Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff Bullmastiff Breed Overview

The Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bullmastiff are three large and powerful breeds that share some similarities, but also have some key differences.

These breeds originated in Italy and England, with the Cane Corso dating back to ancient Rome and the Neapolitan Mastiff to the Campania region of Italy. The Bullmastiff, on the other hand, was bred in England in the 19th century.

One of the main differences between these breeds is their size, with the Bullmastiff being the largest of the three, weighing up to 130 pounds. The Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff are also large, but not quite as massive as the Bullmastiff.

Despite their differences, all three breeds are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them great family pets for experienced dog owners.

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The Cane Corso has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. They were bred by the ancient Green Molossi tribe as far back as 1137 A.D. as part of a sub-category of dog breeds known as mollosers.

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The Cane Corso was originally bred as a guard dog and was known for its fearless and tenacious nature. They were used by Roman soldiers as auxiliaries on the battlefield and were even known to charge enemy lines with buckets of flaming oil attached to their backs.

The breed was named Cane Corso, which loosely translates to mean "Bodyguard Dog" or "Guardian." They were naturally protective and served as a primary guard dog for farmers, protecting them from ill-tempered semi-wild hogs and aiding them with tracking down mother hogs who would hide with their piglets after giving birth.

The Cane Corso was also used for herding cattle and hunting large game, including bears, deer, and wild boar. They were strong and tenacious enough to grab a wild bull by the neck or nose and completely incapacitate it.

By the 1960s, the breed had become rare due to the collapse of the mezzadria system of share-cropping in Italy. However, in the 1980s, a few surviving animals were selectively bred, and the modern breed was developed.

The breed was officially recognized by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1994 and received full acceptance from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2007.

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The Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff are both large breeds, but they have some key differences in terms of size and weight. The Cane Corso typically stands between 62-70 cm at the withers and weighs between 45-50 kg, while the Neapolitan Mastiff can be even larger, with some individuals reaching heights of over 70 cm.

Both breeds have a robust build and a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. The Cane Corso comes in a variety of colors, including black, grey, fawn, and brindle, while the Neapolitan Mastiff is often black or brindle.

In terms of temperament, both breeds are known for being loyal and protective of their families. However, they can be wary of strangers and may require time and patience to socialize. With proper training and care, they can make wonderful companions for active families.

Here are some key characteristics of the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff breeds:

The Cane Corso is a large dog breed, standing between 62-70 cm tall at the withers, with males weighing 45-50 kg and females weighing around 40-45 kg.

Its head is large and well-defined, with a flat top cranium that converges slightly to the muzzle. The eyes are oval-shaped and set well apart, with the iris being as dark as possible.

The coat is short, dense, and lustrous, coming in various colors including black, grey (lead-grey, light grey, or slate-grey), fawn (dark fawn, light fawn, or stag red), and dark wheaten ('fromentino'). Minor white markings on the chest, feet, or nose are tolerated.

The Cane Corso is prone to certain health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and retinal dysplasia. They also have a higher susceptibility to demodicosis, ectropion, entropion, and other conditions.

Here are some common coat colors of the Cane Corso breed:

Both the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff have similar temperaments, despite some differences. They're both naturally protective and assertive, which can sometimes make them appear aggressive if not properly socialized.

Their energy levels are very similar, with the Cane Corso being slightly more energetic than the Neapolitan Mastiff. This means they both require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

One key similarity between the two breeds is their loyalty and devotion to their families. They make wonderful companion animals who are often gentle and loving towards those they consider part of their family circle.

Here are some key similarities in their temperaments:

Overall, understanding these similarities can help you better prepare for life with either breed and ensure a happy and harmonious relationship.

Owning a large breed dog like a Cane Corso or Neapolitan Mastiff can be a huge responsibility, but with the right care and attention, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Cane Corsi and Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally healthy breeds, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as epilepsy, bloat, and eye conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch any potential problems early on.

These breeds don't have specific dietary requirements, but they do benefit from eating large-dog formulations to support their growth and development. Feeding them a balanced diet and avoiding overfeeding can help prevent joint and bone problems.

Cane Corsi have a short, thick coat that requires regular brushing, especially during high-shedding periods. They also need occasional baths and regular nail trims to keep them looking and feeling their best.

To keep your large breed dog happy and healthy, it's essential to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Cane Corsi, in particular, require a lot of daily activity and love to have access to a fenced-in yard where they can run around.

Here are some key things to consider when caring for a large breed dog:

Both Cane Corsi and Neapolitan Mastiffs can be stubborn and inappropriately protective if not well-socialized, so early, consistent, reward-based training is critical. With patience, love, and proper care, these breeds can make wonderful and loyal companions.

Cane Corsos and Neapolitan Mastiffs are both large, powerful breeds with unique characteristics. These breeds are not for everyone, especially if you're a first-time dog owner.

Cane Corsos are generally more energetic than Neapolitan Mastiffs, requiring daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They thrive in active households with plenty of space to run around.

Neapolitan Mastiffs, on the other hand, are enormous dogs that need a lot of space to lounge around and explore. They are generally calmer than Cane Corsos and require less exercise.

Both breeds can be stubborn and inappropriately protective if not well-socialized, making them a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. Early, consistent, reward-based training is essential to develop good behavior.

Cane Corsos are more aggressive than Neapolitan Mastiffs, but both breeds can be territorial. Owning a Neapolitan Mastiff will likely cost more over the lifetime of your pet due to their large size and food requirements.

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Cane Corsos and Neapolitan Mastiffs are both stunning breeds with great watchdog potential, but they have distinct physical and temperamental differences.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are enormous dogs that require a lot of space to lounge around and explore, making them best suited for homes with a large yard.

Cane Corsos, while smaller, still need a fair amount of daily activity and are happiest in homes with a fenced-in yard.

Owning a Neapolitan Mastiff will likely cost more over the lifetime of your pet due to their food requirements, which can be a significant consideration for many dog owners.

Both breeds are generally best suited for experienced dog owners who are confident in their canine socialization and training abilities.

Cane Corsos are more aggressive than Neapolitan Mastiffs, although both can be territorial, and early, consistent, reward-based training is critical with both breeds.

Cane Corsos require a great deal of exercise, anywhere from 1 to 2 hours per day, to stay healthy, making them fantastic companions for those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits.

Regular morning and evening walks are generally all a Cane Corso needs to stay healthy, and they often prefer lounging around inside to hitting the great outdoors.

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Training and health are crucial aspects of owning a Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff Bullmastiff. This mix can be prone to health issues associated with their size, as well as problems found in their purebred parents.

Cane Corsi are working dogs that thrive on problem-solving and goal-oriented tasks, but they can be willful and challenging to train. They require solid early training and socialization to become well-behaved around children and other animals.

To stay ahead of potential health issues, regular vet visits are a must. The Cane Corso breed is susceptible to epilepsy, bloat, and certain eye conditions, as well as joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Their short, thick coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular brushing and occasional baths. Regular dental care and nail trims are also essential for their overall health.

As a Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff Mix owner, you'll want to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. This breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to joint problems if left untreated.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to stay ahead of any developing health issues. In fact, your healthy adult hybrid should see their veterinarian annually. If you keep up with routine vet visits, you can catch any potential problems early on.

Some serious health conditions that can affect this mix include epilepsy, bloat, and heart disease. It's essential to be aware of these potential issues and work closely with your vet to prevent or manage them.

Here are some common health problems that can affect this mix:

While this breed is generally healthy, they do require regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their joint health. Feeding them large-dog formulations and supplementing with joint-friendly products like chondroitin, MSM, and glucosamine can help support their joints.

Cane Corsi have short, thick, coarse double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Daily brushing during high-shedding periods can help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs.

Cane Corsi and Neapolitan Mastiffs can be a bit stubborn, making them challenging to train, especially for inexperienced owners. Consistent, positive, reward-based training is essential for these breeds.

Reward-based training methods work well with Cane Corsi, as punishment-based training can result in increased canine stress. Stressed-out dogs sometimes become aggressive due to fear and anxiety.

Neapolitan Mastiffs also thrive with consistent, positive, reward-based training, especially early on. They can be a bit tricky to train, so it's best to start with puppies.

Socialization is crucial for both breeds, especially around children and other animals, like cats. Early training and socialization can help prevent aggression and fear-based behaviors.

Cane Corsi and Neapolitan Mastiffs require good obedience training to manage and channel their instincts appropriately, especially given their protective tendencies. This is especially important for Neapolitan Mastiffs, which can become aggressive toward cats and other dogs without solid early socialization.

A well-trained Neapolitan Mastiff is a loyal and loving companion, but it's essential to remember that they can be a bit standoffish around strangers. With proper training and socialization, they can become welcoming of new people.

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The Cane Corso is a loving and loyal breed that thrives on attention from its family. They're naturally good with children and enjoy being included in family activities, often displaying a goofy personality with close friends and family.

They're not recommended for first-time dog owners, as they require strong and constant leadership due to their protective nature. A harsh word is enough to discipline them, and they can sulk for hours after a reprimand.

This breed is highly sensitive, craving love and affection, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They're often described as "velcro dogs" due to their clingy nature.

The Cane Corso was on the brink of extinction after World War II, with a population that had dwindled to dangerously low levels.

By the mid-20th century, the breed was so rare that it almost fell into extinction. This was largely due to the decline of farming and the increasing use of firearms for protection.

In the Italian backcountry, however, a small group of Cane Corso enthusiasts managed to locate and preserve a few of the remaining dogs. They began selective breeding in the mid-1970s, which helped to revive the breed.

A key moment in the breed's revival came in 1983, when the "Society Amorati Cane Corso" (Society of Cane Corso Lovers) was formed. This marked the beginning of a concerted effort to promote and preserve the breed.

The breed was first introduced in the United States in 1988, and Corsi began to be exhibited in European dog shows in the early 1990s. This exposure helped to raise awareness and interest in the breed, paving the way for its official recognition.

The breed was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel club (ENCI) in 1994, followed by provisional recognition by the World Canine Organization (FCI) in 1997. The breed was fully recognized by the FCI in 2007, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Cane Corso in 2010.

Here's a brief timeline of the breed's revival:

The Modern-Day Cane Corso is a breed that's all about family and loyalty. They quickly bond with their owners and are naturally good with children.

These dogs are often described as "velcro dogs" because they crave love and affection so much. They'll follow you everywhere and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

The Cane Corso is a natural guard dog, but they're not aggressive by nature. They're just protective of their families and can be suspicious of change.

To be a good owner for a Cane Corso, you need to be a strong leader who provides constant guidance. They're highly sensitive to harsh words and can sulk for hours if reprimanded.

Here are some key characteristics of the modern-day Cane Corso: