When it comes to dog breeds, there are many interesting questions that people ask. One of the most intriguing ones is, “What is the Cane Corso‘s closest relative?” The Cane Corso is a fascinating Italian breed that has gained popularity all around the world, and discovering its closest relative can be a fun yet informative exercise.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins of the Cane Corso and explore the breed’s closest relatives. We’ll start by learning more about the breed’s characteristics, appearance, and personality. Then we’ll look at some of the possible contenders for the title of the Cane Corso’s closest relative, analyzing each breed’s history, traits, and relationship to the Cane Corso. Finally, we’ll determine which breed truly is the Cane Corso’s closest relative.
Table of Contents
Cane Corso: The Noble Italian Guardian
The Cane Corso is a large, powerful dog that hails from Italy. The breed was originally developed to protect livestock and property, and its name comes from the Latin “Cohors” which means “guardian” or “protector.” The Cane Corso is known for its massive head, muscular body, and calm yet protective temperament. Despite its size and strength, the Cane Corso is very loyal and affectionate towards its family, making it a popular choice as a family pet.
The Cane Corso is a short-haired breed with a range of coat colors, including black, gray, and fawn. Its eyes are typically dark and alert, and its ears are natural or cropped. The breed’s height ranges from 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder, and it can weigh between 70-120 pounds.
The Cane Corso is intelligent and highly trainable, making it a good choice for experienced owners who are willing to invest the time and effort required to train and socialize the breed. They are also highly protective of their family and can be taught to be excellent guard dogs.
Possible Contenders for the Cane Corso’s Closest Relative
Now that we know more about the Cane Corso, it’s time to explore some of the possible contenders for the breed’s closest relative. There are several breeds that are often compared to the Cane Corso due to their similar appearance, temperament, and history. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed that also hails from Italy. The breed is known for its wrinkled, droopy face, and massive size. Like the Cane Corso, the Neapolitan Mastiff was originally bred as a guard dog and is highly protective of its family. The breed also has a calm and dignified temperament, making it a good choice for experienced owners who can handle its size and strength.
Despite its similarities to the Cane Corso, the Neapolitan Mastiff has some key differences. For one, it is a more ancient breed, with a history dating back to the Roman Empire. The Neapolitan Mastiff is also larger than the Cane Corso, weighing up to 200 pounds. While both breeds share a love of their family, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be more aloof with strangers, making early socialization vital. Read more about The Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff mix
2. Boxer
The Boxer is a medium-sized breed that originated in Germany. While it may not share the same size as the Cane Corso, it does have a similar powerful build and muscular frame. The breed is known for its playful and energetic personality, making it a popular choice as a family pet.
Like the Cane Corso, the Boxer is intelligent and highly trainable, making it an excellent choice for obedience training. The breed also has a strong protective instinct, though it may take longer to develop than the Cane Corso’s. While the Boxer and Cane Corso may have different temperaments and energy levels, they do share similar traits, making the Boxer a possible contender for the Cane Corso’s closest relative.
Read also: Cane Corxer | Dog Breed Facts and Information
3. American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a powerful breed that originated in the United States. While it may not hail from Italy like the Cane Corso, it does share many of the same traits, including a muscular build and strong protective instincts. The American Bulldog is also highly trainable and can be taught to be an excellent guard dog.
Unlike the Cane Corso, the American Bulldog has a shorter coat and a more bulldog-like face. The breed is also larger than the Cane Corso, weighing up to 120 pounds. While both breeds share similar traits and make excellent guard dogs, they do have differences that set them apart. It’s also worth noting that the American Bulldog has been mixed with other breeds over the years, making its lineage less clear than the Cane Corso’s.
Read also: Cane Corso American Bulldog Mix
4. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is another breed that shares many traits with the Cane Corso. The breed was developed in England in the 19th century and was bred to protect estates from poachers. The Bullmastiff is known for its muscular build and strong, protective temperament, making it an excellent guard dog.
Like the Cane Corso, the Bullmastiff is highly trainable and intelligent. However, the Bullmastiff is typically more docile and relaxed than the Cane Corso, making it a better choice for families with children. The breed is also larger than the Cane Corso, weighing up to 130 pounds.
Determining the Cane Corso’s Closest Relative
After exploring each of these breeds, it’s time to determine which one is truly the Cane Corso’s closest relative. While each breed has its similarities to the Cane Corso, there is one that stands out as the most closely related: the Neapolitan Mastiff.
While the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff share similarities in temperament, appearance, and history, there are some key differences between the two breeds. However, these differences are minor compared to the many traits they share. Both breeds are large and powerful, with similar protective instincts and levels of trainability. Additionally, the Neapolitan Mastiff’s history as a guardian and protector in Italy makes it a likely contender for the title of the Cane Corso’s closest relative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cane Corso is a fascinating breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers all around the world. While there are many breeds that share similarities to the Cane Corso, the Neapolitan Mastiff is the most closely related due to its similar history, temperament, and appearance. Whether you’re a fan of one or both of these breeds, it’s clear that they both make excellent guardians and protectors for their families.
