Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cane Corso Versus Pug: Introduction
- Cane Corso versus Pug: Overview
- Cane Corso versus Pug: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cane Corso and the Pug
- The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Pug
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Pug
- Lifespan of Cane Corso versus Pug
- Temperament of the Pug Versus the Cane Corso
- Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Pug
- Adopting the Cane Corso versus Adopting the Pug
- The Popularity of Cane Corso versus Popularity of Pug
- Health Problems of Cane Corso versus Health Problems of Pug
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus Pug
- Do Cane Corsos shed more than Pugs?
- Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Pug
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Pug?
- Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?
- Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Pug
- Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cane Corso or the Pug?
- Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Pugs?
- How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and Pugs?
- Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Pug?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cane Corso
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cane Corso versus Pug. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cane Corso Versus Pug: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cane Corso and the Pug? 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 Pug 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 Pug.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cane Corso and the Pug 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 Pug. 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 Pug.
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 Pug.
Cane Corso versus Pug: Overview
A very important difference between the Cane Corso and the Pug is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cane Corso is a large-sized dog while the Pug is a small-sized dog.
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 Pug belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Cane Corso versus Pug: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cane Corso to the Pug 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 Pug
| Factor | Cane Corso | Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 90 to 120 pounds | 14 to 18 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2020 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $1200 – $1875 |
| Temperament Score | 88.1 percent | 91.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 37 | 31 |
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 Pug. 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 Pug is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Pug is a better pet than the Cane Corso. So, you should get the Pug!
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 Pug 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 Pug
Below is a list of where the Cane Corso and the Pug are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Pug
The Cane Corso and the Pug are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cane Corso and the Pug are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Pug
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cane Corso and the Pug.
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, Pugs weigh 14 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Pugs are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Cane Corso versus Pug
The lifespan of Cane Corsos is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Cane Corsos is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Pugs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pugs is 13.5 years.
Pugs live longer than Cane Corsos.
Temperament of the Pug Versus the Cane Corso
The Pug has a better temperament than the Cane Corso.
This is because the temperament score for the Pug is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Cane Corso is 88.1 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 91.7 percent, the Pug has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cane Corso and the Pug by measuring the temperaments of 235 Cane Corsos and 48 Pugs.
Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Pug
The average price of the Cane Corso puppy is $2020. The price of the Cane Corso typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Cane Corso can be as low as $200 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 751 Cane Corso puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Pug puppy is $1620. The price of the Pug typically ranges from $1200 – $1875. However, the price of the Pug can be as low as $300 and as high as $6525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 654 Pug puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cane Corso is more expensive than the Pug.
| Cane Corso | Pug | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2020 | $1620 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $1200 to $1875 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Cane Corso and Pug. For different price points, the charts show how many Cane Corso puppies or how many Pug 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 Pugs
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cane Corso puppy or the Pug 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.
Adopting the Cane Corso versus Adopting the Pug
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cane Corsos and many Pugs are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Cane Corso named Howard that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cane Corsos like Howard on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cane Corsos, Pugs are also available for adoption. For example, Maxwell is a Male Pug that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pugs like Maxwell that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Exodus is the name of another Cane Corso (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Rowdy is an adorable Male Pug on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Cane Corsos and Pugs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cane Corso versus Popularity of Pug
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Cane Corso and the Pug over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pug is more popular with dog owners than the Cane Corso. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pug is 31 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Cane Corso is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cane Corso
Popularity of Pug
| Year | Cane Corso Popularity Rank | Pug Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 50 | 31 |
| 2014 | 48 | 33 |
| 2015 | 35 | 33 |
| 2016 | 40 | 32 |
| 2017 | 37 | 31 |
| 2018 | 32 | 28 |
| 2019 | 30 | 31 |
| 2020 | 25 | 29 |
Health Problems of Cane Corso versus Health Problems of Pug
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 Pug 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 Pug 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 Pug.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cane Corsos and in Pugs.
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.
Pug Health Problems
Pugs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pug 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 Pug puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pug 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 Pugs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pugs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cane Corsos and Pugs
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Cane Corso Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Cane Corso ranks 7 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 57 Cane Corsos, 1 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cane Corsos, and how common these diseases are in Cane Corsos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pug Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Pug ranks 1 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 942 Pugs, 676 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pugs, and how common these diseases are in Pugs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cane Corso and in Pug and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cane Corso and the Pug:
| Disease | Cane Corso Rank | Pug Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder problems | 7 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 17 out of 198 dog breeds | 1 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 19 out of 144 dog breeds | 2 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 24 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 35 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 93 out of 145 dog breeds | 32 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 156 out of 182 dog breeds | 60 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis problems | Not Common | 1 out of 1 dog breeds |
| Tracheal Hypoplasia problems | Not Common | 1 out of 4 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 14 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | Not Common | 14 out of 40 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus Pug
Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.
Pugs do not like to be left alone.
Do Cane Corsos shed more than Pugs?
Cane Corsos shed moderately.
Pugs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Pug
Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.
Pugs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Pug?
Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.
Pugs are very easy to groom.
Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pug?
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.
Pugs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Pugs?
Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.
Pugs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pugs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Pugs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Pug
Cane Corsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Pugs 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 Pugs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cane Corsos can tolerate hot weather.
Pugs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cane Corso or the Pug?
Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.
Pugs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Pugs?
Cane Corsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pugs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and Pugs?
Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Pugs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Pug?
Cane Corsos are very easy to train.
Pugs are fairly easy to train.
Is the Cane Corso Better for Apartment Owners than the Pug?
Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pugs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cane Corso or the Pug?
Cane Corsos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Pugs are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cane Corso
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cane Corso that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cane Corso:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pug
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pug that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pug:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cane Corso and how the Pug compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cane Corso and of the Pug to other breeds:
Cane Corso Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cane Corso versus Afghan Hound Cane Corso versus Harrier Cane Corso versus Standard Poodle Cane Corso versus Jack Russell Terrier Cane Corso versus Leonberger Cane Corso versus Collie Cane Corso versus Dogo Argentino Cane Corso versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Cane Corso versus Neapolitan Mastiff Cane Corso versus Karelian Bear Dog Cane Corso versus Field Spaniel Cane Corso versus Xoloitzcuintli Cane Corso versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Cane Corso versus Pyredoodle Cane Corso versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Cane Corso versus English Toy Spaniel Cane Corso versus Aussiedoodle Cane Corso versus Dalmatian Cane Corso versus Bedlington Terrier Cane Corso versus Havanese Cane Corso versus Alaskan Klee Kai Cane Corso versus Schipperke Cane Corso versus Bernedoodle Cane Corso versus Dalmatian Cane Corso versus Australian Terrier
Pug Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pug versus Pyrenean Mastiff Pug versus Norwich Terrier Pug versus Standard Schnauzer Pug versus Whoodle Pug versus English Springer Spaniel Pug versus Jack Russell Terrier Pug versus Bolognese Pug versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Pug versus Chi-Poo Pug versus German Shorthaired Pointer Pug versus Borzoi Pug versus Finnish Spitz Pug versus Flat-Coated Retriever Pug versus Maltese Pug versus Bulldog Pug versus Cockalier Pug versus Newfoundland Pug versus Portuguese Pointer Pug versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Pug versus German Shorthaired Pointer Pug versus Ibizan Hound Pug versus Newfoundland Pug versus Australian Terrier Pug versus King Shepherd
Conclusion: Cane Corso versus Pug. 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 Pug better suits you and your family.