What can I say about the Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix? Good traits, apparently run in the family. This mixed-breed dog got only the best physical and temperamental traits from its parents. But still, people are very much afraid of them. Let’s just say they’re afraid because they don’t know what they’re dealing with.
They might act tough, but these crossbreed dogs are giant sweethearts with a soft spot for only a few chosen ones in their heart. How do you get on their special list? What triggers them to be so territorial? And, what on Earth does this dog look like? Does it lean to one side of the family or both?
How about we find these out?
What Is A Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Mix?
Today, we’re going to discuss a mixed breed dog that doesn’t leave anyone without a comment. Whether you call it a crossbreed dog, a hybrid, or a designer dog, the Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix is a love puppy between two mighty dog breeds.
When the Cane Corso and the Dogo Argentino first fell in love, no one knew what their love child would look like. We still don’t know because each puppy is a story for itself.
What we do know is that this designer dog is pawmazing!
Origin: Where Does The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Mix Come From?
Photo from: @pheebo_vega
Like with most mixed breed dogs, it’s uncertain where the first pup appeared. The Cane Corso parent has roots that date back to ancient Roman times, while the Dogo was developed in the late 1920s in Argentina. As you can see, they come from two completely distant backgrounds.
While it’s possible that these two met some time in the past, we can’t go that far in history.
Still, we can make a good guess saying the first puppies of these two dog breeds appeared in 1980 in the States. United States dog lovers are quite fond of making new dog breeds and creating their signature designer dogs. As the parent breeds came to America, it’s very likely that breeders started breeding them together to create the ultimate guarding dog.
A Word On The Parent Breeds
We’re used to seeing mixed breed dogs with parents whose physical (and mental) characteristics are in contrast, i.e., the Poodle and the Mountain Bernese Dog. However, now we have two parents that are both from the same dog family of Mastiffs.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso dog breed has a rich history of serving humans on different occasions, including wars.
This dog comes from the ancient dog breed, Molossus, which very much resembled today’s Cane Corso.
The Cane Corso, also named the Italian Mastiff, has name roots in ancient Latin, chorous, meaning “guardian”. It is no wonder why people often call them bodyguards! Corsos were mostly used for protection.
Being very powerful and robust, these dogs used to chase away enemies and wild animals like wild boars without any problem. And, when they weren’t guarding cattle, they were serving as excellent watchdogs at home.
Interestingly enough, this dog breed was one of those used in wartime. Ancient Romans used to strap oil buckets with flames to their back and let them chase into enemy lines. A small contribution from the canine warriors often brought good results.
But, the wars throughout the years didn’t bring much good for the Cane Corso. Since Italy was very involved in both World Wars, the number of these dogs decreased significantly, and purebred Cane Corsos almost went extinct.
In the 1970s, this breed made a comeback and decided to stay. But, they didn’t limit themselves to Europe anymore. The States finally had a chance to meet this mighty dog breed. In 1988, the first example of the Cane Corso dog breed came to the United States.
Still, it took many years for the American Kennel Club (AKC) to recognize them. The Cane Corso was accepted in the group of miscellaneous dogs in 2007, and three years later, in 2010, into the group of working dogs.
There is a lot of stigma about this dog breed because it’s considered to be dangerous. But, those beliefs couldn’t be further from the truth.
Dogo Argentino
It was the year 1928 when an Argentinian doctor named Antonio Nores Martinez decided it was time to breed the ultimate dog for hunting big game that will still be a friend in need. Thus, the Dogo Argentino was created.
Martinez used the Cordoba fighting dog as a base for creating the Dogo Argentino. But, other bulldogs and pointers were used such as the Great Dane, the Pitbull Terrier, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Spanish Bulldog, the Boxer, etc. Using selective breeding, Martinez managed to get the best traits from the mentioned dogs, and get the ultimate guard dog.
The Dogo Argentino is recognized for its intimidating looks and tremendous bravery while serving police and military forces.
Keep in mind that both parent breeds are highly intelligent and active dogs. Their puppies must be the same, right?
We’re about to see that!
What Does A Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Mix Look Like?
Photo from: @natashastolichnaya
Keeping in mind the fact that both parents are large breed dogs, the Dogo Corso puppy must be a large one, too. These are definitely not lap dogs no matter how cuddly they may seem.
The Cane Corso parent breed usually weighs from 85 to 110 pounds. As you can tell, they’re quite robust. They usually stand tall at 18” to 24” at the withers. Dogs are measured from the ground up to their shoulders, but never their heads. Females are only a few inches and a couple of pounds smaller.
The Dogo Argentino parent doesn’t fall far behind. They measure 24” to 27″ at the withers, and can pack up to around 77 to 99 pounds in weight. Naturally, females are slightly smaller.
Now that you have a general idea of how big the parents are, you can imagine how big their puppies will become. The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix may grow up to be 17 to 24 inches tall, and weigh 80 to 100 pounds. It depends on which parent the puppy takes after, so it may be a bit bigger or smaller.
At first glance, the Corso Dogo mix is a muscular dog. But, at a second glance, it appears even bigger! Seriously, with all that extra muscle mass, this crossbreed dog definitely appears to be bigger than he is, and thus, more intimidating. Females aren’t less frightening either as they’re also big and muscular. They’re real fighter moms!
Besides being so big, this mix is also quite appealing to the eye. Their short, silky, soft coat invites everyone to run their fingers through it… of course, if this dog allows that. The Cane Corso parent usually comes in black, followed by all shades of gray and brindle.
The Dogo Argentino likes to fashion its white coat color. Having such parents can only mean that most Cane Corso Dogo Argentino puppies will have a black and white coat. Their floppy ears help tone down their scary looks, and their triangular, hazel-colored eyes present them as sweet souls.
Temperament Traits: What Are Corso Argentino Dogs Like?
Photo from: @argentinocorso
When getting a pet, everyone wants a friendly dog that will become the favorite of the neighborhood and your inner circle of friends, right? Well, you might think again if you want this and still want to adopt the Cane Corso Argentino mix. Don’t get me wrong, these four-legged pals are friendly, but not with everyone.
Just like its parents, the Corso Dogo mix is friendly and caring with its family. They’re loving, sweet, and protective… maybe even overprotective! At a single suspicious sound, they will jump up and look for the potential danger.
Hence, they’re very aloof with strangers, and sometimes even aggressive. However, aggressive behavior was excluded via selective breeding with the Dogo Argentino, so there is a chance your dog won’t act so aggressive towards unknown people.
As such, I wouldn’t recommend them as first pets for someone who isn’t used to dominant figures. The Corso Dogo is an alpha dog, and he will fight until he claims that position. They need discipline, training, and a guide that will show them their place in the pack.
The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix got a lot of great temperament traits from the parent breeds. Despite being so territorial and protective, these dogs are very sociable and caring, and they enjoy spending time with the family.
There is a huge chance that this mixed breed puppy will be as talkative as one of its parents; the Cane Corso breed. The Cane Corso isn’t popular for his barking, but he is vocal, and he loves communicating with family members by using adorable mumbling and sound signatures for them.
They may not be huge cuddlers, but with their protective attitude, Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix dogs will show you they care… a lot!
How Is This Dog Breed With Kids?
Surprisingly, these crossbreed dogs are very tolerant with kids. They will be okay with a lot of foot traffic and occasional hugging and playing, but like any other dog breed, they won’t tolerate rough play. I don’t even advise rough play with this crossbreed since they’re so mighty.
Even though they’re very affectionate and loving dogs, and equal members of the family, I wouldn’t leave them alone with kids, especially toddlers or babies.
Unintentionally or not, they might hurt a kid and cause even more trouble. Never leave your kids and dogs unattained. And, never bring an untrained dog home, even if you live alone. Dogs like this one need firm training, but more on that soon.
Are Cane Corso Dogo Argentinos Aggressive By Default?
Photo from : @dogoargentino_canecorso
Actually, there is a 50% chance that this mixed-breed dog won’t be aggressive at all. It’s all thanks to Dr. Martinez, and it’s selective breeding through which the Dogo Argentino didn’t get aggressive temperament traits.
Sure, they’re friendly towards their people, and cautious with strangers, but they are not aggressive by default. However, in order to get a perfectly normal Corso Dogo, you will need to submit him to early socialization lessons. Socialization is crucial with this dog or they may turn hostile just because they don’t know differently.
Trainability: How Disciplinable Is The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino?
A good foundation is the root to every successful training. Luckily, this mixed breed dog has one since its parents are very trainable dogs. In fact, both the Cane Corso and the Dogo Argentino are easily trainable dogs. But, not everyone can train them.
As I mentioned earlier, I wouldn’t recommend this dog breed for first-time owners. These mighty paws need a firm hand to guide them through training lessons, with socialization and obedience being the first ones.
Pups like the Cane Corso Dogo mix need a strict and firm hand that won’t back down under the dog’s pressure. And, boy, they can be very stubborn, and they will refuse to listen to your commands just because they want to do something else.
Never allow this kind of dog to assume the leader position. Every dog owner should be the alpha in his dog pack. This is not some baloney that Cesar Milan used to say all the time. Being the alpha dog is crucial, and the only alpha here is you.
I recommend you start with short lessons to keep your dog’s focus on your commands. Slowly increase the duration of the lessons depending on how much your dog follows you.
The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix has a short attention span, so you better work 10 times a day in 10-minute lessons rather than once a day for an hour or so.
As any other dog breed, this one reacts to positive reinforcement the best. A praise and an ear scratch after every well-done task is a must. But, go easy on the treats. You don’t want this big doggo to become obese.
Lazy Or Active: How Much Exercise Does This Dog Need?
The answer is simple: a lot!
The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix comes from two very active dog breeds; some might even say hyperactive. Throughout their history, both parents were working dogs with a purpose. They were not lazy guardians snoozing by the fireplace.
Your Corso Dogo mix needs at least 90 minutes a day of strenuous exercise. This includes activities like jogging, hikes, swimming, pulling carts, playing fetch with a ball or a frisbee, tug-o-war, etc. Even running up and down the stairs is considered great exercise for them. So, if it’s a rainy day, and your place has stairs, go for it!
Because of their high prey drive, taking them to chase other dogs and animals might not be a good way of exercising. They wouldn’t play. The Cane Corso Argentino mix would consider this a challenge and hunt.
Their high energy drive must be toned down every day. If his energy bar is full by the end of the day, you should at least give him some mind games to concentrate.
Mental stimulation and exercises like puzzle games where the dog has to work hard to find the treat are very much welcome. These are intelligent dogs, and as such, they should train their brain, not only their brawn.
A bored dog is not something you or your furniture want, especially not if it’s this large of a dog in question.
General Health Problems: How Healthy Is The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Mix Dog?
When you look at the big picture, the Corso Argentino mix is a generally healthy dog breed. Both parents are healthy pups with a tendency to have some genetic health issues. However, all kinds of diseases can be prevented if you buy from a reputable breeder. A good breeder will screen his dogs and puppies for health-related problems and diseases linked to the dog’s bones, joints, and vision.
When adopting a Cane Corso Dogo Argentino puppy, you should always ask for screening results that the breeder did, especially for congenital deafness. Since one of the parents is a Dogo Argentino (a dog with a white coat causing deafness in one or both ears) you should definitely check the hearing of your puppy.
Other health problems are mostly related to the dog’s size and coat type. Many short-haired dogs may develop mange; a skin issue characterized by itchiness and loss of hair followed by terrible lesions and scabs.
Being a big dog can only mean that your pup will be prone to bone and joint issues. The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix can suffer from elbow, joint, and hip dysplasia. These conditions happen when the ball and the socket joint don’t form as they should.
Sadly, these conditions can be detected only in the adult stage if the puppies aren’t tested. What’s even more devastating is that dysplasia may lead to arthritis and lameness in the senior years, which affects the dog’s overall life quality in a large way.
And, let’s not forget about bloat. This condition is also known as gastric torsion, and it happens mainly to large dog breeds. Bloat happens when the stomach gets too much air and then twists. The dog can’t breathe, can’t throw up, and can’t settle down.
You can notice bloat if you see your dog retching constantly, losing air, energy, and acting lethargic. You should run to the vet as bloat is fatal if not treated. That’s why dogs shouldn’t exercise prior to or after a large meal.
Lifespan: How Long Will The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Be With Me?
If you take good care of your dog and take him for regular vet check ups, you can expect your Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix to live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Of course, the number of years really depends on the dog’s quality of life.
Just for comparison, the parent breeds live 10 to 12 years for Corsos, and 10 to 15 years for Dogos.
When you look at the big picture, this is a fairly long lifespan and plenty of happy years to spend with your pup.
Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Grooming 101
You don’t have to be a professional groomer to take good care of your Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix. Hey, you don’t have to put too much effort in it either! The good news is that this mixed breed dog is very low-maintenance.
While it’s not considered hypoallergenic like some dogs, the Corso Dogo mix is still low-shedding and appropriate for people who are prone to allergies. They have a short coat that will have its great molt in the spring and fall, but other than that, they’re just great. No dead dog hair on your new black jeans!
Still, you should be a caring dog owner and give your family dog a good brushy-brush two to three times a week. It’s only 10 minutes for each session, but it makes a lot of difference.
Also, you don’t need to bathe them too often. Dogs, especially those with gorgeous shiny coats, don’t need excessive bathing. Overbathing leads to the loss of natural coat oils that give the lovely shine, and that’s just not what we want.
Bathing once every three months is perfectly acceptable, but you can always do it sooner if your pal begins to smell like a dawg.
Dogo Argentino Mixed With A Cane Corso: What Do They Eat?
This crossbreed dog shouldn’t eat just any generic dog food.
They need premium-quality kibble, with real animal proteins being the first ingredient. You shouldn’t pick up dog food with too many grains, or artificial flavors or colorings. If you can, go with family brands that make small batches of kibble, so you know they’re good for your dog.
Lately, dog lovers have been discussing whether feeding them a raw diet is actually good for your dog. I believe it’s an excellent opportunity to feed your dog the natural way.
While it does have some downsides, it still brings many positives, and it gives you a good insight into what your dog is consuming. For more info, I’d suggest you do a reading on a Cane Corso’s raw diet. If the parent likes it, why wouldn’t the puppy?
Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Puppy Price
Let’s be honest: this is not your average mutt. You won’t find them in shelters easily, and you won’t score the deal of your life when purchasing them. The Cane Corso Dogo Argentino is an expensive mixed breed dog, exactly like its parents.
The Cane Corso parent costs a pretty penny, ranging from $2,500 to $8,000. The Dogo Argentino doesn’t fall far behind, at $2,000 to $8,000.
To have an adult, trained Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix, you will need to cash $2,000 to $5,000.
Puppies are always cheaper and go for $700 to $1,000. With four to six puppies in every litter, you can see why many unreliable breeders want to breed this mix.
But, this is only the beginning. I won’t scare you with additional vet costs, equipment, treatments, dog food, etc. But, you should know that owning one of these lovely dogs isn’t cheap to begin with.
Conclusion
Photo from: @dancer_rider
The rare, but pawmazing mixed breed called a Corso Dogo or a Cane Corso Dogo Argentino is really out there threatening to win over a major crowd of dog lovers. I say: Why not?
These dogs are almost there, almost perfect guardians with tremendous care for their families. Touch their people and you’re in serious trouble.
You don’t want to mess with the Cane Corso Dogo Argentino mix. You want to be on the friendly side. Trust me.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide To The Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix