Physical Characteristics
Male: 27-30 inches (68 -76 cm)
Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Male & Female: 140 lb to 180 lb (64-82 kg)
Cane Corso:
Working Group
English Mastiff:
Working Group
Lifestyle Guidance:
Reasons to get a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix
- An even and balanced temperament creating a real ‘gentle giant’ (Click here for details)
- Excellent family dog who is tolerant and patient with children (Click here for details)
- Minimal grooming requirements (Click here for details)
- An active dog but without excessive exercise requirements (Click here for details)
- A powerful but biddable guard dog (Click here for details)
- Gets on well with other dogs in the household (Click here for details)
Reasons not to get a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix
- A very bulky dog not suited to the novice owner
- Needs almost constant human companionship
- May not cope very well with change in routines
- Needs plentiful space both within and outside the house
What is a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
Overview and interesting facts
The Cane Corso English Mastiff mix offers a fascinating hybrid breed. Both these dogs are Mastiffs and share ancient common lines of descent from the Molosser war dogs of Ancient Greece and Rome.
But for over a millennia their blood-lines and appearance diverged somewhat. The heavy muscular English Mastiff developed into a formidable and sturdy guard dog and became legendary for its fearlessness and dedication to its task. While the Cane Corso in Italy, in slight contrast to its sibling Italian breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff, had the same tenacity but lost some bulk in favor of lean athleticism to fulfil the role of a hunting dog.
But the reunion of these Mastiffs in the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix offers an absolutely outstanding and majestic dog that recalls the speedy and strong war dogs that adorn the ancient art-work of the Sumerians and Assyrians at the very cradle of our civilization. Read on to find out more about this impressive hybrid.
What are the history and origins of the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development.
So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Cane Corso and the English Mastiff.
The English Mastiff – Origins and History
The English Mastiff is often seen as the prototype of the modern Mastiff group of breeds. Many historians argue that they were introduced to the British shores by a nomadic people from the Black Sea region called the Alans a couple of thousand years ago. These people were expert horseman and the huge dogs used for both fighting and hunting which ran beside them became hugely admired.
It is thought that the Romans, in their domination of Britain were so impressed by their power and indomitable will that they decided to interbreed them with their own Italian Mastiffs. This led to the forebears of the heavy and more muscular Neapolitan Mastiff.
This massive Mastiff today is the heaviest dog on the planet. This might have been a blessing in the cruel circumstances of battling and baiting bears in the Roman amphitheater. But it has now become a bit of a curse for this ancient breed as its huge size has contributed to a steep decline in its popularity in the land of its origin, the UK. This is perhaps because the average home is smaller than in the United States.
But this incredible breed plays an important role in the history of dog breeds and they are still hugely influential. The English Mastiff is in some measure a founding dog for many other breeds. These include the Great Danes and St. Bernard’s. They also probably influenced a range of others including Rottweilers, who are to a large degree a smaller Mastiff breed.
This is a very old breed indigenous to Britain that dates back over a couple of thousand years. They descend from the old Molossus dogs which can be seen depicted in Roman artwork [1]. The Romans even had a procurator of dogs in Britain. This official ensured dogs were obtained and distributed around the amphitheaters.
The English Mastiff continued to be employed in cruel sports through the medieval period. Like the aptly named Bulldog this breed was used in bull-baiting.
With the thankful demise of these blood sports the mastiff seemed to suffer a steady decline. After the Second World War it almost became extinct as a breed. This was largely due to its huge size and food requirements.
Indeed, the numbers became so low that the St. Bernard was necessary to breed them back from the brink of extinction. But they have not significantly suffered from this partly because the St. Bernard was partly founded on the Mastiff breed. But some English Mastiffs do now bear a passing resemblance to their saintly cousins.
The Cane Corso – Origins and History
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, also has roots extending back to the ancient Molossian war dogs from Ancient Greece.
These huge and powerful hounds where then employed as the Roman empire expanded. The forebear of the Cane Corso, known generically as the Italian Mastiff, was used as a war dog. Also to grace the amphitheatres in bloody battles with a range of other unfortunate creatures including bears and lions.
As the Roman Empire declined these dogs were highly prized for both guarding and protecting houses and farms. But also in the hunting of large game such as boars and bears.
In fact the word ‘Cane’ means ‘dog’ and ‘Corso’ means to catch hence the English translation of this dog’s title is ‘catch-dog’. In this capacity this Italian Mastiff proved its bravery and formidable strength widely across the hunting fields of Italy, while the English Mastiff and even larger breeds such as the Great Dane performed the same function in Northern Europe.
These breeds were designed to follow the lead of the speedier Sight-Hounds, then to employ their bulk and power in holding down and restraining large prey until the hunters could arrive.
Linked Hybrid Breeds:
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix, Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix, Cane Corso Boxer Mix,
Cane Corso English Bulldog Mix, Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff Mix, Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Mix, Cane Corso English Bullmastiff Mix, Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix, Cane Corso Doberman Mix.
Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Boxer Mix.
What is the temperament of the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix has will have a personality not too dissimilar to the Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff Mix.
The natural exuberance and high activity level of the Cane Corso, gained from its hunting heritage, is very likely to be balanced with the much more laid-back and sedate English Mastiff.
So in effect the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will be a ‘gentle giant’ but with a bit more spring in its step than you would expect from a purebred English Mastiff.
This is a dog who will be moderately active around the house and will enjoy a good period of interactive play with its human pack. At the same time this hybrid breed promises to be an absolutely wonderful family dog who is fantastic with children and a superb guardian of the home.
It is important not to mistake the relaxed disposition of the English Mastiff for dopiness. The English Mastiff is a very alert guard dog who will bravely go into action if there is any hint of danger or distress to his family. The Cane Corso is also a very alert guard dog, with a natural distrust of strangers.
This means the English Mastiff Cane Corso Mix promises to offer a physically formidable dog but who has a very calm temperament and is dependably biddable. In fact the English Mastiff is known for avoiding biting at all except as a very last resort adding a further sense of security that your powerhouse of dog will not cause any unnecessary harm to anyone.
Although the Cane Corso is naturally distrustful of strangers, this will be offset by the naturally very welcoming and friendly character of the English Mastiff. This will make socialization easier in ensuring your dog is calm upon the appearance of welcome guests.
The English Mastiff does, however, have the reputation for having occasional stubbornness which is seen as a typical trait of Mastiff dogs. But the excellent news is that the Cane Corso bucks this trend and is celebrated as being both obedient and highly trainable. This means the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will be manageable both in and outside of the home
But unless the Cane Corso influence is very dominant in this hybrid, it is also not a dog that will have you on your feet all day. This dog will need a good measure of exercise around fetching and tugging games. But they will rest just as hard as they play and they will also be happy patrolling the perimeter of your property and laying down to watch the world go by for many hours.
This means the Cane Corso English Bulldog Mix will enjoy bonding with the family and children through play but is likely to be less boisterous than a purebred Cane Corso.
Both the Cane Corso and the English Mastiff can be sensitive so training must be based around positive reinforcement in order to ensure that this powerful hybrid breed is a good canine citizen outside the home. This should include extensive socialization at puppy classes and generally around other dogs in order to soften a natural tendency in both parent breeds to occasionally be aggressive and domineering towards other dog
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will adore the children in the family but must be trained to be careful due to their size and bulk and for this reason any play must be very closely supervised. It is also highly advised to continue to encourage ‘soft-mouth’ during socialization from the transition of puppyhood avoid any unintended injury to small children or any other smaller dogs in the household.
But, as mentioned, the English Mastiff influence is likely to curtail any desire to bite.
With all this in place this hybrid breed will happily cohabit with other dogs and smaller animals. But if you are bringing a puppy home to an established dog this should be done in a carefully structured way as outlined in introducing a puppy to an older dog.
The purebred English Mastiff does not cope very well with change so your Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix may be a dog who becomes unnerved by a change of scenery such as a family holiday. In order to counter this ensure small shifts of routine are included in socialization.
For the different stages in a puppy and adult dog’s development please click here.
What exercise is required for the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
It is important that a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix should be kept lean and healthy and require a good level of physical and mental exercise. This will mean less pressure on the heart as well as the joints and ligaments of this huge dog.
A Cane Corso is the most active of the Mastiffs, largely gained from its hunting heritage, and should receive around 1.5 hours of walking each day and this ideally should include games such as fetching games such as Frisbee and ball games. On the other hand the English Mastiff is the archetypal Mastiff who would be happy with a quick game and one walk a day of around an hour.
This means that the owner of a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is unlikely should plan for one good walk each day in excess of an hour. This will benefit from interactive play with the family in a secure outside area big enough for a large dog to bound around in.
It is also worth noting that the Cane Corso and the English Mastiff can suffer from gastric torsion (bloating). This means exercise should be carefully planned not to coincide within an hour either before or after eating to fully protect your Cane Corso English Mastiff.
Is the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix a good family dog?
If you are looking for a moderately active dog who is unswervingly devoted to the family and brilliant with children then the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will not disappoint.
This dog will never want to be anywhere without its family. This hybrid breed will absolutely dote on the children and with the right socialization in place, will be incredibly tolerant. But, as with all dogs, they should never be left unsupervised. This is particularly true of very small children who might be vulnerable to unintended harm due to the sheer bulk of this dog.
But this dog may not be the first choice for the house-proud as both the English Mastiff and the Cane Corso slobber, so this will certainly be a feature of the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix. Owners must be prepared to have towels available all day in order to clear up the saliva trails that these dogs will leave behind.
But every bejewelled ribbon of slobber will be laced with love. This dog will always be eager to please and will do anything for its beloved human owners, and offers an loving and adorable companion to anyone looking for a large, dependable dog.
Who is the ideal owner of a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
The ideal owner will be active, patient and willing to put in time to socialize and train this dog. Also any experience with large and powerful breeds would be hugely beneficial. Due to its size, power and natural desire to patrol and protect a property it is highly preferable that any home for this dog has a secure outside area.
An owner will need to invest time in socializing and training this hybrid breed to fully ensure that this dog is adaptable and biddable both within and outside the home.
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is dog with heritage from breeds designed to be protectively close to their human pack. This means they they will be happiest when in close proximity to their human owners. This also means they will not suit an owner or family if they need to be left alone for any significant period during the day.
If it is essential to leave this dog for any period of time regularly then it is absolutely imperative to offer training for separation anxiety at an early stage to prevent destructive behaviours in the house which will be the reflection of the dog’s stress.
As you might expect with a hybrid with a Mastiff background, the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will not generally suite novice owners as they need strong canine leadership. Any less experienced dog owners should prioritize attendance at puppy training classes and be prepared to invest the time in learning how to train and care for this wonderful hybrid dog.
What are the grooming requirements of the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will have very minimal grooming requirements. The short coat is only likely to require an occasional brushing.
The English Mastiff does have some wrinkling to the face and this could be inherited in a hybrid dog. If so, this area should be cleaned regularly as part of a grooming routine, particularly after eating to avoid lingering food particles causing any infection.
How much space is required for a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
When you add together a hybrid breed based on the world’s heaviest dog and similarly powerful but much more energetic Italian Mastiff, there is clearly a recipe for disaster without enough space.
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is going to need a lot of space to stretch out in, but even more in which to play.
This means there will ideally be lots of space inside, but this dog will also benefit from a good-sized outdoor area in which to patrol, explore and engage in interactive play with the family.
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is definitely not recommended for apartment living.
What is the lifespan of the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
The lifespan of the Cane Corso is generally between 10 to 12 years. For the English Mastiff the lifespan can vary between 8-12 years.
This means that the probable lifespan for a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is between 9-11 years. Sadly the larger examples of the breed will tend towards the lower lifespan.
What are the potential health issues for a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
Hybrid breed dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix in order to have a higher awareness of how best to care for your dog in consultation with a vet.
Potential health problems for this dog include:
- cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions
- bone cancer
- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia.
- hypothyroidism
- gastric torsion
- corneal erosion
What kind of training is required for a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
The Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is very likely to have a sprightly but balanced temperament which will lend itself well to training.
If the English Mastiff does have a reputation for being stubborn, but this does not mean that this dog does not respond well to patient and consistent training based around positive reinforcement. The English Mastiff is also a steady dog who will look to their owners for guidance before acting. Also the Cane Corso has the very deserved reputation for being the most focused and readily trained of all the Mastiffs.
This means that the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix promises to be a dog that can be trained to a very good level. Good behavior on the leash and recall off-leash should be prioritized to ensure that this dog is consistently a good canine citizen outside of the house and can be managed effectively.
A conscientious owner will also ensure early socialization is consistent and wide-ranging. This will ensure that this hybrid breed’s highly developed guarding instincts are fully compatible with welcoming guests to the house and this dog being well-disposed to unfamiliar fellow canines in the park. This will be helped by a fundamentally benign and kind nature that both founding breeds will pass on to this dog.
Training for separation anxiety should also be prioritized for the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix to avoid genuine distress for your dog and any destructive behaviors in the house.
Click here for an outline of the benefits of training. Click here for information on socializing a puppy and here for socializing an adult dog.
For an impressive example of the potential of this breed to be trained and socialized even after a difficult start feel free to watch this heart-warming video detailing an Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix dog called Deimos. Click here to see his training transformation.
How big will a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix get?
The height range of the Cane Corso is generally between 24-27.5 inches (60-69cm) for the male with the female only slightly shorter between around 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) from feet to withers. The height of the male English Mastiff is set at a minimum of 30 inches (76cm) and the female around 28 inches (71cm).
A Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix male is likely to be very large reaching somewhere between 27-30 inches (68 -76 cm) from feet to withers. While the female is likely to be slightly shorter at between 26-28 inches (66 – 70cm).
How much is a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix likely to weigh?
For the Cane Corso the weight should be proportionate to the height of the dog to achieve the preferred leaner working appearance at around 88-110 lb (40-50kg). The male English Mastiff is largely accepted as the heaviest of all dog breeds. The female is only marginally lighter with the weight of this breed generally between around 172-190lbs (78kgs-86kgs)
This means that an adult male Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix is likely to weigh somewhere around 140 lb to 180 lb (64-82 kg) with the female around 10 lbs to 20lb lighter.
Where should I get a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix from?
If you are looking for a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix puppy then always contact a reputable breeder. You should always have the opportunity to see the puppies interacting with the mother. If there is little interaction with the ‘mother’ be cautious as occasionally unscrupulous breeders can bring in another female dog for appearances. A breeder should also have details of the father available on request.
In addition you should have access to the medical records of both parents and any kennel club certificates.
If possible, adoption is a kind and rewarding option. But ensure that you thoughtfully discuss the details of a rescue dog with the charity or rehoming organization in order to offer a dog an appropriate forever home.
If you already have a dog , then please feel free to browse these tips on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.
What are the feeding requirements of a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
It is always a good idea to consult with a vet or animal dietician regarding feeding requirements in the early days of ownership, as each dog will be unique. This will ensure that your Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will receive a balanced diet in the correct portions. It is also important to balance feeding against exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
As noted in the exercise section both the English Mastiff and the Cane Corso can suffer from gastric torsion (bloating). This means exercise should be carefully planned not to coincide within an hour either before or after eating to fully protect your dog from this potentially life-threatening condition. If you have any concerns or want extra information on this then consult a vet for advice at the earliest opportunity.
Should I get a male or female Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
Each dog is unique, so the following only offers a general guide rather than a rule but male and female dogs can have different dispositions. In general the female Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix will tend to be slightly more playful, active and boisterous. The female will tend to be more calm and focused and will mature more quickly.
Both dogs will be incredibly loyal always looking to be near their owners and happy as long as their humans are safe and comfortable.
What colors are common for a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix?
In general the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix can be a variety of solid or partial colors but black, grey, stag-red, fawn, apricot brindle or grey are most likely. The English Mastiff has a dark mask to the face which may be inherited.
Does a Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix get on with other dogs?
This breed will offer a friendly and loyal companion not only to humans but also to any fellow canines. But ensure you follow clear steps in introducing established dogs to a puppy or another dog.
If that there is an established dog in the house who is small, however, ensure that socialization is put in place with the puppy so it continues to be sensitive and careful play when it reaches more gargantuan proportions.
Does a Cane Corso English Mastiff get on with cats?
If sensitively introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that they can successfully live with these smaller pets. The Cane Corso can naturally have a high prey drive, but this will be offset by the calmer influence of the English Mastiff. Both founding breeds also have a reputation for being able to co-habit with feline friends.
So careful and structured introductions should be put in place to ensure canine-feline harmony in the house.
This introduction should start with putting down items that belong to the Cane Corso English Masiff Mix puppy before the arrival to accustom the cats to the scent. The next step is to confine the puppy to an area. This should certainly include at feeding times. This could be a room with a baby-gate. The area of confinement should be circulated around the house as well as a safely enclosed outside area.
When ready allow the puppy out on an appropriate leash or harness and proactively praise positive interactions and correct any chasing. Ensure the cats always have escape areas including high places to promote their sense of confidence and safety.
Does the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix make a good guard dog for the home?
This Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix has the potential to be a very balanced and alert guardian of the home. This dog is not only hugely powerful but will also be a reliable, vigilant and biddable.
Also this hybrid will not be an ‘attack dog’ but will look to owners for guidance and act in a measured but effective way to prevent any harm to their beloved humans.
Where can I found out more?
If you are considering a hybrid breed such as the Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix always research both founding breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of your dog and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.
Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Cane Corso, English Mastiff and other breeds. Also a good breeder should be willing to offer you advice and guidance when you take your puppy home.
As noted above if you have any queries or doubts regarding the health or feeding of your Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix puppy consult a professional vet or animal dietician at the earliest opportunity.
For a detailed breakdown of the similarities and differences of the founding breeds, the Cane Corso and English Mastiff then please click here.
Links:
The Mastiff Club of America (USA)
Southern States Mastiff Rescue (USA)
Cane Corso Rescue (USA)
Must Love Corsos Rescue (USA)
