Cane Corso and Neo Mastiffs are two popular breeds of mastiff dogs that have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the world. While they may share some similarities in terms of appearance and temperament, they also have distinct differences that make them stand out. In this article, we will take a closer look at both breeds and compare them to help you decide which one might be the right fit for you.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso originated in Italy and was bred originally to be a working dog. These dogs were used for hunting, boar hunting, cattle driving, and general farm work. They are a large breed with an impressively muscular build, and their coat can come in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, gray, and red.
Cane Corso is an intelligent breed with a strong protective instinct. They are typically very loyal to their owners and have a natural inclination to protect their family. With proper training and socialization, they can do well with children and other animals. However, due to their large size and protective nature, they may not be the best fit for households with small children or inexperienced owners.
Neo Mastiff
The Neo Mastiff also known as Neapolitan Mastiff, is another large breed that has its origins in Italy. These dogs have a long history of being used as guard dogs, and it’s easy to see why. They have an imposing presence and are known for their muscular build and loose, wrinkled skin.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for being calm and docile around their family members, but they can be suspicious of strangers. They have a strong protective instinct and will do whatever it takes to keep their family safe. They are not an ideal breed for first-time dog owners or households with small children because of their size and protective nature.
Comparison
Appearance
Both breeds are large, muscular dogs with an intimidating presence. However, the Cane Corso tends to have a sleeker, more athletic build, while the Neo Mastiff has a heavier, more muscular build with a lot of loose, wrinkled skin. The Neo Mastiff also has a wider head than the Cane Corso, with a distinctive wrinkled face.
Temperament
Both breeds are known for being protective and loyal to their families. However, the Cane Corso is generally more energetic and has a higher drive to work than the Neo Mastiff. The Neo Mastiff is more laid-back and better suited to a sedentary lifestyle.
Training and Socialization
Both breeds require proper training and socialization from an early age to ensure that they are well-behaved around other people and animals. However, due to their strong protective instincts, they may need more specialized training than other breeds to ensure that they don’t become aggressive towards strangers or other animals.
Exercise Needs
Both breeds are fairly active and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, the Cane Corso requires more exercise than the Neo Mastiff due to their higher energy levels.
Grooming Needs
Both breeds have short, dense coats that are easy to maintain. They do require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and shiny, though. The Neo Mastiff may require more grooming due to their loose, wrinkled skin, which can be prone to infection if not cleaned properly.
FAQs
1. Do Cane Corsos and Neo Mastiffs shed a lot?
Both breeds have short, smooth coats that shed moderately all year round. Regular brushing and grooming can help manage shedding.
2. Are Cane Corsos and Neo Mastiffs good with children?
Both breeds can do well with children when properly socialized and trained. However, their size and protective instincts mean that they may not be the best fit for families with small children or inexperienced owners.
3. Do Cane Corsos and Neo Mastiffs make good guard dogs?
Both breeds have a strong protective instinct and can make excellent guard dogs. However, their protective nature means that they may need specialized training to ensure that they don’t become aggressive towards strangers or other animals.
4. What is the average lifespan of a Cane Corso or Neo Mastiff?
The average lifespan of both breeds is between 8 and 10 years.
In conclusion, both Cane Corsos and Neo Mastiffs are impressive breeds with loyal and protective natures. They require proper socialization and training to ensure that they are well-behaved around other people and animals. While they may share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them better suited to different lifestyles and households. If you are considering adding a large breed to your family, take the time to research both breeds and determine which one would be the best fit for you.