Cane Corso Pitbull Mix: Complete Guide

Have you heard of the Pit Corso dog breed? This hybrid may look intimidating due to its strong and muscular physique and confident personality. If you’re interested in this designer dog and wonder if this mix would make a good family pet, you’ve come to the right article.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Cane Corso Pitbull Mix. While they go by Pit Corso or the American Pit Corso, there are other names you should be aware of depending on which Pitbull dog breed the Cane Corso was bred with.

We’ll go over what the offsprings of the Pit Corso will look like, common health issues they may face, their temperament, grooming needs, and what you can expect if you have one. Let’s get started!

Is a Cane Corso a Pitbull?

No, a Cane Corso is not a Pitbull. The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff, whereas the term “Pitbull” usually describes a group of canines with similar traits. 

Cane Corsos are incredible guard dogs and useful pets who have been serving humans in various roles throughout history.

However, it’s okay if you can’t tell the difference between a Cane Corso and a Pitbull yet. By the end of this article, you’ll understand how these canines are different and whether a Cane Corso / Italian mastiff and Pitbull Mix will be the right pet for you.

Are Cane Corso related to Pit Bulls?

Not exactly. They share many similarities but have different roots. The Cane Corso originated in Italy and descends from Mastiffs, whereas the Pitbull was created in England and descends from terriers and bulldogs.

The differences between the two breeds will be more apparent as we read more about the Pitbull Cane Corso Mix.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix information 

As you can guess, a Pitbull Cane Corso Mix is the offspring of a Pitbull and a Cane Corso. We will discuss Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes in more detail, but first, let’s read a little about the two breeds responsible for creating this mix.

Cane Corso

Also known as the Italian Mastiff, the Cane Corso is a massive dog initially bred for protection and hunting. They are muscular and powerful with a short coat and have large heads with drooping ears and dark eyes. 

Cane Corsos are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They’re also hard-working canines originally used for guarding, cart-pulling, herding, and hunting in the Italian countryside.

These canines also have famously powerful jaws. At 700 psi, they have one of the strongest bites among canids. They’re not that different from Pitbulls in some aspects.

You may be interested in: Coonhound Pitbull Mix (Complete Guide)

Pitbull

Pitbulls are medium to large dogs. They are muscular with a short coat that can be any color you can imagine on canines. They have broad heads, big mouths, and medium ears. 

When we say “Pitbull,” we don’t mean one dog. Pitbull describes several breeds with similar physical and personality traits.

For example, there are four different dog breeds that are considered Pitbulls. They are:

1. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).
2. American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff).
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie).
4. American Bully.

Sometimes, the American Bulldog is also considered part of the Pitbull family.

However, the stigma of the Pitbull being an aggressive, dangerous dog has forced breeders to omit the use of the word. Today, only the APBT carries Pitbull in its name.

RELATED: Pitbulls Pregnancy – How Many Puppies Can A Pitbull Have?

Cane Corso and Pitbull mix 

If you look at the individual physical and temperamental qualities of Cane Corso and Pitbulls, the idea of making a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix breed sounds like something an evil villain would come up with.

Due to complimenting tendencies of the two breeds, a Pitbull mixed with a Cane Corso will be an intimidating pooch that would require an expert handler. A Cane Corso Pit Mix won’t be too friendly with strangers, and they can even be a threat to other pets around.

Nevertheless, a Cane Corso and Pit Mix would never hurt his owner.

However, if an expert breeder mates two well-behaved and healthy specimen, they can produce a super loyal, sturdy, and protective Pit Corso Mix.

Read also: Doberman Pitbull Mix (Complete Guide)

Cane Corso + American Pit Bull Terrier = American Pit Corso 

Combining the Cane Corso with the notorious APBT may seem like a bad idea, but the offspring of these two dog breeds can make a great pet. 

As with all mix breeds, there is no guarantee of the physical characteristics or temperament of the Cane Corso Pitbull terrier Mix pup.

The Cane Corso American Pitbull Mix has the loyalty and affection of the APBT and the guarding nature of the Cane Corso. They guard their owners with their lives and deal with any threat aggressively.

Similar Mixed Dog Breed: Plott Hound Pitbull Mix (Complete Guide)

Cane Corso + American Bully = Cane Corso Bully Mix 

American Bullies are just buff babies, and they don’t have the aggressive tendencies of the APBT. A Cane Corso American Bully Mix would be a loyal, intelligent, and protective pet that is great with kids.

It’s worth noting that American Bullies come in various sizes — from the 14-inch tall pocket bully to the monstrous XXL bully that can grow over 24 inches tall. You can see how the size of an American Bully Cane Corso Mix will change depending on the type of bully parent.

While we don’t have many real-life examples, we can imagine an XL or XXL Bully mixed with Cane Corso would be a beast of a dog.

Cane Corso + American Staffordshire Terrier = Amstaff Cane Corso Mix 

The American Staffordshire Terrier Cane Corso Mix is an excellent choice for those who live a semi-active lifestyle and can’t handle a pup with high exercise needs.

They are loyal to their family and make excellent watchdogs. The Cane Corso Staffordshire Mix does not have the aggressive tendencies of the APBT either, and their lifespan is also better thanks to the longer lifespan they inherit from the Amstaff.

Cane Corso + Staffordshire Bull Terrier = Cane Corso Bull Terrier Mix 

The Cane Corso bull terrier Pitbull Mix is perfect for large families with energetic kids. They are affectionate, obedient dogs with high energy levels ideal for keeping up with playful children.

Though they are strong, the Cane Corso terrier Mix is not aggressive. They are excellent nanny dogs, and their size doesn’t pose a danger to young kids. They’re friendly towards strangers but vigilant enough to know a friend from a foe, making them excellent watchdogs and protectors.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix physical appearance

The Pitbull Cane Corso Mix is a large and intimidating pooch. This canine is a mix of the two most muscular dog breeds and has the blocky head and stout build of the Pitbull.

Their exact appearance will depend on the Pitbull type they had as parents.

Here’s a table to give you an idea.

Physical qualities comparison

	Cane Corso	American Pit Bull Terrier	American Staffordshire Terrier	Staffordshire Bull Terrier	American Bully (standard)
Size	Large	Medium-to-large	Medium-to-large	Medium	Medium
Tail	Medium-long, no taper	Medium-long, tapered	Short, tapered	Medium-long, tapered	Medium-long, tapered
Ears	Medium-long, droopy	High-set, half prick	High-set, half prick	High-set, half prick	High-set, no prick
Eyes	Almond-shaped	Round	Round	Round	Oval to round
Drooling	Moderate	Low	Minimal	Moderate	High
Coat	Smooth, short	Smooth, short	Smooth, short	Smooth, short	Smooth, short
Shedding	Low	High	Low	Low	Moderate
Grooming	Very easy	Very easy	Very easy	Very easy	Very easy

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix coat colors

Since the Pitbull can come in any color and shade you can imagine, the same goes for the Pitbull Cane Corso Mix. They can come in some exquisite and unique coat colors. Let’s discuss some of them.

Blue Cane Corso Pitbull Mix 

Blue or grey are similar coat colors, and a dilution gene is responsible for both. This dilution gene can cause a Cane Corso blue Pitbull Mix to have a bluish-grey coat.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix black 

Black is the signature color for the Cane Corso, and it looks majestic on a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix. It’s common for a Cane Corso Pitbull black coat to have a white patch on its chest and belly.

Brown Cane Corso Pitbull Mix 

A brown Cane Corso Pitbull Mix can be a light fawn or dark chocolate brown, or they can be somewhere in between.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix brindle 

Brindle is one of the most common patterns for canines, and you’ll find both Cane Corsos and Pitbulls in this color. Brindle refers to a pattern of tiger-like stripes.

White Cane Corso Pitbull Mix 

White is the rarest Cane Corso Pitbull Mix coat color. A solid white Cane Corso Pitbull may be carrying the albino or merle gene, which can cause deafness and blindness.

You might also like: White Pitbulls – Complete Guide

Cane Corso Red Nose Pitbull Mix 

When you mix a Cane Corso with a red-nosed Pitbull, the resulting offspring can inherit a red nose. The red nose comes from a rare gene. The gene is recessive and is not common in either purebred parents. A Cane Corso red nose Pit Mix will likely carry a coat color of a similar hue.

Cane Corso Blue Nose Pit Mix 

Blue-nosed Pitbulls are another rare variety of Pitbull-type dogs. The nose, usually black, can turn blue due to a dilution gene. If you have a blue nose Pitbull Cane Corso Mix, their coat color will likely be light gray, blue, or white.

Pitbull Cane Corso Mix size, height, and weight

Cane Corsi are tall and heavy-bodied dogs, whereas most Pitbulls are medium-sized and broad.

If you’re wondering, “How big will a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix get?” the answer really depends on the type of their Pitbull parent.

 Pitbull Cane Corso Mix Size

Cane Corso mix with:	American Pit Bull Terrier	American Staffordshire Terrier	Staffordshire Bull Terrier	American Bully
Size group	Medium to large	Medium to large	Medium	Medium/large
Height	18-27 inches	18-27 inches	14-27 inches	17-27 inches
Weight	30-90 pounds	45-90 pounds	28-90 pounds	75-100+ pounds

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix temperament 

The temperament of the Cane Corso Pitbull Mix will depend on their parents. As crossbred dogs are a random mixture of genes, it is impossible to predict their character with certainty.

The Pitbull Cane Corso Mix has the Pitbulls’ loyalty and affection and the Cane Corso’s guarding nature. They are fiercely protective of their family and home. 

Contrary to popular belief, Pitbulls are naturally non-aggressive towards humans. However, they act hostile around other dogs and smaller animals.

Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mix good family pets?

A well-trained and socialized Pitbull Cane Corso Mix can make a good family pet. However, they pack a lot of power and can revert to their herding instincts. The uncertainty is why we won’t recommend the mix for households with small kids.

The Pitbull parent is a crucial factor. When considering a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix for a family with little kids, it’s better if the Pitbull side comes from a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or an American Bully.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix training

The Pitbull Cane Corso Mix can have an unpredictable personality. It’s also worth noting that this mix can inherit the insanely high bite-force of the Cane Corso. That’s all the more reason to give utmost importance to obedience and socialization training.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix exercise requirement

The Pitbull Cane Corso Mix needs a lot of daily exercises. They can get bored easily and develop behavioral problems if they don’t get enough exercise. Don’t let your Cane Corso Pitbull Mix put on excess weight, as obesity can cause health problems like arthritis and high blood pressure.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix grooming and cleaning 

Expect your Pitbull Cane Corso Mix to shed throughout the year. However, their grooming requires no effort, thanks to their short fur. Brushing only every other week will be enough for these pups.

Bathe your Pit Corso only when necessary, and only use a shampoo made for dogs — human shampoo can harm their skin and coat.

Check their ears regularly for infection or earwax buildup. Wipe their ears out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleaning solution. Clip their nails every few weeks and brush their teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week. 

Is Cane Corso Pitbull Mix hypoallergenic?

No, the Pitbull Cane Corso Mix is not hypoallergenic. While they shed less than many other dog breeds, they are still far from being hypoallergenic.

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Cane Corso Pitbull Mix food and diet

The Pitbull Cane Corso Mix should get a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level. Feed them 3 to 4 cups of dog food per day, split between two meals. Growing puppies will need higher-quality food to meet their nutritional needs.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix common health issues

Since the Pitbull Cane Corso Mix is a relatively new breed, there is still very little information about their health.

However, as both the Cane Corso and the Pitbull are prone to certain health conditions, you should be aware of these problems for your Cane Corso Pitbull Mix.

1. Hip Dysplasia

A common congenital issue in big and heavy dogs is hip dysplasia. This condition affects the ball and socket joints of the hip. When this occurs, your dog will experience pain in its hips and back legs.

2. Bloat

This painful and severe condition occurs when your pup’s stomach becomes too full of gas. It can cause your pooch to become bloated, and his stomach might even twist, which is a life-threatening problem.

3. Epilepsy

Unfortunately, this disease runs in Pitbulls and Cane Corsos. There is no known cure for epilepsy, but treatments can help control the condition.

4. Cataracts

Cataracts can cause cloudy spots on your dog’s eyes, which will eventually lead to blindness. Both the parent breeds are susceptible to cataracts and several other eye diseases.

Read next: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?

5. Heart Diseases

Both the Cane Corso and Pitbull are also at risk for developing heart diseases. If your pooch is coughing, panting heavily, or breathing rapidly, talk to your vet and see if he or she might have a heart problem. 

6. Mange

Like many other dog breeds, the Cane Corso Pitbull Mix could also be at risk for mange. This condition is usually caused by Demodex mites on the pup’s skin. A weakened immune system can increase their numbers and cause mange.

Check out: Dog Losing Hair Around Eyes? (9 Top Reasons + What To Do)

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix lifespan

The average lifespan of the Pitbull Cane Corso Mix is 10 to 14 years. However, the actual figure may differ slightly since the breed is relatively new.

Want more information? Find out how long do Pit Bulls live in our Pitbull Lifespan guide.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix adoption

If you are interested in adopting a Pitbull Cane Corso Mix, you may search your local shelters. Both the Cane Corso and Pitbull are misunderstood canines that many owners don’t understand.

That’s why you’ll find adoption centers full of Pitbull and Cane Corso mixes. If you’re lucky, you may find your best friend there.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix breeders

When buying a Pitbull Cane Corso mix, be sure to only purchase from a reputable breeder. It’s vital that the breeder knows the breed and has healthy, well-socialized canines.

Avoid breeders who are only interested in making a profit and do not care about the welfare of their pups.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix price

The price of a Pitbull Cane Corso Mix can vary depending on the breeder and your bargaining skills. However, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 for a pup.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix for sale 

There are currently very few places with Cane Corso and Pitbull Mix for sale. However, if you are interested in adopting one of these hybrids, we highly recommend that you check your local shelters or contact a reputable breeder.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix puppies 

Cane Corso mixed with Pitbull puppies can inherit a random mixture of traits from their parents. However, they may be healthier than both their parents. They do retain some of their parents’ qualities, and you can get an idea of what the Cane Corso Pitbull puppy may grow up to be by looking at the parents.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix puppies price

The Pitbull Cane Corso Mix is a new breed with little known about it. As such, there is no standard price for them yet. However, you can expect to pay around $1,000 or more for a puppy. 

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix puppies for sale 

If you search for “Cane Corso Pitbull Mix puppies for sale near me,” you won’t get many results. Since they’re pretty new, there are not many puppies for sale yet.

However, if you are interested in adopting one of these hybrids, check your local shelters or contact a reputable breeder.

Is the Cane Corso Pitbull Mix right for me?

Crossbreeds have a mix of desirable qualities from both parents, or they can have the worst of both. Cane Corso and Pitbulls are relentless, protective, courageous, and powerful canines, and their mixture may not be suitable for inexperienced owners.

Make sure to also consider the potential health problems that this breed could have and how they might affect your lifestyle. If you are prepared to handle these risks and provide the necessary care, then a Pitbull Cane Corso Mix may just be the fur buddy for you.

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_Corso

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/pit-bull-ban-aggressive-dog-breed-bronwen-dickey