Dog breed comparison
Cane Corso vs Mastiff
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Mastiff is the bigger breed, about 32 kg heavier on average. The Cane Corso tends to live about 3 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cane Corso | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 23 inches to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 27 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 90 to 120 pounds | 130 to 220 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 6 to 10 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.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Intelligence
The Cane Corso is quicker to learn than the Mastiff.
Good with children
The Mastiff is better with children than the Cane Corso.
Easy to groom
The Cane Corso is easier to groom than the Mastiff.
Copes alone
The Mastiff copes better when left alone than the Cane Corso.
Energy
The Cane Corso has more energy than the Mastiff.
Exercise needs
The Cane Corso needs more exercise than the Mastiff.
Which to choose
Cane Corso or Mastiff?
Choose the Cane Corso if…
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
Choose the Mastiff if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Questions.
Is the Cane Corso or the Mastiff bigger, and which lives longer?
The Mastiff is the bigger breed, about 32 kg heavier on average. The Cane Corso 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 Mastiff?
The Cane Corso is generally easier to train than the Mastiff. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cane Corso or the Mastiff?
The Mastiff 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?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
