Pit Bull vs. Cane Corso in this competition, taking into account their size, looks, temperament, and trainability to help you decide which you’d choose as a pet.
Which should you get: a Pit Bull or a Cane Corso? It’s a difficult decision, to be sure, but there are enough distinctions between them to allow you to make an informed decision. Do you, for example, want a robust but friendly dog who enjoys mischief? Then you have a better chance of falling in love with a Pit Bull. Would you rather have a bigger dog who likes you but is wary of strangers? A Cane Corso could be preferred.
In this section, we examine both breeds in further depth, comparable to our Bullmastiff versus Pit Bull comparison. As you’ll see, either of them has the potential to be a wonderful pet and a delight to have around the house. Both breeds are low-maintenance and have enough energy to keep you on your toes. Still, there are questions about their temperament, so we’ll talk about whether or not their reputation is well-deserved. The war has officially begun!
Pit Bull vs Cane Corso: Origins
Pit Bulls were developed in the early nineteenth century in the United Kingdom from Old English Bulldogs. They were largely employed for bear and bull baiting until the practice was outlawed, at which point many owners were forced to resort to rat-baiting – a horrible sport carried out in a pit, hence the dog’s name.
Soon after, settlers brought the dogs to the United States, where they were adored for their protective abilities. However, there is no one Pit Bull breed. The term is applied to the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and, in certain cases, the American Bulldog in the United States.
The Cane Corso, on the other hand, is very much a single breed. These dogs have traditionally been admired for their guarding instincts, as well as their ability to hunt. The Cane Corso, a sub-category of breeds known as the Molloser, became famous in Greece, where they drew the attention of conquering Romans.
The Romans employed them as battle dogs and for gladiator sports, breeding them with native Italian breeds. They would fight bears and lions to the death. They eventually become working dogs on Italian farms and pets in people’s homes all over the world.
Pit Bull vs Cane Corso: Size and appearance
A quick glance at a Pit Bull and then shift your sight to a Cane Corso will reveal some similarities. Both are muscular dogs with square-shaped skulls and powerful jaws, but there are significant variances, the most important of which is size. Because of its typical height of 28 inches, the Cane Corso is classified as a big breed (71 centimeters). Pit Bulls, on the other hand, are medium-sized canines that grow to be between 13 and 24 inches (35 and 60 cm) tall, making them notably smaller.
There is also a significant weight differential. Adult Cane Corsos can weigh between 85 pounds (38 kg) and 100 pounds (45 kg), although Pit Bulls seldom weigh more than 80 pounds (36 kg), indicating that they are large for their size. A Cane Corso also has a larger and broader nose than a Pit Bull, as well as a more wrinkled face and looser-looking skin behind a dense and rigid short coat. Pit Bulls, on the other hand, have a short smoother-looking coat across considerably tighter skin, and their unwrinkled features are capped with tiny ears.
Are Cane Corsos more aggressive than Pit Bulls?
Let’s get one thing straight: none of these breeds would desire to attack you. A Pit Bull has a biting force of 235 pounds per square inch (psi), which is more than the bite force of a person, which is 162 psi. However, the Cane Corso is significantly more powerful, with a biting force of 700 psi, which is greater than that of a lion!
So, do you need to be careful about either of them? Both yes and no. Although the dogs can inflict considerable harm, if they are taught and socialized from an early age, neither should show symptoms of hostility. In truth, the vast majority of these canines are amiable and get along well with older children (they can dominate younger children). They are also often peaceful, loving, and devoted.
Pit Bulls are more gregarious than Labrador Retrievers, and as we noted in our look at 10 pawsome Pit Bull facts, this breed is also one of the nicest, most fun-loving, and patient dogs available, second only to the Labrador Retriever. According to the American Temperament Society, it passes the temperament test 87% of the time and ranks fourth out of 122 in terms of most friendly and least aggressive canines.
But that doesn’t mean they’re flawless. Pit Bulls are responsible for over 70% of fatal dog attacks, according to DogsBite.org(opens in new tab), but Cane Corsos have been engaged in some tragic cases. In this regard, it is critical to treat both breeds with utmost care and to be aware of their inherent flaws. You should also keep them cognitively and physically stimulated to keep them from being bored.
Pit Bull vs Cane Corso: Exercise needs
Although a Cane Corso has less energy than a Pit Bull, both breeds require regular exercise. The problem is that they both have a strong prey drive, which provides a difficulty for any owner. Not only is it critical to keep these dogs intellectually and physically active, but you can’t just take them to a park, let them off the leash, and let them run about – in fact, in many situations, they’ll have to be muzzled.
Instead, you’ll need a large, securely enclosed yard for them to burn off excess energy, as well as the best dog toys to keep their mind stimulated. In that regard, there is relatively little difference between the breeds. You’re looking at 45 minutes to an hour of workout at the very least, but they can both rest as hard as they play, which will be a nice reprieve at times.
Pit Bull vs Cane Corso: Grooming
If you’re wondering, “do Cane Corsos shed?”, or if you’re thinking the same of Pit Bulls, then the answer is yes in both cases. Thankfully, shedding is moderate despite occurring all year round. Since both breeds’ hair is short, however, it’s not much of a problem – a good vacuum cleaner will work wonders but just watch out for excessive shedding which can be a sign of dehydration or stress.
In general, you only need to brush regularly with the best dog brushes and, while you’re at it, invest in the best dog nail clippers to keep their paws in tip-top shape and a good toothbrush to keep their teeth clean. It makes both breeds relatively low maintenance and it also means you’re not going to be splashing the cash at the groomers. When considering how much does owning a Cane Corso cost you can be certain grooming isn’t racking up the bills.
Is a Cane Corso more powerful than a Pit Bull?
We’ve previously established that a Cane Corso is likely to be stronger than a Pit Bull based only on biting force. But a dog’s strength extends beyond the force of his jaw; you must also consider the rest of his body. The Cane Corso triumphs once more! Aside from being larger, the Cane Corso is more muscular and could easily dominate a Pit Bull in a battle (not that anyone likes to see dogs fight!). A Cane Corso, on the other hand, has less endurance; their key strengths are speed and agility.
However, Pit Bulls have the ability to do significant harm. A Cane Corso will bite but release, but Pit Bulls will cling and shake, refusing to let go, causing significant muscle and bone injury. But strength isn’t only physical; it’s also mental. Cane Corsos are tough-minded in this regard, and they must be well-trained by a patient and skilled owner, otherwise they will become dominating and protective, pushing limits. Pit Bulls are more gregarious and people-pleasing, and they are more accepting of newcomers.
Cane Corsos are smarter than Pit Bulls?
Pit Bulls and Cane Corsos are both clever dogs. They understand what you’re asking of them, and they’re more than capable of picking up new instructions and tricks quickly. However, determining who is wiser is a challenging process. In general, a Cane Corso can learn and recall directions after 15 to 25 repetitions. A Pit Bull will require more repetitions, ranging from 25 to 40.
However, there is a tenacious character that runs across both breeds. Getting through this may need some clever thinking on your part – or, at the very least, the greatest dog treats. The Cane Corso is the most independent of the two, thus being tough while teaching them will make a great difference.