Last Updated on September 20, 2023
*. The Cane Corso
and the Boerboel
. These two amazing dogs are worth serious attention. They are both a bit of a joke and often get overlooked as family pets.
Despite their large stature and intimidating exteriors, both are known to have soft spots for children and are gentle and protective of them. Both are affectionate and intelligent with their immediate families, but both can protect their loved ones if they are in danger.
They differ in their temperaments. The Cane Corso reacts quicker and can be aggressive if his family is in danger. The Boerboel, on the other hand, is calmer and will observe what is happening while trying to determine how best to react. The Boerboel also weighs more than the Cane Corso and is larger. We will compare their characteristics and take a closer look at each in this article.
Breed History
A dog’s past can give you a good idea of their personality and how they should be cared for.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso hails from Italy, and it is phonetically pronounced as ‘Kay-Nah Kor-So.’ His forefathers were much larger than the Cane Corso we know today, but they were used in war to fight and charge enemy lines with flaming weapons. He was retired from war and was used as a flock guardian, estate guardian and hunting dog.
The Cane Corso almost became extinct at the beginning of the 20th Century, but thanks to breed fanciers an intense breeding program saved them. The Neapolitan Mastiff, who is very similar, is known to have played a major part in the breed restoration.
This isn’t unlike the English Mastiff, which was also saved from extinction in the 1800s and was done so by what some people think was bringing in the saint bernard into the breeding line. This is why a very small portion of EMs to this day still have a fluffy appearance. The Cane Corso is also often mistaken for other breeds, like the American Pitbull Terrier.
Today he is better known for being a loving family companion, as well as a great household guard dog. The Cane Corso is a popular pup and he is currently ranked the 32nd most popular dog in America by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Boerboel
The Boerboel hails from South Africa and it is phonetically pronounced as ‘Boo-R-Bull.’ In the 17th Century Dutch, French and German settlers sailed to South Africa in the hope of farming the land. With them they took large dogs, namely Bulldogs and Mastiff type dogs, to protect and guard their estates and family.
The Boerboel was born from the cross of the Bulldog with the Mastiff. Since then, he has been refined with other breeds that are not yet documented. There is a long history of this breed, unlike the American Mastiff which has only been around for about 25 years.
Today, he is a beloved family companion and estate watch .. He is well-known for his ability to intimidate Lion packs and vicious Baboons, and has been known to fight them off to protect his family. The AKC has ranked him as the 121st most popular dog in America, out of 193 breeds.
They are very rare in Africa and are therefore less popular than the Corso. They are often mistaken for a Bullmastiff or Old English Mastiff when seen in person. These two large breeds are different, even though they may look similar to the Boerboel.
Appearance
The Cane Corso is very close to each other in appearances, except that the Cane Corsos are lighter-colored and smaller than the Boerboels. The large Cane Corso could be mistaken for the larger Boerboel. While the Boerboels look very similar , the small brindle Boerboels could easily be mistaken as a large Cane Corso. Both dogs could also easily be mistaken for a Boxer Mastiff mix.
The Corso stands between 24 to 27 inches, with the Boerboel ever so slightly taller at 24 to 28 inches, measured at paw to shoulders. The difference between them is their weight; with the Cane Corso weighing between 99 to 110 pounds and the Boerboel weighing a significantly larger 154 to 200 pounds.
They both share a muscular appearance, but of course, the Boerboel is much stockier thanks to his extra weight. Both have square-shaped heads, with wide muzzles and thick necks. They also have well-proportioned bodies.
The Cane Corso is a short-coated simial to the Boerboel. However, his fur is denser and more rough than the Boerboel’s, which is soft to the touch. The Cane Corso comes in seven colors, while the Boerboel has six. The Boerboel’s color is lighter than the Corso.
The Boerboel and the Cane Corso often have their ears trimmed to match their traditional aesthetics. It was also a practical purpose to make sure their ears weren’t damaged while fighting lions or hunting wild animals. Their ears are large and flexible in their natural state.
Temperament
The Cane Corso as well as the Boerboel can be playful and silly with the immediate family. They need a lot of interaction with humans and are social animals. You shouldn’t expect them to be a guard dog all day.
They love to play interactive ,fetching games and show off their agility skills at agility courses. While the Boerboel is more agile, the Corso is slightly goofier and more sillier.
They are both similarly protecting their families and estates. They will notify you if they find something suspicious and will protect you from any threat. When their master signals someone is okay, or invites them in their home, both breeds will immediately take their place and greet their new friend.
They are known to be responsive to their master’s emotions. If you feel anxious about anything, they will be the first one to react and take action. The Cane Corso reacts faster to danger and strangers, while the Boerboel tends to assess the situation more carefully before making a decision.
Both are gentle and protective to their human siblings. This is especially true for the Boerboel. The Boerboel has a soft spot for children, and he is very tolerant of them touching and pulling him. A supervising adult should always be present in the same room due to the size differences of the two breeds.
Exercise
The Cane Corso and the Boerboel require around 60 minutes of exercise a day. Both enjoy long walks and jogging together. The Boerboel, who is the most agile Mastiff dog family member, would enjoy many agility sessions.
Because they are large and powerful, these dogs need to be entertained. A restless dog can quickly become a destructive .dog. They are best suited to families who will not leave them alone due to their social nature.
Both Cane Corsos and Boerboels are often on the list ,. Make sure you check your local laws if you’re considering getting one. You may have to keep them on a leash or muzzle when you leave your home.
Training
Early socialization is key for the Cane Corso and the Boerboel due to their protective nature and guarding tendencies. Socialization is the act of being comfortable in many situations.
If either breed fails to receive the necessary training, they may become too protective or aggressive towards other animals or humans. They will become delightful doggos if they receive the right training.
Both of these guys respond well to positive reinforcement training with a dominant pack leader. It is important to instill discipline within your family. obediencetraining can help you do this. It is essential that all family members are familiar with the rules you have set and that they understand the pack mentality as well as the importance of these breeds.
Both Cane Corsos and Boerboel intelligent breeds are eager to please their masters and respond well to training. This is not an easy task. They both need a strong hand and consistent training training throughout their lives. Both breeds are not suitable for first-time dog owners.
They will need extreme patience because both dogs are energetic. Be prepared to spend time with them, especially if they’re crate trained. If you plan to crate train, you’ll want to make sure that the crate you buy has enough space, which means you’ll probably be looking at a crate specifically made for XXL breeds.
Health
Both Boerboel and Cane Corso are healthy dogs. Both must be screened for Elbow, and Hip Dysplasia ,. This is an abnormal formation of the elbow or hip joints that can lead to mobility problems and crippling arthritis. Due to the effect of their weight on their bones, joints and bones, this is a common problem in larger dogs.
The Cane Corso National Breed Club requires that he have a Cardiac evaluation. Dilated cardiomyopathy is quite common in Corsos. This is characterised by thin walls that make the heart weak.
The Boerboel National Breed Club requires him to undergo an Ophthalmologist Evaluation, which determines whether he has any eye disorders. Entropion is common in Boerboels, which is characterized by eyelids that turn inwards.
Nutrition
The Boerboel consumes more dog food than the Cane Corso; on average, the Corso will consume three cups of food whereas the Boerboel will consume around five cups of food.
They both have a sweettooth , so make sure you keep an eye on their treats. Both can easily gain weight and become obese so make sure they get plenty of exercise and eat little.
A high-quality kibble is a key to keeping your pup as healthy as possible, and they should always be fed age-appropriate food. If you are unsure about anything, your Veterinarian can advise you on the best food to feed your Boerboel or Corso.
Grooming
The Cane corso and Boerboel both have short, shiny coats that are easy to maintain. To keep their hair healthy and remove any dead hairs that may have found its way onto your sofa, brush them once a week .
They also need a bath once a month, or two , depending on how dirty they get from exercising outside. You should not bathe them more often than necessary as this could damage their natural oils which keep them healthy.
Although they are usually not cropped, it is important to check their ears and to clean them regularly to prevent infection. A good rule of thumb is to clean out the ears every three to four days. This is best done by using a cotton swab that has been dipped in coconut oil or baby oil. You can work your way up from the ear flaps towards the inner ear with this. Be careful not to get too deep.
Brushing your Boerboel’s or Cane Corsos’s teeth every 2 to 3 days will ensure that they have optimal dental health. Dog toothpaste is best used with a finger sleeve or toothbrush to remove tartar and plaque.
Price
The Cane Corso is slightly less expensive than the Boerboel, with the Corso costing between $1,500 and $1,800, and the Boerboel costing between $1,500 and $2,000. This is due to the fact that there are less Boerboel breeders across America. As such, the puppies are in greater demand.
Make sure you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder so they are healthy and happy.
Both breeds are dominant and often overlooked by new owners. Unfortunately, they often find themselves being put up for adoption. You can help these dogs by contacting your local rescue centre. You will not only save money but also save a life.
Final Thoughts
The popularity of the Boerboel and the Cane Corso is growing. They are gentle and affectionate, as well as being great guard dogs.
They require consistent and intense training to be well-mannered puppies. A dominant leader is needed to keep them from becoming unruly. If you are able to master this skill, they can be great family dogs that will give you lots of loyalty and have tons of fun.