7 Things to Know about the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix

When it comes to mixed dog breeds, you’re likely to have come across one of the latest: the Rotticorso. This large, in charge, gentle giant crosses two exceptional dog breeds, resulting in a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix. 

The Rottweiler and the Cane Corso male and females are known for their strong and rugged appearances, active and gentle natures, and family-directed loyalty. However, some may be put off by the fact that both are seen as aggressive in some instances — but don’t worry. 

With the proper training and socialization, you will find that this protective dog is just as fun and loveable as other breeds.

This guide will give you a comprehensive breakdown of the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix and tell you everything you need to know about your four-legged friend. 

1. What is a Rotticorso?

A Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix, more commonly known as the Rotticorso, is precisely what it sounds like. It is a crossbreed between the Rottweiler and the Cane Corso. These active dogs inherit their large and robust stature from both parent breeds and have their protective and loyal natures.

One might think from their looks that they aren’t as gentle and cuddly as other dog breeds. While Rotticorsos are typically used for their guarding capabilities and protective natures, these canines are incredibly family-oriented and form a strong bond with their close family and friends. 

Of course, a dog’s personality cannot entirely come down to its breed, but you’ll find a friend in your Rotticorso companion.

The Rottweiler Cane Corso mix is a member of the Molosser dog group and is typically bred for defensive and guarding purposes. These hybrid dogs are also one of the oldest known dog breeds in the world due to the incredible history of both parent breeds.

2. Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Origins | Where Do They Come From?

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You won’t find a duo more fitting than the Rottweiler and Cane Corso regarding strength, loyalty, and protective spirits. While their histories originate in separate parts of the world, fate has brought these two magnificent breeds together. Both played essential roles in Ancient Rome, where they were more than just companions. They were herders, fighters, and protectors. 

The origins and history of the Rotticorso are fascinating by all accounts. So, before learning more about the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix, let’s take a look at the origins of its parents: the Rottweiler and the Cane Corso.

Parent Breed Origin: Rottweiler 

The Rottweiler is undoubtedly one of the world’s most famous and well-known guard dogs. They are one of the oldest herding dog breeds, dating back to Ancient Roman times in 70 A.D. They are originally from a town in Germany called Rottweill (hence their name). This town was founded by Romans, who subsequently transported the dogs back to Rome.

Rottweilers, however, are descended from the now-extinct Molossian dog, used to herd and protect cattle and other livestock from predators, earning them the nickname ‘drover dogs.’ These dogs were an essential part of the functioning and success of Roman armies. 

Over the years, these strong, loyal, and helpful beauties have developed many uses, from herding cattle to guarding homes and protecting owners during the First World War. Rottweilers are still used in the military and police force in some capacity, but don’t let that fool you.

Despite their long history, these pups are some of the most affectionate and gentle-natured dogs that will absolutely wow you with their fun-loving personalities.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Rottweiler nearly went extinct in the 1800s? You can thank industrialization for that — luckily, these furry companions are still going strong.

Parent Breed Origin: Cane Corso

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Like the Rottweiler, the Cane Corso dates back to the Ancient Roman empire. They are descended from Roman war dogs, the Canis Pugnaces. 

Ancient Romans found a use for these dogs during times of the Macedonian Wars, and as a result, these animals had plenty to do to help their companions. This included hunting, herding livestock, and protecting their owners during battles. No doubt, the strong bite force and sheer strength of the Cane Corso can attest to this.

As the years progressed, the Cane Corso has found its use in similar ways, but mainly in herding and protecting farm livestock. Despite nearing extinction, the Cane Corso lived on to be one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world.

You might enjoy reading about the Bulldog Cane Corso Dog Breed.

What About the Rotticorso Dog?

It isn’t certain when the Rotticorso first appeared, but they were only recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club in 2014. This makes them a very recent dog breed but also incredibly rare. 

Unlike other crossbreeds that may be designer breeds, like the Goldendoodle, cane corso rottweiler mixes are usually bred for more practical reasons, like guarding and herding capabilities. Ultimately, it is believed that the mix of the Rottweiler and Cane Corso was initially produced to work in a high-pressure, busy environment for practicality.

3. Rotticorso Build and Appearance

The Rotticorso has an intimidating appearance to some. These muscular dogs have a robust, rugged build and are typically very large, weighing 120 lbs. Adult Rotticorsos can also grow up to 28 inches tall. 

These strong dogs have also inherited their powerful and athletic bodies from both parent breeds. Their large heads and big chests result in a lot of power and force behind their bite, making them extra suited for guarding and hunting.

Rotticorsos typically have brown or blue eyes and have coats of various colors. They are most notably known as black dog breeds but can be any combination of black, gray, brown, cream, white, and sable shades. A Rotticorso also has a double coat which is usually thicker than a Cane Corso, and let’s not forget their cute and floppy ears!

Image by Tommy from Pixabay 

4. Taking Care of a Rotticorso

Unlike some more low-maintenance dog breeds, like the Boston Terrier or Daschund, the Rotticorso requires a lot of care and attention. Their active nature means that they need an adequate amount of vigorous exercise daily and the proper training and socialization. 

You might like to read my article on getting your first Cane Corso.

Training 

An important factor in owning a cane corso mix with rottweiler is providing adequate training and early socialization. While these dogs are incredibly loveable and gentle, they require a solid training foundation. Luckily, Rotticorsos are incredibly intelligent and easily trainable, so this won’t be too difficult. 

When training your pooch, it’s best to start as young as possible. You will do well beginning with basic commands, like the classic “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” and then move to more advanced lessons later. A more experienced trainer might sometimes be necessary in some cases, but either way, training needs to be firm and consistent.

Positive reinforcement is also critical, be firm but gentle in your teaching. Scold when necessary, but nothing physical — dogs naturally want to protect themselves. So, negative reinforcement and smacking your dog will likely only make them aggressive or fearful.

Exercise

Physical activity for the cane corso mix rottweiler is another imperative factor. This muscular dog has moderate to very high energy levels, and to avoid hyperactivity and bad behavior, it’s best to create an outlet in the form of exercise. A proper exercise routine for the Rotticorso is essential to avoid them getting bored and frustrated during the day.

One hour of strenuous exercise in the morning and another hour in the evening is optimal, with plenty of playtimes and care in between. Interactive toys work wonders in situations like this to add mental stimulation. You can keep your furry friend busy with a mentally stimulating toy like a snuffle mat or treat puzzle.

Image by Winsker from Pixabay 

Wondering which activities will suit your Rotticorso best? Here are some things you should consider entertaining your furry companion with. You can play fetch, run around, take them for walks or runs, and play tug of war — all that you would expect, right? 

However, there are some less conventional training activities where your Rotticorso will thrive, such as agility training, herding trials, or flyball. After all, this breed thrives in more intense workouts. 

Socialization 

Just as important as exercise and training, socialization with your four-legged friend is a must as young as possible. Walking your precious pup around the community and familiarizing them with the environment is essential. This allows them to get used to all those loud noises that might be scary for them.

One thing to avoid is taking your Rotticorso puppy to the dog park. For one, this holds a risk of your pup catching a disease if they aren’t fully vaccinated yet, but also, other dogs and the loud noises around them might prove scary too.

Maintenance and Grooming

As mentioned before, the cane corso mixed with rottweiler is a very high-maintenance dog breed. They need lots of care and attention, especially in the spring and fall. They have mild to moderate shedding throughout the day, but during changing seasons, it will increase. So, you should brush your dog four or five times daily during these months. Silicon brushes and mitts work great for this.

When it comes to bathing your dog, around once a month should be good. However, if you notice skin irritation in any way, always consult the vet and find the correct products and grooming routine.

Your dog’s nails should be trimmed around once every two weeks or so using a strong, good-quality pair of nail clippers for large dogs. Lastly, ensure to check your pup’s oral hygiene and clean their ears regularly.

Image by Winsker from Pixabay

Food and Dietary Requirements

Given their size and weight, it’s no surprise that Rotticorsos will need a good amount of food to sustain them. Couple that with their high energy levels, and you’re looking at feeding your pooch three large meals a day.

Both the Rottweiler and the Cane Corso are known to have sensitive tummies. So it is no surprise that the Rotticorso shares the same trait. Your dog’s dietary needs will, of course, depend on their age and overall health and conditions, but generally, the premise is the same.

Rotticorsos need their food to be as easy to digest as possible, meaning lots of protein in the form of fish and poultry. Red meat isn’t always the best choice, so sticking to white meat is best. Given their predisposition to specific health conditions, including heart disease, high-fat foods, leftovers, animal bones, and grain-free kibble should be avoided.

The type of kibble that you feed your Rotticorso should be specifically formulated for large-breed dogs with high energy levels that will cater to their sensitivities.

Probiotics and supplements can help preserve your dog’s health, for example, by providing omega fatty acids for joint and heart health. If you want what is best for your dog, it is always best to consult a vet before starting a particular diet or supplement regime.

5. Temperament and Personality

The temperaments of the Rotticorso are somewhat undetermined. You may be worried that the two parent breeds, Rottweiler and Cane Corso, are often seen as aggressive dog breeds. In other cases, some report the breeds as gentle and caring. 

Despite the conflicted opinions, the best way to prevent aggressive behaviors is to provide the correct socialization and training. In the end, they can be just as fun, kind, and gentle as you’d expect from a furry friend. 

Photo by Florian van Duyn on Unsplash

The Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix is a loving and caring breed of dog if socialized correctly. They are watchful, caring, protective, loyal, and devoted to their family. They are also incredibly loveable and affectionate among members of the household. They may appear standoffish and apprehensive towards extended family, friends, and strangers, though.

The Rotticorso inherits its kind, gentle, watchful, and protective nature from the Cane Corso and a similar delicate, affectionate, protective nature from the Rottweiler. If you want a quiet dog breed, skip past the Rotticorso. These canines are incredibly vocal and like to “talk” to their owners and companions.

6. Health and Common Health Conditions

Mixed dog breeds generally tend to be relatively healthy but can inherit certain risks from parent breeds. Here is a quick list of the health issues associated with the Rottweiler and Cane Corso that may be passed down to the Rotticorso.

Common Health Concerns: Rottweiler

• Osteochondrosis: A condition that affects young and rapidly growing dogs where the joint surface areas fail to convert into bone, resulting in thickened cartilage.
• Entropion: A condition resulting in the eyelids rolling inward, irritating the dog’s eyes.
• Subaortic stenosis: A heart disease causing the narrowing of the aortic valve, more common among large breed dogs.
• Elbow dysplasia: A joint developmental disorder that affects young, large breed dogs, resulting in limp and abnormalities in the elbow joint of dogs.
• Bone cancer: A malignant form of cancer that develops in bone cells.
• VWD: Von Willebrand Disease is an inherited bleeding disorder that prevents proper blood clotting and causes excessive bleeding.

Photo by Pawtography Perth on Unsplash

Common Health Concerns: Cane Corso

• Cataracts: White, cloudy eyes in dogs resulting from protein build-up.
• Hip dysplasia: A joint dysfunction resulting in the ball and socket joint of the dog’s hip not fitting correctly, causing grinding and discomfort.
• Arthritis: The inflammation and deterioration of bone joints.
• Bloat: When the dog’s stomach is filled with gas, fluid, or food, following the consumption of food, resulting in twisting of the stomach.
• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder resulting in frequent seizures.
• Cherry eye: A condition where the third eyelid glands prolapse.

Health Problems Associated with the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix

Unfortunately, while the Rotticorso is usually a happy and healthy angel, the above health conditions pose a risk. The most frequent health conditions associated with Rotticorsos are hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, bone cancer, bloat, entropion, and ectropion. That’s not to mention cataracts, corneal erosion, and cherry eye, too. Rotticorsos are also known to have very sensitive stomachs and are prone to allergies and infection.

To avoid these health concerns sneaking up on you and your pooch, it’s imperative to take your four-legged friend to the vet for their annual check-up. You should also ensure that their vaccines are up to date, that they are getting the right amount of nutrients, and that they get plenty of exercise.

7. Pros and Cons of the Rotticorso

Like all dog breeds, there are positive and negative aspects to owning a Rotticorso. So, before making this breed a new addition to the family, weigh the pros and cons.

Photo by Stephanie Cook on Unsplash

Pros

• They are protective and loyal: These large beasts will always ensure that you and your family are well protected, making them perfect for making you feel safe.
• They are intelligent: The Rotticorso is very smart, meaning that they are easily trainable and can quickly learn or adapt to your lifestyle.
• They are large and robust: Their large and athletic build gives these dogs great strength, so they are well suited to very active lifestyles. They are particularly effective in herding and protecting animals if you live on a farm or large piece of land. 

Cons

• They are high maintenance: The Rotticorso is known to be very high maintenance and requires a lot of care and attention. They aren’t the kind of dogs you can sit down with and cuddle all day. They need plenty of exercise and socialization.
• Potentially aggressive: These dogs, like their parent breeds, are predisposed to aggressive behaviors. This shouldn’t be an issue if you give them the necessary socialization and care from a young age.
• Separation anxiety: Like other breeds, the Rotticorso often suffers from separation anxiety when its owner isn’t around. This can result in destructive behaviors around the home.

Frequently Asked Questions On the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix

If you are thinking about adding the Rotticorso to your family, you will surely have some additional questions. To help address that, here are three frequently asked questions about the Rottweiler Cane Corso mix.

Is the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix a Good Guard Dog?

Due to their protective and family-oriented nature, Rotticorsos make excellent guard dogs. Their loyalty to their owners is unmatched, and they are always on stand-by around strangers. 
Plus, their intimidating, athletic build, and sheer strength will give you all the protection you need. Let’s be honest — what better way to deter potential crooks than by having a massive, scary-looking canine at your side?

How Long Does a Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix Live?

Rottweilers and Cane Corsos have a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years. However, the Rotticorso mix has a slightly lower life expectancy of approximately 8 to 10 years. 

Is the Rottweiler Cane Corso Mix a Good Family Dog?

The Rotticorso is known to be friendly and gentle with family members and is family-oriented by nature. So, yes, they make fantastic family pets. They often take well to their immediate family members and form an incredible bond. 
You will always find your Rotticorso following you around your home, looking out for you and seeing what you’re getting up to. These dogs are also exceptionally patient and affectionate, so they are perfect companions for families with small children.

Photo by Rebecca Campbell on Unsplash

Final Thoughts on Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix

A charming combination of the Rottweiler and Cane Corso, the cane corso and rottweiler mix is a gentle giant as you’d never expect. With their kind, gentle, affectionate nature and innate ability to protect, this crossbreed makes an excellent addition to the family. 

While their reputation may precede them as aggressive and dangerous, they only need the necessary care and attention to prove they are sweeter than they seem. You can bring out the best of their gentle and protective nature with proper exercise, socialization, and training. 

However, it is best to remember that the Rotticorso is not great for a new pet owner or someone with a small home and yard. This wonderful breed needs all the love, space, exceptional care, and attention it can get. So, if you’re a seasoned dog owner with a passion for training, and have a great-sized space to offer, then this dog is for you.

If a high-maintenance dog breed isn’t for you, then why not check out some more low-maintenance dog breeds that you can add to your family? Or the Cane Corso Pitbull Mix Breed? Or Wolf Dog Breeds?