Today mixed breed dogs are highly in demand, and this is due to a variety of reasons. There is an increased popularity of mixed dog breeds. This is not just because of their features and qualities but also because the greed for the ‘pure breed’ dogs has led to unfair and cruel practices worldwide. People who love dogs realized that not all breeders followed the excellent procedures regarding ‘purebred’ dogs. The American Kennel Club, among many other dog breeding and care associations, has taken notice of these practices and ensured that the proper measures are being taken.
Among the several mixed breeds, Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix is very much demanded because of the different factors like personalities, needs, and wants. They are a very sensible and protective dog breed.
The personality and behavior of Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix stem from the kind of lifestyle you are providing them with. For example, it is not true that they are inherently violent dogs. They become aggressive in the training and environment that they are provided with. However, this is true for any dog and so for the Cane Corso German Shepherd.
What is a German Corso?
A German Corso is a name given to the mixed breed dog, a mix of a German Shepherd and a Cane Corso. While they are a very rare mix breed dog to come across, they are one of the fascinating breeds. However, you need to know how to identify one correctly when you see it. This will not only save you from any fraud, but it will also give you a good idea of how to take care of this German Corso mix.
There are many exciting factors and features that you should know about. This article will give you all the information you need on German Corso. Read further to learn more about the German Corso in detail.
Cane Corso vs German Shepherd
It is easy for a layperson or a novice dog parent to be confused when trying to gauge the difference and similarities between a German Corso. Here are the similarities and differences between a German Shepherd and a Cane Corso to understand this distinction better:
Cane Corso and German Shepherd Similarities
| Size | Large |
| Purity of Breed | Purebred |
| AKC Recognition | Yes |
| Barking Frequency | Minimum |
| Owner Experience | Medium |
| Weather Preference | Warm to Cold |
| Health | Healthy |
| Energy Levels | High |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Lifespan | 9 to 13 Years |
These are some shared commonalities between a German Shepherd and Cane Corso that can be seen in a German Corso. Some basic features of a German Corso are common to a purebred German Shepherd and Cane Corso.
Also Read: Bullmastiff Mixed with German Shepherd
Cane Corso and German Shepherd Differences
| Particulars | German Shepherd | Cane Corso |
| Origin | Germany | Italy |
| Purpose | Herding Dog | Walking Dog |
| Coat Quality | Double-coated, medium | Smooth and short |
| Grooming Needs | Low to Medium | Low |
| Shedding | Excessive | Moderate |
| Affection | Very High | Average |
| Friendliness | Not that friendly with all, friendly with the known people | Very friendly to known people only |
| Intelligence | Very High | Average |
| Drooling | Minimal | High |
These are physical and biological differences between a German Shepherd and a Cane Corso. These differences will also show varying conditions and limits in a German Corso. There needs to be a precise measure of features in each German Corso. However, this will give you a fundamental difference when they exist as a pure breed.
Cane Corso History
A Cane Corso is also known as the Italian Mastiff. Just as the name suggests, these dogs originate from Italy and have been spread worldwide over a few centuries. They are considered guardian dogs, similar to German Shepherds regarding this essential feature of a Cane Corso and German Shepherd. They are recognized as a purebred working dog breed by the American Kennel Club for sale and adoption purposes in the US. Since they have a defensive and athletic side to themselves, they are used across various industries like healthcare, police, security details, etc.
German Shepherd History
Just as the name suggests, German Shepherds are working dogs of pure breed from Germany. They have been termed “Shepherds” in their name itself. This implies that they can be used as excellent sheep and herding dogs that are needed on the field. They are still used as herding dogs in many parts of the world. They are still suited for a physical and active lifestyle. Such an environment will allow their capabilities to come forth and how.
Cane Corso and German Shepherd As Working Dogs
A German Corso will naturally take on its parent breeds’ genetic and even behavioral characteristics. It is almost impossible for this not to happen. This is also why a German Corso has gained so much popularity. They are the best of a German Shepherd and Cane Corso. Both these breeds are known for small-term domestic and fieldwork. Whether protecting your family or helping a farm hand, a German Corso is a perfect solution to all your concerns. This is also one of the reasons why people want to get a dog as a pet. These dogs give their dog parents a lot of help and freedom to move about.
You will most certainly have to provide them with a particular lifestyle and diet to ensure they are in the perfect shape to live a good and healthy life. Your dogs will only be able to give you such benefits when you are also meeting their needs.
Parent Breeds As Working Dogs
A German Shepherd as a working dog is still one of the first choices for armed forces worldwide. Therefore, these German Shepherds are integral to many security forces K- 9 units worldwide. They can take on that physically and mentally challenging work. Historically speaking, German Shepherds and Cane Corso dogs have had excellent track records regarding their working abilities.
They bring a variety of skills to the table all at once. Be it hunting, protecting, sheep herding, or swimming. There is nothing that these dog breeds cannot do.
Also Check: Blonde German Shepherd: Complete Guide
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Physical Appearance
While the German Shepherd and Cane Corso are relatively large in size, a unique set of features takes form when mixed. Since they are a mixed breed, there is no assurance that this is precisely how every German Corso will look. However, you will have an idea about their physical features even when it is a mixed breed that you are looking to adopt. The difference is their appearance can only come because the coat of a German Shepherd is fluffy and can have an undercoat.
A Cane Corso generally is lean and toned, with a coat with no undercoat. Both their snouts, coats, body types, tails- Everything is different from each other. People tend to confuse a mixed breed German Coro with any of their parent breeds because a German Corso can have features that dominantly belong to one parent breed more than the other.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Coat Colors
Even when they are mixed, a German Corso generally has a black colored coat. However, you can also find them in blue, gray, liver, or fawn. It will sometimes be more than just one color. It is possible to combine two or more of these colors.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Size, Height, and Weight
The height and weight of a German Shepherd and a Cane Corso are roughly the same. These dogs have the same build. This is why you will not see a big difference or jump in these numbers. Like most other dog breeds, the males are slightly larger and heavier than their female counterparts.
Male German Corso Size, Height and Weight
| Size | Large |
| Height | 24 to 27.5 inches |
| Weight | 70 to 110 pounds |
Female German Corso Size, Height and Weight
| Size | Large |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches |
| Weight | 60 to 100 pounds |
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix: Behavior And Temperament
Since both breeds have always had an active lifestyle with work that a family surrounded, they have always been domesticated. So, they are used to humans and are trained very quickly. However, they need to respect you to listen to you.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Temperament And Personality
It is why it is essential to establish who is in charge of them from the very beginning. They are easily trainable when you start training them from the very beginning. A German Corso does not shy away from showing their strength, dominance, and assertion to anyone they deem dangerous for themselves or their families.
Do Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Get Along With Other Pets?
A German Corso is naturally territorial and dominant. However, they are equally loving and loyal to those around them. However, this is the crucial aspect of their personality- they are close to the people they are used to. They are not naturally violent or aggressive. However, it does take them some time to get accustomed to other dogs in their space. This is not the case if they grow up around other dogs and animals around them. This is the case with most German Corso dogs.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Training
It is a natural need for German Corso dogs to be active and athletic. You will rarely find an ‘unfit’ German Shepherd or Cane Corso, for that matter. These are not just physical characteristics of these breeds. They indicate that they are fit to be trained and used for physically taxing work. They assist farmers and shepherds in their daily work.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirement
They do not need strenuous exercise. They need a physically active lifestyle. That means that they naturally need a lifestyle that has many elements of physical exertion and activity in their daily lives. This would suit them much more than just short periods of concentrated exercise. If you live in an apartment, you should take your German Corso on many hikes. They are not always strenuous and can be mellow because there are extended periods of walks and jumps. However, it needs to have different elements of exercise. A simple walk will not do.
They are full of energy and can be hyper at times too. It is essential that you let them calm down before you take off their leash.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Grooming and Cleaning
The coat of a German Corso is sometimes different. If your German Corso has inherited the fur from the Cane Corso side of its parentage, it will be straightforward to maintain the coat because it has a single coat and the hair is short. This makes them very easy to brush through and clean regularly. Even if your German Corso inherits a double coat from the German Shepherd side of the parentage, there are different grooming techniques. Both coats are relatively easy to manage.
You must be careful about maintaining their coat properly because these dogs are often out in the field.
Read More: Short Haired Vs. Long-Haired German Shepherd: What’s The Difference?
Is Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Hypoallergenic?
No, a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is not hypoallergenic. Whether their coats shed a lot or not, they are not hypoallergenic. People who are allergic to dog fur can look for some other breed in place of Cane Corso German Shepherd.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Food and Diet
A German Corso’s dietary requirements depend on many factors like age, height, weight, and health issues. They need a high intake of proteins to keep up with the physically demanding lifestyle they need to survive. They need at least 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food. However, the dog food you give them depends entirely on their age.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Common Health Issues
A German Corso mix breed suffers from common health problems that can develop due to several factors. Here is a list of some common health problems in a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is one of the most common problems that relatively large dogs go through. It is the displacement of the hip bone because it did not develop properly. This can be the result of improper nutrition and physical growth. This condition is painful and can cause paralysis in the lower half of the dog’s body.
- Elbow Dysplasia: As the name suggests, this is similar to hip dysplasia. Instead of the hips, this condition is the elbow displacement resulting from improper development of the leg joints.
- Bloat: If you have a broad-chested dog, this is one of the most common problems you will encounter. This is a condition when your dog cannot expel its stomach gasses. This means that those gases remain trapped inside their body and cause much pain and discomfort.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This is, unfortunately, a genetic disease that stems from German Shepherds. There is, unfortunately, no cure for this disease, and it will result in complete paralysis over time. While a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix may not have it, it is still possible.
- Epilepsy: Another hereditary disease that can be found in a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix through the German Shepherd parent gene is epilepsy. German Shepherds are more prone to this disease. The reasons for this disease are unknown in dogs. However, they cause seizures randomly under stressful situations.
- Hemophilia: When incorrect practices are going on in German Shepherds through inbreeding, it can result in hemophilia. This is a condition where even minor cuts and gashes can be life-threatening.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Lifespan
Since Cane Corso German Shepherd mixes have the parent genes of such strong dog breeds, a German Corso also has a long life. The average lifespan of a German Corso is 10 to 12 years.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Adoption
You will likely come across a German Corso in any shelter you walk into today. However, it is essential to go to the shelter before deciding whether you want a German Corso. The personality of every breed and dog is different. You need to spend some time with them and get to know them a bit more before you decide to adopt them or not.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Puppies For Sale and Price
People generally prefer to purchase Cane Corso German Shepherd mix puppies because it is much easier to train them when they are young. Puppies of the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix will cost up to $1000. From $500 onwards, the range begins. However, if you go to a shelter, you never know what you may find there. You must go to the right breeders to ensure you are purchasing a healthy pup.
Is the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Right For Me?
You will only know if a dog breed is the right match for you or not once you go and see the dogs in person. Even if you want one of the most friendly dog breeds, they may need a different personality. Dogs have different needs and desires. The dog you want to adopt has to like your character too. Considering the same, there is no doubt that Cane Corso German Shepherd dogs need ample space while training. So, if you have plenty of space to train the dog, you must go for the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix puppies. However, if this is not the case, you can look for dog breeds that only need a little space.
FAQs
A German Corso is an excellent mix of some of the best features of two magnificent dog breeds- the German Shepherd and the Cane Corso. These dogs’ size and personality traits make them an excellent fit for an outdoor and active lifestyle.
It is impossible to always be in control of the kind of mix a dog will end up in. However, the best combination of a Cane Corso is a Cane Corso Bullmastiff and, of course, the German Corso.
While both are large dogs, a Cane Corso, on an individual level, is not larger than a German Shepherd.
The average height of a German Corso is about 22 to 26 inches, with a weight of 60 to 90 pounds.
Conclusion
German Corso is a beautiful mixed dog breed with unique physical and personality traits that cannot easily be found in other dog breeds. They are adorable looking with solid and muscular bodies that you can rely on for protection and assistance. They are independent and loving at the same time. If you think a German Corso is right for you, you should not delay including them in your life.
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