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Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix: What Do You Need to Know?

Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix

A mix of the Cane Corso Mullmastiff combines two large, strong breeds. These dogs are beautiful, and many owners enjoy this combination of breeds because they are relatively unusual. However, you will benefit from knowing as much about the mix as possible.

What do you need to know about the Cane Corso Bullmastiff mix?

As a mixed breed, the dog can have traits similar to one or both breeds. However, these are large dogs that require training, so read on to learn more about this mix.

This video shows some Cane Corso Bullmastiff puppies. You will get a good idea of what the dogs look like as adults by watching these puppies.

What Are Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix?

Although a beautiful, unique dog, there are many reasons that some consider the Cane Corso Bullmastiff cross a somewhat challenging dog to have. To understand more about why these dogs are challenging, a closer look at the breeds is necessary.

Jan Reisen describes Cane Corsos as being formidable as well as loving. This description would also describe mixes very accurately.

The fact that both breeds can weigh around or exceed 100 pounds. Both breeds have a muscular build also found in mixes.

When you have one of these dogs, good control when leashed is essential. Otherwise, you might have awkward moments when you have your dog out in public. Early leash and basic obedience training will make a difference in the long run.

These dogs will require a lot of socialization to avoid becoming protective of their families to the point of standoffishness with people outside their household. Positive training methods are always desirable to avoid aggression.

These dogs are often wrongfully miscategorized as being aggressive when they are poorly socialized or trained.

If you cannot keep proper control over one of these dogs, it may lead to problems. You may want to consider what training resources you have.

Although these mixes are often excellent family dogs, they are not a breed to sit around the house without any stimulation. Dogs that are a mixture of Cane Corso and Bullmastiff excel as working dogs.

Although these dogs do not need to be used for work to be happy, regular activity will make a difference. These mixes are not suitable for households where they are alone all day without much interaction.

If you are unprepared to deal with the needs of a large dog that is protective by nature and requires activity, this breed may not be for you. However, if these treats are something you are ready for, read on to learn why to get this mix.

What Are Reasons Why You Should Get a Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix?

Cane Corso Mullmastiff mixes tend to be fearless and courageous, largely owing to their parent breeds’ origins as guard dogs. These dogs are very protective of family members of all ages, including many children in your household.

James Davis describes this crossbreed as having to be big-hearted. Despite their large size, many are willing to take a chance on these giant-sized dogs and are satisfied.

These dogs are responsive to training when positive reinforcement methods are used. Both breeds have reputation for having a high intelligence level, which is also evident in mixes of either breed. Cane Corso Mullmastiffs are intelligent dogs.

People with children will enjoy this dog’s tendency to be playful. Because of the size and easy ability to knock kids down, these dogs will often do better with older kids. Proper training and socialization help make these dogs excellent with kids.

If you enjoy having a dog that wants to be involved in your family’s life, you won’t go wrong considering a Cane Corso Bullmastiff mix. These are not dogs that like being left alone for long stretches of time or being left in the backyard.

What Are the Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Traits?

The Cane Corso Bullmastiff is a large dog, taking its traits from the two breeds that it is descended from. These dogs are tall, standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. Most of these mixes weigh 85 to 130 pounds.

These dogs may resemble the Cane Corso or Bullmastiff more, or resemble a blend of the breeds. However, one thing to expect is that these dogs will have a powerful build typical of the parent breeds’ backgrounds. They may easily appear fierce.

Brown or tan with black markings is the common coat color. You may also see dogs of this mix that feature brindle coats. Another common coat color is solid black. Gray is another popular color with dogs of this mixture.

Because of the larger size, crosses between the Cane Corso and Bullmastiff have a somewhat short lifespan. Most of these dogs will live 8 to 12 years. The dog’s overall health, diet, exercise, and veterinary care will make a difference in the lifespan.

Cane Corso Bullmastiff mixes have a very protective nature, coupled with being loving to household members. However, owners need to be kind but firm in showing leadership. A dog with the breed composition that this one has can have a dominant personality.

The sooner these dogs are trained and socialized, the more easily they will accept their owners’ leadership. Both breeds that this mix descends from thriving on a stable pack structure where they understand what their people expect.

These dogs take a cautious approach to strangers, accepting new people more willingly with proper introductions. However, these mixes will have a more reserved attitude with unfamiliar people overall.

Since this breed mix enjoys being around its family so much, separation anxiety is a problem owners may have to deal with. These dogs will likely be happiest in families where someone can be at home much of the time.

Where Should You Look for Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Puppies for Sale?

When you opt to buy a Cane Corso Bullmastiff cross puppy, you will want to look for a reputable breeder.

Good breeders promote practices like health guarantees and allow you to see both parents. Avoid breeders who won’t answer questions.

John Carter emphasizes the role that the parents’ health plays, where these dogs lack the traditional pedigree associated with purebred dogs.

Many breeders produce puppies from breedings between a purebred Cane Corso and a purebred Bullmastiff. When this is the case, the pedigrees from the purebred parents can reveal a lot of information about the dogs’ health.

One of the things that many dog owners look for is screening for certain types of health problems, such as orthopedic issues. When either of the parents come from lines devoid of these issues, their offspring will be less likely to have problems.

Because this mix is considered a “designer breed”, you might not see as many in shelter or rescue settings as more common breeds. However, some owners may surrender these dogs if they find their size burdensome or because of behavioral issues.

Even if you do not see dogs listed as Cane Corso Bullmastiff mixes in shelter listings, it does not mean that none are available. Shelter staff or animal control officers must try to identify the dogs they care for to the best of their ability.

Depending on the appearance of one of these mixes, a shelter might label the dog as a Mastiff or Pitbull mix. If you are interested in finding out if one of these dogs is available in a local shelter, browse through the listings to see which dogs match.

There are relatively few rescues that specialize in “hybrid” dogs. However, a rescue that places Cane Corsos or Bullmastiffs may have mixed. These mixes could easily include Cane Corso Bullmastiff crosses.

The cost to acquire a dog from a shelter or rescue setting will depend on different factors, ranging from the dog’s size and age to the area. Another thing that will often vary is the amount of vetting that such dogs receive.

Shelters often do minimal vetting, possibly only including shots. Rescues will be likely to do more vetting, including having the dog spayed or neutered. These are factors to consider when deciding between a shelter or rescue.

How Do You Go About Grooming Your Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix?

Most of these mixes will do well with a weekly brushing to remove dead hairs. Unlike longhaired or double-coated dogs, Cane Corso Bullmastiff mixes are unlikely to go through extended shedding and seldom require professional grooming.

This mix’s coat is best described as short and stiff. The amount of shedding that these dogs do throughout the year is moderate.

Some cane Corso Bullmastiff mixes have inherited genes from the Bullmastiff that give them longer coats. Although this is a rare trait, it is very stunning to see. When your dog has a longer coat, you may need to brush town or three times a week.

You should expect to bathe your dog every two to three months. When you wash a dog more frequently, the coat might be deprived of oils necessary for coat and skin health. A loss of these essential oils leaves dogs more vulnerable to skin issues.

When you bathe your Cane Corso Bullmastiff, consider using a shampoo that contains natural ingredients. These ingredients help condition your dog’s skin and coat for optimal health. A natural shampoo will be less likely to irritate your dog’s skin.

Some dogs have more pungent coat odors than others. However, in most cases, this is not something that you are likely to notice. Keeping an eye on your dog’s activities outside will help you prevent it from rolling in things that smell a lot.

Although it has a minimal effect on your dog’s grooming, both breeds in this dog’s makeup drool a lot. Sometimes, the drool gets into the dog’s facial skin or other areas. You may need to consider giving your dog a quick wipe down daily.

What Are Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Health Problems?

One of the things to keep in mind about “hybrid” or “designer” breeds is that a Cane Corso Bullmastiff can inherit health issues from either or both breeds. Although breeders often provide health guarantees, this is not always a given.

Some of the conditions that large dogs of this size might face include hip dysplasia and ACL tears. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that can severely impact a dog’s mobility. Veterinarians can perform corrective surgery if caught early enough.

ACL tears can also be very disruptive for a dog. Surgery is required to treat these tears and often carries a high price tag. If your Cane Corso Bullmastiff is very active, this type of injury is somewhat more likely.

Large dogs of almost any breed are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. Bone cancer is one of the types of cancer that affects larger dogs more. Some dogs from certain breeding lines are a little more likely to get cancer than others.

Another health concern for Cane Corso Bullmastiff mixes is bloat or gastric torsion. This condition involves a painful twisting of the stomach that often requires emergency surgery. Feeding a dog more than once a day decreases the likelihood of bloat.

What Are Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Food Requirements?

Because Cane Corso Bullmastiff mixes are subject to hip dysplasia, keeping their weight at a healthy level is essential. Many owners overfeed bigger dogs, increasing their chances of obesity. A dog of a healthy weight will be more mobile.

A raw food diet may be an option to keep in mind. However, you want to make sure the foods your dog eats as part of this diet are nutritionally complete. There are prepared raw food diets that you can purchase in pet stores or supermarkets.

Your Mastiff considers premium brands more beneficial for these dogs. Although this mix eats a lot more food than smaller breeds, the benefits are worth the cost.

Foods designed for larger breeds are the most likely to meet your dog’s needs. In addition to providing plenty of protein for muscle support, these foods are also likely to contain joint supplements, decreasing the chances of hip dysplasia and arthritis.

You may also want to consider high-protein formulas. Although these types of food are for all sizes, the extra protein will help keep your dog at a better weight. Maintaining your dog’s weight will help prevent obesity and the resulting issues.

If your dog is still a puppy or young adult, you might want to consider food for large-breed puppies. These types of food promote bone and muscle development for optimal health.

What Are Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Exercise Requirements?

Longer hikes and walks are excellent for giving these dogs the exercise they require. Cane Corso Bullmastiffs can have a high energy level. The more exercise that this mix gets, the better adjusted the dog will be.

A robust game of fetch can be good for these dogs if receptive to retrieving, and many are. However, you might want to use caution with tug-of-war games. Such games may encourage aggressive, dominant behavior.

If you prefer to take your dogs on hikes or walks, consider a tactical harness. These harnesses allow you to attach water bottles or treat bags, and offer better control. You may want to consider having a slip leash for additional control.

Although these dogs enjoy outdoor activity with their owners, this does not mean that they are a breed to be left out in the yard alone. Another thing that owners will want to avoid is keeping these mixed breeds tied or tethered all the time.

How Do You Do Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Training?

Many dog owners consider the Cane Corso Bullmastiff one of the more difficult breeds to train. These dogs are highly intelligent but have a very strong independent streak. One of the things that come with these dogs being intelligent is a desire to please.

Training sessions should take place daily, for shorter intervals. The longer training takes, the more likely the dog is to lose interest. When dogs are not getting proper stimulation, they will create their own adventures.

Make sure your Cane Corso Bullmastiff cross gets used to other people and dogs early. Take your dog on walks in the neighborhood and allow them to interact with people you meet. Consider taking some time to visit a local dog park as well.

If you can afford to do so, you may want to think about using a doggie daycare if you are away from home a lot during the day. This setting is an excellent way for your dog to get used to other pets. Many of these facilities also offer training.

Is the Cane Corso Bullmastiff Mix Ideal for Families?

Cane Corso Bullmastiffs are excellent family dogs with good training. The mix’s status as a family dog extends to children, as well as adults. For the dogs to thrive in a family setting, they must interact with your whole family.

Obedience training is a must for these dogs, to avoid the difficulties that may come about from their size, strength, and territorial nature. Children should always have proper supervision around any dog.