Have you heard of the Cane Corso Pitbull mix? This confident and strong designer breed is derived from the notorious Pitbull and the giant Cane Corso. It’s also known as the American Pit Corso.
When we say ‘designer dogs,’ you probably imagine tiny pups like Chihuahuas or the Bichon Frise.
However, this term is used to describe any crossbreed made by mating two purebred dogs. In the case of the Pit Corso, this is done by mixing a purebred Italian Cane Corso and a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier.
Still, if we look at the characteristics of these two pups, it’s easy to become worried about whether their crossbreed would make a good family companion. Many people probably think that they aren’t a good fit for this mixed breed dog as well.
So, what is the truth? Let us explore a bit deeper together.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Information
To understand what the Cane Corso Pitbull mix is like, first, we have to learn some basic information about the parent breeds.
The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is, as its name suggests, the descendant of a Cane Corso and a Pitbull. Here’s what that means.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso breed originates from Italy. This is a working dog related to the Italian Mastiff that was bred to do all sorts of farm work, such as driving livestock, pulling carts, protecting hen houses, and serving as a watchdog.
This powerful dog resembles breeds like the Rottweiler or Great Dane, and this alone is enough to let you know what type of canine this is.
Keep in mind that the variation of the Cane Corso breed found in the USA varies greatly from its Italian descendants and counterparts. This is because the breed was crossed with Mastiffs and Rottweilers to create a powerful guard dog.
Pitbull
The Pitbull dog breed is an umbrella term used to describe four different dog breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC):
• The American Pit Bull Terrier
• The American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Bully
Sometimes, the American Bulldog breed is also called a Pitbull dog.
The original Pitbull breed originates from Peru. However, these Peruvian Pitbulls are now considered extinct, and the AKC doesn’t recognize them as their own breed.
These high-energy dogs are followed by a very bad reputation as they were used as fighting dogs by gangs. However, as long as you provide them with proper socialization, you can prove that this reputation is undeserved.
Cane Corso Pitbull mix is a majestic dog that leaves no one without comment. Tell us if you have a comment on our list of top 6 dog gears for this crossbreed!
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Are Cane Corso Related To Pit Bulls?
Due to their fairly big size and dangerous appearance, some people think these two dog breeds are related. In a certain way, this is true.
All dog breeds and crossbreeds alike have one distinct ancestor in common: the wolf. This means all dogs are distantly related and have fairly similar DNA.
However, the Cane Corso dog breed originates from Italian Molossers, and it resembles giant Boxers, while the Pitbull dog breed was created by combining Bulldogs and Terriers.
This means that Cane Corsos and Pitbulls aren’t related any more than any other two dog breeds would be.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix
It isn’t known when exactly the first Cane Corso Pitbull mix happened. However, as there isn’t much precise information on it, it was likely created not too long ago.
These large dogs make excellent working dogs, and they are amazing at keeping your property safe or being search and rescue dogs. At the same time, they are used as sled dogs in areas where these pups are needed.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Appearance
Photo from @rocco_pitcorso
The Pit Corso is a strong and muscular dog that inherits its bodybuilder-like physique from both of its parents. He’ll usually have a square-shaped body and a big head, thick neck, and a tail that reaches his hocks, or rather his ankles.
They have fleshy and square noses, almond eyes, and somewhat floppy ears. In fact, this is the same ear shape as both of its parent breeds, but many dog owners decide to have their ears cropped and tails docked, so this isn’t very well-known.
Some Cane Corso Pitbull mixes also have droopy jowls, just like Cane Corsos. However, even if this happens, these jowls won’t sway as much. This means less drool flying around and less nasty cleaning for you.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Size
Not only is the Cane Corso Pitbull mix a fairly new breed, but it’s also very difficult to determine the full size of any crossbreed litter. This is because the parents have different sizes, and their offspring can range anywhere between the size of both parents.
The Cane Corso is a big dog. His average size is anywhere between 23 and 27 inches tall, while his weight can be between 88 and 110 pounds. This is a muscular dog, but his huge size makes him appear a bit more cuddly than the Pitbull.
On the other hand, Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs that measure between 17 and 21 inches tall, and they weigh between 30 and 65 pounds. While this may sound like a lot, they are still much smaller than Cane Corsos.
Judging on that, the Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppy will likely grow up to be anywhere between 17 and 27 inches tall – which is a pretty big range. However, it would be very difficult to make a more precise prediction.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Colors
The Pit Corso’s coat will always be short and dense, as this is the coat type of both parent breeds. It most likely won’t be as smooth and shiny as with Pitbulls, but it won’t be as rough as the Cane Corso.
It’ll also have a double coat, with a thick undercoat that will ensure your doggie is warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
When it comes to coat color, there can be some variation. While Pitbulls come in plenty of colors, Cane Corsos don’t. Because of this, a Pitbull Cane Corso puppy will usually have a coat that is either black, red, fawn, or brindle. However, it can come in any other coat color – except for merle, which isn’t approved.
In other words, if you find a merle Cane Corso Pitbull mix, he won’t be purebred. Any other color and pattern are fine.
Your pooch will likely have dark eyes, but they can come in any other brown or grey shade. While rare, his eyes might also be yellow or even blue!
We’ll explain a few of the most popular Cane Corso Pitbull mix coat colors up next.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Black
Black is a common coat color in both Cane Corsos and Pitbulls. This means it will also be very common in this hybrid breed.
However, unicolored black Cane Corso Pitbull mix would be extremely rare. Most of these pups will have at least one white marking on their bodies, if not more. This marking will usually be on the pup’s chest or paws.
Black brindle is also a common variation of this coat color, but many people think the base color for these pups is dark chocolate or liver due to their brighter markings.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Brindle
This is another common coat color – or rather, pattern – in this mixed dog breed. Both the Pitbull and Cane Corso can come in a brindle pattern, so it isn’t a surprise that their offspring can be brindle as well.
Brindle dogs have tiger-like stripes all over their body. These stripes can be narrower or wider, and they are usually darker than the base coat color – although, on some occasions, they can be lighter too.
Brindle is one of the most sought-after colors in both breeds, making brindle Corso Pit puppies very popular and sometimes even expensive – but keep in mind that the pattern itself isn’t rare.
White Cane Corso Pitbull Mix
Solid-colored white dogs are rare in both the Cane Corso and Pitbull breed. Because of this, it can be nearly impossible to find pure white Cane Corso Pitbull puppies – unless the dog is a double merle, which is frowned upon.
However, white markings are very common, and sometimes it might appear as if the dog has a white base color with darker markings if the larger portion of his body is white. For example, white pups with grey or brindle spots are quite the usual sight.
This doesn’t mean that white Cane Corso Pitbull mixes don’t exist. However, most very light dogs will usually be considered cream or even silver or lilac, as they’ll still have somewhat of a shade to them.
Still, just like black dogs, white Corso Pits will most likely have a darker spot somewhere on their body – usually around their nose, muzzle, or ears.
Cane Corso Red Nose Pitbull Mix
Did you know that there are two varieties of Pitbull Terriers based on their nose colors? These are blue nose and red nose Pitbulls.
Blue nose Pitbulls have a nose in a blue color because of the presence of a dilution gene. This gene dilutes the color black, making it gray or blue. Most blue nose Pitbulls are black, grey, or white in color.
Red nose Pitbulls don’t have a dilution gene. They have a gene responsible for the red color, which also colors their noses brown/red. This is why the coat of these pups is usually on the warmer side, although there can be some exceptions.
If you breed a Cane Corso with a red nose Pitbull, you may not get a red nose Corso Pit, but the chances are high that the puppy will have a red, yellow, or brown coat or at least some variation of it.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Temperament
These large dogs tend to be genuine gentle giants. They are eager to please their owners and are loyal to the core.
However, both parent breeds are known to be aggressive toward other animals, although this aggression is rarely pointed toward humans. They have a high prey drive, so they might be dangerous for smaller animals.
Despite this, with just a bit of proper socialization, these pups can do excellently with kids. In fact, since Pitbulls were used as nanny dogs at a certain point in the breed’s history, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Pit Corsos also make amazing family dogs.
However, if you’re a first-time owner without too much experience with strong, somewhat stubborn breeds that need proper training and socialization, you might be in too deep with these dogs.
How To Train A Cane Corso Pitbull Mix
Most of the time, a Cane Corso Pitbull mix will be one of the best dogs to be around. They are lovable and have plenty of good traits.
However, they can be a handful, especially if you haven’t socialized them in time. This is why lifelong training is key to having a well-behaved dog that is safe to be around.
When it comes to training, Pitbulls are fairly easy to train most of the time. They are obedient and will do whatever they can just to make their owners happy.
However, the Cane Corso can be a bit of an issue. This isn’t a very good dog if you want a pet that will listen to your every command all of the time.
When you combine these two temperaments, you cannot be too sure how your puppy will turn out.
When you have such a strong and independent dog, you need to constantly remind him who’s in charge and who the alpha dog is. Be strict and don’t allow him to get away with bad behavior.
Also, early socialization is critical, and you should start with it at the youngest age possible. Expose your Pit Corso puppy to new people, dogs, noises, and sights, so he can get used to new things without feeling frightened. If a dog is confident, he’s less likely to become aggressive.
When you have such a mix of characters, one thing you can never go wrong with is positive reinforcement. Pitbulls are very intelligent dogs, and they will learn commands quickly – and the somewhat stubborn Cane Corso isn’t too far behind him.
Potty and crate training is also a must. These aren’t small dogs, and they cannot use a piece of cloth or diaper every time they need to pee.
If you’re considering buying a crate for your pup, make sure you get a solid, high-quality one. These pups can be extremely strong, and you don’t want to risk them accidentally hurting you or themselves.
Exercise Needs
Another thing you have to consider before getting yourself a Cane Corso Pitbull Mix is whether or not you can deal with its high energy levels. Both Cane Corsos and Pitbulls are energetic, agile breeds that require regular activity and exercise.
For example, just taking your pooch for long walks is likely not going to be enough. These dogs need plenty of exercise that will help them get rid of that excess energy. They have a lot of stamina, and it might take a while until you tire them out.
When you go out, play a game of fetch or chase a Frisbee. Let your pup zoom around with other dogs (if he’s socialized properly, of course), and wait until you notice that he’s tired.
A good idea might be to take your dog swimming. Cane Corso Pitbull mixes usually love to swim – although it’s really up to an individual dog whether he’ll be happy about this activity or not.
Cane Corso Mix With Pitbull Health
Mixed breed dogs are usually much healthier than their parent breeds. This is due to something called ‘hybrid vigor.’ Hybrid vigor happens when there are a lot of different genes in a pup’s gene pool, and nature will always try to select the healthiest ones.
Many genetic diseases are spread via recessive genes. These genes can stay hidden until an offspring inherits a ‘bad’ gene from both of its parents. Once this happens, the disease will express itself.
This is why inbreeding is dangerous. Many irresponsible breeders inbreed their dogs, creating unhealthy litters.
As Cane Corsos and Pitbulls aren’t generally close breeds, hybrid vigor is likely to happen.
Still, this doesn’t mean that Cane Corso Pitbull mix doesn’t come with a number of health conditions they might inherit from both of their parents.
The Cane Corso is a fairly rare breed, which means inbreeding is common. These dogs have a small gene pool, especially when compared to many other canine breeds. This means that they can come with a plethora of health issues.
Fortunately, this is somewhat erased as soon as you decide to make a crossbreed; such is the case with the Cane Corso Pitbull mix. These pups are much less prone to diseases than their purebred counterparts.
Still, some concerns remain. These pups might still suffer from certain health problems, such as:
• Demodex mange
• Hip dysplasia
• Eyelid abnormalities
• Idiopathic epilepsy
• Bloat
Many of these issues can be avoided if you buy your pup from a reputable breeder who conducts genetic testing on their dogs. These tests can show you whether a dog has a predisposition for a specific health problem, so you can know what to expect.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Pitbull Mix?
All dog lovers have one thing in common: Their biggest fear is having to let their pets go when the time is right.
While it’s impossible to predict the exact lifespan of any animal, there are some ways you can make a general assumption.
Pitbulls are fairly healthy dogs that can live anywhere between 13 and 15 years. However, Cane Corsos’ lifespan is quite a bit shorter, as their life expectancy is between 9 and 12 years.
This means that a Cane Corso Pitbull mix can live anywhere between 9 and 15 years. Most, however, will live to be around 11 years of age, which is decent for a dog of that size.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Care
The grooming needs of a Corso Pit depend on the puppy itself, the coat genetics it inherited, and the time of year.
Both parent breeds have a short coat, so most of the time, you won’t need to worry about daily brushing. However, some shedding is to be expected, and these aren’t hypoallergenic non-shedding dogs.
Yes, neither Pitbull nor Cane Corso is considered a hypoallergenic dog.
Sure, the Cane Corso breed might not shed a lot, but some shedding still happens. On the other hand, Pitbulls are moderate shedders.
Bathing should be done once a month unless there is a need to do so more regularly.
Spring is a shedding season, as well as autumn, depending on where you live. During this time, it would be wise to brush your pooch daily. Otherwise, you might end up picking up dog hairs from all over your house.
When it comes to diet, you should be careful to only pick high-quality dog food. The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is a voracious eater, making it prone to obesity, which can lead to many health problems later on.
Preventing obesity can also help with your pup’s joint health. Dogs that are muscular and have a healthy weight are less likely to have problems with hip dysplasia and other similar conditions.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Puppy
Some people don’t really know how hybrid breeds are bred and where to find healthy, genuine Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppies.
Most breeders will mate a purebred Cane Corso female with a purebred Pitbull male. Cane Corsos are much larger dogs than Pitbulls, so if it was the other way around, a female might not be able to give birth to healthy puppies. This is why the larger dog breed is usually the mother.
While you can breed two Corso Pits together, this is still an uncommon practice. These dogs are very rare, and it might be challenging to find two healthy dogs of the opposite gender that you can mate.
Not just that, but it can be very difficult to predict how a puppy of two Corso Pits will look. Even if, for example, both dogs resemble the Cane Corso more, you may end up with a puppy that looks like a Pitbull.
Of course, regular check-ups with the vet are a must. Even though these are generally healthy dogs, you can never be too sure when it comes to your pooch’s health.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Puppies For Sale
There aren’t many Cane Corso Pitbull mix breeders out there. This breed is still very rare, and not many would dare to risk selling them. Not to mention that selling mixed dogs can be a tricky task as it is since you never know how the future pup would look.
If you’re trying to find the right breeder for your new family member, always make sure you’re going to a reputable seller. Many people don’t know what they are doing and try to sell their accidental litters. While these people mean well, their puppies can be unpredictable.
Also, since both the Cane Corso and Pitbulls can be aggressive dogs, it would be wise to find a breeder willing to let you meet both parents of your desired puppy – or, at the very least, one of them. The parent dog’s behavior can help you get a general overview of how your new puppy will behave.
Don’t be too surprised if the breeder cannot give you precise information on the future appearance of your puppy. The outcome of crossbreeding can be very difficult to predict, no matter how experienced the breeder is.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Price
The price of a Cane Corso Pitbull mix can vary greatly depending on several factors. This includes the quality and the bloodline of the parent dogs, the breeder’s reputation, your area, and whether or not the breeder conducted the necessary health screenings of your dog.
Some breeders will also give their puppies their first vaccination shot before selling, and they’ll even begin their training and socialization. All of this can add to the final price.
Overall, most Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppies will cost you $1,000 and above. These prices can skyrocket if you’re picking a dog with a rare color or from two reputable bloodlines.
Don’t forget that the costs of owning a puppy don’t end there. You should also include expenses such as medical exams, vaccinations, a crate, dog food, toys, and so on.
Just to make a parallel, we’ll explain the cost of two parent breeds.
How Much Do Cane Corso Dogs Cost?
Cane Corsos can be expensive dogs. Their average price is usually anywhere between $900 and $2,000, but it can be much higher.
Since Cane Corsos are strong guard dogs, some people love getting puppies with an exceptional bloodline. Such dogs can reach the cost of $8,500! This can be quite a lot for a Mastiff-type dog.
How Much Do Pitbull Dogs Cost?
Compared to Cane Corsos, Pitbulls are a bit less expensive, and their median price is $800 to $1,500. They are a bit more common than Cane Corso dogs, and they are somewhat easier to breed.
However, if you want to get a well-behaved Pitbull from a reputable bloodline, you can expect to pay much more. Some breeders charge anywhere between $2,100 and $21,000 for puppies of rare bloodlines.
Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Breeders
As we’ve mentioned before, there aren’t many registered Cane Corso Pitbull mix breeders out there. One reason behind this is that this isn’t as popular crossbreed as, for example, a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix or a Labradoodle.
Another reason lies in the bad reputation of the parent breeds – more specifically, Pitbulls. Mixing allegedly aggressive, blood-thirsty dogs with a large breed such as a Cane Corso sounds like a bad idea to many.
The truth is, these pups make loyal guard dogs that just need a bit more socialization to ensure they will be friendly towards other animals.
However, it would be wise to talk to the breeder about how they raise their pups and whether or not they train them from an early age.
Also, reputable breeders will likely know some professional dog trainers to recommend who can help new dog owners teach their Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppy how to behave.
Reputable breeders do more than just mate their dogs and then sell their litters. They help people become the best dog owners they can be. At the same time, if you realize you took too big a bite, a reputable breeder will always accept and rehome your pup.
King Corso Pitbull Mix
A King Corso Pitbull mix is the name some people use to describe a Pitbull crossbreed with the very large bloodline of Cane Corso dogs. These dogs can grow to be so big that they are considered one of the 15 largest dog breeds!
These dogs require all the care of a regular Cane Corso Pitbull mix. The only difference is that they can be much larger in size. Some might even grow up to be bigger than regular purebred Cane Corsos!
Keep in mind that these pups aren’t for everyone. You really need to know how to deal with large breeds to be a good dog owner to a King Corso Pitbull mix. These are strong dogs that can overpower many strong humans. If you don’t take proper care of them, they can be dangerous.
King Corso Pitbull Mix Puppies
Finding King Corso Pitbull mix puppies can be very difficult. Not only are King Cane Corso dogs rare, but not many people dare to crossbreed them with another ‘dangerous’ dog breed.
It is of the utmost importance that you buy your King Corso Pitbull mix puppies from a reputable breeder who will allow you to meet both dog parents. This way, you can be certain that your new puppy won’t be aggressive toward humans.
Even though both Cane Corsos and Pitbull dogs are rarely aggressive toward humans, the huge size of a King Corso Pitbull mix can make them dangerous if there is any behavioral flaw present.
Make sure you take them to a professional trainer if you suspect you cannot train them by yourself.
Cane Corso Mix With Bully Pitbull
American Bullies are a special Pitbull breed. These Pits have a specific build and head shape, and they are usually larger than the average Pitbull. In fact, when people think of dangerous Pitbulls, they usually have American Bullies in mind.
The truth is, American Bullies aren’t any more aggressive than humans are. They were simply bred to look more dangerous and muscular.
Mixing them with a Cane Corso can result in a genuine beast of a dog. These dogs can be large and muscular, even more so than a regular Cane Corso Pitbull mix would be.
Despite their dangerous appearance, these dogs make loyal pets that will do all they can to protect their owners. Although crossbreeding them isn’t recommended as these pups can be somewhat difficult to control, if you have experience with large dog breeds, they can make amazing guardian dogs.
Many breeders choose to mix Cane Corsos with American Bully Pitbulls, hoping they’ll get a large, muscular dog that will look terrifying.
However, just like with any other crossbreed, there is no guarantee how a mixed puppy will look. He might end up looking entirely like a Cane Corso or a Pitbull, or he might look like a perfect combination.
When it comes to temperament, they will usually make sweet dogs that will sometimes forget their size and still think they can be lapdogs.
Just make sure you train your Cane Corso American Bully mix properly. Otherwise, you might end up with a huge, spoiled dog, which is never a good thing.
Cane Corso Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix
The Bull Terrier is one of the dogs under the Pitbull label, so many people who wonder about a Cane Corso Pitbull mix want to learn more about a Cane Corso mixed with a Bull Terrier.
Bull Terriers are somewhat smaller than The American Pit Bull Terrier, so the crossbreed can also end up smaller in size. These dogs can be as short as 17 inches, which doesn’t make them look as scary as the American Pit Corso mix.
Also, the litter can vary greatly in appearance, especially when it comes to the puppies’ head shape. Bull Terriers have an elongated head that makes them resemble cartoon characters. In fact, a ‘perfect’ Cane Corso Bull Terrier mix has that elongated head shape but a huge Cane Corso body.
When it comes to temperament, while Bull Terriers can also be very aggressive toward other animals, they are much cuddlier and more attention-seeking than their American counterpart.
Just keep in mind that this isn’t a dog for those who don’t have enough time to dedicate to their pups. Not only are Bull Terriers prone to separation anxiety, but their behavior can worsen if you don’t pay enough attention to them.
Do Cane Corso Mixed Pitbull Dogs Make Good Family Pets?
After reading all of this, you may be wondering whether a Cane Corso Pitbull mix is the right dog for you and your family.
There is a saying: “There aren’t bad dogs, only bad owners.” This translates well to the Cane Corso Pitbull mix. If trained and socialized well, these pups make amazing family pets. However, there are a few things worth noting.
First off, these are very large dogs. Even if they are well-trained, they might not be suitable for families with small children. They could accidentally knock a child over during playtime, and this could result in injuries.
Also, both the Cane Corso and Pitbulls can be very protective and territorial. While this comes in handy when you want a guard dog, it can be an issue if they are protective over their food and favorite toys. Your child would have to know the limits and how to behave around a dog.
Because of all of this, Cane Corso Pitbull mixes aren’t recommended for little kids. If you happen to have a small child and this dog in the same household, never allow them to be alone together. Accidents can happen quite easily.
Other than that, these giant dogs love humans, and they’ll enjoy human company. As long as you’ve trained them properly, they will make amazing family dogs, and they’ll stay a loyal companion to all your family members.
Don’t let the bad reputation of these two breeds make you give up on your desire to become a Cane Corso Pitbull mix owner.
Still, it’s important to mention that these aren’t beginner dogs. There are plenty of novice-friendly dog breeds out there.
If you aren’t experienced with large dog breeds, you might want to skip owning this one. Don’t risk ruining the life of your dog or even some human around you.
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