The cane corso and the German shepherd are two breeds of dog that share many similarities. Both are strong, loyal, intelligent, and highly trainable dogs that make great companions for families or individuals looking for a faithful pet.
They both have powerful protective instincts and will guard their owners if they feel threatened. The cane corso is larger than the German shepherd with a muscular body while the latter has an athletic build which gives it greater agility and speed.
Despite these differences in size and shape, both breeds can be trained to perform various tasks such as herding livestock or tracking game animals. While they may require more effort to socialize than some other breeds due to their natural protectiveness, these traits can be managed with proper training from early on in life.
Appearance
Cane corso typically stands between 23 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and the German shepherd measuring between 22 and 26 inches tall. Though they vary somewhat in coloration, both breeds possess a short, smooth coat that is usually solid black or brown in color.
Their heads are broad with long muzzles, and their ears stand erect when alert. The cane corso has a slightly longer muzzle than the German shepherd, giving it an overall more impressive appearance. They also have muscular necks which taper down to wide chests, thick legs, and tails that may be docked to medium length.
History
The cane corso and the German shepherd have both been known as loyal, strong, and intelligent breeds of dogs for centuries. The cane corso originated in Italy in the 16th century as a working dog used by farmers to guard property, hunt game, and herd livestock.
They are descended from mastiffs brought to Italy by ancient Phoenicians. The cane corso has a muscular build and can be fearless when it comes to protecting their family or property.
The German shepherd is also a relatively old breed of dog that began to gain popularity in the late 19th century. Originally developed for herding sheep, these powerful dogs were soon used for military purposes due to their intelligence and loyalty.
Behavior And Temperament
Behavior With Other Pets
Both breeds have a powerful urge to protect their family, so when it comes to other animals in the home, the cane corso and German shepherd must learn to recognize them as part of their pack. Introducing a new pet should be done gradually and carefully by introducing them while they are held by someone they know and trust.
Behavior With People
They will alert their family if there is an unfamiliar person in the vicinity, though with proper socialization from a young age, they should become accustomed to new people in their environment. Both breeds are highly trainable and respond well to consistent positive reinforcement training.
They are alert and attentive when it comes to detecting potential danger. With consistent physical activity, these intelligent breeds can remain calm while indoors while still being vigilant against possible threats outside their home.
Common Health Issues
Some common issues shared between cane corso and German shepherds include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye anomalies, ear infections, and skin allergies.
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. Elbow dysplasia occurs when the elbow joint does not form properly due to malformation of the bones or cartilage surrounding it.
Eye problems can range from minor irritation to dangerous infections and even blindness. Common eye issues in cane corso and German shepherds include cataracts, entropion, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and distichiasis. All of these conditions can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Lifespan
On average, cane corsos can live for up to 11 years with proper care and nutrition, while German shepherds typically live for up to 13 years. However, this can vary from individual to individual depending on their genetics and the level of health care they receive throughout their lives.
Grooming & Cleaning
- Both should be bathed at least every two weeks with a quality dog shampoo or conditioner to prevent skin irritation.
- Their nails should be trimmed regularly, as well as their ears checked for wax buildup or debris.
- Brushing their teeth is also important to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Cane corsos have short, dense coats that shed moderately throughout the year and require regular brushing to keep them looking neat and tidy.
- They should be brushed once a week with a firm bristle brush to remove any loose hairs. The fur on their face will need extra attention since it can easily become matted from food residue, so combing it daily is recommended.
Diet
Protein should be the main component in their diet to help them build strong muscles and bones.
Fat is an essential part of any canine diet as it helps to provide energy, flavor to meals and aids the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Fats are also an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation caused by allergies or other medical issues.
Carbohydrates help provide energy for active dogs, aid in digestion as well as offer dietary fiber which keeps them feeling full longer between meals.
Vitamins and minerals play a big role in keeping cane corsos and German shepherds healthy by helping keep their immune systems functioning properly. Calcium helps strengthen bones while vitamin C helps promote good vision health. Vitamins A & E along with zinc help support healthy skin & coat growth while vitamin D supports healthy nerve function.
Coat Colors
The cane corso typically has a black, gray, or fawn coat that is often marked with white or brindle patches. They can also have tan markings on their face and legs. The German shepherd has a range of coat colors including black and tan, sable, all-black, blue, liver, and even white.
Adoption
When adopting a cane corso or German shepherd, it’s important to do your research first. Researching different rescues or breeders and inquiring about their backgrounds will help you make an informed decision when selecting a pup.
Additionally, it’s important to speak to any potential adopters about their experience with the particular breed in order to get an accurate understanding of the temperament and any special needs they may have.
It is also important to consider socialization when determining which dog would be better suited for adoption. The cane corso is historically known as a guard dog, so it may require more effort than other breeds to socialize due to its naturally protective nature.
On the other hand, German shepherds have been bred for their obedience and trainability which makes them much easier to socialize than cane corsos if given early exposure and consistent training from puppyhood onward.
As Working Dogs
These breeds can become great guard dogs. Cane corsos and German shepherds both excel at search-and-rescue work due to their intelligence, strength, agility, loyalty, and high level of trainability. They have been utilized by police forces all over the world for tracking fugitives or detecting drugs and explosives.
Cane corsos can make good assistance dogs capable of providing physical help with tasks such as opening doors for wheelchair users or turning on lights for those with impaired vision.
Exercise Requirement
Each breed needs daily physical activity, including long walks or runs, to maintain proper muscle tone and prevent obesity. It’s important for owners to ensure their dogs have plenty of stimulating activities available, such as water sports like swimming or dock diving and more.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise when it comes to these breeds; they need regular puzzle toys or games that challenge their brains as well as their bodies. This helps to keep them engaged and stimulated while also preventing unwanted behaviors from boredom.
Crate Training
Here are some crate training tips for both of these great breeds:
- First, when crate-training your dog, it’s important to make sure that the crate is the right size for them – not too small where they feel cramped but also not so large that they have room to wander around unsupervised.
- Second, before introducing your cane corso or German shepherd pup to the crate, you’ll want to ensure that it’s comfortable by making sure there are no sharp edges on any of its surfaces, adding soft bedding such as blankets or towels, and maybe even some toys or treats inside.
- Third, never leave your pup alone with no supervision until they have been trained properly! This will allow you time to check on them regularly throughout their time in there as well as give corrections if necessary.
House Training
A key step in the house-training process is developing a regular routine for bathroom breaks. This means that the owner should take the cane corso or German shepherd outside at regular intervals during the day, at least every two hours or so, as this encourages them to learn when it is appropriate to relieve themselves. Having a cue such as saying “go potty” can be helpful in teaching this.
Rewarding good behavior with treats or verbal praise is an effective way of reinforcing desired behaviors while eliminating negative ones over time.
Conclusion
The cane corso and the German shepherd are both powerful, loyal breeds of dog that make great companions for those looking for a faithful pet. While they may require more effort to socialize due to their natural protectiveness, these traits can be managed with proper training from early on in life.
Both breeds have strong protective instincts and will guard their owners if they feel threatened. If you’re considering adding one of these dogs as your next furry family member, do some research first – but know that either breed could be an excellent choice!
FAQS
Are There Any Liabilities To Owning A Cane Corso Or A German Shepherd?
Due to their larger size and potential for aggressive behavior if not trained correctly, cane corsos and German shepherds may be seen as more of a liability than other breeds. They can be prone to displays of aggression towards strangers or other animals if they feel threatened or are not given proper leadership and guidelines.
Are German Shepherds And Cane Corsos Healthy Dogs?
Both cane corsos and German shepherds are generally considered very healthy dogs due to their robust constitutions. They are relatively healthy breeds that can enjoy long lifespans and active lifestyles if given proper care and nutrition on a regular basis.
Where Does The German Shepherd Come From?
The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that has its roots in Germany, with the original standard written in 1899. The breed was further developed in the United States by Captain Max von Stephanitz as he sought out to create “the ideal herding dog.”
How Big Do German Shepherds Get?
Males average between 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 65-90 pounds. Females are typically slightly smaller, averaging 22-24 inches tall and 55-75 pounds in weight.
Can You Easily Breed Cane Corsos And German Shepherds Together?
The answer is yes; cane Corsos and German Shepherds can be bred together if done correctly. But it is not recommended that cane Corsos and German Shepherds be bred too often as this could lead to genetic diseases in the litter if done too frequently which would not only harm the puppies’ health but could also lead to financial losses for the breeder as well.
