Once again, the battle of the mighty paws is here.
You may ask, what is that? What kind of mighty paws am I talking about?
When it comes to comparing two big and dominant dog breeds like the Cane Corso vs the Doberman, I like to say it’s the battle of the mighty paws. It’s because these doggos are so mighty in every possible way!
Both Cane Corso and Doberman dogs are excellent examples of well-disciplined members of the canine world. These dogs are known for their working ethics, strong protectiveness, and overall excellent performance.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Doberman and the Cane Corso as some of the finest guard dogs of them all.
And, I recognize them as two truly pawmazing dog breeds!
What are they like? How are their temperaments? Can we tell whether one pup is more intelligent? Does this mean Cane may be healthier than Dobie?
Who is better: Cane Corso vs Doberman?
Let’s settle this once and for all!
Cane Corso Vs Doberman: Physical Features And Comparison
| Cane Corso | Dobermann Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 80-110 lbs | 60-100 lbs |
| Height | 23”/24”-28” | 24”-28” |
| Coat Type | short, dense, one coat | short, smooth, one coat |
| Coat Colors | black, fawn, gray, brindle, red | black/red/blue/white/fawn and rust |
| Signature Markings | black or gray facial mask | two rust spots on the chest |
There is truly no doubt here: both breeds are large-sized dogs. When it comes to their biggest difference, it’s not only the visual appearance, it’s also their size.
The Cane Corso can be an inch shorter than the Doberman Pinscher. This difference isn’t that significant. Both dogs are tall, and they can measure up to 28 inches at the withers.
Notable differentiations can be seen on the scale, where each dog weighs differently. At first glance, you’ll notice that the Cane Corso is bigger and bulkier. They’re not chubby. It’s all muscles!
Doberman Pinscher males and females are slightly lighter, weighing from 60 to 100 pounds. These doggos are muscular and lean. They have an elongated body and a rather pointed look. This has to be because of their snout!
A Cane Corso’s snout isn’t pointy; it’s rather blocky and bulky, with fleshy lips and a black, button nose.
The shades of the coat with a Corso and a Dobie are similar – darker, with signature markings.
Who Is More Temperamental? Character Traits In Depth
| Doberman | Cane Corso |
|---|---|
| cheerful | obedient |
| more serious | sweet |
| may nip or herd | gentle |
| more reserved | very affectionate |
| high prey drive | energetic |
| isn’t that adaptable | very adaptable |
| Not dog-friendly | dog-friendly |
People value both dog breeds as excellent guard dogs. That’s really a fact. But, are you aware of why that is? Why are Dobermans and Cane Corsos so good at keeping people and properties so safe?
It’s all because both of these dog breeds are very loyal and devoted to the bone. The only question is how capable each breed is of showing their loyalty through affectionate signs.
With Corsos, we don’t have to worry about such things. Despite their tough looks, Cane Corso dogs are pretty affectionate and sweet. They don’t hesitate to give some sugar to their owners!
On the other hand, Dobie pups are a bit distant and reserved. Sure, you will know when this dog decides to love you, but he won’t show those signs easily. What they will show off easily is their not-so-friendly attitude towards other pets or dogs.
Corsos don’t have these problems.
Both dogs are very energetic, with different tendencies. Dobermans have that strong prey drive that might push them into nipping, herding, or biting, especially small animals and kids. As for the Corso, I like to say they belong to the gentle giant dog group.
The bottom line is when it comes to the Cane Corso vs the Doberman, each breed is a strong-headed one with an attitude and temperamental traits that can’t stand dilly dally.
How Intelligent Are These Pups? Is A Cane Corso Smarter Than A Doberman?
There is no intelligence test that measures a dog’s level of intelligence. It’s based on their capability of solving different tasks, handling unknown situations, and following their owner’s orders.
We have no tests, but we do have lists of the world’s smartest pooches. And… surprise, surprise – Dobermans are ranked as number 5! The first four places are divided between breeds like the Poodle, the Border Collie, the Golden Retriever, and the German Shepherd.
Our italian buddy, the Cane Corso, is intelligent, but they’re not ranked among the top 50 most intelligent dog breeds in the world. This doesn’t mean they’re stupid, you silly! In terms of intelligence lists, even the tiniest differences matter.
Sure, you can give a slight advantage to Dobermans and say they’re more intelligent just because their ranking says so.
Personally, I wouldn’t judge my future tail-wagging friend based on its intelligence levels. There are other things that are far more important like personality traits or potential health problems.
Is It Easier To Train A Corso Or A Dobie?
Training is a crucial part of bringing up a Cane Corso and a Doberman. Even the smallest dog breed in the world needs training; not to mention these two big doggos.
Training will provide your dog stability to respond well in different situations. It will teach him obedience and how to control his high energy levels.
What you need to know is that the Cane Corso and the Doberman have excellent trainability. You see, these are working dogs that are used to learn and perform different tasks successfully. Teaching them basic commands like “come” or “sit” isn’t that big of a deal.
But, there are always bumps in the road.
Between the Cane Corso vs the Doberman, the Dobie is the better student. They learn faster and better, and they seem to be thrilled to please their owner. Simply put, Dobermans are more flexible.
On the other hand, the unforgiving nature of a Cane Corso will show its stubbornness, and you may have a hard time training these dogs. First-time owners aren’t suitable for these dogs.
Both breeds need a firm hand while training. So, you need to establish your dominance.
Besides training them to obey commands, you must train their brains into working properly by solving puzzles and tasks. This is where mental stimulation plays a major role. You can’t focus on one field only. Dogs need to have both their mental and physical exercise needs fulfilled.
If I had to pick a side, I’d say go with the Doberman as you won’t have issues trying to curb their stubborn nature.
Is A Cane Corso Healthier Than A Doberman Pinscher?
| Cane Corso | Dobermann Pinscher | |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | yes | yes |
| Entropion | yes | no |
| Ectropion | yes | no |
| Dilated cardiomyopathy | no | yes |
| Bloat | yes | yes |
| Wobbler Syndrome | no | yes |
| Chronic active hepatitis | no | yes |
| Von Willebrand’s Disease | no | yes |
| Demodectic mange | yes | no |
| Hypothyroidism | no | yes |
Despite the common health issues with the Cane Corso and the Doberman, they are generally healthy dogs. Their average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years for the Corso, and 10 to 13 years for the Doberman. As you can see, their lifespan is almost the same.
Obesity
Besides genetic health conditions that can be inherited from their parents, these large dogs are prone to suffering from obesity, especially the Cane Corso. This is something that every future dog owner must be aware of.
I mean, have you ever seen an obese Doberman? Not a pleasant sight for the eyes, right?
Being overweight means other health problems will be lurking your dog. For example, cardiac problems are common with Dobermans, so make sure they maintain their ideal weight.
Also, these doggos could suffer from hypothyroidism, which is always linked to obesity and slow metabolism.
Common Issues
Cane Corsos usually don’t suffer from thyroid-related diseases, but they are prone to bloat. This condition occurs when the dog eats too fast and inhales too much air. The stomach then twists and doesn’t allow the dog to breathe. As you can imagine, this can be fatal.
Another health issue that these dogs have in common is hip dysplasia. This hereditary condition is among the most common ones with dogs of all breeds and sizes. Hip dysplasia is painful – it affects mobility and overall health quality.
Depending on whether you want a Cane Corso vs a Dobermann, I recommend you get in depth with each disease and see if they’re something you can’t handle. For example, Wobbler Syndrome with Dobermans isn’t something most people could handle.
Who Needs More Grooming: A Dobie Or A Corso?
I’m really happy to inform you that you won’t need a special budget for frequent grooming sessions with a professional groomer. In fact, you won’t need to spend lots of money on grooming tools in order to take care of your dog at home.
Both the Cane Corso and the Doberman have low grooming needs. As you already know, these aren’t dogs with a dense undercoat that is prone to extreme shedding. Both breeds are moderate shedders and won’t cause you headaches with dog hair all over the sofa and your new black pants.
But, keep in mind that the Cane Corso and the Doberman aren’t hypoallergenic. If you’re allergic, go with breeds like the Poodle, the Maltese, the Bichon Frise, or the Goldendoodle.
A Cane Corso and a Dobie may not spread dander and loose hair, but they do seem to drool quite a lot. This is especially notable with the Cane Corso because of their muzzle shape.
For a drooling dog, it’s important to have a cloth or an old rug nearby all the time. Otherwise, you’ll have dog saliva all over the place, and saliva also triggers allergic reactions.
Also, dog drooling increases when your dog sees food coming, so avoid that by preparing its meal somewhere where he can’t see it.
Other than that, grooming and taking care of a Cane Corso or a Doberman is pretty simple.
Who Is More Adaptable To Weather Conditions?
Photo from: @olaf_iz_zoosfery
Not many people take the climate they live in into consideration when picking a dog breed. Common sense tells us that some dogs function better in cold weather, while others prefer hot weather.
Dogs with a dense, double coat prefer to live where winter and snow are always in charge. That’s why a Husky seems to be happier in the north States, than in Texas or Florida.
The same works for our dogs of the day – the Cane Corso and the Doberman. But, they’re not big fans of cold climates. Corsos fare winter better, but still… these dogs don’t have a double coat… their short coat is silky sleek. To keep them warm in the winter, you should buy a doggy coat and some boots.
Bulldogs, Pitbulls, and Rottweilers belong in the same club.
As for the hot climate, both dogs seem to do well. Once again, they don’t have a double coat, which means they won’t sweat or become overheated that easily. Still, you need to know that there are other dangers besides the high temperature.
Harmful sun rays may cause skin damage to your dogs, which can lead to life-threatening conditions.
But, if we have to pick one weather condition, we can say that both dog breeds are adaptable to a warmer climate.
Who Will Make A Better Family Pet?
When thinking of pets as valuable family members, rarely does anyone think of Doberman Pinschers or Cane Corsos. They’re usually protection dogs or watchdogs used in the military or even as police dogs. They aren’t really cut out to be good family pets.
Or, are they…?
This statement is absolutely wrong. Just because they were bred to accompany tax collectors or fight as war dogs doesn’t mean that today’s Corso and Dobie can’t be the best dogs for families.
In fact, these dog breeds are very capable of being sweet, kind, and super friendly with families and friends.
Sure, they do have a protective nature that might get you to feel intimidated, but deep down, their hearts are of gold!
The Doberman Pinscher is a bit reserved, though, but once they create a bond with family members, they will strive to keep their hoomans pleased.
The same goes for the Cane Corso, although he’s a bit more mellow and kind. These dogs won’t hesitate to show you love and demand some in return. Descendents of this Mastiff breed are giant doggos with an even bigger heart.
However, I do recommend you get your dogs trained for obedience, and socialized to perform well under different circumstances. Only then can you have a perfectly good doggo.
In terms of family living, the Cane Corso vs the Doberman shouldn’t even be questioned.
Where Can You Find Good Corso And Doberman Breeders?
Finding a good breeder is something that most future dog owners think is not that important. However, those people couldn’t be more wrong! A good breeder is more important than picking the finest puppy from the litter.
Why is that so?
Reputable breeders will go above and beyond to test their animals for severe health conditions. These people actually care for their dogs’ well-being. They make sure that all their dogs are socialized, healthy, and ready to live the best life possible.
With such breeders, you don’t need to worry about picking the best of the best pups.
But, where do you find them? Where are good Doberman and Cane Corso breeders hiding?
Right here on our lists of the best breeders in the States!
Best Doberman breeders:
Top 20 Doberman Breeders in USA
Doberman Breeders in North Carolina
Doberman Breeders in California
Best Cane Corso breeders:
Cane Corso Breeders in Illinois
Cane Corso Breeders in Florida
Cane Corso Breeders in Pennsylvania
Cane Corso Breeders in California
Cane Corso Breeders in Ontario
FAQs
What Is A Cane Corso?
Those of you who aren’t very familiar with the diversity of the canine world might think that the Cane Corso dog consists of two different dog breeds.
That’s actually wrong. Cane Corso is simply a name. It stands for one dog ONLY.
This is a purebred dog; not a cross between two or more dog breeds. In fact, the Cane Corso belongs to the group of some of the oldest breeds alive. It was bred using different Mastiff types, and it is considered to be a direct descendant of the Italian Mastiff.
So, next time you see someone pondering whether the Cane Corso is a mixed breed or a purebred, you can jump in and solve the mystery.
Is A Cane Corso Bigger Than A Doberman?
As you read at the beginning of this article, the size of a Doberman Pinscher and a Cane Corso is somewhat similar.
So, is Cane bigger than Dobie?
In terms of their height, these two dogs are almost the same.
But, there is a significant difference in terms of their weight. The Cane Corso dog is heavier than the average Doberman. Also, this dog breed appears to be more muscular.
Thanks to the Doberman’s lean figure, we can say that a Cane Corso is bigger than a Doberman.
Of course, this isn’t a rule written in stone. Not every Doberman will be that lean, and not every Corso will be boxy and bulky.
Is A Doberman The Strongest Dog?
If you believe the Doberman is the world’s strongest dog, then you haven’t heard of the Tibetan Mastiff.
So, no… the Doberman isn’t the strongest dog.
If we have to speak about the strength of a dog’s bite, Dobermans are nowhere near the first position. There are many dog breeds with a stronger bite than a Dobie’s – the Cane Corso being one of them. The Corso’s incredible 700 PSI units is a much better result than the Doberman’s 228.
In fact, if we had to make a list of the strongest bites in the canine kingdom, Dobermans would come in last.
Which Is The Most Aggressive Dog: A Cane Corso Or A Doberman?
No dog breed is aggressive by default. No puppy is born thinking I will be aggressive and wild one day. Aggression is a character stimulated by circumstances that aren’t common or pleasant.
A Cane Corso and a Doberman could equally be aggressive if provoked. This is a matter of dog training; not the dog’s personal DNA.
A Cane Corso may appear to be relaxed and docile, but they can easily show aggressive signs to dogs and people that they don’t know or don’t like.
This is where socialization and those tough training lessons come in handy.
Sadly, many Dobermans are actually trained to show aggression on purpose. Usually, this dog breed is used as a guardian, protecting important people or facilities; hence, their need for aggressive behavior.
Corsos aren’t your average bodyguards, but they, too, have a territorial nature, and they won’t hesitate to respond if provoked.
All in all, when it comes to who’s more aggressive, I’d say it’s the Doberman since they’re more in demand and their raising is primarily focused on protectiveness. But, both of these mighty paws could be scary if the situation calls.
Who Should I Pick: Cane Corso Vs Doberman, Or…?
We can all agree – picking between a Cane Corso and a Doberman is quite unjustiful. One breed has something the other hasn’t, and vice versa. We can’t point a finger and say: This dog is better than the other one.
It wouldn’t be fair to the other dog breed or the other dog owner.
Both Dobermans and Cane Corsos are terrific family pets. That’s really a fact! Name a dog breed that’s better at keeping everyone safe than a Doberman or a Corso.
These dogs were bred as companions that will make people feel protected in all situations.
Today, we don’t have as many dangers as we had in the past, but a dog’s protective nature is still very much welcomed.
If I were you, I wouldn’t bust my head thinking which of the two dog breeds to get. Both are terrific buddies, but they do require some basic training and socialization.
What you should be aware of is that none of them are aggressive just because. If you devote your time to dog training and proper handling, you will have both the Cane Corso and the Doberman in perfect condition, capable of encountering new people, animals, and situations without making a fuss.
Between the Cane Corso vs the Doberman, the only question left is: Who do YOU prefer?
Related Article: Doberman Vs Great Dane