Dogo Argentino vs Cane Corso: Breed Differences & Similarities

The Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso are athletic, muscular breeds with big reputations. While they can be confused for each other, these dogs are quite a bit different in both appearance and personality. They also have different histories, but both are interesting breeds that stand out in the crowd. Jump in with me to meet both these unforgettable breeds and learn the differences and similarities between the Dogo Argentino vs Cane Corso. Perhaps one will be the perfect four-legged addition to your family.

7 Key Differences

1. The Cane Corso is larger, sometimes reaching giant size.
2. The Dogo Argentino is a newer breed.
3. Cane Corsos are less aggressive.
4. Dogo Argentinos come only in white.
5. Cane Corsos eat a lot more.
6. The Dogo Argentino has a high risk of deafness.
7. Cane Corsos are easier to train.

Breed History

Both these breeds are known for their hulking appearance, big reputation, and loyal personalities. However, the Dogo Argentino and the Cane Corso have much different histories. One is a newer breed, while the other has been around since ancient times. They do actually share some genetics but are unique breeds.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a newer breed, also known as the Argentine Mastiff. It was created in 1926 by two South American brothers in Argentina who wanted a family-friendly yet courageous dog. The breed was created by crossbreeding several other purebreds to create a big game-hunting dog that resembled a close-to-extinct fighting dog, the Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobés. This breed was crossed with others like the Boxer, Bulldog, Great Dane, Bull Terrier, Pyrenean Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, and Dogue de Bordeaux.

The Dogo Argentino breed was first created in 1928; however, it did not appear in the United States until the 1970s. In 1973, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted it as the first and only Argentinean breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently recognized the breed in 2020.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso has been traced back to ancient Rome. Descendants of the Roman war dogs called the Roman Molossian, the Cane Corso comes from a long line of protective hunting dogs. These dogs were used as guardians, hunters, and working dogs on the farm. They were known for controlling wild boars and stopping cattle from biting on a bull’s ear or nose. The name Cane Corso comes from the Latin word “cohors,” which means guardian, and the Italian word “cane” which means dog.

The Cane Corso population dwindled in Italy in the 20th century. In 1973, an effort began to revive the breed, and it came to the United States in the late 1980s. Cane Corso was recognized as a breed first by the Italian Kennel Club in 1994, followed by the World Canine Organization and the American Kennel Club in 2010.

Appearance

Both breeds are muscular and have massive forms, but they do not look all that similar. Cane Corsos are slightly shorter and stand between 23 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 90 and 120 pounds when fully grown. The Dogo Argentino stands between 24 and 27 inches tall, and it reaches between 80 and 100 pounds when fully grown. So, the Cane Corso is slightly larger and bulkier. They are considered a large breed, but they can reach giant status. Males tend to be larger, but both males and females have strong, athletic bodies.

Cane Corsos have very prominent heads with square muzzles and flat foreheads. Unlike many other Mastiff breeds, Cane Corsos do not have a lot of wrinkles. They have brown eyes with uncropped triangular-shaped ears. While some Corsos have cropped ears, the breed naturally has slightly droopy ears. Cane Corsos are also known for their muscular, long necks.

Cane Corsos have shiny, short, coarse coats with a light undercoat. They can come in several colors, including light gray, black, slate gray, red, and light or dark fawn. Some also look striped when they are a darker color. They have long tails, which are sometimes docked.

The Dogo Argentino also has an impressive head that dominates their appearance. They have giant mouths with powerful bites and short ears that are often cropped. Dogo Argentinos come only in shades of white, though they may have one black or darker-colored spot on their head around one ear or eye. This spot cannot cover over ten percent of the head. They have very muscular hindquarters, girthy necks, and an overall muscular, athletic build. Dogos have large, thick tails set high on their back end. They also have extremely strong jaws, with a powerful scissor-like bite.

Temperament

Both breeds are loyal to their owners and affectionate with their families. However, both come from hunting dog lines and, as such, have some intense characteristics. They are both breeds with reputations for being aggressive. Both breeds can be family-friendly, but they must be appropriately trained and always be under supervision when with children. They also do not like to be left alone for very long and do better in homes where there’s someone around regularly to check on them. Neither breed does well when left outside for extended periods of time unsupervised, especially the Dogo Argentino, which is quite sensitive to the sun.

Dogo Argentinos are a bit more aggressive and have a higher prey drive. They need socialization and continuous training. These dogs love to please, and are very eager, social dogs. Dogos need a job to do, or they will get bored, and do not like being excluded from anything.

Both breeds are highly active with a high prey drive and like to chase smaller animals. Cane Corsos often do better as the only pet in the home. They can get along with other dogs if they are socialized well and have been raised with other animals as puppies. Corsos can get aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. Homes with smaller dog breeds and smaller pets like cats, rabbits, etc., should not introduce a Cane Corso into the mix.

Cane Corsos are quite smart and love interactive play and games. They train well, but you must start early. They have an extraordinarily strong protective instinct and are always on alert around strangers. Cane Corsos can be affectionate with family members but will react strongly if they sense a threat.

Dogo Argentnos should not be in homes with other small animals. Their intense prey drive makes this very risky. They can sometimes be trained to get along with other dogs but do better as an only pet. Some do not like other dogs and must be trained carefully. Once socialized, they get along well with people but remain very protective. Argentine Mastiffs are intelligent and do well with obedience training.

Neither of these breeds is recommended for first-time owners. Early socialization is key with both breeds to ensure they are well-behaved, docile, and not aggressive to people or other animals.

Exercise

Both the Cane Corso and the Dogo Argentino are high-energy breeds that need physical exercise every day. The Dogo needs at least an hour or more of vigorous physical exercise, and both need more than a simple stroll around the block. Argentine Mastiff pups need to run, so they need a big yard with a very secure fence. They can run 10 to 20 miles a day, so they make wonderful running buddies. Of the two, they require a bit more regular exercise.

Cane Corsos need at least an hour of exercise a day. They need a vigorous walk along with time to run, but be careful not to overwork them. It’s best to break their exercise time into several shorter sessions throughout the day. A 45-minute walk every day is a safe bet and then a few smaller play sessions in the backyard. They love to fetch and are exceptionally good at agility training. They also can learn to swim, and some Corsos love the water.

Training

Training either of these hefty pups is going to be a big job. These are not breeds for inexperienced or first-time owners or those who have a tough time being assertive. You do not want a breed as big as this or with a high prey drive that does not listen to you. So, you must start obedience training at a young age. Socialization is also crucial to keeping both the Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino well-behaved around other people and in social situations.

Cane Corsos have a dominant nature, which makes training them tricky. They are highly intelligent and can become demanding. They respond well to positive reinforcement training but require a firm, consistent approach. Positive reinforcement includes praise, cuddles, treats, or toys. It is also important that you crate-train your Cane Corso puppy from the very first day. While they are undeniably cute as puppies, if they become coddled or get used to sleeping on the couch, this can become a huge issue when they reach their full size. Because they are so hefty, you need an extra-large crate that they feel secure in.

Potty training a giant breed dog can be tricky, but Cane Corsos do well when put on a regular potty schedule and have a designated potty area. Stay consistent with training, especially when they are young, as this lays the foundation for good behavior throughout their lives. You can also build a very strong bond with your dog through the training process.

Dogo Argentinos are incredibly smart, which, combined with their high prey drive, makes training them difficult. They need consistent training from a very young age. You must train them to respect you early on, which can prevent behavior issues down the line. Again, the Dogo Argentino is a poor choice for inexperienced or underconfident dog owners. These dogs are stubborn and instinct-driven, making training quite a challenge. They also respond well to positive reinforcement.

Once you have established consistent behavior expectations, you must reinforce them periodically as your dog ages. Learn more about difficult dog breeds to train.

Health

Cane Corsos have a lifespan of nine to 12 years. Dogo Argentinos have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Generally speaking, both breeds are relatively healthy. However, there are a few health conditions to be aware of. As large breeds, both are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. These are genetic conditions that causes the joint to not form properly and can cause irritation, inflammation, pain, limping, and decreased mobility.

Cane Corsos are at a higher risk of gastric dilation volvulus, also known as canine bloat. This condition occurs when the stomach suddenly twists in on itself, stopping blood flow and causing life-threatening inflammation.

Dogo Argentinos are at risk for a few genetic health conditions. The most prevalent of these is deafness. Deafness runs in dog breeds with lighter coats, including the Dogo Argentino. They can experience complete or partial loss of hearing. Dogo Argentino puppies should have a BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) to test for hearing loss, which is done by the breeder.

Dogo Argentinos are also at a higher risk for glaucoma, which is a painful eye condition that occurs when fluid does not properly drain from the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness, so if you notice any redness, squinting, or irritation in your Dogo’s eyes, it’s best to have them checked out. It can affect both breeds. Dogo Argentinos are at a higher risk of developing entropion, a disease that affects the eyelids, causing them to roll inwards. This causes pain and swelling and can lead to corneal ulcers and vision impairment.

Another thing to note is that Dogo Argentinos are prone to allergies, especially skin allergies, though they can also have dietary and environmental allergies. They also have an elevated risk of sunburn due to the non-pigmented skin underneath their white hair.

Both these big breeds are susceptible to obesity, which puts excess weight and stress on their skeletal system and joints. It is essential to keep your large breed at a healthy weight to prevent these issues. Additionally, obese dogs are at a higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer.

Nutrition

You can expect to spend a small fortune to feed either of these two breeds. As the larger of the two, Cane Corsos eat more. They need about 2,100 calories per day for adult, active dogs. They eat about five cups of food a day, depending on the kind and their specific size. Dogo Argentinos need a little less, about four to four and a half cups per day. They should have about 1,200 to 1,700 calories per day, depending on their size, age, and activity level.

Cane Corsos are susceptible to bloat, so they should eat multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than two or three large ones. This can also apply to Dogo Argentinos, as large dogs can quickly succumb to canine bloat.

Both breeds must eat dog food formulated for large breeds. This is especially important as puppies, as large breeds grow at a different rate and require a diet that is lower in fat and calories, as well as has a specific calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Protein is especially important, so you should look for a large-breed puppy food that contains about 26% protein. Too much calcium for large breeds can be dangerous because it can cause skeletal abnormalities during growth. Large breeds that eat too many fats and calories can put on weight too rapidly, leading to a higher risk of hip dysplasia, joint issues, and osteochondrosis. Stick to dog foods that contain about 15% fat for large-breed puppies.

As an adult, it is also best to stick with large breed formulas for both breeds. Protein continues to be very important. Look for foods that use named animal meats rather than substitutes or byproducts. You may want to consider incorporating fresh dog food into your pup’s diet. At any age, this can add a boost to flavor and nutrition. Fresh foods can be a better option for dogs with allergies, like the Dogo Argentino. Learn more about the best fresh dog foods, as well as human-grade dog food options.

Grooming

Both breeds require regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy. Cane Corsos must be brushed twice to three times a week to remove dead hair, debris, and dander and maintain a silky shine. They do not shed significantly but will blow their coat twice a year and may need additional deshedding at that time. You must also bathe your Cane Corso every two to three months. Be sure to clean out their ears at least once a week and brush their teeth every two to three days. Nails should also be clipped regularly. If this is difficult for you to do because your dog is so large, your veterinarian or local pet store usually offers this service for a nominal fee.

Dogo Argentinos have a soft, short coat. They shed significantly more than the Cane Corso and need brushing every two or three days with a short bristle brush. You must also be careful to always use sunscreen when your dog is outside, as they are susceptible to sunburn. They also need bathing every four to six weeks using a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically made for dogs. You should trim their nails at least once a month and brush their teeth twice to three times weekly.

Puppy Prices

Both breeds can be quite expensive to adopt from a purebred breeder. Cane Corso puppies range in price from about $900 to over $5,000. Show-quality puppies, including those with rarer colors, cost more, but pet-quality puppies should range between $900 and $1,000.

Dogo Argentinos are also pricey pups. A purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will cost between $1,500 and $3,000 or more. When adopting a Dogo Argentino, it’s helpful to ensure that they have already undergone hearing screening and testing for deafness.

Because both breeds are quite large, have strong prey drives, and are challenging to train, they often end up in rescues and shelters. Adoption fees for rescue pups can be much lower, but you will not get as much history or health information about the dog. You can try breed-specific rescues like the Dogo Argentino Rescue or Cane Corso Rescue, Inc., which are an excellent place to start. You can also check with your veterinarian and local rescue groups to see if they have either of these two breeds. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to about $500 to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue.

Other Large Breeds To Consider

If you love large dog breeds, there are a few more to consider. If you are looking for a giant teddy bear dog, consider a Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Giant Schnauzer, or a lovable Great Dane. These breeds are big in body and heart, love people, cuddles, and make great family pets. You can also consider a mix, like the Labrador Retriever Cane Corso. Keep in mind that large breeds come with an extra level of care and caution, so be sure you are ready before bringing one home.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle is a dog owner with over thirty years of experience. She has raised several large dogs, including breeds known to be aggressive. Danielle is dedicated to giving rescue animals a second chance and currently is the proud mom to four of them. Her two pups, Falkor and Daisy, regularly assist in her research. Danielle has a professional background in education and behavior management and a decade of work as a professional researcher. She works alongside a dedicated team at Canine Journal to provide other dog parents with the most up-to-date, best, and relevant information to help give their dogs extraordinary lives.