Cane Corso dogs almost went extinct but today this breed is becoming more and more popular which is not at all surprising.
The Cane Corso has a commanding presence, these dogs are large, muscular, and big-boned. Often times their owners are people that exude the same kind of confidence and inner strength.
But what if you love the way Cane Corso dogs look but you can’t get your hands on one, or you simply want to see a dog that’s smaller, or with other attributes?
What are some dog breeds that look like Cane Corso dogs?
Cane Corso shares similarities with dogs like the Presa De Canario, Dogo Argentino, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bullmastiff, as well as the Tosa Inu, Boerboel, and Dogue De Bordeaux. Additionally, the Bully Kutta, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, American Bulldog, Boxers, and Rottweilers also look similar to the Cane Corso.
If you’re someone who is looking for a dog companion and you want them to possess the confidence and physical strength of the Cane Corso then I’m more than thrilled to explore each breed that resembles the Cane Corso.
We will also discuss their similarities and differences, and whether choosing a dog breed that looks like the Cane Corso is a good idea!
What Are Cane Corso Like?
Before we look at each dog breed that’s similar to the beautiful Cane Corso, it’s important to become a bit more familiar with the Cane Corso breed itself.
So, what are Cane Corso dogs like?
- Origin: Italy
- Type: Large
- Height: 23.5 to 27.5 in (60 to 70 cm)
- Weight: 88 to 110 pounds (40 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 years
The Cane Corso might not be the most well-known dog out there, but the people that recognize this ancient breed know them for their protective nature. After all, they are the descendants of the “bodyguard dogs” of ancient Rome.
The powerful stance of the Cane Corso is unmistakable and they possess a bite force of 700 PSI, the third most powerful bite on our list of 68 dogs!
This breed can seem intimidating but at the hands of a responsible and experienced owner, their sensitive nature shines through, plus the Cane Corso is also quite vocal and quirky, once you get to know them!
According to the AKC, “they are intensely loyal and protective of their own family.”
Just take a look at the guilty eyes of this adorable giant!
Don’t get me wrong the Cane Corso is an intelligent breed that is easy to train, but you will have to put in time and effort to socialize them as early as possible and invest in obedience training.
Unlike some breeds like the German Shepherd, the Cane Corso is not as demanding when it comes to grooming. Of course, they still require weekly brushing and daily during the shedding season.
The Cane Corso, like many breeds on our list, are independent working dogs which means that they require mental as well as physical stimulation.
You don’t have to be an extremely athletic person to care for a Cane Corso, but long walks, hikes, or bicycle rides can be extremely beneficial to this breed.
Like most breeds on our list, the Cane Corso is a brachycephalic dog, which means that they are loud snorers and breathers, and they can experience breathing difficulties. So be prepared for regular vet check-ups!
Finally, Cane Corso dogs are not allowed everywhere around the world. In the U.S. this breed is banned or restricted by cities like Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington.
Dog Breeds That Look Like Cane Corso?
Now that we got a glimpse of what it’s like to own a Cane Corso, it’s time to explore all the breeds that look or behave like the Cane Corso. We’ll also mention their differences be that their origin, size, or trainability.
So, let’s get started!
1. Presa De Canario
- Origin: Canary Islands
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm)
- Weight: 84 to 110 pounds (38 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 11 years
Pressa De Canario is probably one of the breeds on our list that resemble the Cane Corso the most, whether we’re talking about their size, stocky and muscular build, or simply their face.
You can also find plenty of similarities when comparing their personalities. Both are very confident breeds and aren’t too recipient to strangers, whether we’re talking about humans or other dogs. That’s why you should have prior experience with training dogs.
Surprisingly this breed can do pretty well in an apartment setting, but you will need to meet their needs, by investing plenty of time into playing and giving them loads of activities that will stimulate them mentally and physically.
If the weather doesn’t allow it, you can still find indoor activities that can stimulate your Pressa De Canario, but that shouldn’t become a habit.
2. Dogo Argentino
- Origin: Argentina
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 24 to 26.5 inches (61 to 67 cm)
- Weight: 80 to 100 pounds (36 to 45 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
If you think that Dogo Argentino looks a lot like the Cane Corso then you’re not wrong, only instead of being black, tan fawn, or brindle, a true Dogo Argentino can only be white, with a single black or dark-colored spot on the head.
This is another mastiff-type dog that’s pretty much the same size as a Cane Corso, and the Dogo Argentino is often used for search and rescue, police assistance, service dogs, guide for the blind, competitive obedience, Schutzhund, and military work.
Similarly to the Cane Corso, this is an athletic breed that needs someone who can keep up with their energy. They also require someone who is not new to dog training as well as someone firm, confident, consistent, and careful.
But don’t be intimidated by this graceful breed, the Dogo Argentino can be a tender and loving companion!
3. South African Boerbol
- Origin: South Africa
- Type: Large
- Height: 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 91 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 11 years
As you can imagine most dogs on our list are going to be as robust and muscular as the Cane Corso or at least as close to the Cane Corso as possible and the Boerboael is no exception.
After all, they were also used as guardians, only against dangerous wild animals like leopards, and baboons.
While the Boerboel is as tall as the Cane Corso it actually weighs more, and while their posture is quite similar, you can’t miss the large and much broader chest of the Boerboel.
It’s actually much easier to compare the two breeds in terms of physical appearance when they’re both the same color, black, fawn, or brindle.
Their personalities are also not that different, however, the Cane Corso is known to be somewhat goofier, while the Boerboel is more protective and territorial.
This means that the Boerboel is not suitable for novice dog owners. Similarly to the Cane Corso, the Boerboels need to be socialized early on and they require long-term obedience training.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this breed is also illegal to own, or requires special permits in countries, like Romania, Denmark, Russia, and France among others.
4. The Mastiff
- Origin: Britain
- Type: Large
- Height: 27.5 to 30 in (70 to 76 cm)
- Weight: 120 to 230 pounds (54 to 104 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff, that’s why the Mastiff had to be on this list. Sometimes called the Old English Mastiff, this breed is a noble giant, going back to at least 55 BC.
Despite their size, these dogs are lovable companions that are more suitable for experienced trainers that know how to implement gentle training techniques.
Similarly to the Cane Corso, this breed requires lots of training and early socialization since their guarding instincts usually make them overprotective and wary of strangers.
Cane Corso as you already know, is a dog that enjoys exercise, but if you’re more of a couch potato that wants a chill companion that will do better with a moderate amount of exercise then the Mastiff is the answer.
Similarly to the Cane Corso, the Mastiff is a brachycephalic dog, so they will snore heavily and they can suffer from a range of health and welfare issues.
Another thing worth mentioning is drooling. Cane Corso drools a lot thanks to their very floppy jowls, but the Mastiff might drool even more!
Oh and did I mention licking?
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
- Origin: Italy
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 24 to 31 inches (61 to 79 cm)
- Weight: 110 to 150 pounds (50 to 68 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
If you like wrinkly dogs and you want an even wrinklier companion than the Mastiff then the Neapolitan Mastiff might be exactly what you’re looking for.
While the Neapolitan Mastiff shares some similarities with the Cane Corso, due to it being a Mastiff and Italian, this is a much larger breed. Plus you’ve got more skin folds to wipe out daily, especially after meals and drinks.
Once again this is a guardian dog, so be prepared for their overprotective nature and wariness of strangers. That being said the Neapolitan Mastiff is a calm dog, and while you may experience some stubbornness when they’re still young and energetic, in the right hands they will outgrow this behavior.
This is also not a high-energy dog, and you need to be careful not to overexert this breed because they can injure their knees when jumping just from their size and power alone.
6. Bullmastiff
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Large
- Height: 25 to 27 in (63.5 to 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 100 to 130 pounds (45 to 59 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years
The Bullmastiff is another powerful breed on our list, and they look really similar to the Cane Corso, and that’s because they share the same Mastiff ancestors.
But appearance and history is not the only thing they share. Both breeds are fearless protectors of the people that they love. The confidence and intelligence of the Bullmastiff are not easy to handle especially if you’re a novice dog owner.
That doesn’t mean of course that you are not going to have a good time with a Bullmastiff companion because these dogs are quite silly, and they love expressing their love and enthusiasm.
If you’re not an active person and you would rather have a dog that’s a great walking partner then the Bullmastiff won’t disappoint you. This breed might look intimidating but in the right hands, they can be extremely calm and easygoing!
7. Tosa Inu
- Origin: Japan
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 21 to 23.5 inches (53 to 60 cm)
- Weight: 100 to 200 pounds (45 to 91 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
You might be surprised to find a Japanese breed here since we’re so familiar with the Akita Inu or the Shiba Inu, but the Tosa Inu deserves a spot on our list, because this large and powerful dog looks similar to the Cane Corso.
The reason why these breeds look so similar is the fact that the Tosa Inu has been crossed with European breeds like the English Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, and a few more.
If you’re a responsible owner that has prior experience with training you will find that the Tosa Inu is a bold and courageous dog, but at the same time, they can be quiet and obedient.
They share their aloofness towards strangers with the Cane Corso, but also the affectionate nature that they display only towards their family.
This is a low-energy breed but that doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise, which can be a combination of mentally and physically stimulating games in the great outdoors, or in your fenced backyard. This breed will even enjoy indoor activities, on those rainy days.
Unfortunately owning a Tosa Inu isn’t as easy, especially in certain European countries where they might be legally restricted or even banned. So, make sure you look into that before you fall in love with a Tosa Inu!
8. Dogue De Bordeaux
- Origin: France
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 23 to 27 inches (58 to 68.5 cm)
- Weight: 99 to 110 pounds (45 to 50 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 5 to 8 years
I love all dog breeds on this list, and I have a soft spot for any breed that has the iconic squashed muzzle, but I have to admit that the Dogue De Bordeaux is probably my favorite. perhaps that’s because I can never pronounce their name properly, or perhaps it’s the half-sad half-not-impressed look on their smooshed large faces.
Similarly to the Cane Corso, the Dogue De Bordeaux is extremely loyal and protective of their family and they are also very affectionate. They are even more sensitive and sweet, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stubborn.
That’s why they must come from a responsible breeder and go into the hands of an equally responsible and experienced owner that will socialize the Dogue De Bordeaux early on and use obedience training.
This dog loves activities but in moderation, and swimming is a great option. Remember that while the Dogue De Bordeaux might be a lazier breed they still require plenty of love and attention.
You should also make sure their facial area especially the wrinkles is kept as dry as possible and clean, to avoid any possible skin infections.
9. Bully Kutta
- Origin: India and Pakistan
- Type: Large-sized
- Height: 30 to 33 inches (76 to 84 cm)
- Weight: 150 to 200 pounds (68 to 91 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 5 to 12 years
Depending on where you live the Bully Kupta might be impossible to find or legal to own, nonetheless, the similarities this breed shares with the Cane Corso are quite astonishing.
This dog is also a working dog that has been used for hunting and guarding, so as you can imagine this is a powerful and very intelligent breed and the Bully Kupta is just as smart as the Cane Corso, which makes it an unsuitable match for novice owners.
These dogs are mostly owned in India and Pakistan where they originate from, and the Indian National Kennel Club, along with the Indian Mastiff Registry are the only organizations that officially recognize this breed.
10. American Bulldog
- Origin: United States
- Type: Large
- Height: 20 to 25 in (51 to 63.5)
- Weight: 60 to 100 pounds (27 to 45 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
If you’re looking for a slightly smaller version of the Cane Corso but with the same stocky and muscular physique then the American Bulldog might be the one for you.
This dog is not a chill breed, they are just as athletic and they are very playful, so if you have kids this breed will fit perfectly into your active family. Of course, as with all the breeds on this list and dogs in general, you should always supervise your kids when they are in the same room with an American Bulldog.
To keep the American Bulldog from losing their adorable personality and their perpetual grin, you need to make sure their needs are met, and you need to make sure you’re always on top of their training, and socialization, otherwise, they can become chronically fearful and aggressive around other strangers or if they are in unfamiliar places and situations.
Routine is everything for this breed, which is not so different compared to other dogs or the Cane Corso, and that’s why someone more experienced is more suitable for the American Bulldog.
11. Rottweiler
- Origin: Germany
- Type: Medium to large
- Height: 22 to 27 in (56 to 69cm)
- Weight: 77 to 130 pounds (35 to 60 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Rottweilers are quite similar to the Cane Corso in many ways, they are both bulky and relatively the same size, despite that both dogs can live in an apartment setting as long as their needs are being met.
Both breeds are intelligent and that’s why they require an experienced owner that can socialize them properly and use obedience training to teach them to behave well around strangers.
Rottweilers are actually easier to train, that’s why they do well as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs.
Despite having a proclivity to these serious occupations, Rottweilers are great family dogs, and they are far more clownish and goofy compared to the Cane Corso. Despite their size and intimidating demeanor, you will find this breed sitting on your lap and craving all the attention and love!
12. The Boxer
- Origin: Germany
- Type: Medium to large
- Height: 21.5 to 25 in (54.6 to 63.5 cm)
- Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Compared to other dogs on this list the boxer doesn’t look exactly like the Cane Corso, even though both breeds are brachycephalic. But if you want a smaller and leaner breed then the boxer is a great choice. Of course, that doesn’t mean that Boxers are not strong and muscular!
When it comes to their personality, the Boxer is quite similar to the Cane Corso, they both can be wary of strangers and other dogs, however, the Boxer is more approachable.
The Boxer also has a goofy side that they love to express whenever they are around people they trust, especially their owner. In fact, some people would characterize them as somewhat clingy and if they are left alone for too long they can get destructive.
This breed is in no way ideal for new owners, and while they can get along with children, accidents can still happen simply due to their size and love for jumping. While the Cane Corso isn’t so much into jumping their size can also cause accidents!
13. American Staffordshire Terrier
- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm)
- Weight: 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
The Cane Corso is a wonderful dog, but not everyone can maintain a dog of that size, no matter how much they might love their appearance. Thankfully the American Staffordshire Terrier and the following breeds are medium-sized, and more suitable for owners who want a more compact dog that still looks socky and powerful.
Just because the AmStaff is smaller doesn’t mean this is an easy breed to own. First of all, they require an owner who isn’t afraid to be active and spend time with them. As the AKC suggests, “AmStaffs like mental and physical challenges.”
AKC also mentions that this breed is a fun breed to train, but you’ll have to watch out for behaviors like chewing and digging.
Just like the Cane Corso, AmStaffs require plenty of obedience training from an experienced dog owner since they are very confident and intelligent dogs.
14. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 14 to 16 inches (35.5 to 40.5 cm)
- Weight: 24 to 38 pounds (11 to 17 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
This is the second medium-sized Cane Corso lookalike, and unlike some of our more difficult dog breeds here, this one is “a mild, playful companion with a special feel for kids.”
This breed is even more active than the Cane Corso, and it’s the perfect stocky companion for outside activities like biking, jogging, or simply a game of ball chasing.
While they are a wonderful family dog, the Stafford is a dog that has a strong prey drive due to their fighting past, and that’s why they need an owner with previous experience and someone who is consistent and responsible.
Despite how demanding this adorable breed might be, it keeps growing in popularity, in fact, it’s among the most frequently registered breeds in Australia, France, and New Zealand.
15. American Pitbull Terrier
- Origin: British Isles
- Type: Medium-sized
- Height: 17 to 21 in (43 to 53 cm)
- Weight: 30 to 60 pounds (13.6 to 27.2 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 8 to 15 years
I think the Pitbull Terrier is a much smaller, less wrinkly, and to an extent more adorable version of the Cane Corso.
More so, if you’re not a fan of drooling dogs, then you will be happy to hear that Pitbulls, are not known for heavy drooling, especially compared to most breeds on our list.
Drooling aside, this breed is very energetic, probably more energetic than the average Cane Corso, additionally when it comes to training, early socialization, and obedience training are a must!
Whenever Pitbull Terriers are mentioned, people can have quite a negative reaction, that’s why it’s important to understand that this dog, or any dog on our list is not suitable for novice or irresponsible owners.
But before you turn your back on this loving breed, make sure you’re not blaming a dog’s bad behavior on the dog itself, because dogs and dog breeds aren’t inherently bad, at the end of the day the owner is the one who should take responsibility.
Should You Get A Dog Breed Similar To A Cane Corso?
I’m going to address the elephant in the room and just say that the Cane Corso is not for everyone.
Don’t get me wrong these dogs are wonderful, they are loyal, protective, strong, and loving, but they are not suited for inexperienced owners.
The same can be said pretty much about all the dog breeds on this list, after all, they’re here because they look and share plenty of character traits with the Cane Corso.
I always talk about how we shouldn’t choose a dog breed only based on their looks, and I’m even more adamant in this case because you need to look at the personality traits and trainability of each breed listed here.
Make sure you are aware of your own capabilities as a dog owner. Are you experienced? Do you have enough time on your hands and can you offer them enough space, and physical and mental stimulation throughout the day, every day?
Additionally, do you want a dog that drools, snores, and is more prone to breathing problems and conditions?
So, before you make a final call, make sure you’re getting the right dog for you and that you are the right owner for the dog you choose!
Closing Thoughts
While the Cane Corso is a one-of-a-kind dog, that doesn’t mean they don’t share physical similarities or certain personality traits with other gorgeous breeds.
Hopefully, this list helped you become more familiar with Cane Corso-like breeds, and you’ve found the one that speaks to your heart the most.
Of course, looks aren’t everything, and before you set your mind and your heart on one of the 15 breeds on our list, consider their unique needs and your own abilities as an owner!
