The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a breed of dog that originated in Italy (i.e., Southern Italy). This dog is one of many Mastiff-type dogs. The Corso is more lightly built than his cousin, the Neapolitan Mastiff. Smart, trainable, and of noble bearing, Cane Corso dogs are perfect protectors.
This old Italian dog breed was developed to guard property and hunt big game such as wild boar. In 2010 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Corsi are powerful, intelligent, and profoundly loyal to their humans, but they are also assertive and willful and can end up owning an unwitting owner. As with any other big guard dog, responsible breeding and early socialization with people and other dogs are crucial.
Cane Corsos are perfect for people who can provide them with the firm and loving guidance they need to become the best dogs. The decision of whether to choose a male vs. female Cane Corso is totally personal. Whatever you decide, make sure you choose a pet that will fit your lifestyle and energy level.
Are Male Or Female Cane Corsos Better?
When you start looking for a Cane Corso puppy, there is a possibility that breeders will recommend male Cane Corsos as better pets. But there is a practical reason behind this advice.
Some breeders want to keep more females (for breeding) than males, so they always have more male puppies to sell. It’s in the breeder’s best interest to persuade pet buyers that males make better pets.
Unless you have a specific reason for choosing one gender over the other, like, say, you want a female Cane Corso for breeding purposes, then the gender of your dog shouldn’t be a huge factor in your decision. However, if you don’t want to breed, simply spay your dog.
However, depending on the situation, a specific gender Cane Corso might be a better option. For example, if you have a female Cane Corso and want another female dog, be careful. Females tend to be more aggressive against the same sex, and they can become extremely difficult to control.
Let’s look at the most important male vs. female Cane Corso differences.
What Is The Difference Between A Male and Female Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a naturally strong-willed dog with a dominating personality. Those characteristics are what make this dog an exceptional protector of his family and home. However, the Corso’s natural tendency to take charge can be troublesome to an owner who is unable to establish his or her role as pack leader and control this behavior.
Their dangerous and mighty appearance is the result of not just their size but also by Cane Corso cropped ears.
The Cane Corso is not an appropriate choice for an inexperienced dog owner. First-time owners and people who have only had “soft” breeds like Retrievers, Spaniels, or toy breeds should think long and hard about this dog breed (and if they can handle them). This dog is large, powerful, intelligent, active, and headstrong.
However, if you are a first-time owner and still want this breed, choose a female Cane Corso. Females are easy to train and are hard-working. They become attached to their owners easily and are less dominant. A male Cane Corso is recommended for experienced owners because they are hard to train and have a dominant nature.
Although there are a few distinct differences between the genders, neither of the two is outright better than the other. Whether you decide on a male or female Cane Corso, both are highly intelligent dogs that are great for personal protection and can be a loving addition to your household.
Let’s check other male vs. female Cane Corso differences in the table:
| Male Cane Corso | Female Cane Corso | |
|---|---|---|
| Height: | 25–27.5” | 23.5–26” |
| Weight: | 90–120 lbs | 90–120 lbs |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, territorial, dominant | Intelligent, less dominant |
| Easy to train: | Relatively difficult | Relatively easy |
| Health: | Depends on genetics | Depends on genetics |
| Lifespan: | Between 9–12 Years | Between 9–12 Years |
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso – Size
At nearly 28 inches at the shoulder and often weighing more than 100 pounds, with a large head, alert expression, and muscles rippling beneath their short, stiff coats, Corsi are, at first glance, intimidating creatures. Their imposing appearance is their first line of defense against intruders.
Male Cane Corsos have a height of 25 to 27,5 inches, and are slightly larger than female Cane Corsos. They can typically weigh up to 120 pounds, which is also somewhat greater than females.
A Cane Corso growth chart can give you a better idea of what you can expect.
They have a large head and a heavy rectangular body. They are strongly built and have a sturdy body with stretched and powerful muscles. Their muzzle is broad and deep, with a neck in a slightly arched shape.
Females are slightly smaller than male Cane Corsos, having a strong build and structure similar to male Cane Corsos. They do have the same strength and courage as the males, though.
They look physically aggressive and dominant, but when you look a little harder, you can tell it’s a female Cane Corso without looking at their genitals. Females generally look smooth and light through their bodies and have a very delicate nature.
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Cane Corso Temperament Male Vs. Female
Photo from: @canecorso_nation
The Cane Corso breed is naturally strong-willed with a dominating personality. Those characteristics are what make these dogs exceptional protectors of their families and homes.
While this dog is loving and affectionate towards his family, including children, a Corso will try to rule the roost. Anyone considering this breed must be prepared to confidently set boundaries because this dog is highly intelligent too.
Combine that with his bossy nature, and it’s easy to see how this dog could come to dominate a household without firm leadership and boundaries. A Corso will test you to see how far it can go.
Don’t let your Cane Corso get away with behaviors like growling or snapping when he or she is touched or moved or when he/she doesn’t want to go outside or go in a certain direction when on leash. Nor should they be allowed to behave that way when someone gets too close to their toys or food.
Quick, decisive action is needed to reassert your authority as pack leader in such cases. To prevent these types of behaviors in the first place, work closely with a trainer or behaviorist who understands the mindset of guardian breeds. The Cane Corso needs to be with people that are assertive but not aggressive.
In the context of male vs. female Cane Corso temperament differences, here is what is important.
Male Cane Corso
Male Cane Corsos are naturally aggressive and dominant in nature. They need proper socialization, which is the tricky part when it comes to Cane Corsos. Therefore, it is necessary to handle them with dominance as a master.
But, they are emotionally more settled than females. Their sense of behavior remains constant and doesn’t differ day to day.
They are way more stable and reliable in terms of their constant mood and settled nature. But they tend to be very bold and quick to aggression, which is why male Cane Corsos are used as a watchdog for protection purposes by different sectors.
They don’t become attached as easily as their female counterparts and are less cuddly and emotional towards their owners.
Female Cane Corso
Female Cane Corsos are less dominant in nature. They have a soft side and can be easily trained, but they can become emotionally disturbed (they are sometimes moody).
Their behavior is not always constant; it can change day to day. In short, they are hard to predict. Due to this emotional edge, the female Cane Corso can easily become your friend. They become attached to their owners more easily than their male counterparts.
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso – Trainability
Start training your puppy the day you bring him/her home. Puppy training is essential for these dogs. Even at eight weeks old, they are ready for dog training and capable of soaking up everything you can teach them. Don’t wait until your dog is 6 months old to begin training, or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with.
Obedience training will keep a Corso from becoming the boss of the house. It’s important to let your dog know from the start what the rules are and ensure that all family members understand the rules as well. It’s crucial to be consistent; make your dog perform a command such as “Sit” or “Down” before rewarding him with a meal, treats, or a toy.
Firm leadership does not mean hitting the dog — ever. That not only sends the wrong message but can also be dangerous with a large, powerful dog.
The sensitive Corso understands tone of voice and responds well to praise and rewards when he has done something you like, as well as firm, rapid corrections, and consistent enforcement of rules when you don’t like what he’s doing.
Being calm, quiet, and self-assured will get you a lot farther with this dog than anger. Consistency will allow him to relax and know you are in charge.
Cane Corsos are intelligent and eager to please. They have a moderate activity level and need a job to do (they are working dogs, after all), which can be anything from being your on-leash walking companion to daily training activities.
Expect to walk or jog your Corso at least a mile daily, in addition to 20 minutes or so of training. These dogs will not be satisfied lying around and doing nothing all the time.
However, every Corso owner must know that this dog can never, ever be considered reliable off lead unless in a confined area. No amount of obedience training will ever change that. Letting a Corso off lead or any dog, such as the Bulldog, Pitbull, or Shiba Inu, is not wise.
In the context of male vs. female Cane Corso trainability, these are the differences.
Male Cane Corso
Male Cane Corsos are difficult to train and give their owners a tough time while training. Due to their dominant frame of mind, they find it difficult to obey commands and honor their master.
Therefore, they need proper social and etiquette training in their early life.
Try to have male dogs interact with your family members and others to eliminate the fear in them and prevent them from being protective unnecessarily.
Female Cane Corso
Female Cane Corsos are relatively easy to train. They somehow coordinate with their owner more than their male counterparts.
Females obey commands and tend to become emotionally attached to their owners more easily. However, besides all these, they still need training and proper socialization to be friendly.
They are easy to train and handle because they are not very overprotective over things they shouldn’t be. Their degree of aggression and dominance is not as great as males.
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso – Socialization
Like other dogs, the Corso needs early socialization, ideally before the dog is four months old. Socialization helps to ensure your Corso puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog, unafraid of strangers, children, other animals, or being left alone when necessary. Without having had much experience of the world, your dog can easily become fearful or aggressive.
Purchase your puppy from a Cane Corso breeder who raises the pups in their home and ensures they are exposed to many everyday household sights and sounds. Continue socializing your Cane Corso throughout his life by taking him to puppy kindergarten class, introducing him to friends and neighbors, and planning outings to local shops and businesses.
However, every owner should know that no amount of socialization will make a Corso friendly toward people other than his family. This dog is first and foremost a guard dog that takes its responsibilities seriously.
A Cane Corso’s devotion to its family is strong. They will initially be serious and wary of strange, unknown people and pets as they figure them out and ready to protect if they sense danger. Hence the need for proper training, so they know when to respond and when to step back.
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso: Which Is Better With Children?
When a Corso is properly raised, trained, and socialized, this dog can be loving toward and protective of children. It’s important, however, that puppies and adult dogs not be given any opportunity to chase children and that kids avoid making high-pitched sounds in their presence. Running and squealing may cause the Corso to associate children with prey.
The Cane Corso may be best suited to a family with older children (age 9 and up) rather than a family with babies and toddlers due to the dog’s large size and the time and effort required to closely supervise interactions between the dog and young children.
The Cane Corso loves his family, but he’s not demonstrative about it. This dog wants to be near you, but he won’t be demanding in terms of attention or physical touch. But, bear in mind that Corso will not do well in a home with anyone who is afraid of or dislikes dogs or is unable to manage a large dog.
It’s important that Cane Corso owners are 100% committed to caring for and training their dogs. No young child can properly train or completely care for a dog, so the parent must always ultimately take full responsibility for the pet.
Parents should never allow a child to pull a Corso’s ears, poke the dog’s eye, pull his tail, grab any part of the dog’s body, and suddenly get into a dog’s face. Never allow your child to compete with the dog for toys, food, or other items. Always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any possible problems.
When we talk about male vs. female Cane Corso relations with children, here’s what you need to know.
Male Cane Corsos are naturally aggressive and have a dominant nature, which can be a problem for small children at home. This doesn’t mean that males are not good for households with kids. Aggressive behavior can be safely curbed with proper social training.
Females are considered generally calm in terms of aggression, and due to their maternal instincts, it is seen that they behave well with the children. It may be because of their emotional nature, which drives them to become more attached to the family members. Although, they can be troublesome during their heat cycles.
Both genders are prone to shedding, and a Cane Corso is not considered a hypoallergenic dog. If your children have allergy problems, it’s better to avoid this breed.
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso – Which Is Better With Other Dogs And Pets?
The Corso may get along with other dogs or cats if he is raised with them, but he will likely view strange animals as prey and do his best to kill them. It’s essential to be able to protect neighbors’ pets from him. This is another instance in which socialization is a must.
Your Cane Corso should learn from an early age to remain calm in the presence of other dogs. If you get a second dog, either another Cane Corso or a different breed, it is best to choose one of the opposite sex.
Male Cane Corsos tends to be aggressive when confronted with other male dogs. They are naturally aggressive, but when your neighbor also has a male roaming freely around the backyard or garden, this behavior can be problematic.
Therefore, they need proper socialization training at an early age to make them realize that other male dog breeds are not going to violate their territory.
Female Cane Corsos don’t like other female dogs, and they can become aggressive towards other females’ puppies.
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso: Which Is The Better Guard Dog?
According to the breed’s history, Cane Corsos were bred for working purposes, and people used them as a guard dog for sheep (like German Shepherds). It is obvious that both male and female Cane Corsos have the ability to protect and guard.
There are many factors to consider before declaring any sex to be the best guard dog.
Advantages of a male Cane Corso as a guard dog:
• Tends to be more aggressive and defensive about their territory.
• Best fit for guarding property due to their territorial, defensive nature.
• Bigger in size, which makes them look frightening.
• Stable and dominant nature against a rival.
Advantages of a female Cane Corso as a guard dog:
• More aggressive and defensive for its master or the person who takes care of it.
• Suspicious of strangers.
• They are more agile and faster runners than their male counterparts.
• Possessive and affectionate of a specific person.
• Tend to be equally daring and courageous as males.
Male Vs. Female Cane Corso: Common Health Problems
Corsos are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Let’s discuss the health differences between the male and female Cane Corso.
Male Cane Corsos are prone to prostate problems and can develop testicular cancer. These potential health concerns in male Cane Corsos can be prevented by neutering them. This is a process in which the testicles are removed, increasing their lifespan by decreasing the risk of prostate issues and testicular cancer.
Unspayed female Cane Corsos are more likely to have uterine infections and mammary cancer aside from the other common potentially inherited disorders.
Spaying is one of the solutions. It not only removes the risk of getting mammary and uterine cancer but also enhances the lifespan of your female companion. Spaying is the process in which the ovaries and uterus are surgically removed, preventing a female from going through the painful heat cycle and getting pregnant.
Both male and female Cane Corsos are generally prone to:
• Hip dysplasia – with hip dysplasia, the balls and sockets of the hind legs’ hips don’t fit into one another properly. One main symptom of this disease is discomfort in the hind legs, such as stiffness and lameness.
Luckily, it can be treated easily with corticosteroids or anti-inflammatories. Dogs with hip dysplasia can also be given dog food that is nutritionally supplemented.
• Ectropion is an eye disorder in which the lower eyelid rolls out or droops. It can affect one or both eyelids. It can happen due to nerve or corneal injury to the eye.
• Entropion is another eye disorder, but in this case, your pup’s eyelids roll inwards. Because of the inward rolling of the eyelids, it can cause many issues such as pain, corneal ulcers, perforations, and the development of filaments on the cornea due to the eyelids and lashes rubbing against it.
• Allergies – this breed also tends to have skin allergies like deep pyoderma, elbow hygroma, skin fold dermatitis, and chin folliculitis. The most common skin allergy is demodectic mange (approximately 37% of Cane Corsos have this allergy).
• Idiopathic epilepsy – this is a disorder where the cause of seizures is unknown. Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed by a veterinarian and can be treated with medication.
• Gastric torsion (or bloat) – This is another serious medical condition common to large dogs as they have a large appetite. It is a disorder of the digestive system in which the stomach is affected in two ways. The first is through bloating of the stomach, which means that the stomach fills up with a mixture of gases, foam, and fluids. The second is torsion. Torsion is caused by the bloating in the stomach, in which the stomach twists inside the abdomen. They can occur at the same time or one after another. Since Corsos are prone to bloat, a dog owner should avoid overfeeding and space their meals throughout the day. If you follow a proper Cane Corso feeding chart, you’ll reduce the chances of bloat.
Should I Get A Male Or Female Cane Corso?
After considering all the facts in this article, ask yourself if you are still interested in this breed. Talk with a reputable, experienced Cane Corso breeder.
Describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make accurate recommendations once they know about your lifestyle and personality.
Choose a puppy whose parents have nice personalities and have been well socialized by the breeder from birth.
If you are having second thoughts about this breed, visit your nearest animal shelter. You’ll definitely find a dog there who can become a part of your family.
The male vs. female question is a very personal one. Think about it carefully before making your decision. And enjoy every day of many more years with this beautiful dog.
