellent guard dogs, and are at their best when they have a job to perform.
Designer Dog Breeds
The Rottweiler Cane Corso is a designer dog breed. This means that two pure bred dogs of different breeds were intentionally bred together to create a mix or cross.
The term designer dog breed is new. In fact, it’s only been around for about 20 years. However, many of today’s pure breeds are actually the result of this type of breeding.
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in America today. It’s origins include the St. Johns Water Dog, and British hunting dogs. Another example is the Staffordshire Terrier, which was created by breeding the English Bulldog with English Terriers.
Unfortunately, we don’t know the history of the Rotticorso. Like most designer breeds, no one knows when and where they were first bred. However, their parent breeds do have a rich history.
Rottweiler History
Rottweilers are descendants of the ancient Roman Mollosser dog. Cane Corsos, other Mastiffs, and Bulldogs also share Mollosser ancestry.
During the Roman wars, the soldiers would keep cattle for food. The Rottweiler’s job was to guard and herd the cattle while the soldiers marched.
After the Roman empire fell, the dogs made their home in Rottweil, Germany. This town was a trading hub, particularly for grain and livestock. The Rottweiler maintained their status as herding and guard dogs here.
They were also used in a few other ways. Once the cows were butchered, Rottweilers would pull the carts of meat. When the meat was sold, the money would be placed in bags around their powerful necks. This made stealing the money nearly impossible.
After the industrial revolution, times changed. Cattle herding was outlawed, and trains replaced carts for transporting goods.
The Rottweiler almost went extinct because they were out of work. However, they made a comeback. In the early 1900s, many realized how useful these majestic pooches were.
In In 1910, the Rottweiler was recognized by the German Police DOg Association. It was the 4th breed to be recognized. They also worked as guard dogs and military dogs. Surprisingly, they were also one of the first breeds to become guide dogs for the blind.
Cane Corso History
The Cane Corso is also a Mollosser. These dogs would fight alongside Roman soldiers. After the war, they were used as guard dogs, nanny dogs, and farm hands. In fact, their name means, “bodyguard dog”, in Italian.
Like the Rottweiler, they nearly became extinct. A chance encounter in the 1970s revealed the dogs were still alive in their native Italy. Breeders began bringing the breed back from the brink, and the Cane Corso traveled to America during the 1980s.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Appearance
It can be difficult to predict the appearance of mixed breed dogs, because they can inherit traits from either parent. However, the Rottweiler and Cane Corso share many similarities, which makes the appearance of the Rotticorso more predictable.
Physical Appearance of the Rotticorso
The Rotticorso is muscular and strong, like it’s parent breeds. They look as graceful as they are powerful. They are a bit longer than they are tall. They have a deep chest and a well muscled thick neck.
Their legs are well muscled, and their paws are rounded. They have a blocked shaped head, like both parent breeds. Their muzzle is long and narrow.
They have wide set nostrils. Their ears can resemble either parent, but most often they are triangle shaped, and floppy at the top of the ear.
Coat and Colors
The Rottweiler Cane Corso’s eyes are typically amber or dark brown. They have a black nose.
They have a short, dense, double coat, like their parent breeds.
Most Rottweilers are black, with mahogany patches, or points. They can also be black and rust or black and tan. Solid colored Rottweilers are rare, and can be red or blue.
Cane Corsos are usually solid colored, and can be a range of colors including black, tan, red, and blue. They can also be brindle or sable.
The Rotticorso can be red, black, brown, fawn, brindle, and sable. It can be either solid colored, or inherit the Rottweilers point pattern.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Price and Expenses
Rottweiler Cane Corsos typically cost between $500 to $2,500. This is a bit cheaper than their purebred parent breeds.
A registered Cane Corso typically costs $1,000 to $3,000, with $1,200 being the average price. Rottweilers can cost $1,500 to $4,000.
However, purchasing a Rotticorso is only the beginning. There are also many ownership expenses to consider.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Ownership Expenses
Initial dog ownership expenses can include a dog bed, crate, and toys. This can range from $250 to $1,100.
Initial veterinary expenses include vaccines, wellness exams, and spay or neuter surgery. This can cost $315 to $1,260.
The Rotticorso is a large breed, so they need plenty of food as well. You can expect to pay $60 to $80 a month for food.
Added together, the total initial expenses for a Rotticorso are $650 to $2,430.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Rarity
The Rottweiler Cane Corso is considered rare, because it’s a new breed. This means there are still a small number of these pooches.
However, the breed may grow significantly if it continues to grow in popularity.
The parent breeds aren’t particularly rare. The Rottweiler is the 8th most popular dog in the U.S., and the Cane Corso is 17th.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Life Expectancy
Rottweiler Cane Corsos have a life expectancy of 9-11 years. This is similar to their parent breeds.
The Rottweiler has a lifespan of 9-10 years. The Cane Corso typically lives for 9-12 years.
Genetics ultimately determines a dog’s life expectancy. However, a healthy diet, exercise, and routine veterinary care can help you maximize your pooch’s lifespan.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Size and weight
Rotticorsos typically weigh 80 to 120 pounds, and reach a height of 22 to 27 inches. Males are usually heavier and taller than females.
Cane Corsos grow to 23-28 inches tall, and weigh 85-120 pounds. Rottweilers reach 22-27 inches tall, and weigh 80-135 pounds.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Health
Rottweilers and Cane Corsos are at risk of many of the same health conditions. Both have a limited gene pool, likely because the breeds were almost extinct. This left a small breeding pool to reestablish the breed.
The good news is that many of these health issues can be detected with genetic screening. If a dog has inheritable health conditions, they are not bred. Over time, this reduces the number of dogs born with these conditions.
Hybrid dogs are sometimes said to have hybrid vigor, because they have greater genetic diversity. This may be particularly true for breeds with a limited gene pool, like Rottweilers.
However, Rotticorsos can still suffer from a number of health issues. Before owning one, you should be aware of these conditions.
Demodex Mange
Mange is caused by parasitic mites. These are present on most dogs. When mange occurs, the dog’s immune system isn’t strong enough to fight the mites.
Mange causes patches of hair loss. It can cause some itching as well. If skin lesions develop, a secondary infection can occur.
Allergies
Both parent breeds are prone to allergies. The most common allergies for these pooches are skin and food allergies. Food allergies typically cause a rash and skin lesions or hair loss. They can also cause stomach problems, or sneezing.
Skin allergies occur when a dog comes into contact with something they are allergic to. This also causes a rash and potential hair loss.
Both types of allergies can also cause severe itching, which causes frequent scratching or licking.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur when the hip or elbow joint doesn’t form correctly. This allows it to slip out of place easily. Hip dysplasia can cause pain.
If it’s severe, it can affect mobility. Your dog may experience pain when moving, particularly running or jumping.
A healthy weight and proper exercise can reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Genetic testing can also determine if your dog is at a high risk of developing the condition.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is common in both parent breeds, and other large breeds. In fact, 20% of Cane Corsos have hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive. The thyroid is responsible for metabolism, so hypothyroidism results in a reduced metabolism.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy and exercise intolerance, a slower heart rate, and cold intolerance.
Coat problems are also common. These include a dull coat, hair loss, excessive shedding, and failure to regrow hair after shaving or cutting.
Obesity
Obesity is a concern for dogs today, with 56% of dogs in America being overweight or obese. Like humans, dogs with obesity are at an increased risk of many health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
With muscular dogs like the Rotticorso, it can be difficult to know when they are carrying extra pounds. It’s important for your vet to monitor your pooches weight.
Eye Issues
Rotticorsos are prone to a few eye problems. These include cherry eye and ectropion, which are eyelid conditions.
They are also prone to cataracts, which cause increased pressure in the eyes. This leads to pain and vision loss.
Cataracts are another concern. Cataracts cause a film to form over the eye. This doesn’t cause pain, but it does affect their vision.
They can also develop PRA. PRA, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, causes the eyes to stop working, usually around 2 to 3 years old.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
A Rotticorso’s temperament is at odds with its appearance. They may look aggressive and intimidating, but their personality is much different.
They are affectionate, and crave lots of time with their family. They get lonely if they are left alone for long periods. They tend to think of themselves as lap dogs, despite their large size.
They love to please their family, but they also have an independent streak. They will try to be the boss of the household. Positive reinforcement and a firm but calm manner are the solution to this.
Like their parent breeds, these pooches do best if they have a job to do. They can guard the home, watch over the children, or learn new commands. The job they have isn’t that important. What matters is that they have one.
How to care for a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix
Rottweiler Cane Corsos are not high maintenance, but they do require plenty of care and affection.
How much exercise do Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes need?
Both parent breeds are energetic, and so your Rottweiler Cane Corsos need a significant amount of activity each day. They need at least 80 minutes of exercise each day.
Rottweilers are the more energetic parent, requiring 2 hours of exercise daily. Cane Corsos are calm by comparison, needing at least 1 hour of exercise daily.
Your Rotticorso may need more than 80 minutes of activity daily, if they take their energy levels from the Rottweiler parent. If they take after the Cane Corso, they may prefer a bit less physical activity.
Rotticorsos enjoy a wide range of activities, including walking, jogging, and swimming.
Both parent breeds are working dogs, which means they also need lots of mental activity. Without mental exercise, they will become bored. This can cause them to be destructive, and even depressed.
Teaching them new commands and tricks is one way to help provide them with mental activity. Giving them a job to do is also important. It helps keep them occupied, and makes them feel useful.
Games like fetch and obstacle courses can provide both physical and mental activity.
Do Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes shed a lot?
No, Rottweiler Cane Corsos do not shed a lot. However, they do shed some. This occurs in the spring and fall. They will shed their coat, replacing it with a thicker or thinner coat to accommodate the change in temperature.
Do you need to groom Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes often?
Rotticorsos don’t require a lot of grooming. Their short coat means that brushing them is quick and easy. They do need to be brushed at least once a week.
When they are shedding, they should be brushed once a day. This will reduce the amount of hair that they shed, and speed up the process.
You should bath them about once a month. If they are outside often, they may need bathing more often. However, bathing them too frequently can cause skin issues.
Do you need to train Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes a lot?
Rottweiler Cane Corsos do require a lot of training. They are large, powerful dogs. As their owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that they are well trained, to avoid accidents.
They are extremely loyal to their family, so there’s no real risk of them attacking a family member. However, they may jump up on people, which can cause accidental injuries. This is particularly true if you have elderly or very young individuals in the home.
They love to please their owner, which can help when training them. However, they are also stubborn. They need a strong leader. You should be calm and firm.
If they feel they can, they will rule the home. If you are inexperienced with training a strong willed dog, obedience classes are a must.
In addition to training, you’ll need to socialize your Rottweiler Cane Corso. They aren’t typically friendly with strangers.
With socialization, they will not be aggressive towards strangers. However, they may be standoffish, wary, and watchful around unknown people.
In addition to socializing them with people, you’ll need to socialize them with other animals. They have a high prey drive. If they aren’t socialized with smaller animals, they will think they are prey. This can lead to unfortunate incidents.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Diet
You have a few options when choosing a diet for your Rotticorso. If you feed them a commercial diet, choose a high quality food that is high in protein and has a medium fat content.
Look for a food with protein as the first 3 ingredients. Avoid foods that feature meat or bone meal, or corn in the first 3 ingredients.
Generally, a high protein food or one formulated for large breed dogs is the best.
Puppies should be fed a puppy formula at least 4 times a day. Once they reach 6 months old, you can feed them 3 times a day. After they reach 1 year old, you can feed them twice a day, and switch them to an adult food.
Some owners feed their dog a raw diet. A Rottweiler Cane Corsos system is well suited to this diet. However, you will need to work with your vet to make sure they are getting all the nutrition they need.
Some owners feed their pooches a commercial diet, and supplement with raw food. This can help your dog reap the benefits of both methods.
You can also supplement your Rotticorsos diet with fish oil, glucosamine, and chrondrotin. This can help support brain and joint health.
Rottweiler Cane Corso Space Requirements
The Rottweiler Cane Corso needs plenty of space. They do best when they have a large, fenced in yard to run and play in. These pooches are not ideal for apartments or small homes without a large yard.
Are Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes good family pets?
Yes, a Rottweiler Cane Corso is a great pet for families. They are affectionate and devoted to their family. They are also excellent guard dogs, so they can help keep your family safe as well.
They need lots of attention. Having multiple people in the home can help keep them entertained and provide the affection they need. They love to play, so they provide a great outlet for energetic kids as well.
They may not be ideal for families with young children. The Rotticorso will never intentionally harm a family member, but they can be large and easily excited. They may accidentally knock a little one down.
For this same reason, you should think about it carefully if you have an elderly family member in the home.
How do you buy a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix?
When buying a Rottweiler Cane Corso mix, it’s important to find a reputable breeder. Unethical breeders often breed solely for profit, rather than a love for the breed and their dogs.
This leads to poor breeding practices, which increases the risk of a dog having health or behavioral issues.
Not all unethical breeding is intentional. Some breeders simply lack an education of proper breeding practices. However, the result of poor breeding is the same, regardless of the motivation.
Where to Find a Rottweiler Cane Corso
The easiest way to find a Rottweiler Cane Corso is through an internet search. You can also look at organizations devoted to the parent breeds. These include Cane Corso Association of America and the American Rottweiler Club.
Finding an Ethical Breeder
Once you’ve found a breeder, you should ask a few questions. How do they determine breeding pairs? How do they ensure their dogs and puppies are healthy?
You should also visit the breeder’s home. This allows you to see the living conditions of the dogs, and meet the puppies and their parents. If you can’t visit due to distance, request a video chat.
Expect the breeder to ask you questions as well. These include your previous dog ownership experience, and your reason for wanting a pooch.