Cane Corso Pitbull Mix (AKA The Pit Corso): Breed Profile

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There is a lot of confusion about the Cane Corso Pitbull mix breed, also known as the Pit Corso. People often ask, “What is a Cane Corso Pitbull mix?” or “Is a Cane Corso Pitbull mix a good dog breed?”

In this post, I will answer all of those questions and more. I will cover the history of the Cane Corso Pitbull mix, what it was bred for, its physical appearance and size, coat colors, temperament, and many other frequently asked questions about this designer breed.

So let’s jump right in and learn more about this unique mixed breed.

What Is A Pit Corso?

A Pit Corso is a cross between two popular dog breeds, a Pitbull and a Cane Corso. This hybrid dog was first bred in the United States and is still relatively rare.

What Was The Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Bred For?

For the most part, their primary purpose is companionship. Unlike their parent breeds which were bred for specific working purposes, the Pit Corso designer breed is predominantly a companion dog.

While they can certainly perform tasks their parent breeds have in the past, that’s not their reason for being bred.

Where Do Cane Corsos Come From?

The Cane Corso is a large Italian breed of dog, one of the two descendants of the old Roman Molossian. The other descendant is the Neapolitan Mastiff.

The Cane Corso originated in southern Italy and was used as a guard dog and hunting companion.

During the 20th century, the Cane Corso nearly became extinct. However, a dedicated group of breeders worked to rebuild the population and preserve the breed’s unique characteristics. In 2010, the Cane Corso was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Since then, the breed’s popularity has continued to grow, and Corsos can now be found all over the world.

Where Do Pitbulls Come From?

Pitbulls were first bred in England in the early 1800s. At this time, they were used for bull-baiting, a popular spectator sport in which bulls were pitted against dogs.

The English Pitbull was a cross between the English Bulldog and the Terrier, two breeds that were known for their tenacity and strength. This new breed was larger and more powerful than either of its predecessors, making it well-suited for bull-baiting.

However, when bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, Pitbulls began to be used for dog fighting instead.

Unfortunately, Pitbulls were bred specifically for this purpose, and as such, they have a reputation for being aggressive and violent. However, not all Pitbulls are born with a predisposition towards aggression.

In fact, many Pitbulls are gentle, loving dogs that make great companions.

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Appearance & Traits

Size (Weight & Height)

The Pit Corso is a large dog, with males typically weighing between 70-120 pounds and females usually weighing between 60-110 pounds. Males also tend to be about 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are typically 20-24 inches tall.

Their weight is ultimately up to their diet and lifestyle, though. While most Pit Corsos fall within that range, they’re just as susceptible to becoming overweight and exceeding their average weight range as other dogs.

Coat Colors & Texture

Cane Corso Pitbull mixes can come in a wide variety of colors, including black, blue/silver, brindle, fawn, and grey. They can also have a combination of colors, such as black and white or brindle and fawn.

Their coat is usually short and dense, with a smooth texture.

Shedding & Grooming

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is a moderate shedder, so they require regular grooming to keep their shedding under control. Brushing them once or twice a week should be sufficient to remove any loose hair.

It may not be entirely necessary for this breed, but blowing out a dog’s coat does wonders during high shedding seasons. Simply using a dog blow dryer on their coat in your backyard can get rid of most of their loose fur before it clutters up your home.

They should also be bathed as needed, which is usually every 8-12 weeks or so.

Their nails will also need to be trimmed on a regular basis, roughly once a month, and their teeth should be cleaned regularly to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?

No, the Cane Corso Pitbull mix is not a hypoallergenic breed.

This mix sheds moderately, so they are not the best choice for people with dog allergies.

Ears & Tail

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix has medium-sized ears that are usually floppy. Their tail is long and thick, and it is usually docked.

Docking is the practice of removing a portion of an animal’s tail, and it is typically done for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, it is also done to prevent injuries that could be caused by a long tail.

However, docking tails is now illegal in some parts of the world, so you may find more Cane Corso Pitbull mixes with a natural, uncut tail.

Eye Color

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix usually has brown eyes, though some may have blue or green eyes as well.

Lifespan

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix typically has a lifespan of 11-14 years. However, their adult size will likely affect their lifespan. If they take after their Cane Corso parent and are larger, they’re unfortunately more likely to have a shorter lifespan.

Alternatively, suppose they’re smaller and inherit more of their Pitbull parent’s genetics. In that case, they are more likely to live on the higher end of that range.

So long as they live a healthy lifestyle, of course.

Common Health Issues

Pitbull Cane Corso mixes are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to some health problems. Some more common health conditions affecting this breed include hip & elbow dysplasia, allergies, heart complications, and bloat.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of dogs’ most common orthopedic problems. They occur when the joints don’t form properly, which can cause a lot of pain and mobility problems.

Allergies are also fairly common in dogs, and the Cane Corso Pitbull mix is no exception. They can be allergic to everything from certain foods to environmental allergens, such as pollen or dust.

Heart complications can also be an issue for this breed. Some Cane Corso Pitbull mixes may be born with a heart condition, while others may develop one later in life.

Bloat is a condition that can affect any deep-chested dog, and it occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists. It’s a very serious condition that can be fatal if not treated immediately.

The best way to keep a Cane Corso Pitbull mix healthy is to take them for regular checkups with your veterinarian, as well as to give them the proper nutrition and exercise they need.

Trainability & Intelligence

Cane Corso Pitbulls are a relatively intelligent breed, and they are usually not too difficult to train.

They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as treats or praise. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so patience is important when training this breed.

They are best with a firm, confident owner who can provide them with consistent training and socialization.

They are eager to please their owners and love to work, so they usually excel in any activity or sport they participate in.

Cane Corso Pitbull mixes are usually easy to potty train, as long as you are consistent with them. Housebreaking may take a little longer if they inherit their Pitbull parent’s stubborn streak, but it is still possible with patience and positive reinforcement.

Activity Level & Exercise Needs

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is a relatively active breed. They need a good amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, playing fetch, and going for long walks.

They need at least 30-45 minutes of exercise per day, and more is always better.

If they don’t get enough exercise, they may become bored or destructive. It’s also a good idea to give them access to plenty of toys and mental stimulation.

Whether it’s through puzzle toys, extra obedience training, or other fun, challenging games you can play with them.

Overall, a Cane Corso Pitbull mix is a great choice for an owner who enjoys an active lifestyle. They make excellent hiking or running/jogging partners and love to play fetch.

Temperament & Behavior

Do Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Bark A Lot?

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is generally a quiet breed, but they may bark more if they take after their Pitbull parent. They are usually good watchdogs but are not typically aggressive.

While each individual dog is different, even if they are more protective and feel the need to bark to alert their family, this can be trained out of them.

Socialization can also help with this.

Do Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Like To Cuddle?

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix can be a cuddly breed, but it really depends on the individual dog. Some may enjoy snuggling up on the couch with their owner, while others may prefer to sleep in their own bed.

Because of their size, they may not enjoy cuddling as much as a smaller dog that needs help warming up.

But if they have plenty of positive experiences cuddling as a puppy, they’re likely to want to cuddle with you until they get too warm and move someplace cooler.

Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Good With Kids?

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix can be a good choice for a family with children, but it really depends on the individual dog.

Some may enjoy playing and roughhousing with kids, while others may be more gentle and prefer to avoid them. Therefore, it’s important to socialize a Cane Corso Pitbull mix around children from a young age to ensure they are comfortable and have plenty of positive experiences.

If you have small children, teaching them how to interact nicely with your dog is also important.

Cane Corso Pitbull mixes can make great family dogs, but it’s important to socialize and train them to play nice from a young age. They’re not aggressive but may forget how big they are and, for example, accidentally knock over small kids.

Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Good With Other Dogs?

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix can be great with other dogs.

Although, it is important to socialize a Cane Corso Pitbull mix around other dogs from a young age to ensure they are comfortable and have plenty of positive experiences.

For the most part, they only have challenges with other dogs when they’re isolated as puppies and have few interactions with other dogs. You should find they’re great with other dogs if you can do the opposite.

Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Good With Strangers?

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix can be a bit suspicious of strangers, but they are not typically aggressive.

Similar to how they are with other dogs, it’s important for them to get as many positive experiences with unfamiliar people as possible. When they grow up meeting many new people and having good experiences with them, they’re likely to continue being good with strangers as they get older.

Are Cane Corso Pitbull Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix can make a good apartment dog, but it’s not an ideal living environment for them, given their size. They take up quite a bit of space and need plenty of daily exercise.

If you live in an apartment, getting them out for a walk or running at least once a day is important.

Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can become destructive and overly vocal. Which would be less than ideal when living in an apartment building.

What Is The Price Of A Cane Corso Pitbull Mix?

The price of a Cane Corso Pitbull mix can vary depending on many factors, such as the breeder’s experience, the dog’s coat color and markings, and whether or not they have a championship bloodline.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $2000 for a Cane Corso Pitbull mix.

If you’re looking for a show-quality dog with an impressive pedigree, be prepared to pay on the higher end of that spectrum.

But, if you’re just looking for a loving family pet, you can probably find one for closer to $600-$1250.

Be careful when you see a puppy going for an unusually low price.

There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.

Where Can You Buy A Cane Corso Pitbull Mix?

Cane Corso Pitbull Mix puppy — PC: @sashaeboris.canecorso

There are a few ways you can go about finding a Cane Corso Pitbull mix for sale. You can find them through online classifieds, online directories of breeders, or through referrals from friends or family.

A couple of online directories that have Cane Corso mixes and Pitbull mixes available are Greenfield Puppies and Lancaster Puppies. They may not have the Pit Corso mix available since it’s not yet a popular mixed breed, but it’s worth looking at.

If you do choose to purchase your puppy online, be sure to do your research first.

There are many scams out there, so you want to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder.

You can also check with your local animal shelters or rescue groups to see if they have any Cane Corso Pitbull mix puppies available for adoption.

Adopting a dog from a shelter is a great option if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative or want to help a dog in need.

Similar Breeds To The Cane Corso Pitbull Mix

Final Thoughts

Cane Corso Pitbull mixes are large, powerful dogs that are full of energy and love.

This breed is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a devoted family pet that can protect you and your home, the Pit Corso may be the right dog for you.

Do your research before you buy or adopt to ensure this is the right breed for you and your family. And if you’re looking for a puppy, always purchase from a reputable breeder to get the healthiest puppy possible.