Are you looking to buy or adopt a crossbreed, but don’t know which one would suit you the best? If you want to get a guard dog, at that, maybe you’d want to check a Cane Corso Mastiff mix.
A Mastiff Cane Corso mix is one of the latest products of the designer dog craze. Dog enthusiasts looking to find a good companion dog that is also an excellent watchdog might especially be curious about this unique crossbreed.
However, when you hear about large dog breeds being crossbred, you probably imagine a big, mean dog everyone will be afraid of.
While the second one might be true, you will be surprised to learn the truth about this amazing crossbreed.
Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about a Cane Corso Mastiff mix.
Cane Corso Mastiff Mix Quick Stats
| Height | 23.5 – 31 inches |
| Weight | 85 – 230 pounds |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat color | Mostly black or fawn with a black mask |
| Temperament | Protective, stubborn, playful, loyal |
| Good with kids | Sometimes |
| Good with other pets | Sometimes |
| Lifespan | 6 – 12 years |
Breed History
To fully understand a Cane Corso Mastiff mix dog, you must first learn all about its parent breeds – The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, and the English Mastiff.
The first mentions of the Cane Corso dog breed were back in Ancient Rome, where these large dogs were used as war dogs.
Later, people started using this breed as guard dogs, as it was excellent in keeping rural Italian farms safe from not just large animals but intruders, as well.
However, as cities grew larger, the need for such a huge dog diminished, and by the 20th century, Cane Corsi were almost extinct.
The Cane Corsi we have today are the physical result of the struggle of several breed enthusiasts who managed to bring these glorious dogs back in the 1970s.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized Cane Corso as a breed in 2010, as this working dog became more popular overseas.
English Mastiffs are a British working dog breed known for their massive size and loyal temperament.
These amazing dogs can be traced back to the 19th century, but the Mastiffs we know today were established as a breed in the 1880s.
Believe it or not, while the Mastiff was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1948, the AKC accepted this breed back in 1885!
It isn’t known when the first time someone crossbred these two dog breeds was. What is more certain is that this crossbreed was the result of trying to mellow down Cane Corso’s somewhat unsocial temperament without losing its huge size or recognizable appearance.
Physical Characteristics
While it can be challenging to predict the appearance of a crossbreed, in the case of a Cane Mastiff, this is much easier, as both parents belong to the Mastiff type of dog.
The Cane Corso English Mastiff mix will have a typical Mastiff appearance, which includes a large, muscular body, broad heads with a somewhat droopy muzzle, and smart, brown eyes.
As for the ears, they will be floppy, long or short, depending on genetics. Some owners might prefer to crop them, as is common practice with purebred Cane Corsi. Others will leave them natural.
As for the coat color, this is where we can see some variations.
While the most common Cane Corso color is black, English Mastiffs typically come in fawn, with a noticeable black mask.
As a result, a Cane Mastiff puppy will usually come in solid black, fawn with a black mask, or in a combination of these two colors. Of course, other shades are possible, especially if one of the parent breeds comes in a rare hue.
Size
Both parent breeds are large dogs, and you shouldn’t expect anything less from their offspring.
A purebred Cane Corso can reach a height of 23.5 to 27.5 inches, with a weight of 85 – 110 pounds.
English Mastiffs are even larger, with their height reaching up to 31 inches and an average weight of 150 to the whopping 230 pounds.
This means that the Cane Corso English Mastiff mix will also come in a large size. Their height will be anywhere between 23.5 and 31 inches, and their weight will vary between 85 and 230 pounds – although most will be on the higher end of the spectrum.
Temperament
Temperament and behavior is one of the main reasons behind the creation of most Cane Corso mixes.
While no one can deny that this is a mighty breed, it does come with some temperamental challenges many owners don’t know how to deal with.
By crossbreeding them with dogs with a milder temperament, these so-called faults can be fixed, even by less experienced owners.
Due to the English Mastiff genes, the Cane Corso Mastiff mix has a much more affectionate nature than the purebred Cane Corso. This is a loyal dog that will love its human family more than anything else in the world.
Even though Mastiffs might seem like mean dogs, they are mostly sweet and loveable, and this will be noticeable on their offspring, as well. This is a playful pup that will unintentionally make you laugh all day long.
At the same time, the Cane Corso English Mastiff mix will inherit stubbornness from its Cane Corso parent, as well as aloofness toward strangers.
Sure, the Cane Mastiff is likely to be friendlier than its purebred parent, but it might still have some issues with unknown people and other pets.
Trainability
When it comes to such a large dog, trainability is crucial for keeping them under control.
Fortunately, Cane Corso Mastiff mix is somewhat easy to train. This is a highly intelligent dog that can learn new tricks in no time.
Still, they’ll need constant training, as you don’t want this pup to become the boss of the household. Due to its hunting dog instincts, a breed like this can become a true nuisance, if not dangerous.
There is no training method that works better than the other one, as long as you’re persistent. Your dog mustn’t see that you have a weakness, or he’ll use this to his advantage.
A Cane Corso Mastiff mix can be stubborn and dominant, like its Corso parent, so this is also something to keep in mind. You need to show him who is the leader of the pack, and this might require some mental wrestling.
Due to all of this, this isn’t a good dog for beginners who don’t have experience with large and strong dogs.
Proper training isn’t the only thing to keep in mind. Socialization is also an essential part in making sure your pooch is integrated into the environment.
Your dog should know how to behave around other dogs and in new environments. This is why early socialization is crucial.
Finally, due to its intelligence, this pup also requires plenty of mental stimulation. If you allow your canine to get bored, he’ll become destructive, or even aggressive. When you have a dog of this size, this most definitely isn’t something you want. Make sure you always have dog toys available.
Activity Needs
The Cane Corso English Mastiff mix has a high activity level. Long walks just won’t be enough for this dog. You need to provide him with plenty of exercise and extensive training sessions.
This makes him a good fit for active families who want to take their dog out jogging or to spend hours playing fetch in a park.
Is Cane Corso Mastiff Mix A Good Guard Dog?
Most people who get this crossbreed do so because they are hoping to get a great guard dog – and they would be getting just the right pooch for them. A Cane Corso Mastiff mix makes an excellent guard dog!
This is a dog that is protective of his human family members, while also wary of strangers enough to warn everyone if he suspects any danger.
Also, as he is easier to train than purebred Cane Corso, but also less friendly than an English Mastiff, one could argue that this crossbreed makes a better watchdog than either of its purebred parents.
Just remember – proper training is crucial for creating a well-rounded guard dog.
Is Cane Corso Mastiff Mix A Good Family Dog?
In terms of temperament, it can be challenging to predict whether the Cane Corso English Mastiff mix makes a great family dog.
While social and playful, this pup loves to have its own space. This makes him unsuitable for small kids who don’t know how to behave around dogs.
Not only that, but his large size can make him unintentionally dangerous for toddlers, as he might accidentally hurt them during play time.
However, this pup should be an excellent companion for older children who know all the necessary precautionary measures when playing with a big dog.
Another thing to keep in mind is his high prey drive. Both dog breeds were used as hunting dogs for at least a short while, and these instincts still remain. Due to this, this breed is unsuitable for small pets such as rabbits or cats.
Either way, this is a dog that would do the best being the only pet in the household – although, with proper socialization, he can learn to behave around other dogs.
Feeding
An important consideration when getting any large dog breed is feeding. Not only do dogs of this size need a lot of food, dry dog food alone usually won’t work, which is another complication.
Make sure to pick food specifically designed for large breeds. Most manufacturers will make sure to fit in just the right nutrients your dog will need.
Also, due to its high activity levels, this crossbreed requires lots of protein. This is why many people choose to feed their Cane Corso Mastiff mix dogs raw.
While feeding raw can be an excellent choice, make sure to contact your vet beforehand. A professional can help you make a proper feeding plan that will provide your pooch with all the necessary nutrients.
While treats are allowed (and can make a good training method), make sure they don’t make more than 10% of daily calorie intake.
Be careful with picking the right amount of food, as well. While this breed isn’t too prone to obesity, it’s easy to go overboard. This can result in many health issues, such as diabetes.
Health Problems
While Cane Corso Mastiff mix is generally a healthy dog, it is still prone to many health complications its parents might get.
This includes:
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Demodex mange
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat
- Cancer, especially testicular cancer and bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
To make sure your pup is as healthy as possible, make sure to spay and neuter your dog. Regular vet visits are a must, as most health conditions are highly treatable when discovered on time.
A balanced diet and a proper amount of exercise are also great for overall health.
Lifespan
Sadly, most large breeds don’t live very long. This is because they tend to be more prone to life-threatening conditions.
While Cane Corso has a fairly good life expectancy for a dog of his size (10 – 12 years), English Mastiffs are not so lucky. Some can live 13 years or more, but others will die very young – sometimes as young as 6 years old – mostly due to cancer.
As a result, you can expect your Cane Corso Mastiff mix to live anywhere between 6 and 13 years, depending on its genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
Should You Get A Cane Corso Mastiff Mix?
As you have probably guessed, this isn’t a dog breed for everyone. A Cane Corso Mastiff mix requires someone of a strong character who can dedicate lots of time to constant training and socialization.
Also, while it’s a somewhat better family dog than its Cane Corso parent, it isn’t a good choice for people with small children or other pets.
However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded guard dog, this is as close to perfect as you can get. Unless, of course, you’re interested in German Shepherd mixes.
In conclusion, only you can be entirely certain whether this dog is the right choice for you.
Think about your own needs and possibilities. If you have what it takes to control such a mighty creature – I say go for it. Everyone who has met this breed’s gentler side has immediately fallen in love with it. I am certain you’ll be different.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.