The Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso) and the English Mastiff are both impressive dogs. Both breeds descend from the ancient mastiffs of the past, and both were bred to be large, powerful, and protective of their families. They’re both loyal and can make great family pets, but the similarities pretty much end there.
While both are considered to be mastiffs, there are distinct differences between the two in size, temperament, exercise requirements, and overall suitability for different owners. So, which one is right for you?
This article compares the Italian Mastiff vs English Mastiff, covering everything from their physical appearance and temperament to their training needs, exercise requirements, common health problems, grooming needs, and overall suitability as family pets. By the end, you should have a clearer idea of which breed might be the better fit for your lifestyle.
Italian Mastiff vs. English Mastiff: Key Differences
So, what are the biggest differences between these two breeds? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Size: English Mastiffs are significantly larger than Cane Corsos.
- Temperament: Cane Corsos are more energetic and alert, and some experts recommend them for experienced dog owners only.
- Exercise: Cane Corsos need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
- Grooming: Both breeds are easy to groom. However, Cane Corsos may shed less.
It’s important to remember that both Italian and English Mastiffs do best when they receive socialization and training from a young age. Both breeds are also prone to certain health problems, so make sure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups.
Cane Corso: The Italian Mastiff
The Cane Corso (pronounced “kah-nay corso”) is a large dog breed from Italy, known for its intelligence, strength, and protective instincts. For centuries, they’ve been working dogs, prized for their ability to guard property and livestock.
Their history goes way back. Cane Corsos are thought to be descended from ancient Roman war dogs, called “canis pugnaces,” that were used in battles and to protect property. Over the years, they adapted to various roles on Italian farms, serving as livestock guardians, farmhands, and personal protectors.
Physical Characteristics
Cane Corsos are big, muscular dogs. They typically stand between 24 and 28 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 90 to 130 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, gray, fawn, red, and brindle.
They’re athletic dogs with a powerful build, designed for work and endurance.
Temperament and Training
Cane Corsos are known for their intelligence, confidence, and assertiveness. They’re loyal to their families but can be wary of strangers, which makes early socialization and training crucial.
They can be strong-willed and require an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent training. Because of their protective nature, it’s important to socialize them early and often to prevent aggression toward strangers and other animals. With the right training and socialization, Cane Corsos can be wonderful family pets and guardians.
English Mastiff: The Gentle Giant
The English Mastiff is a truly ancient breed, with possible roots tracing back to ancient Britain. These massive dogs were once used in war, as guardians, and for hunting. But today, they’re better known for their dignified and gentle natures.
Physical Characteristics
English Mastiffs are giants. They often stand more than 27 inches tall and can weigh well over 230 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in fawn, apricot, or brindle, and they typically have a black mask. Their build is massive, and their faces are wonderfully wrinkly.
Temperament and Training
Generally, English Mastiffs are more patient and gentle than Italian Mastiffs, making them potentially suitable for people who haven’t owned many dogs before. Even so, they still need consistent training to make sure their behavior is appropriate.
English Mastiffs are known for being affectionate and good with children. But because of their size, it’s always best to supervise when they’re around kids. A playful swat from a Mastiff’s paw, though unintentional, could easily knock a child over.
Overall, the English Mastiff is a loving and loyal companion, though not necessarily the most energetic playmate.
Temperament and Personality: A Deeper Dive
Beyond their physical attributes, the Cane Corso and the English Mastiff diverge significantly in their temperaments. Understanding these differences is crucial in determining which breed best suits your lifestyle.
Cane Corso Temperament
The Cane Corso is known for its protective instincts and alertness. They’re always on guard, making them excellent watchdogs. However, this protectiveness means they need early socialization and consistent training to ensure they can distinguish between genuine threats and harmless situations. These dogs are intelligent but can become bored if not given enough to do, which can lead to destructive behavior. Mental stimulation is key. A Cane Corso is fiercely loyal and devoted to its family, forming strong bonds with those they consider their pack.
English Mastiff Temperament
In contrast, the English Mastiff is typically more laid-back and docile. They’re often described as gentle giants. While they’re protective of their families, their approach is less intense than the Cane Corso’s. English Mastiffs tend to be more sedentary and require less exercise, making them suitable for owners with a less active lifestyle. They are affectionate and patient, making them wonderful family pets, especially with children.
Comparing Temperament Challenges
Both breeds present unique challenges. Cane Corsos, with their inherent confidence, can sometimes exhibit dominant behavior. It’s essential to establish yourself as the leader early on through consistent training and clear boundaries. English Mastiffs, on the other hand, can be prone to separation anxiety due to their strong bond with their owners. Providing them with plenty of attention, mental stimulation, and a secure environment can help mitigate this.
Training and socialization: Laying the foundation
Whether you choose an Italian or an English mastiff, training and socialization are crucial for a well-adjusted and happy dog. Both breeds are large and powerful, so early and consistent training is a must.
Cane Corso training needs
Cane Corsos can be suspicious of strangers and aggressive toward other animals if they aren’t well-socialized from an early age. The earlier you begin the socialization process, the better. Enroll your puppy in training classes, take them to dog-friendly parks and stores, and expose them to a wide variety of people and situations.
Positive reinforcement training methods work best for this breed. Be consistent with your commands and expectations, and always reward good behavior with praise, treats, or toys. Because they are strong-willed, Cane Corsos require an experienced handler who can set clear boundaries and enforce them consistently.
English Mastiff training needs
Early socialization is also essential for English Mastiffs. It helps them become well-adjusted and ensures they are comfortable around new people and situations. Like Cane Corsos, English Mastiffs respond well to gentle but consistent training methods. Patience and positive reinforcement are key to addressing any potential stubbornness.
Exercise and activity levels: Meeting their needs
Both the Cane Corso and the English Mastiff need regular exercise, but the Italian Mastiff generally needs a bit more.
Cane Corso exercise requirements
The Cane Corso requires more exercise and mental stimulation than the Mastiff. A Corso will benefit from daily walks, runs, and some interactive play sessions. Many Corsos excel in canine sports like agility and obedience, as well.
English Mastiff exercise requirements
English Mastiffs need moderate exercise to stay healthy and avoid becoming overweight. Daily walks are good for them, but they’re not as demanding as the Cane Corso. Because English Mastiffs are prone to overheating, you’ll want to avoid strenuous exercise when the weather is hot.
Health Considerations: Common Issues and Preventative Care
Like all purebred dogs, both Cane Corsos and English Mastiffs are prone to certain health problems. Here’s what you should know:
Cane Corso Health Concerns
Common health issues in Cane Corsos include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and certain eye problems. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are critical for early detection and management of these conditions. Preventative care, including a balanced diet and appropriate exercise, can also help to mitigate some of these risks.
English Mastiff Health Concerns
English Mastiffs share some of the same health concerns as Cane Corsos, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. They are also prone to heart problems and certain types of cancer. Responsible breeding practices, where breeders carefully screen their dogs for potential health issues, are especially important in minimizing these risks.
General Preventative Measures
Regardless of which breed you choose, some general preventative measures are essential:
- Regular veterinary checkups
- A balanced, high-quality diet
- Close monitoring for signs of bloat (which can be life-threatening)
Grooming Needs: Maintaining Their Coats
The good news is that both the Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso) and the English Mastiff have short, dense coats that are relatively easy to maintain.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Brushing: Regular brushing is key to removing loose hair and keeping their coats healthy.
- Bathing: Occasional baths will keep them clean, but don’t overdo it, as frequent bathing can dry out their skin.
- Ear Cleaning: Both breeds can be prone to ear infections, so it’s important to clean their ears regularly.
Wrapping Up
The Cane Corso and the English Mastiff are both impressive dogs with devoted fans. The Cane Corso tends to be more active and needs an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent training. The English Mastiff is usually more laid-back, making them a good fit for a less experienced owner, and they generally need less exercise.
When you’re trying to decide which breed is right for you, think carefully about your lifestyle, your experience with dogs, and your living situation. Do you have the time and energy to meet the needs of a more demanding dog? Or would you prefer a gentle giant who’s happy to nap the day away?
If possible, meet some Cane Corsos and English Mastiffs in person, and talk with breeders to learn more before you make a decision.