Do you love large dogs, especially when they have a somewhat of a bad boy reputation? Chances are you’re already familiar with Rottweilers, Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, and Cane Corsos.
However, loving a breed isn’t the same as actually owning it.
It takes a lot to be the owner of large dog breeds such as Cane Corsos or Mastiffs. These pups can be challenging to control simply based on their strength and size.
If you consider that they’re known for their somewhat bad temperament, things only become more difficult and confusing.
This is where crossbreeds come into play.
Crossbreeds, also known as hybrid breeds or designer dogs, are dogs with two purebred parents of a different breed.
According to many, these dogs have the best of both worlds as they combine the looks and temperaments of both parent breeds.
For example, if you’d like a large, powerful dog but don’t know if you’re able to deal with a Cane Corso’s temperament, you might consider a Cane Corso Labrador Retriever mix. This crossbreed combines the large size of Cane Corsos with the friendly temperament of Labs.
Similarly, you might get a Cane Corso German Shepherd mix. These pups are great herding dogs that can also make amazing guard dogs – and they are extremely affectionate and friendly.
But what about the Cane Corso Boxer mix?
A Cane Corso Boxer mix isn’t the first crossbreed that falls into a person’s mind when it comes to creating friendly mixed breed dogs. Still, this is a combination you might grow to like.
Is a Cane Corso Boxer mix a dog you should be afraid of, or is this a friendly watchdog that will stay by your side no matter what?
Here’s everything you need to know:
Cane Corso Boxer Mix
A Cane Corso Boxer mix is a crossbreed of Cane Corso Italiano, also known as the Italian Mastiff, and Boxer. It is known under a rather unique name, the Cane Corxer.
This is a rather large dog with huge energy levels that requires lots of exercise. Also, it makes an amazing guard dog, while enjoying the human company.
However, these dogs are not the best choice for first-time owners as they require some training and socialization. Not to mention how powerful they are!
We’ll explain all the traits of this amazing pup further on, so you can decide whether this is the right dog for you.
Cane Corso Boxer Mix Appearance
Photo from: @kleacanecorxer
The appearance of a hybrid breed is determined by its parents. As such, you can expect a Cane Corso Boxer mix to look anywhere between these two dogs.
Both parent breeds are large dogs that are very muscular, bulky, and strong. They have a rather intimidating look, making them appear more ferocious than they truly are.
Most of them will be black or brown/tan in coat color, but brindle is also common. This is because parent breeds usually come in these colors. Of course, other colors are also standard. A black mask is the most common type of markings on these dogs, as well as a white tummy and chest.
This dog has a large stature and floppy ears that many breeders and owners alike love to crop. However, ear cropping is a practice that’s becoming more and more frowned upon, even in the U.S.
Another trait both parent breeds are known for is their droopy chin. Boxers also have a fairly flat face, but a Cane Corso Boxer mix doesn’t necessarily have to have it. Most of the time, the Cane Corxer will have a flatter face than a Cane Corso, but a longer one than the Boxer would.
Their eyes should be warm and dark brown in color, although a few other shades are possible and acceptable as well.
How Big Will A Cane Corso Boxer Mix Get?
Photo from: @royalcorxer
Cane Corso Boxer mix is a large dog. However, determining precisely how big a mixed dog will be is very challenging, as there are many things that can affect this.
Many dog lovers think that a dog’s size will be precisely between the height of his parents. Still, this isn’t always the case.
There can be some hidden genes for height, which is why predicting the size is a nearly impossible task.
Fortunately, both parent dogs are of a fairly similar size, so there shouldn’t be too many surprises.
Cane Corso Size
While not as large as a Great Dane, Cane Corso is still a giant dog – especially when you consider how muscular it is.
According to the Ameican Kennel Club (AKC), a full-grown male Cane Corso can reach the height of 27.5 inches, while females are a bit shorter – with a height that rarely goes over 26 inches.
Not just that, but this dog can weigh just like a human. It isn’t uncommon for a Cane Corso to weigh 90 to 120 pounds!
Boxer Size
A Boxer is a large dog, but still smaller than a Cane Corso. These pups have an average height of 21 to 25 inches, with females being significantly shorter than males.
They will also rarely weigh as much as Cane Corsos weight. They have a muscular build, but not as much. In fact, there are many large breed dogs that weigh less than a Boxer.
On average, Boxers will weigh 50-70 pounds.
Cane Corso Boxer Mix Temperament
Photo from: @royalcorxer
A Cane Corso Boxer mix is a perfect combination of his parents’ temperaments. This is a strong, independent dog that will do all he can to protect all of his family members.
They aren’t too social, however, which is why they might be somewhat wary of strangers. Despite this, they’ll be extremely loyal to their owners, who they’ll consider they’ll pack members.
At the same time, they are affectionate dogs that love their humans more than anyone. At the end of the busy day, they’ll love nothing more than to snuggle with their owners on the couch. Some might even get separation anxiety if left alone for too long – but, luckily, their independent streak usually means they’ll have no such issues.
Also, this is a dog that will want to be included in every activity you do throughout the day. Be prepared to spend time with a velcro dog – even though his size might tell you otherwise.
This is because this breed is a combination of his Cane Corso parent’s independence and dislike toward strangers and the warmness of the Boxer breed.
All in all, this is a tough dog with a soft side that can be noticed when they’re surrounded by the people they love.
Is Cane Corso An Aggressive Breed?
The Cane Corso dog is known for its bad reputation as one of the most aggressive dog breeds. While we dislike calling any dog aggressive on its own, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
Cane Corsos are territorial and protective dogs. They come from Italy, where they were bred to be guard dogs and war dogs. To fulfill this task, they had to develop specific traits that can make them appear aggressive.
At the same time, it is true that Cane Corsos can end up having quite a bad temperament, especially when left in the wrong hands.
These dogs aren’t really fond of strangers, no matter if we’re talking about other pets or humans. However, with proper socialization, they can learn to tolerate others.
Their large size makes them rather dangerous if left unsocialized, and you wouldn’t want to be on their bad side.
In fact, this aggressive trait is the main reason why many Cane Corso mixes, including the Cane Corso Boxer mix, might be bad for anyone who isn’t familiar with keeping large dogs.
Is Boxer An Aggressive Breed?
The Boxer is an old hunting breed that originates from Germany. They have also been used as military dogs and police dogs due to their strength and loyal nature.
As such, this means they can have an aggressive streak to them since they were raised to be protective and territorial.
While they can be somewhat unfriendly with other dogs, they are usually rather friendly toward other people. In fact, they can even be amazing toward other pets, as long as they are socialized in time.
Still, their high energy levels can make them appear hyper, and if they don’t get the exercise they need they can become destructive, which can get confused with aggression.
However, aggression and aggressive-like behaviors aren’t within the breed standard.
Is Cane Corso Boxer Mix Friendly?
Photo from: @littlebigmolly
When you look at the behavioral traits of the parent breed, you might think that the Cane Corso Boxer mix isn’t a friendly dog. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
A Cane Corso Boxer mix loves company! However, they are rather selective about who they choose as their family companions.
Most Cane Corso Boxer mixed dogs will love everyone in your household! They’ll want to spend as much time as possible in the company of other humans.
However, you’ll need to socialize them properly, and you’ll need to do so from their puppyhood. Early socialization is the best way to ensure they are as friendly as possible.
Socialization and dog training is the only way to get rid of their aggressive streak and to teach them how to behave around strangers.
Otherwise, you might end up with a rather large and unfriendly dog on your hands. This likely isn’t something you’d want.
Fortunately, Boxer’s love of humans will ensure Cane Corxers are rather friendlier than purebred Cane Corsos, which is always a good idea.
Toward Strangers
In general, a Cane Corso Boxer mix will be wary of strangers. This is because of their history as guard dogs. It is in their genetics to be territorial and to dislike new people.
While Boxers are people pleasers, they are still rather unfriendly when it comes to new people, especially if they’re not used to having strangers around them. This, combined with Cane Corso’s unfriendliness, can still make Cane Corso Boxer mixes challenging to get used to newcomers.
This doesn’t mean that Cane Corso Boxer mixes are immediately aggressive toward strangers or that they’ll attack any new person who comes into their home.
However, if not trained properly, they’ll show standard signs of aggression toward new people. They might growl or bark, but they’re not likely to attack.
To eliminate the chance of accidents, you have to socialize them properly as soon as possible.
Toward Other Dogs And Pets
A Cane Corso Boxer mix isn’t too good with other dogs and pets. It’s likely to be friendlier compared to a purebred Cane Corso, but this doesn’t mean he’ll enjoy the four-legged company.
Both breeds have a rather high prey drive. They were used as hunting dogs, so their hunting instincts are strong.
At the same time, they are territorial and protective. Same-sex aggression is rather common, so make sure not to combine them with dogs of the same sex.
Cane Corsos don’t hide their dislike of other dogs. They can even be possessive of their owners, and they’ll try to push away any dog or pet that tries to come near.
On the other hand, Boxers are somewhat friendlier, mostly due to their playful nature. They’ll love to have companions for their playtime. However, they still come with an increased risk due to their prey drive and history.
As such, it would be best to make sure your Cane Corso Boxer mix is the only pet in the household.
If you want to introduce your Cane Corxer to another pet, make sure he is properly socialized ahead of time. Otherwise, you might be in for a disaster.
Toward Kids
Photo from: @littlebigmolly
If you have small kids, a Cane Corso is not the right dog for you. While this dog is docile and affectionate toward your small family members, they aren’t really known for their patience.
Not just that, but these pups can be aggressive toward people who don’t respect their space, or toward those who are afraid of them. Unfortunately, kids are often in at least one of these groups.
Opposite of that, Boxers do amazingly well with kids. They are patient and kind, and they’ll love to have cheerful companions with an energy to match their own.
As such, a Cane Corso Boxer mix might do well with kids. This dog will have more patience than a purebred Cane Corso, and they’ll be friendlier and more mellow-natured.
Still, no matter their temperament, there’s one thing that automatically makes them a danger, and that is their large size.
All large dogs can be a walking hazard for little humans. They could easily knock a child over during playtime, or cause severe harm unintentionally.
This is why, no matter the dog breed, you should never leave your dog playing with your kids without supervision.
Even the kindest dog might hurt a kid without meaning to do so, especially if your child doesn’t know how to behave around dogs.
If you plan on introducing your Cane Corso Boxer mix to your kids, it’s important not just to socialize your dog, but also to teach your children how to behave around dogs.
Explain to your child not to yell or scream next to your pooch. Loud noises can scare dogs, which can then lash in fear.
Also, a kid should never touch a dog’s ears, tails, or muzzle. They shouldn’t hit a dog, or pull on his tail. Not just that, but a kid should let a dog have his privacy when he feels like this.
A good idea is to allow your Cane Corso Boxer mix to have a space just for themselves, where they can rest and have a time-out. Teach your kid to leave the dog alone when he gets into his place.
Only by teaching both sides how to behave you can ensure your kid and your Cane Corxer will coexist in peace.
Still, with proper training, a Cane Corso Boxer mix can be a great family dog – just remember to keep the playtime monitored.
Is Cane Corso Boxer Mix Easy To Train?
Photo from: @kleacanecorxer
A Cane Corso Boxer mix is a loyal dog that will love to please his owners. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that he is easy to train. We’ll explain why.
A Cane Corso dog is relatively easy to train. This is a dog that is eager to please and very intelligent. He isn’t easily distracted, and staying focused comes naturally to him.
However, once he becomes an adult dog, he might not be as willing to follow every single thing you say. This is because he is a very independent dog that won’t love to do things he doesn’t see the purpose in.
As such, you should focus on training them while they are as young as possible.
Opposite of that, Boxers are not easy dogs to train. This isn’t because they are not intelligent – quite the opposite. These are extremely intelligent dogs that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Otherwise, they’ll lose focus and become interested in whatever it is they find funny at that moment.
Due to this lack of focus, Boxers can take some time to teach even the easiest of tricks.
Because of this, you might have some issues in training a Cane Corso Boxer mix.
How to Train a Cane Corso Boxer Mix?
A Cane Corso Boxer mix is a dog that should be trained by a professional dog trainer. This is because no new dog owner can know all the tips and tricks for teaching such a large, independent dog how to behave.
However, there are a few tactics you can try.
First and foremost, you need to be strict, but gentle. A puppy is not a child, but this doesn’t mean you should shout at him or let alone be physical.
Once a dog gets into your home, he’ll have no knowledge of the English language. In other words, don’t expect him to know basic commands from the first moment. Instead, guide him and show him what each command means.
Find a calm place for dog training, one without too many distractions. If your Cane Corxer is anything like his Boxer parent, he’ll get distracted with ease. The fewer distractions he has, the more likely he is to listen to you.
Use positive reinforcements to help with training. Dogs don’t understand punishments, but they’ll understand rewards very well.
Also, you need to keep in mind that dogs remember every type of behavior you’ve encouraged. As such, if you’re not persistent and you give in to the puppy face, your dog will remember that he’ll get what he wants, as long as he is stubborn enough.
Remember to be consistent and help your pup become the best dog he can be.
Is Cane Corso Boxer Mix Challenging To Keep?
Photo from: @littlebigmolly
There are more things than just behavior when you want to know whether a dog is easy to keep and the right choice for you. Many things can influence how good of a pet a breed is.
When it comes to a Cane Corxer, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First and foremost, because of their size, these dogs require plenty of space. They won’t do well in small apartments or condos, and you should have a large outdoor space for them – whether that be a backyard or an entire garden.
Even so, you’ll need to take them out on long training and exercise sessions. They’ll require you to take them on at least a few hours of long walks, hikes in nature, jogging, or other forms of long exercise.
Otherwise, your pup might end up being bored, which will result in many destructive behaviors.
When it comes to grooming, you should know that a Cane Corxer is a moderate shedder. While it has a short coat, this doesn’t keep it from shedding.
Fortunately, all he’ll require is some weekly brushing. You can take your Cane Corso Boxer mix to the professional groomer, but this isn’t something that’s necessary.
Also, your Cane Corxer will require high-quality dog food, and this will be expensive. These large dogs eat up to 9 cups of kibble a day! Not to mention that many dog owners prefer to give them raw food, which is even more expensive.
Finally, in some states, breeds such as Boxers, Cane Corsos, and other ‘dangerous dogs’ require special licenses for you to be able to keep them as pets. Make sure to know your local regulations, so you don’t get into some legal trouble.
Cane Corso Boxer Mix Health Problems
Photo from: @littlebigmolly
In general, Cane Corso Boxer mix dogs are fairly healthy. However, they can still get some health problems.
Both parent breeds are susceptible to many similar health issues, which means that their offspring might have the same conditions.
This is why it’s important to buy from reputable breeders who conduct necessary health testing on their dogs – but we’ll talk more about this a bit later.
Fortunately, for a working dog of their size, Cane Corxers are fairly healthy dogs. Their lifespan is 10 – 12 years, but it isn’t uncommon for them to live longer.
To know how to help your four-legged best friend, you need to be aware of any problems your doggie might encounter.
Here are some of the most common health conditions a Cane Corso Boxer mix is prone to:
Elbow And Hip Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common orthopedic issues in most dog breeds – especially large and small breeds, but other dogs such as Poodles or Border Collies are also prone to them.
Dysplasia occurs when a dog’s joint isn’t properly developed. This will cause the hip or the elbow to fall out of their place.
This condition won’t influence Cane Corxer’s lifespan, but it can ruin his quality of life.
Dysplasia is a hereditary condition that can easily be noticed on DNA tests. At the same time, if a parent dog has it, chances are the puppy will inherit it, as well.
The best way to reduce the chance of your dog developing hip and elbow dysplasia is to make sure he is not obese. Obesity increases the chance of all orthopedic conditions.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy is, in fact, a group of degenerative eye diseases. Dogs with PRA will have a vision that will worsen over time. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
While there is no cure for PRA, with the right combination of medicine this disease can be kept under control.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated cardiomyopathy is, as its name suggests, a cardiac (heart) condition that leads to weakened heart muscles. This keeps the heart from pumping the right amount of blood.
DCM leads to an enlarged heart which can result in heart valve leaking. Finally, this can lead to heart failure.
Luckily, with proper treatment, DCM can be kept at bay and these puppies can have a long life.
Mitral Valve Disease
The Mitral valve is the lower left heart chamber. Dogs that have mitral valve disease, also known as mitral valve prolapse, have a valve that wears out over time.
Most of the time, the mitral valve disease will cause nothing more than heart murmurs. However, on rare occasions, it can lead to heart failure.
Just like DCM, mitral valve disease can be kept at bay with proper medications.
Congenital Heart Defects
Next to DCM and mitral valve disease, Cane Corso Boxer mix dogs are prone to several more heart defects, such as patent ductus arteriosus.
This condition is caused by an abnormal heart vessel, the ductus arteriosus.
The biggest issue is that patent ductus arteriosus cannot be noticed while the puppies are still in the dog’s womb. Instead, the pup’s heart cannot adapt to the changes in development that come after birth.
Most of the time, this condition is hereditary, although sometimes it will appear spontaneously.
Gastric Dilatation
Gastric dilatation and volvulus – more commonly known as bloat – is the most common cause of sudden death in large dog breeds.
It occurs when the dog’s stomach twists as it’s too filled with food, fluids, or gas. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate care. Otherwise, your dog’s life is at risk.
There is no way to know if a dog will suffer from bloat, but the best way to prevent this is to give your dog quality food and to wait at least an hour after his meal before you take him outside to play.
Cane Corso Boxer Mix Puppies For Sale
Photo from: @royalcorxer
Breeding mixed breed dogs is not the same as breeding purebred puppies. There are some occurrences that make this process rather different than raising a litter of purebred dogs.
First off, there can be a big spectrum of health problems if you breed two dogs of very different sizes. Luckily, this isn’t an issue for a Cane Corso Boxer mix, but some Cane Corso mixes are not the same story.
Next, it’s important to remember that mixed breed dogs are not the same as mutts you see on the street. The parent dogs have to be carefully selected for their traits, and the breeder needs to know how to predict the dogs’ appearance and behavior as closely as possible.
The big problem is that the AKC nor any other large kennel club don’t recognize crossbreeds. This means that the breeder who sells strictly mixed-breed dogs cannot be certified.
However, a proper breeder will always use AKC-certified dogs for their breeding program, so the puppy will be of high quality.
Why You Should Buy From Reputable Breeders
When looking for Cane Corso Boxer mix puppies for sale, it’s essential to know who you’re buying them from.
While this is important for all dog breeds, it’s especially important when we’re talking about a crossbreed such as a Cane Corso Boxer mix.
First and foremost, a proper dog breeder will conduct health tests on all parent dogs. When the parents are healthy, the puppy most likely won’t have any hereditary problems, such as hip dysplasia or heart problems.
However, there is one more reason why you’d want to stick to reputable breeders, and it might be an even more important one.
Reputable breeders will only breed dogs that are behaving according to the AKC standard. Dogs with temperamental problems won’t be included in breeding programs.
When you’re dealing with large dogs with potential destructive behavior, it’s essential to buy them from pure bloodlines.
This way, you’ll reduce the chance of your mixed-breed dog having any behavioral defects that might put you in danger.
Why Mixed Breed Dogs Might Be Better Than Purebreds
Many people prefer buying mixed breed dogs to purebred ones. There are many reasons why you might want to do the same.
While some people would argue that crossbreeds are ruining the breed standard, the truth is that they are leading to an increased number of healthy dogs.
When you mix two different breeds, you create a wide genetic pool, which means fewer chances for hereditary health problems. This is called hybrid vigor.
Thanks to hybrid vigor, Cane Corso Boxer mix dogs are healthier than their purebred parents and can live a longer life.
At the same time, crossbreeds can help eliminate some bad traits from breeds – just like Boxer’s friendly nature can make a Cane Corso more social.
Many crossbreeds are also much more affordable compared to their purebred parents (although this isn’t always the case, especially with more popular mixed-breed dogs, such as Goldendoodles).
In the end, you should be the one to decide which dog is the right choice for you.
While the Cane Corxer isn’t the friendliest dog out there, it can still make an amazing family pet, especially if you know how to properly train it.
As long as you do proper research and can keep a firm attitude when it comes to dog training, any dog is the best dog!