Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cane Corso Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
- Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
- Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog
- The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog
- Size Comparison of Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog
- Lifespan of Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog
- Temperament of the German Shepherd Dog Versus the Cane Corso
- Price of Cane Corso versus Price of German Shepherd Dog
- Health Problems of Cane Corso versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog
- Do Cane Corsos shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. German Shepherd Dog
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and German Shepherd Dogs?
- Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Conclusion: Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cane Corso Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cane Corso and for the German Shepherd Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog.
Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are similar in size. The Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Cane Corso belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cane Corso to the German Shepherd Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog
| Factor | Cane Corso | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 90 to 120 pounds | 75 to 95 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Average Price | $2130 | $1280 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $800 – $1500 |
| Temperament Score | 88.1 percent | 85.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cane Corso in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Shepherd Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Cane Corso is 68 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Cane Corso. So, you should get the German Shepherd Dog!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog
Below is a list of where the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are most different:
- Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Cane Corsos are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, German Shepherd Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Cane Corsos not very playful. However, German Shepherd Dogs are very playful.
- Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool. However, German Shepherd Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog
The Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are most similar:
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are very easy to train.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are very easy to groom.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
- Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
Size Comparison of Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog.
Cane Corsos weigh 90 to 120 pounds when fully grown. Cane Corsos are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.
On the other hand, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.
Lifespan of Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog
The lifespan of Cane Corsos is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Cane Corsos is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
German Shepherd Dogs live longer than Cane Corsos.
Temperament of the German Shepherd Dog Versus the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso has a better temperament than the German Shepherd Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Cane Corso is 88.1 percent while the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 88.1 percent, the Cane Corso has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog by measuring the temperaments of 235 Cane Corsos and 3383 German Shepherd Dogs.
Price of Cane Corso versus Price of German Shepherd Dog
The average price of the Cane Corso puppy is $2130. The price of the Cane Corso typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 437 Cane Corso puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cane Corso is more expensive than the German Shepherd Dog.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cane Corso and German Shepherd Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Cane Corso puppies or how many German Shepherd Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Cane Corsos. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cane Corso puppy or the German Shepherd Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Health Problems of Cane Corso versus Health Problems of German Shepherd Dog
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the German Shepherd Dog is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Cane Corso.
7 health tests are recommended for Cane Corso while 7 tests are recommended for the German Shepherd Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cane Corsos and in German Shepherd Dogs.
Cane Corso Health Problems
Cane Corsos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cane Corso puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Cane Corso puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cane Corso breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cane Corsos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cane Corsos here.
German Shepherd Dog Health Problems
German Shepherd Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shepherd Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a German Shepherd Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shepherd Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Shepherd Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shepherd Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog
Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Cane Corsos shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
Cane Corsos shed moderately.
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog
Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog?
Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
Cane Corsos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
German Shepherd Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. German Shepherd Dog
Cane Corsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cane Corsos can tolerate hot weather.
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog?
Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
Cane Corsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and German Shepherd Dogs?
Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
Cane Corsos are very easy to train.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Cane Corso Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?
Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cane Corso or the German Shepherd Dog?
Cane Corsos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Cane Corso versus German Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cane Corso and the German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.