The Cane Corso Mix: 13 mixes with this majestic breed (with pictures)

The Cane Corso breed, sometimes referred to as the Italian Mastiff is a large, muscular dog with a long history of protecting family and guarding land. This giant has a strong-willed and stubborn temperament and is considered highly intelligent. It can appear intimidating to some more novice dog owners, however if raised properly the dog can become a fantastic companion. 

The Cane Corso mixes with many other breeds, ranging from other members of the mastiff family all the way to more peculiar breeds, of which you will discover throughout this article. 

This opens up some fascinating combinations in both look, appeal and temperament. This makes it somewhat unpredictable, but interesting nonetheless. 

The Cane Corso is seeing somewhat of a resurgence of ownership in recent years. Many committed owners are seeing the good side of this breed and dedicating the right time and energy to ensuring a happy life. 

This list aims to demonstrate some of the unique hybrid breed combinations that exist today.

1) Cane Corso Pitbull Mix

The Cane Corso Pitbull mix is confident and imposing. As the name suggests, the breed is a mix of the Cane Corso and common Pitbull. Both breeds are powerful dogs and adept at guarding property and land. 

The appearance of the Cane Corso is short haired and tends to grow very large (up to 110 lb). As you can imagine, the strength of this breed is incredible. The Cane Corso Pitbull mix can come in some beautiful colours, ranging from brindle to grey or blue. Obviously, this will be determined by the coats of their parents. 

In temperament, the Cane Corso Pitbull mix is loyal and eager to please its family and owners. Both breeds have a high prey drive, so owners should be wary of attacks on other animals and even humans if the puppy is not socialised & trained correctly. 

Experienced owners that successfully train the x breed of Pitbull and Cane Corso believe the dog to be a loving and protective family companion. That said, the breed will be challenging and likely not suited to novice dog owners. 

2) Cane Corso Great Dane Mix

Huge. Just huge. If you’re a fan of large dogs, then the Cane Corso Great Dane mix may just be for you. It’s difficult to think of a breed that may be bigger than this. 

The mixing of a Great Dane and Cane Corso will require a lot of space, perhaps even a stable…? 

Jokes aside, if you’re looking into the possibility of owning one, you must make sure that you have adequate living space and a decent sized back garden. 

This mix also goes by the name of the Italian Daniff (clever). Although part of the molossus type dog, this breed is relatively new, despite the fact that both breeds are fairly ancient. Perhaps they were scared of the giant they would create? 

The size of this breed can reach up to 180 lbs and around 30 inches tall. They have large, muscular bodies which they inherit from both sides. They also typically have a large head and skeletal structure that makes them extremely imposing. 

Typically the breed has floppy ears, however some owners across the world choose to crop them, in keeping with trends seen for the Cane Corso. 

Coats for this mix are sleek, short and made up of spectacular colours such as brindle, sable, fawn, blue, and grey or black. On the plus side, the coat also doesn’t shed too much compared to other Cane Corso mixes. 

When understanding the temperament of this cross, it’s worth learning the history behind each breed. The Cane Corso was bred to guard and protect. The Great Dane was more of a hunting companion. Both dogs have a working dog background. Pups will inherit some characteristics of both breeds. 

That said, the Great Dane is typically more sociable and not overly fussed by other humans. It’s hard to say how much or how little of each characteristic your pup will inherit. We recommend meeting your pup before fully committing to ownership. This has the potential to be a real handful or a gentle giant.

3) Cane Corso Rottweiler mix

The Cane Corso Rottweiler mix, also known as a Rotticorso is a dog that needs a job. This hybrid is a tough, rugged cross breed that may just make your heart melt. 

Despite its bruiser-like appearance, the Rotticorso is a work dog that is loyal and loving to the family. 

The Rottweiler has a similarities within history to the Cane Corso in that it was used to guard livestock. However, it was also used to herd and eventually became known as “butcher’s dogs”. In today’s times, the Rottweiler is world famous for its prowess as a devoted protector.

They are big boned in appearance, powerful, strong and tall. However, the sizes can vary typically due to the size variations from the Rottweiler family. You should expect the dog to weigh around 100 lbs and be up to 28 inches in height. Do you have enough room for this? 

The temperament of the Cane Corso Rottweiler mix is fairly simple to judge, they’re kindred spirits in some regards. Both have a loyal and affectionate relationship with family (if raised well), but can show a fierce side to strangers. As always, good socialisation skills are a must. Both breeds are head strong, they need to respect their owners.

4) Cane Corso German Shepherd mix

The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is unique and therefore fascinating. The brain power of this canine is to be respected. If you’re looking for the most revered guard dog, then this combo is for you.

If trained correctly, this mix can make for a spectacular family pet. This dog needs a firm owner who is confident in commands. Plenty of exercise (mentally & physically) is required if you’re going to give this dog a good life. 

Both dogs were bred as working dogs with their main purpose being to guard and protect homes, land and livestock. Both breeds were also used for hunting and as herders. The mix breed has a strong desire to work alongside their humans, they love a job and need it to thrive. 

In appearance, it’s hard to tell what this mix will look like. Despite this being an aged mix, the unique features of each breed result in many combinations of colours such as brindle, fawn, black or blonde. Other characteristics such as ear shape and snout will also change. 

However, one thing you can rely upon is that the German Corso will be big and strong! It’s likely that the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix will grow to be around 27 inches tall and 100 lbs in weight. 

The temperament of this mix is said to have wonderful potential if the owners commit to great training and lifestyle. Remember, this mix needs to work and burn off their boundless energy.

5) Cane Corso Lab mix

The labrador Corso is a mix of two common breeds known as the Labrador Retriever and the Cane Corso. That’s a whole lot of personality bred into one puppy! 

This may not be a dog for everyone, especially if this is your first foray into dog ownership. Many aspects of each breed’s personality will be passed down from their parents, if you have the opportunity to meet the parents before committing to a pup, then we strongly recommend you take that up. 

The lab is world famous. They make excellent family dogs that come in many colour variations. It has other incredible characteristics such as charm, charisma and friendliness. With boundless energy and a love for family, the lab has that in common with Cane Corso. 

In looks the Cane Corso Labrador mix is blessed with a lot of variety in coat colours, ranging from brindles to black or sandy. They can get to a reasonable size, typically due to the heritage of the Cane Corso which is passed on. The weight of this rare cross breed can range from 56 to 85 lbs. 

The Labrador Corso temperament can vary. If the lab side is more prevalent, you can expect a more even tempered, family orientated dog. This can be beneficial as they may be more welcoming to new people or strangers. As throughout, we recommend trying to get a feel of the personality from both parents of the litter if possible. 

On the other hand if the puppy adopts more of the Corso personality, then you can likely expect more prominent guard dog traits. This is welcomed for protection, but can be a bit overwhelming for many. 

When it comes to affection, both breeds have a lot to give and often dote on their owners. If you’re no stranger to either breed, you’ll know that neither likes to be left alone for any extended period of time. They can become a little needy and need connection and stimulation in order to thrive.

6) Cane Corso Doberman Mix

This hybrid mix can sound very intimidating to your average dog owner. It is the result of breeding a classic Italian mastiff such as the Cane Corso with a German Pinscher type dog, the Doberman. 

Both breeds have a history of protecting and guarding, with the Doberman bred for the very purpose of protecting its owner from thieves back in the Franco-Prussian war. The dog is built for speed, agility, strength, loyalty and intelligence. In recent years, the breed has got a name for itself as a fierce watchdog. 

The combination of these two breeds leads to an intelligent, strong and loyal family dog that makes an excellent guardian of property and land. However, don’t confuse that with being their sole purpose. These companions can also make stunning family pets. 

The cross comes in a variety of coat colours such as brindle, fawn, black and grey. They can become more slender looking vs the classic Cane Corso more muscular look. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean weaker. In weight, this cross can extend over the 100 lbs mark with an average height of 27 inches tall. 

The personality of these dogs can be fairly similar. They’re loyal to a fault and highly intelligent and strong willed. An owner should be prepared to put in the hours when training and socialising this dog. It must respect the owner as the alpha of the pack, this means strong leadership skills and a commanding presence are necessary. 

The Cane Corso Doberman mix also requires stimulation through work, whether that’s extensive daily exercise or mental stimulation such as sniffing and puzzles. Typically, you should be using both methods to keep your Dober-Corso thriving.

7) Cane Corso Boxer Mix

The Cane Corxer … The what? The Cane Corxer is the name given to the crossbreeding or hybrid breeding of the Boxer dog and the classic Cane Corso Italiano. 

And my god, they’re energetic. 

This is a rather large breed that requires a lot of exercise. They’re strong bodied and require a patient owner with commanding training skills in order to thrive. The Cane Corso Boxer mix can make a fantastic guard dog and a loving member of your family. 

In appearance, they are quite bulky and muscular and have a fairly intimidating look, which can put off some potential owners. However, this isn’t necessarily a true reflection of who they are. The Cane Corso Boxer mix can come in a range of colours, typically in dark tan or brindle. However, fawn is also quite common.

In some dogs, the classic hallmarks of the boxer dog come in such as the white socks, along with the white tummy. As you can imagine, the mix would have a flatter face than your purebred Cane Corso, but also a longer face than your purebred boxer. Many owners of this hybrid breed will also leave the ears as floppy. 

The mix is a fairly large dog, weighing between 80 – 110 lbs. In height, they typically get up to 26 inches. Much of this depends on the build of the Boxer parent, some are more stocky than others. 

The temperament of this hybrid is energetic, strong and more independent than the Cane Corso purebred. They can be more wary of strangers which comes from the Cane Corso side. Owners should aim to train this out of them so that they’re more friendly and welcoming. This is a tough dog with a soft side and they love company, but they can be more picky on who they trust.

8) Cane Corso Husky mix

A hybrid of the Cane Corso and Siberian Husky is called the “Siberian Corso”. This one requires owners with masses of time and patience. That’s because you’re combining two very energetic breeds that also have tendencies to be strong-willed and intelligent. 

Both breeds are historically worker dogs, meaning they love to work with their owners and do jobs to help stimulate this innate desire. Although the Cane Corso trains better than many other mastiffs, it still has a dominant personality. An owner should be well experienced in socialisation and training commands in order to allow this dog to thrive. 

In looks, this dog is striking! A muscular build with mixed length hair, in a range of colours and piercing blue eyes sets them apart from many other hybrid breeds. This unique combination is quite simply stunning to admire. Another great characteristic of this hybrid is its ability to honour the long standing, even ancient heritage of both the Cane Corso and the Husky. 

Both dogs have a high prey drive and require a decent amount of affection and attention from their owners. Although the Husky has a more independent nature than other breeds, combining this tendency with the Cane Corsos desire to be by your side constantly can actually result in a favourable outcome. 

This is a high energy companion, not for the faint hearted. Owners should indulge in daily exercise both physical and mental. We recommend owners have a lot of space for the dog to roam and explore. That said, the Husky in this breed may invoke a more inquisitive personality, often accused of being escape artists… With that said, it’s a good idea to ensure your yard is escape proof. 

The strong personality combination of these two dogs requires an experienced owner that commands respect and is able to show affection whilst meeting the physical and mental needs of this hybrid. 

9) Cane Corso Poodle Mix

This new hybrid is so new and rare, it doesn’t even have a recognised name just yet. Canoodle is the latest effort that may just stick. 

However, just because the Cane Corso Poodle mix is a relatively new hybrid, this doesn’t mean that we’re unsure of what to expect from this breed. Experienced dog owners likely know the common traits of each breed and can therefore put together a rough idea of what the new hybrid may be like. 

The poodle has an interesting heritage, originally used as duck hunters and water retrievers the breed picked up a reputation for being easy to train. As miniature variations were bred, the breed started to make its way into the royal courts of France. 

Their reputation for being easy to train is a perfect crossover with the Cane Corso which is often spoken of as the easiest to train of the mastiff breeds. 

In appearance the hybrid is somewhat hard to pinpoint as it’s still a relatively new breed. Owners have said that a pup can be fairly one sided in the dominant traits that it inherits, whereas on other occasions appear to be a near-perfect mix of the two. 

When breeding the two, breeders can expect a large dog with wavy, medium length coats. They will likely adopt a more muscular frame compared to purebred poodles and have a face that is a little less droopy. The litter may come in a whole variety of different colours. For us, black or grey creates a striking look when combined with the other inherited features. 

The temperament of the Cane Poole mix can vary and therefore present an interesting mix. Their need to please their owners might make them easier to train. If good socialisation skills are adopted then this dog can be a playful companion for the family.

10) Cane Corso Bullmastiff mix

If you love big dogs then the Cane Corso Bullmastiff mix may just be for you. These two giants combine to make an ultimate guard dog with a fearsome presence. But don’t let that intimidate you, these giants are affectionate to their owners and love to please them by helping out with jobs. 

By now you should be very familiar with the Cane Corso traits, but what about that of the Bullmastiff? 

The Bullmastiff is a cross between a bulldog and an English Mastiff. This particular breed was bred in the Victorian era to guard wealthy country estates across England. During this time, many people throughout the country would go poaching, thus trespassing on the land of wealthy owners. 

These dogs were bred to be fierce, intimidating, muscular but also intelligent. To this day they have a great awareness and instinct to guard and protect, so not too dissimilar to the Cane Corso. 

In size the hybrid can expect to measure anywhere between 24 to 28 inches in height and weigh a whopping 130 lbs if the dog inherits more of the Bullmastiff traits.

Other than their size, the appearance of the Cane Corso and Bullmastiff mix produces some wonderful colours, ranging from a sleek an auburn/fawn colour. Other colour coats such as grey and brindle are also fairly common. The head is what you’d expect from an overlap of these breeds, some a bit more droopy than others. 

Owners should dedicate themselves fully to this hybrid. This is a big, energetic dog that needs training, socialisation, jobs and affection. Ideally, you have a lot of space around the house and garden for this one to roam and explore. Daily exercise is a must!

11) Boerboel cane corso mix

Keeping up with the theme of extra large hybrid breeds, the Boerboel Cane Corso mix is no exception. The separate breeds are so alike that many people confuse them with each other (cropped ears permitting of course). 

The Boerboel (pronounced “boo r bull”) dog is the South African mastiff. When the Boers migrated to South Africa they allegedly bought along the “Bullenbeisser” which translates as the “bitter of bulls”. Many of the Dutch that moved to South Africa purchased Bullmastiffs from England in order to protect diamond mines from trespassers. The Boerboel is thought to be a cross of these two breeds. The outcome being a big, fierce looking guard dog. 

In recent years some breeders have combined the Cane Corso with the Boerboel, which is loved by many admirers who adore large dogs. 

In size, the Boerboel Cane Corso mix can reach up to 28 inches tall. When it comes to weight, this hybrid can vary to a surprising degree. Depending on their inherited traits and features, you can expect a pup to grow between 100-200 lbs. That’s huge! Any prospective owner should be well aware of what they’re taking on, you must be physically able to take on this challenge and have adequate space around the house. 

In personality and character, mixed breeds can sometimes be unpredictable. You may have a pup that inherits the calm, measured and confident intelligence of the Boerboel or you may get more of the affectionate and guardian personality from the Cane Corso. 

What’s for the certain is the need to constantly train and stimulate this mix. You may see a pattern emerging from all our Cane Corso posts… The breed needs steady, consistent and confident training from owners in order to thrive. Good socialisation is a must! 

If you love large dogs and you’re up to the challenge of owning the Boerboel Cane Corso mix then we invite you to find a reputable breeder where you get the opportunity to meet both parents and get a feel of the characteristics of each.

12 ) Cane Corso Presa Canario mix

The Cane Corso Presa Canario mix splits opinion. These large dogs have a bad reputation in the mainstream due to their size, however don’t let that fool you. As with other breeds we’ve covered, the Cane Corso Presa Canario mix can also make a wonderful pet. 

There is a lot of overlap in this mix, both being descendants of the molossus line. They love to protect and guard, but have a lot of affection for their owners. These loyal dogs are wary of strangers and require a degree of socialisation in order to function as good household pets. 

In appearance the Cane Corso Presa Canario mix is what you would expect from a mix of bully breeds. You can expect droopiness in the face, a muscular frame (weighing up to 130 lbs) and a range of colours from brindle to fawn. The lifespan of this mix can be anywhere from 9-12 years. 

As worker dogs, this breed has a lot of energy. Owners should be prepared to give them daily exercise up to an hour a day, along with mental stimulation such as sniff puzzles. The mix requires a lot of space, so this is a breed that we’d only recommend if you have enough room to allow. 

13 ) Cane Corso Great Pyrenees mix

The Cane Corso Great Pyrenees mix is a hybrid growing in popularity. The mix is intelligent, devoted and affectionate to owners. Both hybrids have a history of guardian roles, often used to protect land and livestock so despite the differences in appearance, there is a lot of crossover in this mix. 

The dog has a confident presence which many owners love, however this does need to be tempered with consistent training and stimulation from the owner. This is a worker breed, they need to have jobs and are at their happiest when they have a daily purpose. 

In looks, the Cane Corso Great Pyrenees is obviously very large, some weighing up to 120 lbs. Colours of this mix can range from the common white of the Great Pyrenees to the black/grey of the Cane Corso. This is also the case for coat length, it really depends on how much of either parent your particular pup inherits. It’s probably wise to expect a medium/short coat. 

The personality of this mix can be very high energy (worker dog traits). Alongside this, it may appear fairly inquisitive. If you notice this to be the case with your particular dog then you need to make sure you have the ability to give it enough exercise mentally and physically to help satisfy this need. 

The mix will require a lot of training and socialisation. It’s a commitment that any prospective owner needs to be aware of. The domineering presence of this mix requires firm leadership, a purpose and a good amount of attention and affection from their owners. The mix can make a splendid pet if all these needs are met.

As a next step, stay informed about the risks of different types of dog with our Dog Bite Statistics guide, which is updated very frequently.