Which is Better between the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cane Corso Versus Spanish Mastiff: Introduction

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

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

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 Spanish Mastiff.

Cane Corso versus Spanish Mastiff: Overview

A very important difference between the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cane Corso is a large-sized dog while the Spanish Mastiff is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff are Working Dogs. This means both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff 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.

Cane Corso versus Spanish Mastiff: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cane Corso to the Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiff

Factor Cane Corso Spanish Mastiff
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 26 to 35 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Weight 90 to 120 pounds 140 to 220 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2020 $1050
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1000 – $1050
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    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 Spanish Mastiff. 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 Spanish Mastiff is 83 out of 125.

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

    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 Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Cane Corsos have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiff can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cane Corso and the Spanish Mastiff are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cane Corso versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    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, Spanish Mastiffs weigh 140 to 220 pounds when fully grown. Spanish Mastiffs are 26 to 35 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cane Corso versus Spanish Mastiff

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

    The lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Spanish Mastiffs is 11.0 years.

    Price of Cane Corso versus Price of Spanish Mastiff

    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 Spanish Mastiff puppy is $1050. The price of the Spanish Mastiff typically ranges from $1000 – $1050. However, the price of the Spanish Mastiff can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Spanish Mastiff puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cane Corso is more expensive than the Spanish Mastiff.

    Cane Corso Spanish Mastiff
    Average Price $2020 $1050
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1000 to $1050

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cane Corso and Spanish Mastiff. For different price points, the charts show how many Cane Corso puppies or how many Spanish Mastiff 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 Spanish Mastiffs

    A breakdown of the prices of Spanish Mastiffs

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cane Corso versus Spanish Mastiff

    Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.

    Spanish Mastiffs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Cane Corsos shed more than Spanish Mastiffs?

    Cane Corsos shed moderately.

    Spanish Mastiffs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cane Corso or the Spanish Mastiff

    Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Spanish Mastiffs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cane Corso or the Spanish Mastiff?

    Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.

    Spanish Mastiffs are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Cane Corso Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spanish Mastiff?

    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.

    Spanish Mastiffs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Cane Corsos Bark and Howl? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

    Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cane Corso vs. Spanish Mastiff

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

    Spanish Mastiffs 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 Spanish Mastiffs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cane Corsos can tolerate hot weather.

    Spanish Mastiffs 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 Spanish Mastiff?

    Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Cane Corsos good family dogs? What about Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cane Corsos and Spanish Mastiffs?

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

    Spanish Mastiffs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cane Corso Easier to Train than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Cane Corsos are very easy to train.

    Spanish Mastiffs are not easy to train.

    Is the Cane Corso Better for Apartment Owners than the Spanish Mastiff?

    Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spanish Mastiffs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Spanish Mastiffs 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 Spanish Mastiff vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spanish Mastiff

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

  • Akbash (78 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Cane Corso vs Akbash.
  • Hovawart (81 percent match with Spanish Mastiff). Here is our comparison of the Cane Corso vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cane Corso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cane Corso versus Swedish Vallhund     Cane Corso versus Keeshond     Cane Corso versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Cane Corso versus Brittany     Cane Corso versus Rottweiler     Cane Corso versus Bichon Frise     Cane Corso versus Cesky Terrier     Cane Corso versus Sealyham Terrier     Cane Corso versus Berger Picard     Cane Corso versus American Eskimo Dog     Cane Corso versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Cane Corso versus Samoyed     Cane Corso versus Frenchton     Cane Corso versus Chinese Crested     Cane Corso versus Ibizan Hound     Cane Corso versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Cane Corso versus Briard     Cane Corso versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Cane Corso versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cane Corso versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cane Corso versus Siberian Husky     Cane Corso versus Chi-Poo     Cane Corso versus Saint Berdoodle     Cane Corso versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Cane Corso versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Spanish Mastiff Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spanish Mastiff versus English Springer Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Chow Chow     Spanish Mastiff versus Frenchton     Spanish Mastiff versus Stabyhoun     Spanish Mastiff versus Lancashire Heeler     Spanish Mastiff versus Afador     Spanish Mastiff versus Cesky Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Puggle     Spanish Mastiff versus Field Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Basenji     Spanish Mastiff versus Pyredoodle     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Water Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Wolfhound     Spanish Mastiff versus Chihuahua     Spanish Mastiff versus Irish Terrier     Spanish Mastiff versus Saint Bernard     Spanish Mastiff versus Pomeranian     Spanish Mastiff versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Basset Hound     Spanish Mastiff versus Karelian Bear Dog     Spanish Mastiff versus Yorkipoo     Spanish Mastiff versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Spanish Mastiff versus Komondor     Spanish Mastiff versus Sussex Spaniel     Spanish Mastiff versus Toy Poodle     

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