Have you been considering adopting a powerful dog like the Cane Corso or Dogo Argentino? If so, it is a good idea to do your research on both of these impressive dog breeds first.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything to know about both breeds. Then, you can decide which one will fit best with your life!
Both the Dogo Argentino and the Cane Corso are stunning in appearance with imposing looks and powerful athletic builds.
However, the Cane Corso is slightly bulkier and more Mastiff-like than the Dogo Argentino.
Alternatively, the Dogo Argentino is slightly smaller than the Cane Corso with a lighter frame.
These capable canines require experienced owners ready to devote plenty of time and energy to training and socialization from an early age.
What to Know Before Adopting a Large and Powerful Dog Breed
Adopting a large and powerful dog such as the Cane Corso or the Dogo Argentino is a big commitment.
If you are new to dog ownership or are simply looking for more information before choosing the perfect breed for your lifestyle, this guide is for you.
The Cane Corso and the Dogo Argentino are usually categorized as Working Group dogs. However, the Cane Corso is sometimes also classified as a miscellaneous or Non-Sporting Group breed depending on its bloodline.
Both of these dogs are powerful and athletic. So, think about the commitment you are making before taking home a puppy.
Everything to Know About the Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino, sometimes also called the Argentino Dogo, is a white dog that has powerful muscles and is large in size.
This breed was developed in Argentina. Created to hunt wild game like deer, boar, and other large animals, this is a capable and relentless dog.
The founder of this breed was a man by the name of Antonio Nores Martinez. He wanted to create a breed that would exhibit steadfast personality traits and unwavering loyalty.
Through a process of selective breeding, he created this brave, protective, and intelligent dog.
Height:
Averages 25 inches at the shoulder
Weight:
Averages 88 lbs
Group:
Working
Origins:
Argentina
Dogo Argentino History and Development
The Dogo Argentino is a relatively new breed. It was first registered in 1928. This dog breed contains a mix of Cordoba Fighting Dogs and Bulldogs. It also implements breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux, Pointer, Bull Terrier, and Great Dane.
Antonio Nores Martinez was a professor and surgeon who wanted a capable big game hunting dog that would be good at guarding and loyal to its owner.
Antonio Martinez chose to breed mainly Cordoba Fighting Dogs and mix them with other breeds to create the Dogo Argentino.
Today, the Cordoba fighting dog is extinct and its closest living relative is the Dogo Argentino.
By the mid-1930s, the Dogo Argentino breed was well established. In 1970, a Doctor by the name of Raul Zeballos brought the first specimens of Dogo Argentino to the United States.
Initially, he brought six dogs. All of the Dogo Argentino dogs in the United States today are likely descendants of these first six dogs.
Dogo Argentino Appearance and Physical Traits
In appearance, the Dogo Argentino is large and powerful with a sleek, well-muscled, gently tapered frame. It has a swift yet powerful body and symmetrical features.
This dog will have a short coat that is completely white in color. This white coat color was implemented to help game hunters easily spot these dogs as they ran through dense underbrush hunting boar.
Any kind of spot or marking on this dog’s body is considered a flaw. However, Dogo Argentino dogs can have one black or brindle spot or patch on their heads. This spot is known as the Pirata and is accepted in the breed standard.
Dogo Argentino dogs can be anywhere from 24 to 27 inches tall. They may weigh anywhere from 88 to 100 pounds. This dog has a wide head with a domed skull and a muzzle that is slightly higher at the nose.
The tail of the Dogo Argentino is low and thick at the base with a tapered point. The Dogo Argentino looks similar to the American Bulldog.
However, Dogo Argentino dogs are taller than Bulldogs. Many people also compare the Dogo Argentino to the American Pitbull Terrier, although Pit Bulls are smaller and weigh less.
Dogo Argentino Grooming Needs
With a short sleek coat, the Dogo Argentino is relatively easy to groom. This dog will require a bath every two to eight weeks, depending on how active they are and how dirty their coat gets outdoors.
Dogo Argentino dogs do not shed frequently and will require minimal brushing.
Dogo Argentino dogs may have skin sensitivity issues, so hypoallergenic shampoo is recommended. Like any dog, this breed will also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning.
Dogo Argentino Activity, Health Issues, and Life Span
Like the Dalmatian, Bull Terrier, and White Boxer, Dogo Argentinos may experience pigment-related hearing issues.
In fact, these dogs are more likely to be deaf than other breeds with darker coat colors. Approximately 10% of all Dogo Argentinos are deaf in at least one ear.
Additionally, the Dogo Argentino is likely to suffer from common large-breed health problems. These include issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. To prevent these problems, a carefully balanced diet beginning in puppyhood is recommended.
Apart from these issues, the Dogo Argentino is a relatively healthy dog with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
This dog may also be highly active and require ample amounts of daily physical activity. So, if you have been looking for an active dog that will enjoy jogging with you every day, this breed is worth considering.
All About the Powerful Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an ancient breed of dog that originated on the Italian Peninsula. It is rumored that the Cane Corso was originally bred by the Romans.
These dogs are incredibly adept and capable of learning a range of tasks. With a powerful stocky build and an imposing muscular aesthetic, this is a beautiful and unique dog that will turn heads anywhere.
Large and athletic, Cane Corsos are known for being excellent companions and guard dogs.
The ideal Cane Corso will be steadfast and calm with a tranquil disposition and the ability to distinguish strangers from the people that it knows.
Height:
Averages 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight:
Averages 100 lbs
Group:
Non-Sporting or Working
Origins:
Ancient Rome / Italy
Cane Corso History and Legacy
Cane Corsos were used for hunting, herding, guarding, and protection applications in the ancient world.
Today, they still do many of these jobs in Europe. This Italian dog breed is a descendant of the Mastiff.
However, according to some Italian dog breed registries, the Cane Corso descends from the Molossoid dogs of the Ancient Romans.
These Molossoid dogs were bred by the Greeks to assist with a range of herding and livestock protection applications.
In the mid-1960s, the Cane Corso became exceptionally rare and nearly went extinct. However, in 1983, the Società Amatori Cane Corso group was formed to protect the remnants of the Cane Corso breed.
By the year 1994, the breed was recognized by the Ente Nazionale Della Cinofilia Italiana.
The Cane Corso was later officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the year 2010. Today, there are only about 5,000 Cane Corsos registered in Italy.
Cane Corso Traits and Appearance
Cane Corsos are large and powerful and can weigh anywhere from 90 to 110 lbs. This dog averages 27 inches tall at the shoulder and can come in a range of coat colors.
These coat colors include brindle, gray, tan, red, and black. Black Is the most widely recognized Cane Corso coat color. The coat of the Cane Corso is short, sleek, and smooth with a glossy shimmer.
Grooming a Cane Corso
Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino grooming requirements are almost identical. This dog will need regular nail trimmings, teeth cleanings, and bathing every two to eight weeks.
Since the Cane Corso may be suspicious of strangers, it is a good idea to get this dog used to the groomer from an early age.
Lifespan, Health, and Physical Needs of a Cane Corso
The lifespan of a Cane Corso is directly correlated to its coat color. Black or brindle Cane Corsos tend to live the longest with an average lifespan of 10 years old.
The Cane Corso is a relatively healthy breed. However, these dogs may suffer from a range of common large breed health issues including hip dysplasia, aortic conditions, and elbow dysplasia.
Comparing Dogo Argentinos and Cane Corsos
As you can see, there are many similarities between the Cane Corso and the Dogo Argentino.
However, these dogs differ in size, have different facial structures, and require different levels of daily physical activity.
The Dogo Argentino looks more like a Pit Bull while the Cane Corso looks more like a Mastiff. The Cane Corso is larger and heavier than the Dogo Argentino.
Also, the Dogo Argentino is likely to require more daily physical exercise than the Cane Corso.
Similarities Between The Dogo Argentino and The Cane Corso
- Both are rare breeds with versatile capabilities
- Both breeds are intelligent
- Guarding and hunting instincts are strong in both breeds
- Both dogs have an imposing muscular appearance
- Grooming either dog is easy with their short soft coats that shed minimally
- Both dogs are socialized and trained competently from puppyhood
- Both dogs have been used for hunting and guarding
Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and The Cane Corso
- The Cane Corso is larger than the Dogo Argentino
- The Dogo Argentino only comes in one coat color (white)
- The Cane Corso comes in many coat colors
- Cane Corsos often have lower energy levels than Dogo Argentinos
- Cane Corsos are more suspicious of strangers
- Dogo Argentinos are prone to deafness
- Dogo Argentinos are likely to be more energetic than Cane Corsos
- The Dogo Argentino is sleeker and lighter than the Cane Corso
- Dogo Argentinos may have a higher prey drive than Cane Corsos
- The Dogo Argentino has a more Bulldog-like look
- The Cane Corso has a more Mastiff-like look
Personality, Training, and Temperament of These Dogs
As big game hunting dogs, Dogo Argentinos possess keen senses and have very tenacious personalities.
Sometimes, these dogs are even trained for search-and-rescue applications. They can also be used as police dogs, service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and military dogs.
Both dogs are courageous and strong. They are naturally inclined to protect their owners and families.
Both dogs are also very social and like to be included in family activities at all times. So, if you will be away from home most of the day, this is not the best breed to choose.
If socialized properly, either dog should get along well with other animals in the household. These dogs are also bred to have a steady temperament and can be trusted with children provided that they are properly trained and socialized.
Cane Corsos are slightly more suspicious of strangers than Dogo Argentinos. However, each dog is unique and may display different temperament traits and personality quirks.
Both of these dog breeds are best suited for trainers with experience, patience, confidence, and skill.
Neither of these dogs should be owned by novices. Without adequate training and socialization, either of these breeds could be dangerous for novice dog owners.
What to Look for in Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino Puppies
As with any large breed, be sure to only adopt a puppy from a trustworthy, reputable, responsible breeder.
As you search for the perfect puppy, choose a reliable breeder who has completed OFA Health Testing on all breeding pairs. This testing helps to prevent hip dysplasia and more.
If you plan to rescue an adult Dogo Argentino or Cane Corso from your local animal shelter, it is wise to have plenty of training and experience first.
If not properly socialized at a young age, either breed can be suspicious of strangers, aggressive toward other dogs, dangerous around children, and unsafe around other pets.
However, with an experienced trainer, socialization, daily exercise, and lots of patience, either of these dogs can be excellent companions!
