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If you are looking for a large, muscular dog that is loyal and protective, the Rotticorso may be the perfect breed for you. This crossbreed was created by mixing the Cane Corso with the Rottweiler, and it has all of the best qualities of both breeds. In this post, we will take a closer look at the Cane Corso Rottweiler mix and discuss its history, physical appearance, size, colors, temperament, and many other FAQs that people commonly have about this breed.
Table of Contents
What Is A Rotticorso?
A Rotticorso is a mixed breed between a purebred Rottweiler and a purebred Cane Corso. The Cane Corso is a large Italian Mastiff that was used for hunting and as a guard dog. The Rottweiler originated from Germany and was also used for hunting and guarding. Mixing these two breeds together results in an extremely large, muscular, and loyal dog that will protect its family at all costs.
Where Does The Rotticorso Come From?
The Cane Corso Rottweiler mix is a relatively new breed that doesn’t have a terribly long history quite yet. Also, they weren’t bred for a specific working purpose like their parent breeds were.
For the most part, Rotticorso’s exist because people love Rottweilers and Cane Corsos and felt a mixed breed would be a pet many families would love to have in their homes.
To better understand the Rotticorso’s genetic background, we can look at the history of both their parent breeds.
Where Do Cane Corsos Come From?
The Cane Corso is a large Italian Mastiff that was used for hunting and as a guard dog. The breed dates back to Roman times, where they were known as “Canis Pugnax.”
Cane Corsos were used for hunting wild boar, deer, and bear. They were also used in war as fighting dogs. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Cane Corso nearly became extinct. However, the breed was kept alive and eventually revived in interest in the 1980s and has been growing in popularity ever since.
Where Do Rottweilers Come From?
Rottweilers are a German breed that was also used for hunting and guarding. They date back to the Roman Empire as well, where they were known as “Rottweiler Metzgerhund.” This translates to “Rottweil butchers’ dogs” because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts of meat to the market.
Like the Cane Corso, the Rottweiler nearly became extinct after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, they were eventually revived in the 19th century and have grown and fallen in popularity as many breeds do.
Rotticorso Appearance & Traits
Now that we’ve looked at the history of both the Cane Corso and Rottweiler let’s take a closer look at what a Rotticorso looks like and some of the common traits they inherit from their parent breeds.
Size (Weight & Height)
The Rotticorso is a large dog that typically weighs between 85 and 125 pounds and stands 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
While those are fairly wide ranges, there are a few things to consider when understanding how big a Rotticorso will get. Of course, just like with all other breeds, females tend to be smaller in weight and height than males. So when looking at the range given, females will likely be closer to the lower side of the range, and males are likely to be closer to the higher side.
Also, diet and exercise play a significant role in their overall size when they’re a fully grown adult. For the most part, you won’t be able to affect their height. Outside of not feeding them enough or exercising them too much as a puppy and stunting their growth.
But their weight is entirely in their owner’s control as they need them to exercise and feed them. So if they’re provided too much food and rarely exercise, they can exceed 125 pounds.
Coat Colors & Texture
The Rotticorso has a short and dense coat that is typically black with brown or rust-colored markings. However, they can also come in blue, fawn, brindle, and even gray.
The most common coat colors are black and tan or black and rust. Black and tan Rotticorso’s have a black base coat with tan markings on their face, legs, and underbelly. Black and rust Rotticorso’s have a black base coat with rust-colored markings in the same places.
Rotticorso’s can also have what’s called “reverse brindle.” This is when their coat is primarily one color with markings of a lighter shade. For example, a black Rotticorso with brindle markings would be considered reverse brindle.
Rotticorso’s have two coat types: smooth-coated and rough-coated. Smooth-coated Rotticorso’s have short hair that lies close to their body, while rough-coated Rotticorso’s have longer hair that is wavier. Both coat types are dense and thick to protect them from the elements.
Further Readings: Cane Corso Colors: Common & Rare Coat Types Explained
Shedding & Grooming
Rotticorso’s are moderate shedders and will need to be brushed at least once or twice a week to help control the shedding. In addition to that, they only need to be bathed every 8-12 weeks (or when they get dirty and start to smell).
Side Note: Many people are starting to use robot vacuums to help reduce the amount of manual cleaning they have to do when it comes to shedding as well as dirt and other debris their dog brings into the house.
Their nails will also need to be trimmed on a monthly basis, and their teeth should be cleaned at least three times a week, whether that’s by brushing or with dental treats (brushing is best).
As a breed, Rotticorso’s are relatively easy to groom and don’t require an excessive amount of upkeep.
Are Rotticorsos Hypoallergenic?
No, Rotticorsos are not hypoallergenic. They shed and produce dander, which is what people with allergies react to.
Ears & Tail
Rotticorso’s have medium-sized ears that are triangular in shape and sit high on their head. Their tails are long, thick, and tapering. They are born with a long tail, but it is sometimes docked when they’re a puppy.
Docking is the process of removing part of the tail and is done for both cosmetic and practical reasons. It’s mostly done for cosmetic reasons in the United States but is illegal in some countries.
Eye Color
For the most part, Rotticorso’s have light or dark brown eyes. However, they can also have one blue eye or even two blue eyes. This is caused by a recessive gene and is relatively rare.
Blue eyes are most common in Rotticorso’s with merle coats. Merle is a coat pattern that can be brindle, black, or red with patches of diluted color.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Rotticorso is between 8 and 12 years.
This is a reasonably long lifespan for a dog, especially one that is considered to be a large breed.
Common Health Issues
Rotticorso’s are generally a healthy breed, but there are some health conditions that they’re prone to. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, heart disease, and bloat.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a condition where the joints don’t form properly and can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis. Osteochondrosis is a condition that affects the growth of the bones and joints. It can cause pain and lameness as well.
Heart disease is a general term for any problem with the heart. It can be anything from an irregular heartbeat to heart failure.
Rotticorso’s are also susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition affecting the stomach. Bloat can cause the stomach to twist and fill with gas, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
The best way to prevent health issues in Rotticorso’s is to buy from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs. Health testing means the breeder has their dogs tested for the conditions they’re prone to.
Trainability & Intelligence
Rotticorso’s are intelligent dogs but can be stubborn. They need a firm, consistent hand when it comes to training. They need to know that you’re the alpha and the leader of the pack.
That said, it doesn’t mean to be forceful or aggressive with your training methods. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods. This means rewarding them with treats, praise, and affection when they do something you want them to do.
Rotticorso’s also need to be socialized from a young age. Socialization is simply exposing them to different people, places, and things, so they’re not afraid of them.
This is important because it helps prevent aggression and fearfulness of the unfamiliar later in life.
In general, Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes are bright dogs that are very responsive to good training and can become great companions when the proper training methods are used.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Rotticorso’s are active dogs that need a good amount of daily exercise. They’re not the type of dog that can just lounge around all day. They need to be taken on a daily walk, run, or hike.
It’s best if they have a yard to run around and play in. If they don’t have an outlet for their energy, they can become destructive.
In general, Rotticorso’s are not the best breed for first-time dog owners or people who live a sedentary lifestyle.
They need an active owner who can keep up with their energy level.
Also, Rotticorso’s need both mental and physical stimulation.
This means it’s best for them to do more than just go for a walk. Things like playing interactive games such as fetch, giving them plenty of stimulating toys and puzzles to keep their minds occupied, tug-of-war, and Frisbee.
In general, doing things like this helps to keep their minds active and prevents them from getting bored.
Temperament & Behavior
Rotticorso’s are loyal, loving, and protective dogs. They’re generally good with children and can make excellent family pets.
They’re also very good guard dogs. They have a natural instinct to protect their family and home from anything they perceive as a threat.
Do Rotticorsos Bark A Lot?
Rotticorso’s can be quiet dogs, but they will bark when they feel the need to. They’re not yappy dogs, but they will bark to alert their owners of something.
They’re also not aggressive dogs but can behave this way if they’re not properly socialized. Which is why socialization is critical with this breed.
Do Rotticorsos Like To Cuddle?
How much a Rotticorso likes to cuddle largely will depend on their experiences with cuddling as a young puppy. If they were abused as a puppy, they’re not likely to enjoy being close to people.
On the flip side, if they cuddled with their owner a lot as a puppy and have always enjoyed the experience, there’s a good chance they’ll like cuddling for their entire life.
Are Rotticorsos Good With Kids?
Rotticorso’s are generally good with kids, but it depends on the individual dog. It also depends on how well they’re socialized.
If they’re correctly socialized, they should be fine with kids. But, if they’re not socialized or have had bad experiences with kids in the past, they may not be good with them.
The best way to ensure that a Rotticorso is good with kids is to socialize them from a young age and to always supervise them when they’re around children. The more new people (young and old), places, and animals they get exposed to while young, the better they’ll behave in unfamiliar situations.
Are Rotticorsos Good With Other Dogs?
Rotticorso’s are generally good with other dogs, but, as with anything, it depends on the individual dog.
Some Rotticorso’s may have had bad experiences with other dogs in the past and, as a result, may not behave well around them. This is why it’s important to socialize a Rotticorso from a young age.
If they’re properly socialized, they should have no problem being around other dogs. However, they may not be good around them if they have never socialized or have had bad experiences with other dogs.
Are Rotticorsos Good With Strangers?
Similar to whether Rotticorsos are good with other dogs, it depends on the dog’s experiences at a young age. If they had negative experiences with strangers as a puppy, they’ll be less friendly around strangers.
However, if they were well socialized and met many new people and had pleasant experiences with them, they’ll be good around strangers in the future. So it all depends on socialization.
It is important to note that this breed has an increased desire to be protective, so socialization is extra important compared to other breeds.
Are Rotticorsos Good Apartment Dogs?
Rotticorso’s aren’t considered good apartment dogs. If they get enough daily exercise, they can be, but they’re large dogs that take up a lot of space.
Also, a long daily walk or run is important for this breed to keep them in healthy condition. They also need some sort of mental stimulation like playing fetch or learning tricks.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive and start chewing on things, digging holes in your couch or bed, or barking excessively.
So, if you’re looking for a low-energy dog that can lounge around in an apartment all day, this is not the breed for you. But, if you’re willing to give them the exercise they need, they can be good apartment dogs.
What Is The Price Of A Rotticorso?
Cane Corso Rottweiller mixes can cost between $500 to as much as $2,000. It ultimately depends on the quality of the puppies (in terms of their health) and the breeder’s expenses to breed the puppies.
It’s important to be a little cautious when you see a Rotticorso going for low prices.
Always make sure you are getting a puppy from a reputable breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies. Be sure to do your research before you buy a puppy and make sure you are getting a healthy dog from a reputable breeder.
Where Can You Buy A Rotticorso?
Because Rotticorsos are a relatively newer breed, many breeders are not solely breeding Rotticorso puppies. However, some breeders are actively breeding Rottweiler mixes, or Cane Corso mixes.
Which means only occasionally do they have Rottweiler Cane Corso puppies available.
Some of the more reputable sites that breed these mixes are Greenfield Puppies, Keystone Puppies, and Buckeye Puppies.
It would also be a good idea to contact Rottweiler breeders or Cane Corso breeders as they may know of places where Rotticorsos are currently being bred.
Final Thoughts
The Rotticorso is a relatively new breed that is not yet well-known. But, this breed has the potential to be a great family dog for those who are willing to give them the exercise and attention they need. So, if you’re looking for a large, loyal, and loving dog, the Rotticorso may be the right breed for you.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix (AKA The Rotticorso): Breed Info
