Dogo Argentino vs Cane Corso: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

The Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso are two powerful breeds that often get compared, but they have some key differences. The Dogo Argentino was originally bred for hunting big game in Argentina, while the Cane Corso has a long history of guarding and protecting in Italy.

The Dogo Argentino typically stands between 23-27 inches tall and weighs 80-110 pounds, while the Cane Corso stands between 24-27 inches tall and weighs 99-120 pounds. These size differences can impact their exercise needs and living situations.

Both breeds require regular exercise, but the Cane Corso may need a bit more due to its larger size.

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The Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso have some fascinating origins. The Dogo Argentino hails from Argentina, where it was bred in the 1920s by Antonio Martinez to suppress the aggressive instincts of its ancestor, the Fighting Dog of Cordoba.

The Cane Corso, on the other hand, developed in Italy and has a rich history that dates back to Roman war dogs. Its extinct ancestor, the Molossus, was a mastiff-type dog.

The Dogo Argentino was specifically bred to create a breed that could be trained to follow an alpha in a pack, a remarkable feat considering its aggressive ancestor.

Additional reading: What Are Cane Corsos Bred for

The Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso are both large breeds, but they have some notable physical differences.

The Dogo Argentino has a short and smooth coat.

One of the most obvious differences between the two breeds is their color, with the Dogo Argentino being white and the Cane Corso typically black, although the Cane Corso can also come in fawn, red, and gray colors.

Males of both breeds tend to grow to around 27 inches in height.

The Dogo Argentino has a more slender appearance compared to the Cane Corso, which is bulkier and weighs up to 150lbs.

Females of the Dogo Argentino breed tend to be slightly shorter, ranging from 25-26 inches in height.

The Cane Corso has a thicker and stiffer coat compared to the Dogo Argentino.

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Both the Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso are naturally protective breeds.

They make outstanding guard dogs and are intensely loyal to their humans.

However, they can be prone to aggression if they're not socialized properly from a young age.

Both breeds are best suited to confident handlers who will teach them their place in the pack.

The Cane Corso is a working breed who was bred to be a guard dog, making them sensitive, serious, and intensely loyal.

They can be affectionate companions with their family, but naturally alert to new people coming to the house.

Properly trained and socialized Cani Corsi will be calm and confident.

The Dogo Argentino breed is athletic with an energy level to match their hunting background.

These dogs are built for speed, so regular exercise is a must.

Argentinos are loyal and fearless, but also have a soft spot for their family.

They can be friendly with guests as long as they're properly trained and socialized.

The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix will often pick up the best and worst traits of both parent breeds.

They require a great deal of training and socialization to ensure they understand how to behave.

Their size, weight, energy, and vigilance need to be balanced by a knowledge of how to control themselves.

Most of their training should be handled by their owner to develop a strong bond.

A unique perspective: Are Cane Corsos Friendly

Both the Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso are known to be intelligent breeds that benefit from regular training.

Certified animal behaviorist Caroline Wilkinson notes that kind, gentle training is the best way to grow confidence and teach skills to Dogo Argentinos.

Cane Corsos also benefit from regular training, not only to use their smart brains but also to ensure a strong bond with their humans.

The Argentine Dogo is considered quite easy to train, while the Cane Corso is also easy to train.

These breeds are known to be wary of strangers, making it essential to introduce them to new people in a positive way from a young age.

In fact, early socialization is recommended to help create good relationships with humans outside of their home.

The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix will often inherit the best and worst traits of both parent breeds, so they require a great deal of training and socialization to ensure they understand how to behave.

Recommended read: Are Cane Corsos Easy to Train

Their size, weight, energy, and vigilance need to be balanced by a knowledge of how to control themselves and when they need to protect their own.

Here's a comparison of the trainability and intelligence of the two breeds:

Both the Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso are relatively low-maintenance breeds when it comes to grooming. They hardly shed and their short coats require only a light brushing once or twice a week.

Their nails need regular trimming, ideally every 4-6 weeks, to prevent overgrowth. You'll also want to get your dog accustomed to routine oral care and tooth brushing from an early age.

The Cane Corso, in particular, can be prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they stay active. Regular visits to the veterinarian and staying up to date on vaccinations will also help keep them healthy.

These dogs require serious exercise, with a minimum of two hours a day of physical and mental stimulation.

Mixing it up each day with activities like walks, hikes, bike rides, and indoor games like hide-and-seek, puzzle feeders, and teaching tricks is essential.

They also excel at agility and obedience events, so training them for these will keep them happy and engaged.

Neither dog is suitable for apartment living due to their dislike of small spaces and need for plenty of room to run and play.

A good fenced backyard is a must, and it's recommended not to let them off the lead in public as their recall when distracted isn't good.

Regular physical exercise, alongside training sessions to work their brain, is crucial for the Dogo Argentino breed, given its history of hunting.

For another approach, see: How to Train a Dogo Argentino

The Cane Corso is a relatively healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 9 to 12 years. They can live a long and happy life with proper care.

As with any large breed dog, hip dysplasia is a possibility, and obesity can exacerbate the issue. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent this.

Obesity can also lead to bloat, which is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Keep an eye on your Cane Corso's eating habits and make sure they have plenty of fresh water.

Their short coat requires minimal grooming, with a light brushing once or twice a week being sufficient. You'll also want to trim their nails regularly, ideally once a month.

To keep your Cane Corso's teeth healthy, start with routine oral care and tooth brushing from an early age. Aim for at least three times a week, or more if needed.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix isn't ideal for multi-pet households due to their high prey drive and potential danger to smaller or larger animals.

Socialization from a young age is crucial for these guard dogs to understand that not every animal or stranger is a threat.

Both the Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino require owners with experience who can train and socialize them early, making them not ideal for first-time owners.

This breed needs dedicated owners who can provide the activity and exercise they'll need to thrive, which can be a challenge for some.

The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix can be challenging to integrate into multi-pet households due to their high prey drive and potential danger to smaller or larger animals.

Socialization from a young age is essential for this breed, as they can be dangerous towards people outside of the family if not taught to understand that not every animal or stranger is a threat.

If you're considering getting this breed, be aware that they're not ideal for households with small pets or children, as they require owners with experience who can train and socialize them early.

The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix is a strong and active breed that requires dedicated owners who can provide them with the necessary exercise and training.

They are not a good fit for first-time owners, as they require experienced dog lovers who can handle their energetic and strong-willed nature.

If you're considering bringing home an Argentine Dogo or a Cane Corso, think twice about leaving them alone for extended periods. Argentine Dogo dogs are prone to panic, cry, bark, and whine when left alone by their owner.

Both breeds require a significant amount of exercise, but the Argentine Dogo needs quite a lot more than the Cane Corso. Argentine Dogo dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds, and they don't spend too much time sleeping.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance grooming option, both breeds are a good choice. The Argentine Dogo doesn't require a lot of grooming, and the Cane Corso requires minimal grooming.

However, if you're not prepared to deal with slobber, the Cane Corso might not be the best choice. The Cane Corso drools quite a lot, while the Argentine Dogo is an average drooler.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' exercise needs:

Remember, both breeds require regular veterinary visits to stay healthy. The Argentine Dogo should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year, while the Cane Corso should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).

If you're considering bringing a Cane Corso or Argentine Dogo into your family, it's essential to think about their compatibility with your lifestyle and living situation. Both breeds require experienced owners who can provide proper training and socialization from an early age.

They're not ideal for households with small pets or children, as they can be quite protective of their family and territory. In fact, both breeds do best when they're the only pet in the family.

When it comes to strangers, neither Cane Corso nor Argentine Dogo is particularly friendly, making them a poor choice for families who frequently have visitors or live in apartments with shared common areas.

If you're a first-time owner, you might want to consider the Argentine Dogo, as they're often described as easy-going and suitable for novice owners. However, their independent nature means they'll still require consistent training and attention.

In terms of family dynamics, both breeds are average friendly towards children, but it's crucial to remember that they're large, powerful dogs that require supervision and care.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' compatibility with various living situations:

Remember, every dog is unique, and their compatibility with your lifestyle will depend on their individual personality and temperament.

Both the Cane Corso and the Dogo Argentino are breeds that require owners with experience who can train and socialize them early. This is because they can be strong-willed and may not be suitable for inexperienced dog owners.

Neither of these breeds is overly popular when it comes to having children or small pets in the house, so it's essential to consider this before making a decision. If you have a household with small pets or young children, you may want to consider a different breed.

The Cane Corso is the bulkier dog breed, so you'll need to have the room to accommodate its size.

Football is a great way to burn off energy, and Dogos love to run and play. They're built for it, with their powerful physiques and assertive personalities.

You'll need to provide plenty of space for your Dogo to get a good game going. Their adventurous nature makes them ideal companions for pet parents who can give them the exercise they need.

If you're a fan of football, you'll appreciate the Dogo's energetic and playful side.