The Cane Corso and Rottweiler are bulky guard dogs with cute faces but bad reputations. They are loyal, affectionate, and very protective of their owners.
Many people are wary of getting either of these two dog breeds as they are afraid of their alleged aggressive behavior. However, with proper obedience training, there is nothing to worry about, as they are unlikely to even be mischievous, let alone dangerous.
While there are many differences when it comes to Cane Corso vs. Rottweiler dogs, there are also many similarities between the two. Some people might even confuse them with one another!
Both pups are considered large dog breeds, so they are not suitable for apartment living and require a lot of outdoor space. They are also energetic, and their high energy levels require regular exercise to prevent developmental issues.
These similarities are mostly due to both breeds being considered Mastiff-type dogs. They are distantly related, which explains why there are many similarities between the two.
However, if you’re someone who would like to know more about the differences between them, you’re in the right place. We’ll let you know about everything that sets these two powerful dog breeds apart so you can learn which one is a better choice for you.
This is what you need to know:
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler Comparison
Before we go in-depth when it comes to Cane Corso vs. Rottweiler, here is a chart that will give you a quick idea about the differences between the two:
| Cane Corso | Rottweiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Height: | 24–27.5 in | 22–27 in |
| Weight: | 90–120 lb | 85–130 lb |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years | 8–11 years |
| Family friendly: | Yes with training | Yes with training |
| Pet-friendly: | No | Yes with training |
| Trainability | Somewhat easy | Somewhat easy |
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Size
First, we’ll start by mentioning some physical differences between the Cane Corso vs. Rottweiler, as this is likely the first thing you’ll notice.
Cane Corsos are dogs that originate from Italy. They are descendants of Neapolitan Mastiffs that the Roman Empire used as war dogs. They are also known as Italian Mastiffs due to their genetic similarities to other Mastiff breeds.
They are one of the largest dogs out there, as males can reach a height of up to 27.5 inches and a weight of up to 120 pounds. Females are somewhat smaller, as they rarely grow to be taller than 24 inches and heavier than 100 pounds.
Appearance-wise, they have a short double coat that mostly comes in black, brindle, gray, fawn, and red. They are strong, with a broad chest and a somewhat flat and droopy face.
The Rottweilers are somewhat similar not just in appearance but also in their history. They are working dogs that ancient Roman legions left in the Rottweil region of Germany.
Over time, Rotties were used as watchdogs, service dogs, and even police dogs together with German Shepherds.
However, some differences do exist. Their faces are less droopy, and many dog owners would argue that they have a somewhat cuter appearance than Cane Corsos. In fact, many people seem to think that Rotties look like chubbier, cuter Dobermans due to their distinctive pattern and coat color.
They are considered a giant breed, even though they are shorter than Cane Corsos. Females reach a height of up to 23.5 inches, while males are rarely taller than 25.5 inches (you can see more details on Rottweiler growth chart).
However, they are much bulkier and, as such, heavier. While females weigh approximately as much as male Cane Corsos, males can easily reach an astonishing 130 pounds, sometimes even more.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Temperament
A dog’s temperament generally depends on the individual dog, and you can never entirely predict how your dog will behave. However, if you buy a purebred dog, chances are it’ll behave according to the temperament within the breed standard.
This is the main reason you should always aim to buy purebred dogs from reputable breeders who will only breed dogs with the right temperaments. This will increase the chances of you getting a dog with the breed’s good traits.
Cane Corsos are quiet dogs that tend to be somewhat distant. They have a strong sense of independence, which is why they’re not as affectionate as many other dog breeds. However, they are very loyal and would do anything to protect their owners.
These are fearless and alert dogs that will stay by their family’s side no matter what, as long as they can have their alone time. Still, they have a cheerful side to them, and they can be fun to have around.
Rottweilers are similar when it comes to their courage and loyalty. However, they are much more social than Cane Corsos and love being around other people and dogs – as long as you socialized them properly when they were puppies.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Aggressiveness
Unfortunately, both breeds are known for being rather aggressive. They are even banned in many countries and some U.S. states. This is the same for many other Molosser-type dogs, as well as for any other allegedly dangerous breed, such as the Pitbull, Bulldogs, Boxers, even Dobermans!
When you look at their history and the fact that they were used as war dogs and hunting dogs, this is somewhat understandable.
When it comes to Rottweiler vs. Cane Corso, while Rottweilers scare many, it seems as though Cane Corsos are the more dangerous of the two.
Cane Corsos have a history of being used to fight not just other dogs but humans as well. Also, they are mostly used as guard dogs, which many irresponsible breeders confuse with aggression and keep on breeding dogs with behavioral flaws.
As such, they require extensive socialization for you to prevent bad behavior and accidents.
Even the most well-mannered Cane Corso will likely still be wary of strangers and take some time getting used to new people.
However, once they start to consider someone a friend, they’ll begin to show their gentle and affectionate side. Many Cane Corsos can, in fact, become amazing family dogs, and they can be great with kids.
Rottweilers are a bit more friendly and cheerful, although they, too, can be aggressive if you forget about early socialization.
Both dog breeds have a high prey drive that makes them challenging to pair with other pets, especially small dogs or animals like cats, rabbits, or gerbils.
In fact, it is recommended that your Cane Corso remains the only pet in the household. They are territorial and protective dogs that won’t do well with four-legged company. While you can teach them to tolerate other dogs, they’ll likely never be entirely comfortable around them.
On the other hand, a well-trained Rottie will adore having a friend to play with, but this is something you need to work on. If left unsocialized, Rottweilers can be extremely aggressive toward other animals, which can have fatal consequences.
Still, with some effort and patience, Rottweilers can learn to be very friendly towards other dogs, and they can be very loyal to other pets in your household.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Intelligence
Intelligence is very important, and it’s not just so you could brag about having a dog that can do tricks. This is an important factor that can also influence how easily you can train your dog.
Both Cane Corsos and Rottweilers are extremely intelligent dogs. At the same time, they are very energetic, so you’ll always have to think of new ways to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation.
If an intelligent dog doesn’t have somewhere to put all of its mental force, he’ll get bored rather quickly, which can lead to destructive behavior. This can be extremely dangerous when dealing with such huge dogs.
From eating your shoes and even walls to destroying carpets, a bored dog usually gets up to no good. Sometimes, this can even lead to aggressive behavior.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Family Dog
Not many people would choose either the Cane Corso or Rottweiler with the main goal of having a family pet. However, both breeds can make amazingly affectionate family members, as long as they are socialized and raised properly.
If accustomed to kids, Rottweilers can become best friends to your children. They are playful and happy, yet patient enough not to lash out at kids who might not know how to behave around dogs.
Cane Corsos are a bit more tricky, although they also do great with kids if raised in a family environment. They are a bit less social than Rotties, and your little ones need to understand that their pooch requires some alone time.
No matter which of the two dog breeds you choose, it’s essential not to allow a small child to be alone with such a huge dog.
No matter how well your pet is raised, they might accidentally knock a child over or hurt them during playtime. This isn’t a risk you should carelessly take.
Another issue can arise if your family members have issues with dog allergies.
While both dogs have short coats, hair isn’t the only thing that can cause issues for allergy sufferers. In fact, drool is a common allergen, and both breeds are rather prone to drooling.
If we had to compare, we’d say that Cane Corsos drool a bit more due to their droopy faces. However, Rottweilers also drool a lot, so the differences are slim.
As such, if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog that won’t cause issues for allergic family members or small kids, you should know that these aren’t the right dogs for you. However, you might want to look at a Rottweiler Poodle mix or a Cane Corso Poodle mix, as these might be a much better choice.
If you have decided on a Cane Corso, you might want to check out our list of the best Cane Corso names.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Guard Dog
The reason most people would get either a Cane Corso or Rottweiler is that they’re looking for the best guard dog possible. Cane Corso vs. Rottweiler, which one wins this round?
For a canine to be a great guard dog, it must have a perfect combination of personality and trainability. You need to teach your guard dog to be obedient, as well as when it’s okay to react and when they should be friendly toward a newcomer.
Cane Corsos, for example, are very intelligent dogs, but they have an independent streak. As such, they won’t always like to do what they’re told. However, if you’re consistent, you can teach them to channel that energy into doing tasks that you’d like, and this includes training.
Rottweilers are even more intelligent. In fact, they are one of the 10 smartest dog breeds out there! They’re also eager to please their owners. The combination of these two traits makes them almost effortless to train.
Personality-wise, we’ve already established that both breeds are cautious around strangers. However, Rotties are slightly more friendly. When it comes to how this reflects in their guard dog capabilities, it all comes down to what you expect from your protector.
Cane Corsos are dogs that will protect you with their lives. They are protective dogs that won’t let anyone enter your property. However, this can make some Cane Corso dogs dangerous for delivery men or even the postman.
On the other hand, Rottweilers, might be easier to train who they should tolerate and who is a true threat. This makes them a more reliable guard dog for a family home.
However, if you want a dog that truly won’t let anyone near your property, you might lean more towards a Cane Corso.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Bite Force
The best way to establish how dangerous a dog truly is is by looking at its bite force. Bite force is universally measured by pounds per square inch (psi).
Just for further comparison, humans have an average bite force of 120–160 psi. On the other hand, saltwater crocodiles have a bite force of 3,700 psi!
When it comes to dogs, Cane Corsos certainly takes the lead. They have a psi of 700, which is more than a lion – this glorious feline can bite with a force of up to 650 psi. In fact, the only dog breed that can bite stronger than a Cane Corso is the Kangal, as this dog has a measured bite force of 743 psi.
While the Rottweiler certainly is a muscular dog, its bite force can hardly compare to that of a Cane Corso, although it’s still pretty impressive. These big dogs can bite with the strength of 328 psi.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Lifespan
Sadly, large dogs breeds aren’t known for having a long lifespan. There are several likely reasons behind this, although even experts seem not to know which one is right.
So far, the main reason seems to be their fast growth rate. If you look carefully, you’ll notice that there isn’t as big of a size difference among puppies as among adult dogs.
Most dogs, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, are born at a relatively similar size. To reach their full size, large dogs grow much faster than small ones. This rapid growth rate is connected not just to many forms of tissue damage but also to various forms of cancer.
This leads to larger dogs being more prone to various health issues smaller dogs are less likely to develop, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and gastric torsion (bloat).
Rottweilers have been recognized by various kennel clubs for decades. This includes not just the United Kennel Club (UKC) and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) but also the American Kennel Club (AKC).
While this helps build the breed’s reputation, it also means that the long-lasting breed standard can cause inbreeding to keep the lines pure. As a result, Rottweilers seem to be more prone to health conditions than Cane Corsos.
In fact, most Rottweilers will live 8–11 years, no more. However, if you get them a good dog bed and monitor their diet, you can lessen the chances of them developing orthopedic problems, which is one of the main reasons behind euthanasia.
Cane Corsos don’t live much longer: most will live up to 12 years. However, they are generally considered a fairly healthy breed, and they aren’t likely to get sick young. Still, if you feed them the best dog food possible, you can help them live longer and healthier lives.
Of course, this is if you’ve bought them from a reputable Cane Corso breeder who makes sure their breeding stock has been health tested.
Cane Corso Vs. Rottweiler: Who Would Win?
Seeing a Cane Corso and a Rottweiler fight would be a gruesome sight, and we hope no one would have to see that. Hypothetically, though, which one would win if there were a Cane Corso vs. Rottweiler match?
Rottweilers are much bulkier dogs than Cane Corsos. They weigh more than their supposed opponent, and at first glance, they seem to be stronger.
Despite their large size, Rottweilers do great in agility competitions. This is something that comes naturally to them due to their background in carting and herding.
Not to mention that they have high stamina levels. While this means they require lots of exercise, it also means they can last through an entire agility course without any problems.
However, they aren’t the fastest dogs out there, and their huge size does give them a certain disadvantage. Also, their bite isn’t as strong as one would think.
Cane Corsos, on the other hand, are true fighting machines. They are strong, fast, and agile, with very high stamina levels – not to mention their almost unbeatable bite! This is one of the reasons they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
While the Rottweiler certainly isn’t a dog you’d want to mess with, the Cane Corso would win this round and likely do this without too much hassle.
Should I Get A Cane Corso Or Rottweiler For Protection?
If you’re considering getting yourself a guard dog, then Cane Corso vs. Rottweiler is a comparison you’ve probably made at least once. So, what can we conclude?
Both dogs are similar in size and fairly similar in temperament, although the Rottweiler is the friendlier, more approachable one. This also makes them easier to train, which is essential for a good guard dog. However, their high intelligence can make them want to do things their own way, which is often not the same as what you want.
Despite their extreme exercise needs, Cane Corsos seem to be a bit more submissive and calm when they’re not outdoors, as they are not as playful as Rotties. This can give them more focus during training – as long as you respect their independent natures.
Still, as Rotties are easier to train, they might be easier to teach how to guard your home properly.
In the end, it all comes down to your preferences. If you want a dog whose sole purpose will be to keep your home safe, the Cane Corso is the ultimate guardian for you.
This dog is so protective that he won’t allow anyone to set foot on your property without you agreeing to it. They are alert and notice even the slightest change in their environment, so they won’t miss a single thing.
On the other hand, if you’d like a dog that will also be a family pet, Rottweilers are a much safer choice. These dogs are gentle when they need to be, and they can be great companions for your children.
Also, if you already have pets in your house, getting a Rottweiler is probably a better option. While both dogs can be socialized, Rottweilers are much more likely to truly befriend every new animal you bring home.
On the other hand, Cane Corsos function best when they are only dogs.
No matter which one you choose, the most important thing is that you take your time to properly train them. These are not beginner dogs, and if they don’t know how to behave, they can cause serious harm not just to other pets but humans alike.