Thinking of welcoming a Pitbull Cane Corso mix into your home? Before you do, there’s some information you’ll need to know! The American Pitbull Terrier and the Cane Corso are two of the most formidable-looking canines alive. Those that know them understand that both breeds are both sweet and easygoing family companions. When you put these two popular breeds together, you get a mix that’s affectionately labeled the Pit Corso.
The Pit Corso is going to be a big dog, so if that’s something you can’t handle, check this breed off the list right away. The Cane Corso parent is also known as the Italian Mastiff and they are big dogs. Their Pitbull parent carries a bad reputation as a fighting breed, and most in the dog world say that’s unwarranted.
Pit Corsos are truly the best of both worlds. However, they can be a stubborn mixed breed, and they aren’t for everyone. And for those that take this pup on without the proper research, risk it not working out. This breed guide is a must-read for anyone looking to welcome one of these beautiful dogs into their life. But if you can tick all of his boxes, we know he will tick all of yours! Let’s find out if the attractive American Pit Corso is the dog breed for you.
If you want an American Pit Corso in your life, you first need to learn about his parents. After all, he is a combination of them both. From their history to a little about their personality and appearance, let’s take a closer look.
The American Pitbull Terrier has one of the most unfair and unjustified reputations in the canine world. His ancestors were used for betting purposes, to fight against other dogs, and kill rats across the pond in England. The best and the biggest were bred together, making the Pitbull we know and love today. Since then, he has found work as a herder, therapy dog, and family pet.
Pitbulls stand between 17 and 21 inches tall and weigh between 30 to 65 pounds. They are muscular but athletically trim. Most Pitbulls will have a cheeky smile stretching from ear to ear, and he is affectionately known by those that adore him as the velvet hippo. They are generally friendly with all people, including strangers, which is why he makes a terrible guard dog. Much different from the reputation he has! Pitbulls are quite common in the United States, and have become popular as crossbreed parent for other popular mixes.
The Cane Corso is a mastiff-type dog who hails from Italy. He was bred to work on the ranch, pulling carts, driving livestock, protecting hen houses, and the family estate. As well as wild boar hunting. He nearly became extinct, but thanks to breed lovers and the Neopolitan Mastiff, the Cane Corso was saved. Now he is more commonly found in family homes on protection duties.
He measures between 23 to 27 inches tall and weighs between 88 and 110 pounds. He is also a muscular dog, but his extra weight makes him look less defined than the Pitbull and more cuddly. His coat is denser and rough to the touch, and he has a big square head with a catching smile. He has only been recognized for 10 years, but his popularity has shot to 32nd place from around 196 recognized breeds. Because of their reputation as excellent defenders of property, they are sometimes compared to German Shepherds and other guardian breeds.
The American Pit Corso is a relatively rare mixed breed. Because he is a beautiful blend of both parents, he is bound to become popular very quickly. Of course, mixed breeds are a little unpredictable when it comes to their personality and appearance. But more often than not, he will inherit the best of both doggy worlds, so let’s take a look at a typical American Pit Corso.
The American Pit Corso is a big dog with an even bigger heart. This pup adores his family more than anything in the world. So, if you want a dog that’s going to look at you like you are the best thing that has happened to him (every single time he sees you), look no further than this mix. He might be a big muscly guy, but deep down, he is a soppy sweetheart.
This means you and the family are in for lots of cuddles and kisses on the sofa. He is loving and gentle with every family member, from grandma all the way down to grandchildren. Both of his parents are fond of children, so you can be sure that he will follow them around helping you with kiddy entertaining duties.
He does not extend this affection to strangers, however. Unlike his Pitbull parent, he does make a protective guard dog. But thankfully, he is not as protective as his Cane Corso parent, so he’s much easier to handle. He’ll bark and keep a watchful eye on all those that approach his family, and he won’t hesitate to protect them if he needs to.
All of these traits combined make him an intense doggy to have in the home. He craves human company, and he hates to be left alone simply because he doesn’t know whether you are safe or not. But if you can handle his intensity, he makes up for it in bundles of fun and goofball charisma.
The American Pit Corso is a large-sized dog that will weigh anywhere between 50 to 90 pounds and measure between 20 and 24 inches tall. He is a muscular dog just like both of his parents, with a little bit of Cane Corso chunk on top. He has a square-shaped body and head, thick neck, and a tail that doesn’t fall below his hock (also known as the dog ankle).
His nose is square and fleshy, his eyes almond-shaped, and his ears are large drop-downs. Some owners opt to have both the Cane Corso and the Pitbull’s ears cropped, so some may opt for the same look. He might inherit the droopy jowls of the Corso, but they will not swing as much, which also means less drool too.
The American Pit Corsos coat is short and dense. It will not be as shiny and smooth as the Pitbull’s, but it will not be as rough and the Corso’s either. He will have a double coat that will keep him cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
When it comes to colors, the American Pit Corso is likely to sport black, fawn, various shades of brindle, or red. These are the most commonly shared coat colors between parents, but he could also sport a combination of any. The only color he won’t be is a merle. So, if you find a merle-colored American Pit Corso, he’s not an American Pit Corso.
His eyes will likely be dark brown, but they can be light brown or shades of deep gray. It’s rare for him to inherit yellow or blue eyes, but it does happen. If it does, you can expect him to be a little more expensive than his other siblings.
The American Pit Corso needs at least one hour of exercise every single day. It needs to be intense and varied if you want to expel that athletic energy of his. Think long jogs, mountain adventures, and playing in the sea. He loves to be with you, so whatever your favorite hobby is, it’ll soon become his too.
Because both of his parents are regularly controlled by Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), you can be sure that this mix will be too. This means that you need to check out your local BSL laws as you may not be able to let him off-leash in public or enter a doggy park with him. This might also affect any tenancy restrictions.
This mix is expected to be a large sized dog, so apartment living will not do here. Instead, he’ll prefer a medium to large sized home that he’ll have plenty of room to be a goofball in. He would also appreciate access to the fresh air with his own yard. Just be sure to make sure it’s secure because he will guard his perimeter. A meet and greet with the local delivery is a great idea!
If the American Pit Corso is socialized well, he will likely get along well with other dogs. However, if he takes after his Cane Corso parent more than his Pittie parent, he might not. If you are a multi-pet household and welcoming him into the house as a pup, this shouldn’t be an issue. But if you are welcoming another pet into the fold with an already resident American Pit Corso, you need to introduce them slowly. Do this before you make any commitments.
The American Pit Corso is a lovely dog. But, he can also be a handful, so you need to be prepared for lifelong training. Pitbulls are suitable to first time owners, but Cane Corsos are not, so you’ll find this pup anywhere in between. With this in mind, you need to be prepared to be strict with him, be the pack leader, and do not allow him to get away with unruly behaviors.
Socialization is critical. You will need to expose him to new dogs, animals, people, noises, and environments for him to grow into a confident pooch. Without this, he will become overprotective and problematic. Positive reinforcement training is the most efficient way to train this mix, and thanks to his Pitbull genes, he should pick up commands quickly.
Because he also hates to be left alone, we would advise crate training. Ensure that you have a crate waiting for him as soon as you bring him home for the first time. Bearing in mind his size and strength, you’re going to need an indestructible crate just in case. But with proper training, he’ll soon come to love his own safe space.
The American Pit Corso is a relatively healthy dog who will typically enjoy a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. As he is a mixed breed dog, he could inherit the health concerns of either parent. Although this list is not exhaustive, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following most common health conditions and their symptoms:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: both of his parents suffer from these conditions, so this is the most likely health concern of his.
Cardiac concerns: his Cane Corso parent is susceptible to various cardiac conditions, and the most common is dilated cardiomyopathy.
Skin allergies: his Pitbull parent has sensitive skin, either through exposure to allergens such as grass or nutritional factors.
The American Pit Corso will eat approximately two and a half to three cups of food a day. Because of his high energy and large body mass, he will benefit from a high-quality kibble that will keep him energized throughout the day. Thankfully, you can be sure that a high-quality kibble will provide a well-balanced diet and one that is super tasty too.
As he is a large breed, you need to feed him a large breed kibble as they have unique nutritional needs. It’s important to feed them large breed food during puppyhood, as this will help to control his rapid bone growth. Which, in turn, can lessen the severity of joint dysplasia, which they are prone to.
The American Pit Corso has a short double coat, and he sheds moderately throughout the year. He’ll only need a brush once a week with a pin brush. And on occasion, a deshedding tool will be useful during the shedding season. He’ll only need a brush once every 8 to 12 weeks to keep him looking and feeling his best. Keep an eye on his skin, and if he shows any signs of skin allergies, be sure to get them checked out. He will shed about the same amount as his Pitbull parent.
The American Pit Corso is a relatively rare breed at the moment, which means you need to get your detective hat on to search for a reputable breeder. Always avoid puppy mills because they often sell sick puppies or puppies that have been mistreated. This is bad news for any dog, but particularly a large dog who already has guarding behaviors.
Instead, find a breeder who has a professional website or can prove that they have experience in breeding Cane Corsos and Pitbulls. Testimonials from previous customers are a great insight into their reputation too. Always meet the pups and their parents in person, and ask to see the health clearances too. The extra effort will be worth it when you find a healthy and happy pup.
The average price of an American Pit Corso from a reputable breeder is likely to start from $1,000. You’ve also got to remember that there is more to a dog than just his initial cost. You have to factor in his food bills and equipment such as beds, brushes, and collars, etc. And because of the BSL concerns, you will need to factor in the potential increased insurance and license costs.
If you are considering adopting American Pit Corso, welcome to the rescue club! Adopting a pooch is a fantastic thing to do, especially considering how many Pitbull mixes are out there waiting for their forever home. Try your local rescue shelters and speak to the staff about what you are looking for.
If you have no success there, try dedicated breed centers who rescue purebred pups and their mixes. The Pitbull Rescue Central website and the Cane Corso Rescue website list dedicated rescue centers, and also have contacts too. Not only will you be saving a life, but you’re also likely to save some money too.
So, there you have it, the American Pit Corso in all his gorgeous glory. He isn’t suited to everyone because of his difficult Cane Corso streak. But if you fancy a mellower version, this pup is a fantastic choice. His Pitbull streak will make him an obedient dog who will follow you around all day long. And with lifelong training, he will be a pleasant pooch who you can be proud of despite the nonsense BSL laws.
He makes a wonderful family addition, and he and the kids will love each other. He’s lots of fun, and with his goofball personality, you’re sure to have lots of laughter for many years to come.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Both the Cane Corso and the American Pitbull are huge dogs that are at a high risk of suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia, a condition resulting in abnormally formed joints. There is a chance that the American Pit Corso can inherit this condition from the parents.
FAQ
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