Dog breed comparison
Cane Corso vs American Pit Bull Terrier
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Cane Corso is the bigger breed, about 21 kg heavier on average. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cane Corso | American Pit Bull Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Terrier Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Large |
| Height | 23 inches to 27 inches | 17 to 19 inches |
| Weight | 90 to 120 pounds | 30 to 85 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 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 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
The American Pit Bull Terrier
Descended from the bull-and-terrier dogs of 19th-century Britain and Ireland, brought to the United States, where it was used as a farm and catch dog. It is recognised by the UKC but not the AKC.
Strongly people-oriented, it is one of the breeds most affected by breed-specific legislation, so check local rules and rental policies.
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Heart disease
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with children
The American Pit Bull Terrier is better with children than the Cane Corso.
Friendly with strangers
The American Pit Bull Terrier is friendlier with strangers than the Cane Corso.
Drooling
The Cane Corso drools more than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Good with other dogs
The Cane Corso gets on better with other dogs than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Apartment living
The American Pit Bull Terrier copes better in an apartment than the Cane Corso.
Exercise needs
The Cane Corso needs more exercise than the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Which to choose
Cane Corso or American Pit Bull Terrier?
Choose the Cane Corso if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Questions.
Is the Cane Corso or the American Pit Bull Terrier bigger, and which lives longer?
The Cane Corso is the bigger breed, about 21 kg heavier on average. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Cane Corso or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cane Corso or the American Pit Bull Terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Cane Corso sheds less than the American Pit Bull Terrier. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Cane Corso and American Pit Bull Terrier have?
The Cane Corso is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eyelid problems (entropion, ectropion, cherry eye). The American Pit Bull Terrier is prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, hypothyroidism. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
