Cane Corsos and Pitbulls are both known to be intimidating dog breeds. They are solid and muscular canines that definitely require an experienced dog owner. And the same rule applies to their crossbreed, the Cane Corso Pitbull mix. Just like its parent breeds, this beautiful dog needs to be in the hands of someone who knows what he or she is doing. They need to see their owner as a pack leader. If you are wondering “Is Cane Corso Pitbull mix a good choice for me?”, we will help you form an answer to that question.
In this article, we will do a breed guide, and answer some of the most common questions that all future Cane Corso Pitbull mix owners may have. As this is a mixed breed dog, we first have to warn you that there will be some variation from pup to pup. Some will be more like their Pitbull parent, while others will be more similar to a Cane Corso. However, there are certain characteristics that can be found in all representatives of this hybrid dog.
Quick breed overview
The Cane Corso and Pitbull mix is a cross between the Cane Corso and the American Pit Bull Terrier, two well-known but quite different breeds of dogs. Depending on whose parent they take after the most, they differ in size, shape, color, and temperament.
Like its parent breeds, the Cane Corso Pitbull hybrid is a short-haired dog that has a propensity to get quite big and very strong. Although it is not very frequent, some males may develop great muscularity. Adult weight ranges from 70 to 115 pounds. Brown, gray, and brindle coloring are the most prevalent in this breed.
The Cane Corso Pitbull is quick to defend himself but also eager to please. Pitbulls and Cane Corsos have both been known to attack both people and other animals in the past. If the owner is determined to provide good continuous training and early socialization, these innate instincts toward hunting and fighting may be managed.
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Are they good family pets?
A Cane Corso Pitbull may not be the best pet for a family with small kids, since both parent breeds are naturally stubborn and are very strong and energetic. When children are around, the animals’ strength could be a problem, as they could easily knock them over. There are other breeds and hybrids that are better for a family with young children, such as the Cavapoo or Maltipoo.
The moment you bring your Cane Corso Pitbull puppy home, start training it right away. When training breeds that tend to be territorial and aggressive, it’s important to only use positive reinforcement. If you start training and socializing your puppy early on, it may grow up to be a loyal pet and a good friend.
As we have already explained, this dog isn’t the best choice for first-time dog owners. They aren’t easy to train, and it could become a bit overwhelming if you have no experience at all. However, if you really want to get one of these puppies, you could hire a professional dog trainer to help you out at the beginning.
Are Pit mixes aggressive?
This is a very tricky question to answer. We don’t believe that any dog was born aggressive, however, both of the parent breeds do have a bad reputation. They are protective, high-energy dogs, which could become an issue if they aren’t properly trained. Their Pitbull genes could make them a fighting breed, however, most of these puppies are socialized to be lovers and not fighters.
If you socialize your puppy on time, he shouldn’t be aggressive. But you should also make sure that you buy your pup from a reputable breeder that focuses on breeding puppies with a calm temperament and no behavioral issues. By following all of our suggestions, your dog shouldn’t display any sort of aggressive behavior.
Why training should be your number one priority
With such a strong and powerful breed, you should never underestimate the importance of training. The most important part of training a Cane Corso Pitbull is getting him or she used to other people. Like their parent breeds, if these dogs are not socialized properly, they can become aggressive toward other dogs and people.
Most of the time, a dog’s aggression is caused by fear. Fear of strangers is at the top of the list, followed by fear of losing resources. Like where they like to eat or sleep.Socialization teaches young puppies not to be afraid of people they don’t know, which takes away the most common cause of aggression.
Dogs guard their food, places to sleep, and other resources because they are afraid of losing them. Children are especially likely to be attacked by guarding dogs because they can’t tell when a dog needs more space. Resource guarding can be stopped by teaching dogs that your presence near a resource is a good thing and that you will always give them a high-value treat or game when they trade or let go.
Training these dogs can be challenging. That’s why we would always suggest looking up different training classes to help you out get a good start with the training process. You can choose either individual or group training classes, depending on the budget. Group training classes are also a great way to socialize your pup with other dogs.
How long do I have to walk a Cane Corso Pitbull for?
A few walks a day alone won’t be enough for this dog breed. Because they are such active and muscular dogs, they need daily rigorous exercise. So if you are a couch potato that does not exercise, then this dog breed definitely isn’t the right fit for you. Ideally, their future owner would live in a house with a huge garden, and some dog parks nearby. This hybrid dog could be a great jogging buddy, and they also enjoy playing different games like tug-of-war or going on hikes.
When it comes to how long activity they need, a Cane Pit needs at least 90 minutes a day. And like we have already explained, a relaxed walk won’t cut it. These dogs need to get their heartbeat up at least once a day. If you aren’t such an athletic person yourself, and you aren’t really about running, you could play catch with your dog. He will be doing all of the running, while you sit around and wait for him to bring his toy back. However, you have to train your dog to know how to behave off-leash for that.
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How much does maintenance cost?
Is it even necessary to say that this isn’t a low-maintenance breed? Sure, their coat is short, and you won’t have to bathe them more often than every few months, however, these dogs have plenty of other needs. We already made it clear how much exercise and activity they need, but what about the other aspects of care? Let’s take a closer look at how much it would cost to care for a Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppy.
First of all, let’s talk about food. Because they are such active and large canines, this popular mix also eats quite a bit. You will have to invest in high-quality, protein-based dog food. You also have the option to prepare their meals yourself, but that could be even more expensive. Most of them need about three cups of food a day, which would, depending on the brand you choose, cost you $10 to $25 a week. Which definitely is something to think about.
Now, let’s talk about grooming and training. Grooming is something that you can save some money on, as you can do the bathing, teeth brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat brushing yourself. But for professional dog training classes, you will have to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 for each class. However, because these dogs really can be hard to train, we would always suggest to rather do the grooming part yourself, and investing your money in at least a couple of training classes for your dog.
How long do they live?
When it comes to the Cane Corso Pitbull mix health and lifespan, there isn’t that much information available simply because this is still a newer breed. However, we can get a rough idea when we take a look at the parent breed, the American Pitbull Terrier and the Italian Mastiff. Both of these popular breeds are prone to similar health concerns. And while in theory crossbreeds are healthier than their purebred parents, this rule won’t apply to any dog bought from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
The most common condition that these dogs could be suffering from is hip dysplasia. This is a hereditary condition, so reputable breeders will do different screenings and tests to make sure that the dogs that they sell are clear from it. That’s why you should always keep a watchful eye on all of the papers that your breeder is providing you with. Other health concerns include bloat, dog eye problems, epilepsy, skin allergies, Demodex mange, and cherry eye.
The average lifespan of these dogs is somewhere between 9 and 15 years. Yes, we know that this is a pretty wide range, however, it’s hard to get any more specific considering how new this crossbreed it. To make sure that your dog lives for as long as possible, provide him with a healthy lifestyle. That means that he or she is eating a balanced diet, and getting enough exercise. In addition to that, never skip your dog’s annual vet visits.
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Where to get a Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppy
Now that you have learned so much about the Cane Pit mix, you should be able to determine if this crossbreed is really the one for you. If the answer is yes, the next step would be to buy a puppy. But where? Just like with any other dog breed, you have four options: reputable breeders, puppy mills, dog shelters, and backyard breeders.
We would never suggest buying from a puppy mill or backyard breeder. Neither of them will test your dog for common health issues, and you can’t ever know if you are going to get a healthy puppy, or if the dog you are going to end up with is sick. The risks are just too high, and even though the initial cost may be lower, you could end up paying a fortune in vet bills.
When it comes to reputable breeders, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500. They charge more because they have the necessary skills and education to breed high-quality puppies. But always make sure you ask to meet the parents of your pup, and that your breeder shows you the necessary health certifications for your puppy.
When it comes to adoption, many people leave these puppies up for adoption, because they are not ready to care for such a demanding dog. So before you decide to buy a puppy, first contact your local shelters and see if they have any dogs available. Adoption fees will be somewhere around $200.
Why you shouldn’t buy a Cane Corso Pitbull mix
While the Cane Corso Pitbull mix could be a great choice for some people, he definitely isn’t for everyone. They are very strong, muscular, and stubborn. They need a strong leader in order to be on their best behavior. If you aren’t ready to deal with a dog with these traits, a Cane Corso and Pitbull mix puppy might not be right for you.
You should also think about whether you have the time and patience to train this kind of dog. They can be hard to train to do what you want, so if you don’t want a challenge, you might want to look at a different breed. But it’s not only about patience but also about skill. You should at least have some basic dog training skills for this breed.
Last, Cane Corso Pitbull mixes need a lot of exercise because they are so strong and big. If you don’t have a big yard for them to run around in or live in an apartment, this may not be the right breed for you. They definitely won’t thrive stuck in a small apartment in a crowded city. These dogs love rural areas.
A Cane Corso Pitbull mix could be the right pet for you if you are ready to take care of a strong, difficult dog and have the time and space to give it a lot of exercise. Just make sure that you always buy from a reputable breeder who knows how to breed calm puppies.
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Conclusion: Is the Cane Corso Pitbull mix a good choice for me?
In conclusion, the Cane Corso Pitbull mix won’t be the right crossbreed for anyone who doesn’t know how to handle this fierce canine. If you are new to the dog world, we would highly suggest going for a less demanding breed. Maybe a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? These dogs are much easier to train, but you will still be getting a larger dog breed that you can go on hikes with or jog.
American Pitbull Terriers and Italian Mastiffs are both big dogs with bad reputations, and people often believe that they are aggressive and violent. While that isn’t true, and no dog is born dangerous, they do have a history of being used in dog fights. They were purposely bred to be as aggressive as possible, but thankfully, that is now in the past. Today Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppies are bred to be devoted family and guard dogs.
If you are somebody who lives in the country, maybe even owns a farm or a large family estate, and you love to stay active, this could be the dog for you. However, you will also need a lot of patience and time, to truly care for your dog the way that he deserves. Having such a strong and muscular dog is a huge responsibility, and you have to be aware of its power. But in the right hands, even these intimidating canines can become the sweetest and most affectionate family dogs.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix FAQ
Do you still have some unanswered questions even after reading the whole article? Well, know that you aren’t alone. There is so much to learn about a Cane Corso Pitbull mix that we just couldn’t fit into one article. However, in order to answer more of your questions, we also decided to add a Frequently Asked Question section. If you want us to answer any additional questions that you may have, make sure to leave us a comment asking you whatever is on your heart.
Do Cane Pit mixes bark a lot?
Neither the Pitbull nor the Cane Corso is known to be vocal dogs. So the Cane Corso Pitbull mix dog should also be a quiet dog breed. But that doesn’t mean that your dog won’t ever bark. These guard dogs have a very protective nature, and they may start barking whenever they feel like there is a threat nearby. So if your dog starts barking at the door or at the windows, chances are that he is hearing something that you are not.
Sometimes excessive barking can also be a way for our dogs to tell us that something is wrong. Maybe they want to tell you that they need your attention or that they are feeling bored. Sometimes it could be something more different, for example, your dog may be hurt or experience pain. In some cases, your dog may also bark if he is feeling hungry, or if his water bowl is empty.
Are Cane Corso Pitbull mixes hard to train?
As we have already said multiple times before, yes, this crossbreed definitely can be difficult to train. They are stubborn and strong, which can be a tricky combination. Especially if you never owned a dog before. However, that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to train them. You just need some skill to do it. Or, you can also seek out some professional help and hire a pro dog trainer. Sure, this will cost you some additional money, however, it will be so well worth it.
When it comes to dog training, you have the option to choose between group and individual sessions. Group sessions are a bit cheaper, and they are also a great way for your dog to be around other canines. But individual training sessions could be a bit more effective, especially if your dog is a bit more stubborn than the average canine.
Can you leave them alone?
Depends on how long you are going to be away, and how old your dog is. Puppies shouldn’t be left alone for longer than an hour or two, because they have small bladders and have to go potty more often than adult dogs. However, adult dogs can be left alone for a bit longer. But you shouldn’t leave any dog alone for longer than 4 to 5 hours. Dogs are very sensitive creatures, and they love to be in the company of their family members.
If your dog starts feeling alone or bored, he could fall into some destructive behaviors. That means that he could destroy your furniture, chew on your shoes or other belongings, or even pee on your carpet. But if you really have no choice, and you have to leave your house for more than 4 to 5 hours, make sure you hire a dog sitter or walker to help you out.
Can a Cane Corso Pitbull mix live in an apartment?
Theoretically speaking, yes, a Cane Corso Pitbull mix could live in an apartment. However, would he thrive in an apartment? The answer is no. These dogs just love to be active and stay outside. That’s why they love the countryside and homes with large gardens. There are plenty of other dog breeds that an apartment dweller can choose from, and we would wholeheartedly suggest picking one of them. It’s not just about the space, it’s also about the lifestyle that comes with living in a city apartment.
When deciding on one dog breed, we shouldn’t be selfish. Instead, we should consider if we can really provide the dog with the lifestyle that he needs and deserves. So if you are someone who lives in a small space and enjoys staying inside and watching TV, rather go for such an easy-going breed that doesn’t need much exercise. It will be much easier for the two of you to bond, and you will also have a much easier time caring for your dog.
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Are Cane Corso Pitbull mix dogs good with kids?
If you have small children, like babies or toddlers, then this breed definitely isn’t the right choice for you. Yes, I know that the Pitbull was also known as the “nanny dog”. But considering how strong and hyper this crossbreed is, I definitely wouldn’t risk it and would rather wait for my kids to grow a bit older. When it comes to older kids, if your dog is well-socialized, and your children know how to behave respectfully around dogs, then you shouldn’t have any reason to worry. But no matter how sweet your dog is, kids are still kids, and dogs are still dogs. That means that you should never leave them alone without any supervision.
Does the American Kennel Club recognize Cane Corso Pitbull mix dogs?
Because the Cane Corso Pitbull mix is a crossbreed, you can’t register it with the American Kennel Club. They are a fairly new hybrid dog, and any registration isn’t really possible at this point. However, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most dog owners. That basically just means that your dog can’t take part in dog shows. That can also be a possibility for breeders to scam their potential buyers because there is no breed standard available. So make sure you do your research before deciding on a breeder.
Can a Cane Corso Pitbull mix have blue eyes?
Most Cane Corso Pitbull mix dogs will have dark or light brown eyes, just like most Pitbulls or Cane Corsos do. However, if you are familiar with all the different Cane Corso colors, you might be aware that some of them have blue or yellow eyes. That is most commonly seen in blue or brindle Cane Corsos. So while it is rare, some of their offspring could have these rare eye colors as well. But if you want a puppy with blue eyes, be prepared that the price tag could be higher. And it will also be much more difficult to come across such a puppy.
Are Cane Pitbull mixes good as therapy dogs?
Did you know that Pitbulls are actually very popular therapy dogs? They make excellent therapy dogs with the right training and socialization. The same thing applies to Cane Corsos. So why wouldn’t their crossbreed be good at it as well? However, because this is such a new dog breed, it is difficult for us to give you a specific answer to that question. Simply because there aren’t many Cane Corso Pitbull mixes that were used as therapy dogs in the past. However, we believe that with the right type of training, these dogs would excel at that job.
What is the best thing about Cane Pit dogs?
There is just so much to choose from! Yes, the Cane Bull can be a handful, however, when he is in the right hands, this dog can be a wonderful, devoted, loyal, and affectionate family dog. He just needs someone who will lead him. They are incredibly protective and will have their owner’s back in every situation. These dogs are also very active, which would make them a great choice for anyone who enjoys exercising and going on hikes.
What their best feature will completely depend on your personal preferences. But even though these dogs look fierce, don’t think that they don’t enjoy cuddling. They will curl up with you on the couch whenever they get the chance. So make sure that you also give them the love and attention that they enjoy so much.