If you’re in the market for a Cane Corso, chances are, you have to decide between male and female Cane Corsos. If you want to make an informed decision as to which of the two suits you, this article is for you.
In general, male Cane Corsos are bigger and more intimidating than females. Although this breed is known for its protectiveness, female Cane Corsos tend to be more reserved and less affectionate than males. Meanwhile, both male and female Cane Corsos share the same lifespan and coat colors.
So, which one should you bring home? If you haven’t decided yet, read along. In this guide, we’ll look at the male and female Cane Corsos side-by-side so you can choose which is best for you!
Physical Differences
Male Cane Corsos
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is one of the world’s largest dog breeds today. But figuring out the gender of a canine can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to do it at a glance.
First off, male Cane Corsos are typically taller than females, reaching up to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 100 and 110 pounds. They’re also more muscular and bulkier due to their large bone structure.
Consequently, these pooches will be suitable for owners with vast yards where they can roam and run around freely.
Furthermore, their size can be overwhelming for those with small spaces, so make sure you have enough room and a big, durable bed for this pup before bringing one home.
Female Cane Corsos
On the other hand, female Cane Corsos are significantly smaller and lighter than males, with an average height of 23.5 to 25 inches and weights ranging from 88 to 100 pounds.
Although both sexes have the same alert and intimidating appearance, you may notice that the female Cane Corso has elegance and gracefulness in their movement.
In addition, these female dogs usually have thinner necks, slender legs, and a rounder body type. These features might make them seem delicate, but they’re just as powerful as their male counterparts. Both genders also share the same coat colors and coat length
Temperamental Differences
Male Cane Corsos
Some people believe that gender has nothing to do with what a pup’s temperament is going to be. Meanwhile, others debate that hormones and genes can influence the dominance or submissiveness of a dog.
When it comes to male Cane Corsos, the latter statement is true. Due to their territorial instincts, males can be more likely to show dominance and aggression than females.
If a male Cane Corso feels threatened, it will display hostility in an attempt to guard its territory.
In addition, they are constantly showing dominance to figure out their position in your home. This may cause them to nip, growl, and bark when they feel you don’t acknowledge them as the alpha dog.
Nevertheless, they’re eager to please their fur parents and have a more steady behavior than female Cane Corsos. However, constant attention is needed as they may try to make a mess if they feel left out.
Female Cane Corsos
On the contrary, female Cane Corsos are more likely to display a warmhearted and reserved demeanor.
This introverted nature makes them inclined toward being overly protective and affectionate only with their favorite family members.
As a result, they can become aloof and may take a long time to warm up to new people and animals. That’s why proper socialization is recommended during puppyhood.
They’re also less dominant than their male counterparts, so expect they will rarely bark unless something unusual happens in their environment.
Occasionally, female Cane Corsos can be stubborn and moody, especially during their heat cycle. They may seem more restless, distressed, and cranky than usual, so it’s best to give them personal space and avoid upsetting them.
Though they may be harder to predict than male Corsos, females can still be easier to train as they mature at a faster rate.
Watch this video to learn more about the differences between male and female Cane Corsos:
Behavior and Training
Male Cane Corsos
As mentioned in the previous section, male Cane Corsos have an innate territorial behavior.
When they’re outside your house, they’ll do their best to mark their territory by urinating on anything that seems they could possess. To prevent this bad habit from developing, neutering or training them is the best option.
However, training male Cane Corsos can be challenging because they tend to be dominant dogs. They’re also easily distracted by other animals and objects, so you have to be firm and consistent with your training.
Luckily, positive reinforcement will help you get through these hurdles. By rewarding your male Cane Corso every time it follows your commands correctly, it will be encouraged to learn new things.
My friend, who has been training difficult breeds for more than 15 years, has determined the male Cane Corso as one of those that takes slightly longer to train because of its alpha-male behavior.
It seems like it knows how strong and muscular it is, and it will try to exude dominance over the trainer as well. My friend exerts more leadership to train the male Corso yet balances it with rewards, making the sessions more effective.
Contrary to popular belief, these male dogs are more affectionate than females. Therefore, prospective fur parents should be aware that male Cane Corsos needs to be kept mentally stimulated to avoid developing separation anxiety.
Female Cane Corsos
Meanwhile, female Cane Corsos are more trainable because of their seriousness and maturity. They’ll be happy to cooperate with you during training sessions as long as you’re patient with them.
Since their mood swings and stubbornness can cause resistance, you may also encounter occasional refusal to cooperate.
Nonetheless, there’s no reason to worry. Just keep training your female Cane Corso until it gets comfortable with the process. With their intelligent nature, they’ll come around eventually.
When it comes to their aloofness, you may find your pup always wanting to stay at home and be left alone. Still, a regular exercise routine and proper socialization can help resolve this behavior.
Additionally, female Cane Corsos tend to stick with you when they go off-leash, making them great companions for owners who enjoy taking long walks or hikes.
Health Differences
Male Cane Corsos
Generally, the lifespan of a Cane Corso is between 10 and 12 years. This is the case for both male and female Cane Corsos.
Some major health issues that can considerably reduce their life expectancy are idiopathic epilepsy or seizures, elbow and hip dysplasia, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), and skin allergies.
Aside from that, male Cane Corsos are prone to develop benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and testicular tumors as they grow older.
However, neutering your pup before it reaches sexual maturity can help prevent these listed health concerns from appearing.
Additionally, altering your male pooch can avoid the bad habits mentioned in the previous sections. They can become less territorial and aggressive than intact ones, making them great companions.
This procedure will also decrease the urge of a male Cane Corso to roam around the neighborhood looking for female dogs.
Female Cane Corsos
Similarly, spaying female Cane Corsos can prevent their unstable dispositions and behavioral issues from progressing. This procedure minimizes the risk of your female dog catching uterine infections and mammary tumors as well.
Specifically, an infection called pyometra can occur if female canines remain unspayed. It is the enlargement of the uterus, which can become infected with bacteria and be fatal.
Furthermore, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that female pups be altered between 6 and 12 months old. However, be prepared to pay around $50 to $500 for this surgery.
Meanwhile, to ensure that you are getting the healthiest puppies regardless of gender, make sure that you deal only with reputable breeders, especially those that offer health guarantees and certificates.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Cane Corsos
As with any other pet, it’s essential to train a male Cane Corso to socialize with other animals at a young age. With their natural protectiveness, males are more likely to display hostility, especially with canines of the same sex.
Nevertheless, aspiring fur parents can get their puppies accustomed to interacting with others by bringing them regularly to the dog park.
If you have a friend who owns another pooch or a cat, invite them over for playdates so your fur baby can spend time with different kinds of animals.
Other than proper socialization, you can also opt to get them neutered first. In general, having male Cane Corsos castrated can help them learn to trust more quickly and keep them calmer.
As a result, it can be easier for owners to train their male dogs if they’re in a more stable disposition. They won’t get distracted as much and will be less prone to show aggression toward other pets.
Female Cane Corsos
Like their male counterparts, female Cane Corsos can certainly get intimidated by other dogs of the same gender. They’re more likely to get along with males, but they’ll be happy to meet female canines as long as they’re well-socialized.
Fortunately, they’re gentler, and there’s a low chance that they’ll start brewing a dogfight. However, these female pooches can become distant from other animals because of their vigilance and independent streak.
In addition to that, if your female Cane Corso is unspayed, it may show signs of mood swings and irritability. During its heat period, you may need to keep them indoors to avoid accidents and unwanted pregnancies.
With early socialization combined with spaying, you’ll get a female fur baby that can be friendly and loving towards other pets in your home, especially cats.
After all, you wouldn’t want to end up with a dog that becomes a danger to others.
With Children
Male Cane Corsos
Given the Cane Corso’s large and intimidating build, it’s understandable if you’re concerned about how they might interact with the kids in your home.
Without a doubt, male Cane Corsos are more outgoing and clingier than their female counterparts. They have a playful spirit that perfectly matches the energy of children.
However, if you have small kids who are still learning how to play with dogs, a male Cane Corso may be challenging for them.
Male Cane Corsos tend to be clumsy when they’re excited, so they may accidentally knock over or scare your child.
Always remember that obedience training for your pooch is a must, as this can help them understand rules and boundaries. Also, when kids and canines are introduced to each other gradually, they often develop stronger bonds.
Female Cane Corsos
On the contrary, female Cane Corsos are more careful around kids. Due to their natural maternal instincts, they’re unlikely to lash out at small children and are more protective of them.
Still, they may find it hard to cooperate with the playfulness of a child because of their serious demeanor. They also tend to be less affectionate than male Cane Corsos and are not fond of being cuddled by children.
Furthermore, female Cane Corsos are self-reliant and can often be unresponsive. They may not like the constant attention paid to them by a child and may get easily bored.
However, your female canine can avoid this attitude if you get them used to spending time playing with you and your family members.
As long as you provide them with a regular exercise regime and socialization, you can expect your female Cane Corso to be a superb companion for your children.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Cane Corsos
Male Cane Corso
As a whole, Cane Corsos are lovely canines that make good companions. They’re loyal, intelligent, and courageous — everything you would want in a furry friend. However, they do have their downsides as well.
Let’s begin by discussing the advantages of owning a male Cane Corso. They are fun-loving and likely to be affectionate toward their fur parents. As a result, males will do their best to win your heart with their charming manner.
Additionally, they tend to be bigger and more muscular than their female counterparts, creating an intimidating yet majestic appearance that makes them appealing.
Despite the responsiveness of male Cane Corsos in training sessions, some owners may struggle to handle the short attention span of these pooches.
Once they sense that another male dog is near their area, they instantly become territorial and overprotective.
Moreover, if you have kids in your home, strictly monitor their playtimes because male canines can be clumsier when they get overwhelmed or too excited.
Another drawback of owning a male Cane Corso is that they need a lot of attention. They don’t appreciate being alone for long periods because they may develop destructive behavior and separation anxiety.
The table below outlines the advantages and disadvantages of owning a male Cane Corso:
| Pros | Cons |
| Playful, affectionate, and active | Overprotective and very territorial |
| Loves to please its fur parent | Gets easily distracted |
| Energetic and responsive to training | Demands constant attention |
| More muscular and athletic | Requires more maintenance |
| Faster to reach physical maturity | Slower to reach mental maturity |
| Most likely to get along with other people | Clumsier when interacting with children |
Female Cane Corsos
Likewise, bringing home a female Cane Corso has its benefits and drawbacks. They’re calmer and sweet-natured, making them ideal for singles or families looking for a protective but gentle pup.
Although they’re not as responsive in training as the male Cane Corso, they mature faster and tend to be more earnest during the learning process. Also, they can pick up commands and tricks quickly.
However, if you’re looking for a lively playmate for your child, a female Cane Corso may not be the right choice. Even if these pups are cautious around kids, they prefer to be left alone than play with them.
Aside from that, these female canines are independent and don’t need much attention from their fur parents. They enjoy being given personal space and will happily amuse themselves with a few toys they can chew on.
Moreover, female Cane Corsos are a bit harder to socialize with other people.
They tend to stick with only one person they care about deeply, usually the person who raised them and will act shy when introduced to new people or animals.
The table below summarizes the most common pros and cons of bringing a female Cane Corso into your home:
| Pros | Cons |
| Calmer, mellow, and independent | Gets bored easily |
| Focused and much easier to train | Susceptible to mood swings |
| Tends to be less aggressive | Has a low energy level |
| Less likely to seek constant attention | Detached and likes to be left alone |
| Mental maturity comes more quickly | Slower to reach physical maturity |
| More careful when interacting with children | A bit harder to socialize with new people |
Should You Get a Male or Female Cane Corso?
Even though Cane Corsos are some of the most reliable guarding breeds since the ancient Greece period, you’ll need to determine if they’re compatible with your family and lifestyle.
First-time canine owners may find that the aggressive and playful behavior of a male Cane Corso is too much for them to handle. If you’re looking for a calmer option, you might want to consider going for a female.
On the other hand, if you already have one female dog, it’s a good idea to bring home a male Cane Corso. The two will most likely get along well.
Meanwhile, pick the male Cane Corso if you’re looking for a more sociable and energetic companion. Males are also perfect for fur parents with an active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Cane Corsos Calmer?
Female Cane Corsos are calmer and gentler than their male counterparts, but they are still very protective of their owner.
Aside from being regarded as bodyguard dogs, this breed is alert when it comes to their families. Once they sense that something is wrong, they will surely bark and try to defend themselves from any perceived danger.
Are Male or Female Cane Corsos More Affectionate?
While male Cane Corsos tend to be more clingy and attention-seeking than females, both sexes will equally show their affectionate temperament in their unique ways.
For example, males can be playful and have a sense of urgency to please their owners. They will always try to capture your attention with their funny quirks.
In contrast, females can be more independent and laid-back when showing fondness. You’ll have to pay close attention to their body language if you want to see how much they love you.
Are Male or Female Cane Corsos Easier to Train?
Female Cane Corsos are more likely to follow commands quickly and without hesitation. Because of their rapid maturity rate and seriousness, they tend to be eager and quicker learners overall.
Sometimes if you push too hard, they’ll try to resist your training efforts. Be sure to reward them frequently for good behavior using nutritious treats and praise to keep them engaged.
Male Cane Corsos, on the other hand, can be trained as well. You’ll just have to be very patient with them, as they have short attention spans.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whatever gender you go for, the Cane Corso is a breed that will need your time and devotion to thrive. They won’t be able to survive without your care, so make sure you’re ready for the responsibility.
It can be overwhelming, but it will be a loyal furry friend once your pup receives appropriate training, maintenance, and love.
As you can probably tell, choosing between male and female Cane Corsos is no easy task.
However, by taking into account all the information I’ve discussed, you won’t go wrong in picking out the one that’s compatible with you.
So, which of the two would you like to bring home with you? Share your thoughts about male and female Cane Corsos in the comments below!
