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Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix: Info Pictures, Personality & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

cane corso and german shepherd face

Height: 23 – 28 inches
Weight: 65 – 110 pounds
Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
Colors: White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black
Suitable for: Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament: Cautious, watchful, loyal, alert, loving

Certain folks are looking for a prize-winning protector to guard their home from invaders. It’s nice to know that you have a canine friend on the lookout all the time when you can’t be home or when you’re sleeping.

If you’re looking at mixed breed dogs that harness these qualities, the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a perfect candidate. Not only are these dogs incredibly beautiful but they also have an insane amount of intelligence and protective nature. Let’s discuss in detail what it’s like to own one of these incredible mixes.

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Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Because the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a crossbreed, prices differ quite a lot. The most important factor when you get one of these dogs is discovering a reputable breeder.

Often when you get crossbreed like this, these dogs can come from poor situations due to backyard breeding or puppy mill situations. When this happens, the puppies are usually very unhealthy with questionable temperaments.

The dogs are typically kept in less than favorable conditions, which can rack up much more vet costs down the line. And by purchasing from these types of breeders, you are supporting the continuing of this practice. So, always make sure to screen for a reputable breeder.

 

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix

1. Both parent breeds are excellent guard dogs.


2. Both parent breeds are from Europe.


3. Cane Corsos are brachycephalic, while German Shepherds have long snouts.

The parent breeds of Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix
The parent breeds of Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix: Left – German Shepherd (Anna Dudkova, Unsplash) | Right – Cane Corso (Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock)

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix🧠

The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a dog that doesn’t mess around. They might be goofy and friendly with their family and those they consider a part of their pack; however, when it comes to outsiders, they will be highly selective on who they deem worthy of hanging out.

These dogs are brilliant, picking up on training concepts with ease. Because they care so much about what their owners think, they are generally incredibly obedient and eager to please.

Your assurance means more to them than anything else. So, they are very likely to listen to you if you tell them the situation is acceptable. However, they can be a little stubborn from time to time.

When it comes to the looks of the German Shepherd and Cane Corso, these hybrids look like very amiable dogs. But they can sometimes be a little temperamental with strangers, and they might be selective about who is allowed to have their attention.

It’s best to inform your company to be a little bit hands-off until the dog is used to them. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. Some dogs in this crossbreed might be silly and outgoing, not really taking an issue with strangers at all.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?🏡

The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix can be an outstanding canine selection for families. They work equally as well with single owners. However, due to their size and energy levels, we do not recommend them for older adults.

These dogs make loving, loyal companion animals who fiercely devote themselves to their family unit. They do surprisingly well with children, taking on a parental role most of the time. And due to their high energy levels, they can make fantastic backyard playmates.

As with any canine, supervision is necessary with smaller children. These dogs take a while to grow into their feet and can knock down younger children by accident. We recommend this breed for ages 6 and older.

We also want to point out that if you adopt an older dog of this breed, you definitely want to make sure they match with every person in your home. This mix does incline to attach itself to one group of people or a person.

If the dog is rehomed, it might take a long time for them to warm up. They might never get used to a new setting if it’s drastically different from what they have experienced so far in life.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

These dogs can do exceptionally well with other canines, permitting they’re well-socialized from an early age. Some dogs might exhibit territorial aggression or not get along and same-sex pairs. However, you can curb this tendency if they are exposed to new situations early on.

These dogs might have a high prey drive, often making them incompatible with cats and smaller animals. You will need to keep a close eye on any interactions with smaller pets as they have powerful jaws. Even if they are playing, it can end up badly for a smaller pet.

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Things to Know When Owning a Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

The Cane Corso German Shepherd mix does not need any specialized diet per se. However, because this is a highly energetic breed, they will need dog food that nourishes their muscles and fills their bodies with vitamins and minerals.

They would benefit from a higher protein diet as they tend to burn many calories throughout the day. You can work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action when it comes to diet.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you serve them a commercial-based dry kibble, wet food, raw, or homemade diets. Each one has its benefits and downfalls, and it will depend on your individual dog.

Always make sure that if you choose any raw or homemade recipes then you double-check the ingredients with your veterinarian. They can determine that all of the nutritional profiles are met.

Exercise🐕

The German Shepherd is an incredibly high-energy breed that needs both mental and physical stimulation daily. Cane Corso’s are a bit more relaxed, especially calming down as they age. Even still, with this combination, you are more likely to get a higher energy dog than not.

This breed will be plenty of exercise. You should only purchase this dog if you can accommodate their needs. On average, this dog should have at least 60 minutes of strenuous exercise per day, but they will gladly take more.

This dog would be a great candidate for backyard running. If you have space to have a secure fenced-in backyard, they would love to take some time to run some laps, burning off some steam. They would also make fantastic jogging buddies, or basically, any outdoor adventure would suffice.

Their exercise is best broken up throughout the day. Ideally, they have multiple sessions rather than a singular energy burst. Without the appropriate amount of activity, these dogs can exhibit rambunctiousness and nervousness. Those traits can lead to destructive behaviors.

Training🦮

Because of the stubbornness and high strong nature of the cane Corso German shepherd mix, they would do excellent with professional training. Otherwise, you have to have a very firm hand when taking care of the breed.

They follow commands with efficiency, but they do need lots of channeling and direction during adolescence. Once your dog has basic commands down, you will wind up a well-trained animal with superb self-control.

Grooming✂️

The German Shepherd has a very thick double coat, so they are very heavy shedders. Cane Corsos, on the other hand, have tight, short coats, and they are pretty light shedders.

When you combine the two, you can basically get any coat type in between. Your dog might have shorter fur that’s easier to maintain. Or, they can have very thick fur that you have to brush frequently. In any case, these dogs probably benefit from everyday brushing.

It would be best if you bathe your dog or take them to a professional groomer once every 4-6 weeks to maintain coat health. Remember to brush your dog’s teeth daily to remove any tartar and plaque that might be building up.

These dogs benefit from regular nail trims and your cleaning as needed.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Because this is a mixed-breed dog, they can take on any health concerns from either side. While both breeds are generally pretty healthy, that doesn’t mean that they will be problem-free. A lot of their health depends on breeding practices and the temperament of parents.

One great way to maintain your puppy’s health is to keep up with regular veterinary check ups comma keeping them up to date on necessary vaccinations and wellness visits.

Minor Conditions
  • Demodex mange
  • Eye disorders
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat

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Male vs. Female

Because this is a mixed breed, differences between males and females aren’t as notable. The Cane Corso is slightly bigger and heavier than a German Shepherd. So, depending on what side the puppy takes after, the size can vary in either direction. As far as personality is concerned, both genders might be slightly selective about who they get close to but females are typically a little bit more same-sex dog aggressive.

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Final Thoughts

If you think that the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix sounds like a fantastic dog for you, it’s time to start shopping around. Remember that these kinds of crossbreeds can be very susceptible to backyard breeding, mainly because there are no legal regulations yet. However, try to find a reputable breeder, and when in doubt, you can search for one of these excellent mixes at a local rescue or shelter.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Left – Lucie-Malouin, Pixabay; Right – shelma25, Pixabay

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