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Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix: Characteristics, Needs & Issues

Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes are vigilant, intelligent, and large. They are the result of breeding a Rottweiler with a Cane Corso. These dogs are easy to groom and make great watchdogs, but they are expensive and can show aggressive behaviors. 

Herding, hunting game, and guarding homes are activities where Rottweilers and Cane Corso’s shine. 

The parent breeds have similar personalities. Both are calm, vigilant, and intelligent dogs. They have an intimidating appearance, but Rottweilers and Cane Corsos are affectionate towards their owners and other pets. 

Both breeds are prone to bone and joint complications as most large dogs. Their prominent jowls make them heavy droolers, which can make them smelly. 

A Rottweiler Cane Corso mix inherits good and bad traits, making dog owners wonder if they make excellent house pets.

This article will look into their characteristics, origin, needs, and common health problems.

Cane Corso Rottweiler Characteristics 

Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes have a calm and protective personality. The dominant genes determine their appearance, while nurture and genetics decide their character. 

While many people think of the Rottweiler and Cane Corso as scary, they make excellent playmates and ensure your family’s safety at the same time. 

The American Kennel Council considers them the most popular dogs due to their remarkable characteristics[1]. Their offspring is a designer breed – a dog that combines the parents’ best traits[2]

Appearance

Height

25–29 Inches

Weight

100–135 lbs

Lifespan

8–10  years

Dog Breed Group

Mixed Breed

Coat Type

Double

Coat length

Short

Coat color

Black, blue, gray, red, and chocolate

Eyes

Dark Hazel 

Nose

Black

Ears

Floppy or Stiff

Hypoallergenic

No

Shedding

2 stars

Grooming Difficulty

2 stars

Adaptability

Apartment living

3 stars

Good for beginners

3 stars

Can be alone

4 stars

Cold weather tolerance

4 stars

Hot weather tolerance

4 stars

Friendliness & Temper

Temperament

4 stars

Affectionate

4 stars

Kid-Friendly

4 stars

Dog-Friendly

4 stars

Friendly to Strangers

3 stars

Playfulness

4 stars

Trainability & Needs

Easy to train

5 stars

Intelligence

5 stars

Hunting Instinct

4 stars

Barking

2 stars

Energy Level

4 stars

3 Pros of Having a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix

Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes are mild-mannered and make excellent guard dogs. Their short coat seldom sheds and makes grooming easy. 

1. Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes Are Excellent Guard Dogs 

Hunting and Protecting livestock are two activities where its parents shine the most. Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes inherited their protective and vigilant nature.  

These hybrids are sensitive to their environment, always on the lookout for potential threats. Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes have an intimidating look. The black coat, tall stature, and deep voice make them excellent guard dogs. 

Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes are also highly intelligent. With enough patience and time, you can teach these dogs to act like your kids’ guards.

2. They Are Mild-Mannered

Despite their intimidating look, this Rottweiler mix is mild-mannered. They are calm and tolerant towards other house pets. 

Kids will have fun playing with them. These dogs are energetic and playful. You can teach Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes to maintain their distance with kids when playing. They are affectionate dogs and will accompany you wherever you go.

3. Cane Corso Rottweiler Mixes Are Easy to Groom 

Short-coated dogs, like Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes, are easy to groom. They have thick hairs that leave little space for dirt and liquids. Use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and fluid easily. 

You will not have a problem grooming them because they are calm. 

3 Cons of Having a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix

This mixed breed has aggressive tendencies, is expensive, and drool a lot. These are concerns that all owners should know in advance.

1. Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes are Expensive

A Cane Corso Rottweiler mix sells for $2000–$5000 depending on the parents’ pedigree. Those with award-winning parents and clean medical backgrounds cost more than the average.

Maintenance is also expensive. You need to dedicate a significant amount of your time and money.

Here are the following reasons why: 

  • They eat in large amounts 
  • Bathing a Rottweiler Cane Corso mix takes a lot of time 
  • Their medications cost more 

2. They Can Be Aggressive 

Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes have aggressive tendencies if trained improperly. These dogs are dominant, vigilant, and protective. As they grow up, Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes become stubborn. You need to teach them when they are young – around three weeks old. 

These dogs have strong prey drives. If not trained, these dogs can endanger your kids and pets. 

If you’re an inexperienced owner, you need to subject your Rottweiler Cane Corso mix to professional training to lessen their dominant and aggressive trait. 

3. Cane Corso Mixes Are Heavy Droolers

Both parent breeds have large firm jowls, resulting in heavy drooling. It can make your dog’s fur, furniture, and carpets smell if it has cavities, plaque, or health problems. 

Brush your dog’s teeth and wipe its drool after every meal to avoid developing a pungent odor in its fur.  

Origin of Cane Corso Rottweiler Mixes

Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes originated somewhere in South-Central Europe. There is little information about them, but their parents’ origins provide us with some insight. Rottweilers came from Germany, while Cane Corsos came from Italy. 

The origins of Rottweilers and Cane Corsos are similar. They share the same ancestors – Mastiffs and Molossers. Romans bred these to produce dogs capable of assisting them in agriculture, security, and weaponry. 

Cane Corsos originated in Italy[3]. When the Roman Empire fell, these dogs served humans as herders, hunters, and guards. Constant invasions and mechanized agriculture lowered the population of Cane Corsos in Italy. A group of dog breeds helped revitalize their population. 

Rottweilers originated in Rottweil,Germany[4]. Villagers fostered their predecessors when the Roman empire fell. These dogs worked as drovers, herders, and guards. Villagers then bred dogs with excellent traits, resulting in the present Rottweiler. 

Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Appearance

Genes determine a Rottweiler Cane Corso mix’s appearance. Most Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes have a stocky physique, floppy or stiff ears, large jowls, and a black coat with tan saddle marking.

Both parents have similar appearances because they share a common ancestor. The key difference is that Rottweilers have a tan saddle marking and a stocky physique, while Cane Corsos have lean body frames with brindle markings. 

If it takes after its Rottweiler parent, the offspring will have a black coat with tan saddle marking, and a lean body. 

If the Cane Corso’s genes are dominant, the Rottweiler Cane Corso mix will turn out with a black, blue, gray, brindle, or chocolate coat. 

Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Appearance
Image Source

How Big is a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix?

A Rottweiler Cane Corso mix is a large dog. It stands at 25–29 Inches and weighs 100–135 lbs. 

Puppy Size

A Rottweiler Cane Corso puppy is as large as a medium dog at three months old. It weighs 35–40 lbs and stands at 14–17 inches. At six months old, the puppies show drastic changes.

This is also when puppies are most prone to joint and bone problems. A proper diet can help them achieve their optimal growth. 

Adult Size

A full-grown Rottweiler Cane Corso mix weighs up to 135 lbs and grows up to 29 inches. It can grow larger if the parents are larger than their breed’s average size. 

How Big is a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix
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Care and Grooming Needs

Grooming your Rottweiler Cane Corso is easy. Their short coats only need monthly grooming to avoid skin diseases. Brush them weekly to remove dirt and damaged hair in their fur. 

Brush your dog after every meal to avoid plaque and cavities. Cleaning their teeth regularly prevents bad breath. 

Dogs do not have smelly salivas. Its saliva smells bad due to several reasons[5]

  • Diabetes
  • Cavities
  • Plaque
  • Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Coprophagia
  • Gum infection 

Remember to clean their ears at least every three days to avoid ear infections. 

When brushing your dog, always check for fleas and lice. These insects are everywhere, especially in humid areas. Fleas and lice can bring harm to both you and your dog if left alone. 

The following are common signs of fleas and lice infestation: 

  • Frequent scratching
  • Matted coat
  • Small wounds
  • Flea dirt and egg 
  • Int 
  • Restless behavior
  • Anemia 

Products to Use When Grooming Your Dog

  • Nail Clippers 
  • Soft Bristle brush
  • Madre de Cacao soap
  • Diatomaceous earth
  • Topical permethrin
  • Antifungal soap (Sulfate-free)
  • Antibacterial soap (Sulfate-free)’
  • Vet-recommended toothpaste
  • Dog Toothbrush
  • Vet-recommended ear cleaning solution
dog grooming tools

Diet and Food Requirements 

A Rottweiler Cane Corso mix’s diet should amount to 2–3% of its body weight per day. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, water, and minerals are essential to your dog’s growth and health.

This dog is a large and energetic dog, meaning a Rottweiler Cane Corso has a huge appetite. Dog owners need to monitor how much they eat because they are prone to obesity, joint diseases, and bone problems. 

During their adolescent period, a Cane Corso Rottweiler mix puppy experiences hormonal changes in its body, making them prone to bone and joint complications. 

Achieving your dog’s optimal growth through their diet helps avoid these complications. The optimal growth for your dog should be slow and stable while avoiding excessive weight. 

Veterinarians say that proteins, fats, calcium, and carbohydrates are vital nutrients to your dog’s growth [6].

Nutrient nameRecommended Dog Food Composition (Dry) 
Proteins22–32%
Calcium0.7–1.7%
Carbohydrates20% 
Fats10–25%

Dog owners concern themselves choosing the correct food for their pets. There’s a lot of food that your dog should and should not eat. Before subjecting your dog to any diet plan, consult your veterinarian about its food requirements.

Is Edamame Healthy for Dogs

Here’s are healthy foods that your dog can eat: 

You should not feed your dog the following foods:

  • Green Onions
  • Chocolate
  • Avocados
  • Grapes
  • Caffeine
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Chives
  • Garlic

Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Exercise Needs 

Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes need at least 2 hours of daily exercise to maintain their fitness level. Exercising improves your dog’s quality of life and strengthens your bond. 

Rottweilers and Cane Corsos have a history of serving humans in different occupations. Their offspring have qualities that make them efficient workers as well. They are energetic and can spend hours exercising.

As large dogs, Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes need a spacious playing area. Physical and mental stimulation helps avoid misdemeanors: 

  • Howling continuously 
  • Frustration leading to aggressive behavior 
  • Peeing and defecating on wrong areas
  • Scratching furnitures 
  • Digging holes on your lawn or backyard
  • Persistent barking 

Lack of exercise makes your dog age faster and weakens its immune system. Rottweiler and Cane Corso mixes are prone to joint and bone problems, so focus on activities that work their joints and legs. 

Here are activities that you can do with your Rottweiler Cane Corso mix: 

  • Hiking
  • Jogging
  • Long walk (30+ minute walk)
  • Short walk (15-minute walk)
  • Tug of war
  • Play fetch
  • Hide and Seek
  • Scent tracking
  • Dog park visits
  • Free play

Are Cane Corso Rottweiler Mixes Easily Trainable? 

No, Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes are not easily trainable. They have stubborn personalities and show aggressive behavior if not trained properly. These dogs need an experienced owner who can handle large breeds. 

Rottweilers and Cane Corsos are vigilant and protective, as they are efficient hunters and guard dogs. This resulted in an issue with aggression towards people[7] due to being overprotective. 

Without proper training, a Rottweiler Cane Corso mix becomes aggressive towards other people and animals.

If you want to train your Cane Corso Rottweiler mix, use the following as an incentive: 

  • Praise 
  • Food 
  • Experience 
  • Toys
  • Treats
  • Games
Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Exercise Needs
Image Source

Common Health Complications 

Heart, eye, bone, and joint complications are common in Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes. Give them the appropriate diet, care, and exercise to lessen their risks of diseases. 

When breeders mated Rottweilers and Cane Corsos, their genes, including those causing health complications, were passed down. The large bones of the Rottweiler Cane Corso mix make them susceptible to hip dysplasia and other bone problems. 

Lack of exercise, an unbalanced diet, and improper care weaken their immune system and lower their quality of life. Check the parents’ medical background and test your dog to see if it is at risk of health complications. 

Based on common Rottweiler [8] and Cane Corso[9] health issues, a Rottweiler Cane Corso mix is at risk of several issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Persistent Pupillary Membrane
  • Cherry Eye
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
  • Subaortic Stenosis
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy
  • Von Willebrand Disease
  • Polyneuropathy
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome

How Long Do Rottweiler Cane Corso Mixes Live?

Rottweiler Cane Corso mixes are short-lived. These dogs only live for 8–10  years. Improper care, diet, and exercise shorten their lifespan and worsen their quality of life. 

Conclusion

A Cane Corso Rottweiler mix is the child of a Rottweiler and a Cane Corso. It is a large-bodied, protective, and affectionate dog. They are easy to groom, but these dogs need proper training as they can become aggressive towards strangers and wild animals. 

Meeting their needs helps Rottweiler Cane Corso maintain their health. Their large body, endurance, and protective nature make them excellent family pets and working dogs. 

About Dennis Stapleton

Dennis Stapleton has a passion for animals, especially dogs, and their relatives. He’s intrigued by their social structure and loves to write and teach about the world's most popular pet animal.

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