Dog breed comparison
Bullmastiff vs Cane Corso
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Bullmastiff is the bigger breed, about 5 kg heavier on average. The Cane Corso tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bullmastiff | Cane Corso |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches | 23 inches to 27 inches |
| Weight | 100 to 130 pounds | 90 to 120 pounds |
| Life span | 8 to 10 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Bullmastiff
Developed in England in the 1800s by crossing Mastiffs with Bulldogs, to catch and hold poachers on large estates without mauling them. Gamekeepers called it the gamekeeper's night dog.
It is quiet and calm indoors and rarely barks without reason.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Lymphoma
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
The Cane Corso
An Italian mastiff descended from Roman war dogs, used for centuries to guard farms, hunt wild boar and drive cattle. It nearly vanished in the mid-1900s before Italian breeders revived it.
It is a serious guardian, so socialisation and an experienced owner are essential.
Health to watch
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eyelid problems (entropion, ectropion, cherry eye)
- Idiopathic epilepsy
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with children
The Bullmastiff is better with children than the Cane Corso.
Energy
The Cane Corso has more energy than the Bullmastiff.
Exercise needs
The Cane Corso needs more exercise than the Bullmastiff.
Intelligence
The Cane Corso is quicker to learn than the Bullmastiff.
Shedding
The Cane Corso sheds more than the Bullmastiff.
Apartment living
The Bullmastiff copes better in an apartment than the Cane Corso.
Which to choose
Bullmastiff or Cane Corso?
Choose the Bullmastiff if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that sheds less
Choose the Cane Corso if…
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Questions.
Is the Bullmastiff or the Cane Corso bigger, and which lives longer?
The Bullmastiff is the bigger breed, about 5 kg heavier on average. The Cane Corso tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bullmastiff or the Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is generally easier to train than the Bullmastiff. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bullmastiff or the Cane Corso?
The Bullmastiff is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Cane Corso can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Bullmastiff sheds less than the Cane Corso. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Bullmastiff and Cane Corso have?
The Bullmastiff is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, lymphoma. The Cane Corso is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eyelid problems (entropion, ectropion, cherry eye). Both share a risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
