The Cane Corso Rottweiler mix, often referred to as a “Cane Rott” or “Rotti Corso” is a crossbreed that combines the traits and characteristics of the Cane Corso and the Rottweiler breeds. This unique mix results in a formidable and versatile dog that exhibits a blend of strength, intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts.

Read here about long hair Rottweiler.

You can also read about Pug Rottweiler Mix.

Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Breed Overview

Weight: 90 – 132 lbs  (41 to 60 kg)

Height: 23 to 28 inches (58 to 71 cm)

Coat Color: fawn, formentino, black, blue, black and tan, red, and rarer patterns such as brindle, tigrato, or reverse blue brindle.

Child friendly: Moderate

Other Pet Friendly: Moderate

Trainability: Moderate

Grooming: Upkeep Easy

Exercise Needs: Moderate

Lifespan: 8-10 years

History of Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix: Where Do They Come From?

In order to fully understand the history and genetics of mixed breed dogs, we must first give an honourable mention to each of the parent breeds. Let’s take a look at the history of the Rottweiler and the Cane Corso in turn, so that we can better understand the modern-day Rotticorso dog.

History of Rottweiler

The modern day purebred Rottweiler dates back to the start of the twentieth century, originating from the appropriately named Rottweil, Germany. The Rottie is believed to be a descendant of Roman farm dogs used for herding cattle, perhaps explaining in part the intelligent nature and strong work ethic of this active dog.

Today, the Rottweiler breed remains excellent working dogs, although they are perhaps better known as a guard dog than a herder.

History of Cane Corso

Like the Rottweiler, the Cane Corso Italiano dog breed can thank the Romans for its popularity; in fact, it is probable that the two breeds are distantly related and share a common (long gone) ancestor back in ancient times. This imposing, intelligent dog once featured on the battlefield, standing bravely aside Roman legions in ancient Italy and beyond.

The breed are perhaps best known today for its role as household guard dogs. Cane Corsos are Italy’s native mastiff dogs, and the breed made a fairly late arrival in the USA with the first recorded instance of a Cane Corso reaching American soil in 1988.

What Do Cane Corso Rottweiler Mixes Look Like?

Color: 

Rotticorso dogs may possess a variety of colorations, including fawn, formentino, black, blue, black and tan, red, and rarer patterns such as brindle, tigrato, or reverse blue brindle.

Nose: 

Rottweiler cane corso mixes may have a light brown, blue, or black nose.

Eyes: 

This attractive mixed breed boasts intelligent dark-rimmed brown to dark brown eyes.

Coat: 

The Cane Corso Rottweiler mix is blessed with a short, practical double-coat, sometimes slightly thicker than that of the purebred Cane Corso.

Conformation: 

This big dog has a solid, strong body shape, a blocky-shaped head and muscular neck and limbs.

Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Size and Weight:

Height: Usually in the range of 23 to 28 inches (58 to 71 cm).

Weight: Typically 90 – 132 lbs  (41 to 60 kg), with the males being larger than the females.

Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Temperament

Temperament: 

The Rottweiler Cane Corso mix is an intelligent, strong-willed and confident dog that should be avoided by first time dog owners. Whilst they are typically affectionate dogs by nature (particularly with trusted family members), they may be standoffish or even aggressive towards strangers without a careful upbringing and consistent dog training.

Their working dog background qualifies them as excellent police dogs and a renowned guard dog. The loyal nature of the breed means they can be good family dogs, but given the size and power of the breed, care should always be taken and younger children should be supervised around this large sized dog.

Suitable for: Families or individuals with spacious homes and active lifestyles. The Rottweiler Cane Corso mix may be suitable for families with children and other dogs so long as proper training and socialization are undertaken from a young age and consistently maintained throughout life.

Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Lifespan and Health

The Rottweiler Cane Corso mix is expected to have an average lifespan of 8-10 years, making these giant mixed breed dogs relatively short-lived, as is the case with other dogs of similar mammoth proportions. Anecdotally, some Rotticorso dogs have been reported to live longer than 12 years, but this should be considered the exception rather than the rule.

The most commonly recorded cause of death or euthanasia for the Rottweiler parent breed is cancer (33% of Rotties), followed by inability to stand (16%), likely due to hip and/or spinal issues [1]. For mastiff breeds such as the Cane Corso, mortality is also most commonly due to cancer (47%).

Cardiac problems also feature highly as a cause of death for mastiff breeds (8%), as does gastric dilation-volvulus (7%) [2].

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Two of the commonest health issues affecting the Cane Corso Rottweiler mix are hip and elbow dysplasia. Studies suggest that the prevalence of hip dysplasia (that is, the percentage of the population affected) is around 52% for Cane Corso dogs [3], and around 22% for Rottweilers [4].

Given the strong presence of these health issues in the parent dog breeds, it may come as no surprise that unfortunately the Rottweiler Cane Corso mix is also frequently affected.

Research also suggests the prevalence of elbow dysplasia in Rottweilers in the region of 39% [4]. Large dogs including mastiff breeds such as the Cane Corso are also frequently affected. Therefore, again it is perhaps unsurprising that the Rottie Cane Corso mix receives an unfairly high share of elbow dysplasia.

Gastric Dilation-Volvulus

This potentially deadly condition sadly features as one of the more condition health issues affecting each of the parent breeds, as well as the Cane Corse Rottweiler mix.

Gastric dilation-volvulus occurs when the stomach rotates inside the abdomen, which may cause the entry and exit points to the stomach to become closed off. Gas rapidly accumulates in the stomach and is unable to exit, producing bloat. Circulatory shock and death rapidly follow without emergency veterinary treatment.

Entropion and Ectropion

Entropion is a condition whereby the upper and/or lower eyelid margins roll inwards, with the result that the eyelashes scrape across the surface of the eye during blinking. If left untreated, the condition frequently results in eventual blindness. It is corrected surgically and is believed to be an inherited, with a genetic basis.

Ectropion on the other hand, is where the eyelid margins roll outwards, are loose or “floppy” in appearance and do not maintain close contact with the surface of the eye as they should. As such, the eyelids cannot perform their normal function of spreading the tear film and keeping the surface of the eye protected, clean and moist.

Again, blindness can result if severe cases are left untreated and again, correction is surgical. Prevalence of the condition is reported as being 36.6% in the Italian Corso [5], and the condition is also relatively common in the Rottweiler Cane Corso mix.

How to Care for Your Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix

Nutrition

Due to their extreme size, the most appropriate dog food for Cane Corso Rottweiler mixes is a high quality, targeted commercial food for giant dog breeds, such as Royal Canin’s “Giant Adult” food or Acana’s “Adult Large Breed” dog food. Raw meat diets are hazardous for both canine and public health and should not be fed to any dog.

Grooming Requirements

This designer dog breed benefits from professional grooming every 8-10 weeks to keep their coat and skin healthy and in top visual condition. Additionally, to reduce shedding of fur around the home it is advisable to brush your Cane Corso Rottweiler mix using a de-shedding brush in an outdoor location at least once weekly.

Training and Exercise

Being an extremely active and intelligent mixed breed born of two working dog breeds, the Rotticorso dog requires at least an hour of daily exercise as well as regular dog training with an experienced owner or professional trainer. Due to the potential for the breed to suffer from skeletal and joint issues, it is recommended not to over-exercise these dogs (no more than two hours per day as an adult, less whilst still growing).

How Much Does a Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix Cost?

A Rotticorso puppy can typically be acquired for around $500 – $2500. You will likely end up paying a figure towards the upper end of this range in 2023, particularly if adopting from a breeder rather than a rescue center.

Initial Expenses

Food and Water Bowls: $15-$35

Bed: $50-$200

Crate: $60-$500

Leashes and Collars: $15-$50

Toys: $30-$50

Initial Vaccine Shots: $75-$200

Neutering or Spaying: $300-$500

Microchip: $40 on average

Ongoing Expenses

Food and Treats: $80-200 per month (depending on selected diet)

Professional grooming: around $60 (location dependent) every 8-10 weeks

Deworming, Flea and Tick Medications: $60-100 per month

Annual Vaccinations: around $100 per year (location dependent)

Pet Insurance: $50-200 per month, depending on age and location. The older your Rotticorso dog is, the more you can expect to pay for your insurance policy.

Where to Find Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix for Sale and Adoption:

Sale

• Keystone puppies
• Greenfield puppies
• Buckeye puppies
• Rottweiler breeders
• Cane Corso breeders

Adoption

• Can Corso Rescue, Inc
• Rottweiler Hearts Rescue
• Giant Paw Prints, Inc.

What are the Advantages of Owning a Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix?

Excellent Working Dogs (with the potential to make great family pets)

Each of the parent breeds makes fantastic working dogs in their own right, and the Corso Rottweiler mix boasts similar abilities. And, as mentioned, these large dogs can make a loyal and gentle addition to the family, so long as adequate care is taken with children and other pets.

Relatively Low Grooming Needs

Whilst they will benefit from routine grooming and regular brushing (and your carpets and furniture will thank you for it!), Cane Corse Rottweiler mixes have comparatively low grooming requirements when contrasted with many longer and/or thicker coated breeds.

Good Guard Dog

As mentioned, the protective Rotticorso can make an excellent guard dog for households that have an appropriate, enclosed garden or land and can ensure public safety.

What are the Disadvantages Of Owning a Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix?

Not Ideal for Apartment Living

Due to their large size as well as their space and exercise requirements, these active dogs are much better suited to houses with large enclosed gardens than to a city high-rise.

Aggressive Tendencies

Given that both parent breeds are notorious guard dogs in their own right, Cane Corso Rottweiler hybrid dogs do have the potential to display aggression if not appropriately socialized and trained from a sufficiently young age.

Hunting Instincts

Both the Rottweiler and Cane Corsos have moderately strong instinctive hunting drives. Corso Rottweiler mix dogs have inherited a similarly powerful drive to hunt from their parent dogs and care should be taken around cats, rabbits, and other pets and wildlife which may be considered “prey”.

Final Words on Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix

In conclusion, the Rotti Corso mix offers the perfect blend of strength, loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. Their physical presence and protective nature make them excellent guard and protection dogs, while their loyalty and affection make them cherished family members. With proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership, the Rotti Corso mix can thrive and become a devoted and reliable companion for those who appreciate their unique qualities.

Reference List:

[1] O’Neill, D.G., Seah, W.Y., Church, D.B., and Brodbelt, D.C. Rottweilers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders, Canine Genetic Epidemiology. (2017)

[2] Bell, L. and Hesketh, S. Mastiff breed mortality: A study of owner experience, dog age and longevity. Veterinary and Animal Science. (2021)

[3] Baldinger et al. Prevalence of canine hip dysplasia in 10 breeds in France, a retrospective study of the 1997-2017 radiographic screening period. PLOS One. (2020)

[4] Kirberger, R.M. Phenotypic hip and elbow dysplasia trends in Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers in South Africa (2007-2015): Are we making progress? Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. (2017)

[5] Guandalini et al. Epidemiology of ocular disorders presumed to be inherited in three large Italian dog breeds in Italy. Veterinary Ophthalmology. (2016)