In the world of dogs, comparisons between somewhat similar breeds are frequently made, such as the German Shepherd and the Cane Corso. However, have you ever considered what a German Corso hybrid may look like?
Well, you definitely had – and that’s why you’re here.
Both the German Shepherd and Cane Corso are very popular large breed dogs. So, it should not be surprising to see dog lovers walking around with their Cane Corso Shepherd mix pups.
But whether you believe it or not, while both parent breeds are popular, the GSD Cane Corso mix hybrid dog is still considered rare. And in fact, it hasn’t been recognized by most kennel clubs, as well as by any designer dog registries as of writing.
So, if you are into rare finds in the canine world, and you are wondering whether this mixed breed dog could be a great addition to your family, then, this guide is for you.
Breed At A Glance:
Size: 24 to 28 inches tall
Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
Energy Level: High energy level
Lifespan: 9 to 13 years
Breed Overview
German Shepherd Cane Corso mixes, often referred to as German Corso or Corso Shepherd, is a rare breed of hybrid dog created by mating German Shepherds and Cane Corsos.
It's a big, devoted, smart dog that wants nothing more than to please its owners. This large dog breed is also prompt in defending its home and family.
Given the qualities shared by both parent breeds, German Corsos are regarded as excellent guard dogs. They can also be wonderful household pets if they are properly socialized and taught from a young age.
Cane Corso German Shepherd History
It is difficult to determine the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix's origin. In fact, canine historians have not yet verified facts regarding the deliberate or unintentional breeding of this hybrid dog.
So, just like other designer dogs, or mixed breed dogs that are bred by crossing two purebred parents, we can have a better perspective about the German Corsos by looking at the history of the parent dogs.
German Shepherd History
Captain Max von Stephanitz was the guy who first bred the German Shepherd in Germany. They were developed in 1899 to be working dogs that would protect and herd sheep.
This very intelligent dog breed was well-known throughout Germany because of its excellent working characteristics, cleverness, and loyalty to its masters. Not to mention that this dog is really lovely!
Max von Stephanitz, who possessed extraordinary insight, foresaw a reduction in the market for sheepdogs and set out on a mission to breed one of the most adaptable working dogs for future generations.
By conducting a rigorous breeding program with Hektor Linksrhein as the founding sire, Stephanitz succeeded in developing the Alsatian (or German Shepherd dog) where the Phylax Society had failed to standardize German dog breeds.
Due to their extraordinary intelligence, German Shepherd dogs are still used today for jobs in security, herding, search, and other situations. In 1908, the American Kennel Club formally recognized them as a breed.
Cane Corso History
The Cane Corso is a really old—in fact, an ancient breed – that originated in Italy, despite the fact that the American Kennel Club (AKC) did not formally recognize it until 2010. It also goes by the name Italian Mastiff and Cane Corso Italiano.
Cane Corsos are direct descendants of the large, heavily employed molossus dogs that were raised in Ancient Rome for hunting, guarding, and protection.
The Cane Corso arrived in America in the 1980s, but the American Kennel Club only recognized it as a dog breed in 2010.
Although not the most well-known breed today, the Cane Corso has thousands of admirers in every nation and has actually spread over the world.
They are currently used by the military and police and are categorized as working dogs. Cane Corsos, however, are also good family pets.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix Appearance
The GSD Cane Corso mix has no absolute look. This huge dog can inherit qualities from both of its parents, just like any other mixed breed dog.
Each pup from the litter may look different from the other, depending on whether they inherit more from the gene pool of their German Shepherd parent or from their Cane Corso parent.
However, as mentioned earlier, in general, the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix is a medium-to-large-sized dog that can stand anywhere between 20 to 28 inches, and weigh around 70 to 100 pounds. You can also expect that male German Corsos to be larger and more muscular than females.
Other physical characteristics can vary. The shape of a dog's body, whether it has a round or elongated head, a short or long nose, erect or floppy ears, and other characteristics are all influenced by genetics.
Coat and Colors of the German Corso Puppy
The Cane Corso is known for their short, double coat, while the German Shepherd features a medium-length, double-layered coat. So, you should anticipate your hybrid puppy to have a double coat that is between short and medium in length.
Both parents are available in a range of hues. Blue, black, fawn or brindle Cane Corsos are among the color options. Typically, GSDs, on the other hand, are tan or tan and black. They might also be available without black marks in solid colors like blue or red.
So, considering the dominance of dark colors in both of their parents, a German Corso pup is most often black, brindle, or tan.
Grooming
Both German Shepherds and Cane Corsos shed from time to time; so, you can also expect your German Corso to shed.
Generally, because of their short coats, they only need brushing once a week. However, they will require more frequent brushing if they have their German Shepherd parent's short-haired coat. Additionally, you can anticipate them to shed heavily twice a year.
This means that this dog breed is not hypoallergenic, and is therefore not suitable for dog owners with allergies.
Bathe them just when necessary to preserve their natural body oils. The quickest and simplest approach to keep your dog clean and odor-free is to use dog deodorizing wipes.
Aside from brushing and bathing, you also need to trim your dog’s nails occasionally, as well as brush their teeth regularly to promote good dental health. Of course, you should not forget to clean their ears to prevent wax buildup that can lead to ear infections.
Personality & Temperament
The German Corso is a smart puppy who is ready to please, much like their parents, but who is also very quick to defend what is rightfully his.
It's crucial to practice positive reinforcement techniques when training this hybrid puppy because they have a tendency to become overly protective and exhibit aggressive behavior.
The likelihood of puppies developing into wonderful members of any family and devoted companions increases as they receive proper training and socialization over time.
German Corsos are trustworthy and loyal dogs. This is excellent if you want a dog that will be heavily involved in your life. They do, however, show a propensity to cling to a single family member. Usually, they choose the individual they believe to be the pack leader.
Because both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd were working dogs in the past, it's crucial to get your dog a job as well. You might not be cool with his tunnels beneath the house or holes in your flower beds if you don't give him a regular role or activity to keep himself busy.
If they are well-socialized, a Cane Corso GSD mix will get along with other dogs with ease. However, because of their high hunting and herding instincts, they do not get along with cats or other small animals in general.
German Shepherd Cane Corso dogs require an experienced owner, ideally one with experience with large dogs. This is due to the fact that they require both stimulation and obedience training to keep them occupied.
Additionally, this breed is not appropriate for first time dog owners. They will occasionally be overly spirited, which calls for a family with spare time to work out with them and make them run out of energy.
German Corsos who are bored also has the undesirable habit of barking excessively. In other words, if you live in an apartment, you may need to relocate or deal with your neighbors often.
Common Health Issues
A healthy German Shepherd dog typically lives 9 to 13 years, compared to the 10 to 12 years on average for Cane Corsos. As a result, we can expect the lifespan of a Cane Corso German Shepherd Cross to be anywhere between 9 to 13 years.
And just like other designer dogs, we cannot ignore that this rare hybrid dog is healthier than its parent dogs because of their hybrid vigor. This is common among mixed-breed dogs.
However, given their genetic ties to the German Shepherd and Cane Corso types, we cannot rule out the possibility that they could develop the health problems that these breeds experience.
Here are some health problems that Cane Corso and German Shepherd hybrids could inherit from their parents:
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
When the elbow and hip joints' ball and socket do not develop or fit properly, they rub against the bone rather than sliding easily. This condition is known as elbow and hip dysplasia.
Elbow and hip dysplasia are common in German Shepherds and Cane Corsos. Large dogs frequently experience this problem, but it can be prevented if neither of the parent breeds has a history of these illnesses.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (also known as Bloat)
This occurs when gas, food, or liquid causes a dog's stomach to enlarge. The stomach then twists, which could lead to more serious issues. In the middle of their lives, huge, deep-chested dogs are frequently affected by this ailment. Overeating, stress, or exercising right after eating are a few examples of what can result in bloating or stomach torsion.
Epilepsy
German Corsos may acquire this condition from their parent breed, the German Shepherd. There is no recognized cure for this and no definite cause. Drooling, drooping, jerking, collapsing, and foaming at the mouth are some epilepsy symptoms. Typically, it preys on puppies between the ages of one and five.
Degenerative Disc Disease
This disease of the spine develops when the intervertebral discs thin out and start to deteriorate. Most often, middle-aged dogs get degenerative disc disease, which worsens over time and eventually results in paralysis.
Other health issues that German Corsos can inherit from their parents are Diabetes, obesity, eye and eyelid problems, hemophilia, and Demodex.
While health issues from the parent breeds can be passed on to German Corso pups, using healthy dams and sires could reduce the likelihood of problems. This is why it's so important to steer clear of puppy mills and choose reputable breeders.
How to Care For a Cane Corso GSD Mix?
Exercise & Living Conditions
To stay a happy and healthy puppy, the German Corso requires lots of exercises every day. You should engage your dog in at least one hour of worthwhile exercise. The adult dogs are quite energetic. However, hybrid puppies shouldn't be overworked.
These active dogs require lots of space in a fenced-in yard to play and run around, as well as daily walks. They can get bored and destructive, like the majority of other working breeds, if they don't get enough exercise.
With their need to stay active every day to keep themselves entertained and healthy, German Corsos are better off living in a house with a fenced yard. These large dogs also bark a lot, which is another reason why they are not suitable for apartment living.
Additionally, they are generally incompatible with other pets and small animals because of their intense prey drives, and hunting and herding characteristics.
This is why it's crucial that they undergo breed appropriate training and early socialization. If given enough time to adjust, German Corsos can learn to get along with animals outside your home.
Diet & Nutrition
Large dogs like the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix require a diet high in nutrients to maintain their happiness and health. They will require high quality dog food that can provide their bodies with vitamins and minerals.
A Cane Corso/German Shepherd mix typically requires three to four cups of dog food each day. They will stay fuller longer if you divide them up across several meals.
Investing in premium dog food that is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids is the finest decision you can make. It's fantastic for maintaining the skin and coat of your dog in pristine condition.
The majority of dog owners overlook the need of including probiotics in their daily diet. These nutrients support the renal and liver health of the canine. To help him stay hydrated and cool at all times, feed your mixed-breed dog lots of fresh water.
Also, since these dogs are prone to being overweight, they should balance their food with exercise to maintain a healthy weight. More importantly, ask your veterinarian for the suggested daily food requirements as each pup has different nutritional demands.
Training
For dogs like the GSD Cane Corso mix, training is essential for raising well-behaved puppies. Training should be quite simple because they are quick learners and natural working dogs. As soon as you bring them home, start basic training.
This mix, albeit intelligent, can be obstinate. They would therefore perform better with an experienced dog owner, ideally one who has expertise with large dogs. They will require a strong, dependable owner who will serve as the pack leader.
In addition, the Cane Corso German Shepherd mix needs at least 1.5 hours of daily physical activity. An energetic adult German Corso requires interactive toys for both physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned earlier, not enough exercise and activities can bore them, and cause them to be destructive.
The ideal time to begin training your puppy is at the 10-month mark. Naturally, it's acceptable to begin establishing some fundamental house rules and commands early. This includes teaching him how to sit, lay down, fetch, enter the crate, or behave when he is on a leash.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
It's important to choose a trustworthy and reputable breeder of German Corsos because these dogs can have temperaments that are challenging to manage. A German Corso should be an intelligent, loyal, courageous, self-assured, and affectionate dog.
Never purchase from backyard or puppy mill breeders. These people only sell puppies to make a profit. So, they are not really particular about the health and well-being of the dogs.
Consider it a red flag when a breeder is selling young dogs as early as 7 weeks old. It's crucial to understand that puppies under eight weeks old shouldn't under any circumstances be sold.
Reputable breeders maintain a clean and secure environment for their canine offspring. If you need a health examination, they will be pleased to give you one.
Additionally, respectable breeders will regard your desire to meet the dog's parents and spend time with them to get a sense of their temperament. They won’t be in a rush to get rid of the puppies.
Price
Expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 on a German Corso puppy if you plan to get one. The puppy's price may exceed the stated price range depending on the breeder, availability, and location.
An adult German Corso from rescues and shelters costs between $150 and $400 to adopt. You may be certain that the hybrid puppy you take home is healthy because the majority of these clinics rehab their rescues before sending them to their new homes.
In addition to the initial expense, you will have to spend money on stuff your dog will require. As a responsible dog owner, some of the essential things that you’ll have to spend on include your dog’s food, bowls, leash, bed, crate, deworming and tick medications, vet visits, vaccine shots, spay or neuter procedure, microchip, grooming essentials, and toys. You can expect to spend around $650 to $2,500 for these essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the GDS Cane Corso mix make a wonderful family pet?
You can be sure that a German Shepherd Cane Corso mix will be a big dog that needs early socialization and consistent, proper training.
With a decent upbringing, he is an amiable dog who gets along well with kids and would be a lovely family pet with some breed-appropriate training. This dog is also likely to be devoted to his immediate family.
Is the German Corso good with other pets?
German Shepherds and Cane Corsos are both recognized for having a high prey drive, and they typically do not get along with cats and other animals. Hence, German Corsos can also be aggressive towards other pets and small animals.
In addition to their herding and hunting instincts, these dogs also have large, powerful jaws, which make them more unsuitable for living with cats, smaller dogs, and other small animals.
Are German Shepherd Corso mixes hypoallergenic?
No. German Shepherd/Cane Corso hybrids are not hypoallergenic. Allergies may result from the fur and dander that this designer breed sheds.
Conclusion
The German Corso, also known as the Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix, is a smart, devoted, and loving dog with a lot of potentials to become anyone's family dog.
First-time or novice dog owners must understand that this is not the best option for them. They are active canines that require appropriate training and lots of exercises to develop into a devoted canine friend.
The German Corso can be an excellent choice for the right owner that can provide him with proper training, early socialization, and daily exercise.
The amount of time you have available should be the most significant consideration before getting a German Corso because you will need to devote a lot of time training and socializing them.
So, if you know that you are not capable of investing time and effort in these two crucial aspects, then, it's best to look for another dog.
