Is the Cane Corso Better than the Puli as a Pet? Answer…

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Cane Corso Versus Puli: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cane Corso and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cane Corso and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.

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 Puli.

Cane Corso versus Puli

Cane Corso versus Puli: Overview

A very important difference between the Cane Corso and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cane Corso is a large-sized dog while the Puli is a medium-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 Puli 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 Puli: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cane Corso to the Puli 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 Puli

Factor Cane Corso Puli
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 15 years
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 5/5
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 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 90 to 120 pounds 25 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2020 $2250
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1875 – $2750
Temperament Score 88.1 percent 92.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 37 150

    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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Cane Corso. So, you should get the Puli!

    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 Puli 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 Puli

    Below is a list of where the Cane Corso and the Puli are most different:

  • Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pulis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Cane Corsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Cane Corsos not very playful. However, Pulis are very playful.
  • Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool. However, Pulis do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Cane Corsos are very easy to groom. However, Pulis require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Puli

    The Cane Corso and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cane Corso and the Puli are most similar:

  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Puli require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Puli

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cane Corso and the Puli.

    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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cane Corso versus Puli

    The lifespan of Cane Corsos is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Cane Corsos is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.

    Pulis live longer than Cane Corsos.

    Temperament of the Puli Versus the Cane Corso

    The Puli has a better temperament than the Cane Corso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Cane Corso and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 235 Cane Corsos and 26 Pulis.

    Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Puli

    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 Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Puli is more expensive than the Cane Corso.

    Cane Corso Puli
    Average Price $2020 $2250
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1875 to $2750

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cane Corso and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Cane Corso puppies or how many Puli 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 Cane Corsos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    A breakdown of the prices of Pulis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cane Corso puppy or the Puli 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.

    The Popularity of Cane Corso versus Popularity of Puli

    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 Puli over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cane Corso is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Cane Corso is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Cane Corso

    Popularity of Cane Corso

    Popularity of Puli

    Popularity of Puli

    Year Cane Corso Popularity Rank Puli Popularity Rank
    2013 50 136
    2014 48 151
    2015 35 154
    2016 40 159
    2017 37 142
    2018 32 160
    2019 30 160
    2020 25 143

    Health Problems of Cane Corso versus Health Problems of Puli

    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 Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cane Corsos and in Pulis.

    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:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cane Corsos here.

    Puli Health Problems

    Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Cane Corsos and Pulis

    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:

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 7 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 17 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 19 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 24 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 35 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 93 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 156 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 37 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 39 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 70 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 115 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 144 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Cane Corso and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cane Corso and the Puli:

    Disease Cane Corso Rank Puli Rank
    Shoulder problems 7 out of 22 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 17 out of 198 dog breeds 115 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 19 out of 144 dog breeds 70 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 39 out of 145 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 156 out of 182 dog breeds 144 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 37 out of 70 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 Puli

    Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.

    Pulis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cane Corsos shed more than Pulis?

    Cane Corsos shed moderately.

    Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Puli

    Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Puli?

    Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.

    Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?

    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.

    Pulis 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 Pulis?

    Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Puli

    Cane Corsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cane Corsos can tolerate hot weather.

    Pulis 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 Puli?

    Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pulis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Pulis?

    Cane Corsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and Pulis?

    Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Puli?

    Cane Corsos are very easy to train.

    Pulis are not easy to train.

    Is the Cane Corso Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?

    Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cane Corso or the Puli?

    Cane Corsos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Pulis are not the best dogs 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:

  • Fila Brasileiro (76 percent match with Cane Corso). Here is our comparison of the Puli vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:

  • Briard (77 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Cane Corso vs Briard.
  • Welsh Terrier (75 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Cane Corso vs Welsh Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (79 percent match with Puli). Here is our comparison of the Cane Corso vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cane Corso and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cane Corso and of the Puli to other breeds:

    Cane Corso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cane Corso versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Cane Corso versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Cane Corso versus Dachshund     Cane Corso versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Cane Corso versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cane Corso versus Irish Setter     Cane Corso versus Tibetan Mastiff     Cane Corso versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Cane Corso versus Irish Setter     Cane Corso versus Norwegian Buhund     Cane Corso versus Dachshund     Cane Corso versus German Longhaired Pointer     Cane Corso versus Greyhound     Cane Corso versus Akbash     Cane Corso versus Xoloitzcuintli     Cane Corso versus Schipperke     Cane Corso versus Boxer     Cane Corso versus Bichon Frise     Cane Corso versus Great Dane     Cane Corso versus Barbet     Cane Corso versus Bloodhound     Cane Corso versus Redbone Coonhound     Cane Corso versus Scottish Deerhound     Cane Corso versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Cane Corso versus Dachshund     

    Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puli versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Puli versus Shiba Inu     Puli versus Aussiedoodle     Puli versus English Toy Spaniel     Puli versus Bulldog     Puli versus Pointer     Puli versus Cockalier     Puli versus Chihuahua     Puli versus Greyhound     Puli versus Great Dane     Puli versus Doberman Pinscher     Puli versus Shiba Inu     Puli versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Puli versus Welsh Terrier     Puli versus Mastiff     Puli versus Xoloitzcuintli     Puli versus Schnoodle     Puli versus Field Spaniel     Puli versus Karelian Bear Dog     Puli versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Puli versus Yorkshire Terrier     Puli versus Dogo Argentino     Puli versus German Longhaired Pointer     Puli versus Peek A Poo     

    Conclusion: Cane Corso versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.