The Cane Corso and the Boerboel are two fantastic dogs that are worthy of some serious attention. These guys both have an unfair reputation and because of this, they are often overlooked as family pets.
Despite their size and mean-looking exterior, they are both known for having soft spots for children, and they are very gentle and protective of them. They are both intelligent and affectionate with their immediate family, but they both have the ability to protect their family if in danger.
They differ slightly in their temperament, the Cane Corso is quicker to react and can become actively aggressive if he fears that his family is in danger. The Boerboel is slightly calmer and will watch the situation in front of him unfold while assessing how to best react. The Boerboel is also much heavier and stockier than the Cane Corso. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at them both and compare their qualities.
If you are not certain of your dog’s genetic makeup, you can use an at-home DNA test kit to find out.
Breed Comparison
Cane Corso
- Height 23-27 Inches
- Weight 85-110 Pounds
- Temperament Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic
- Energy Average
- Health Above Average
- Lifespan 9-12 Years
- Price $1,500 and Up
Boerboel
- Height 23-28 Inches
- Weight 120-200 Pounds
- Temperament Confident, Intelligent, Aloof
- Energy Average
- Health Above Average
- Lifespan 9-11 Years
- Price $1,500 and Up
Breed History
Looking at a dog’s history is a great insight into what their personality may be like and what they need to be properly taken care of.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso hails from Italy, and it is phonetically pronounced as ‘Kay-Nah Kor-So.’ His forefathers were much larger than the Cane Corso we know today, but they were used in war to fight and charge enemy lines with flaming weapons. When he was no longer required in war, he was used as an estate guardian, flock guardian, and hunting dog.
The Cane Corso almost became extinct at the beginning of the 20th Century, but thanks to breed fanciers an intense breeding program saved them. The Neapolitan Mastiff, who is very similar, is known to have played a major part in the breed restoration.
This isn’t unlike the English Mastiff, which was also saved from extinction in the 1800s and was done so by what some people think was bringing in the saint bernard into the breeding line. This is why a very small portion of EMs to this day still have a fluffy appearance. The Cane Corso is also often mistaken for other breeds, like the American Pitbull Terrier.
Today he is better known for being a loving family companion, as well as a great household guard dog. The Cane Corso is a popular pup and he is currently ranked the 32nd most popular dog in America by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Boerboel
The Boerboel hails from South Africa and it is phonetically pronounced as ‘Boo-R-Bull.’ In the 17th Century Dutch, French and German settlers sailed to South Africa in the hope of farming the land. With them they took large dogs, namely Bulldogs and Mastiff type dogs, to protect and guard their estates and family.
The Boerboel is a result of breeding the Bulldog and the Mastiff, and since then he has been further refined with a few other undocumented breeds. There is a long history of this breed, unlike the American Mastiff which has only been around for about 25 years.
Today he is a loving family companion and estate guard. He is known for his ability to intimidate packs of Lions and vicious Baboons and he has been known to fight them off in order to protect his family. The AKC has ranked him as the 121st most popular dog in America, out of 193 breeds.
They are quite rare outside of Africa, which explains why they are much lower down on the popularity scale compared to the Corso. They are often mistaken for a Bullmastiff or Old English Mastiff when seen in person. These two large breeds are different, even though they may look similar to the Boerboel.
Appearance
The Cane Corso and the Boerboel are very similar in their appearances except for their size; the lighter-colored Corsos could easily be mistaken for a smaller Boerboel, and the brindle Boerboels could easily pass for a large Cane Corso. Both dogs could also easily be mistaken for a Boxer Mastiff mix.
The Corso stands between 24 to 27 inches, with the Boerboel ever so slightly taller at 24 to 28 inches, measured at paw to shoulders. The difference between them is their weight; with the Cane Corso weighing between 99 to 110 pounds and the Boerboel weighing a significantly larger 154 to 200 pounds.
They both share a muscular appearance, but of course, the Boerboel is much stockier thanks to his extra weight. They both have square-shaped heads with deep broad muzzles, thick necks, and well-proportioned bodies.
The Cane Corso has a short coat similar to the Boerboel, but his fur is much denser and rougher, whereas the Boerboel is smooth to the touch. The Cane Corso is available in seven recognized colors, whereas the Boerboel is available in six. The Boerboel is traditionally much lighter in color compared to the Corso.
The Cane Corso and the Boerboel often have their ears cropped by their owners to be in keeping with their traditional aesthetics. This also served a working purpose, to ensure that their ears were not torn while hunting wild animals or fighting lions. In their natural state, their ears are both large and floppy.
Temperament
It may come as a surprise to some, but both the Cane Corso and the Boerboel are playful and silly with their immediate family. They are sociable and require a lot of human interaction; they won’t be too pleased if you leave them outside all day expecting a full-time guard dog.
They love to play interactive games, fetch sticks, or show off their skills at an agility course. The Boerboel is the more agile of the two breeds, but the Corso is known to be slightly goofier and sillier.
They are also both similarly protective of their family and their estate. They will alert you to anything that they deem to be suspicious, and they will step between you and anything or anyone who they feel to be a threat. If their master signals that someone is ok, or if their master invites them into their home, then both breeds immediately step down and greet their new playmate.
They are known to be particularly in tune with their master’s emotions, so, if you feel anxious about something, they will be the first to notice and take action. Generally, the Cane Corso is quicker to react to strangers and danger, whereas the Boerboel has a tendency to risk assess the situation before deciding how to proceed.
They are also both known to be gentle and protective of their human siblings, and this is particularly true of the Boerboel. The Boerboel has a soft spot for children, and he is very tolerant of them touching and pulling him. Due to both the breeds’ sizes, a supervising adult should always be in the same room, in the unlikely event of any accidents.
Exercise
The Cane Corso and the Boerboel require around 60 minutes of exercise a day. They both enjoy long walks, jogging with their master, or mucking around in the garden with their family. The Boerboel is known to be the most agile of the Mastiff family, and as such he would definitely appreciate plenty of agility course sessions.
Because of their sheer size and power these guys need to be entertained on top of the one-hour exercise requirement, otherwise, they can become restless, and a restless dog can easily become a destructive dog. Combining this with their sociable nature, they are best placed with families that won’t leave them alone for too long.
Both the Cane Corso and the Boerboel often appear on the list of dangerous dogs, so if you are thinking about getting one of these pooches then be sure to check out your local dog laws. You may be required to leash and muzzle them as soon as you leave your property, as well as other restrictions.
Training
Early socialization is key for the Cane Corso and the Boerboel due to their protective nature and guarding tendencies. Socialization is the process of learning to be comfortable and calm in a variety of situations.
If either breed misses out on this important training then they can grow up to be too protective, or even aggressive with other humans or animals. If they do receive adequate training then they will transform into delightful doggos who are a pleasure to be around.
Both of these guys respond well to positive reinforcement training with a dominant pack leader. Instilling discipline into your household is essential, and obedience training is a great way to achieve this. It is important for every family member to be familiar with the rules that you put in place, and to also ensure that every family member is familiar with the pack mentality and its importance in regards to these breeds.
Both the Cane Corso and the Boerboel are intelligent breeds who are eager to please their master, and as such, they respond well to training. However, don’t mistake this for an easy task, for they both require a firm hand and consistent training throughout their lifetime. Neither breed is suitable for a first-time dog owner.
They will require extreme patience as both dogs have energy, so be prepared to spend some time with them, especially if you plan to crate train them. If you plan to crate train, you’ll want to make sure that the crate you buy has enough space, which means you’ll probably be looking at a crate specifically made for XXL breeds.
Health
Both the Cane Corso and the Boerboel are healthy dogs. They are both required to be screened for Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, this is an abnormal formation of the elbow and hip joints that can cause mobility issues and crippling arthritis. This is a common health issue amongst larger dogs due to the impact that their weight has on their bones and joints.
The Cane Corso National Breed Club also requires him to have a Cardiac Evaluation. Dilated Cardiomyopathy can be quite common in Corsos, and this is characterized by thin walls which make the heart weak.
The Boerboel National Breed Club requires him to undergo an Ophthalmologist Evaluation, which determines whether he has any eye disorders. Entropion is common in Boerboels, which is characterized by eyelids that turn inwards.
Could Pet Insurance Help?
If your pet insurance covers exam fees and your dog needs to be examined, there is a good chance your policy will reimburse those costs based on your policy details. However, if you are a new customer, vet expenses will not be covered until after your policy’s defined waiting periods, so signing up once you have an existing health concern is not going to help this time. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by any current pet insurance plans.
This is why it is a great idea to sign up for a pet insurance policy when your pet is young and relatively healthy to ensure you will be covered when you need it most.
Nutrition
The Boerboel consumes more dog food than the Cane Corso; on average, the Corso will consume three cups of food whereas the Boerboel will consume around five cups of food.
They both have a sweet tooth, so it is important that you monitor their treat intake. They are both known to easily pile on the pounds and become obese, so keep them healthy with minimal snacks and plenty of exercise.
A high-quality kibble is a key to keeping your pup as healthy as possible, and they should always be fed age-appropriate food. The Veterinarian will advise you on what is best to feed your Corso or Boerboel should you be unsure of anything.
Grooming
The Cane Corso and the Boerboel have similar coats, in that they are short and shiny, and easy to take care of. Brushing them once a week will suffice in order to keep them looking healthy, and to remove any dead hair that otherwise may find itself on your sofa.
They also require a bath once every month or two, this is dependent on how dirty they get while exercising outside. Be careful not to bathe them too often otherwise you risk damaging the natural coat oils that keep them looking healthy.
Though typically cropped, it is still important to check their ears and clean them out regularly to avoid infection. Clearing out wax or debris every three or four days should be plenty. Taking a cotton swab dipped in baby oil or coconut oil and making your way from the ear flaps to the inner ear is the best way to accomplish this. Just be sure not to go too deep!
To ensure optimal dental health, brushing your Boerboel or Cane Corso’s teeth every 2 to 3 days is recommended. A doggie toothpaste works best with a finger sleeve, toothbrush, or finger to remove plaque and tartar.
Price
The Cane Corso is slightly less expensive than the Boerboel, with the Corso costing between $1,500 and $1,800, and the Boerboel costing between $1,500 and $2,000. The main factor for this is that there are fewer Boerboel breeders in America, and as such the puppies are more in demand.
Be sure to buy your pup from a reputable breeder to ensure that they have the best possible start to life and that they have not been mistreated or mishandled.
As both breeds are very dominant and often underestimated by new owners. Unfortunately, they often find themselves being put up for adoption. If you would like to rescue one of these breeds then contact your local rescue Centre, and they would be happy to point you in the right direction. Not only may you save a little money, but you will also be saving a life!
Final Thoughts
The Cane Corso and the Boerboel are increasing in popularity as family pets and it is easy to see why. Not only are they great guard dogs, but they are affectionate with their family and gentle with children.
They require intense and consistent training to ensure that they are well-mannered pups, and they require a dominant pack leader to ensure that they do not become unruly. But if this is something that you can master, then they are both fantastic family breeds that will reward you with bags of loyalty and heaps of fun!
Very good information, helpful in making the best choices. 👍
If you’re looking for a Cane Corso Adoption I can help you find one near you. Just visit our site to see collection of breeds.
Please tell “MARIS” to wait until he has settled into a house on land forever, before considering a dog. And
any mastiff, cane corso, etc…is out of the question.
Thank you for passing this on to MARIS.
We enjoyed and loved our bull mastiff/cane corso mix named Bella, for thirteen years and three months.
Great dog with everyone she met, but definitely disliked Akitas. Bella liked every other dog, especially little ones.
She was a wonderful family pet. We would have another mix like her or either
breed, as we learned how to care for her and our previous Bullmastiff Clancy. We had huskies for 25 years,
also a lovely breed, but escape artists and predatory pets. Bella was a stay at home dog, and family friendly
dog. Best to know all about parent dog breeds’ tendencies to help you know what to expect.
Hi. I just really worry about health issues. I’ve had a Dogue de Bordeaux that lived with terrible seizures and died at 2 1/2 years. We grieved a while then had a Bullmastiff which developed Osteosarcoma at 6 and died within two months. I am now so sad but also so nervous. I really want another dog and I love big dogs. The Corso and the Boerbell seem to have fairly good health records. Does anyone have any experience of health issues to discuss? Thanks Dave
You take the 2 most popular dogs in kollosal sizes. OFCOURSE you get sickness and problems. They are all more inbreed than people from alabama.
If you want a big dog, with minimal to no problems go for a BLACK or BROWN cane corso mid price range. Dont go for the silver or grey or blue. Those ones have more focus on looks than health
We lost one of our corso’s to idiopathic epilepsy in November. He was 3 months away from his 3rd birthday. I’m still so heartbroken from loosing him! I didn’t know they were prone to epilepsy until my guy developed it. He fought for 9 long months before it took him.
I have had everything pitbulls..rottweilers..boxers..bullies..I now have 4 boerboels and they are fantastic…I don’t know why I didn’t get this breed in the first place hard to find sometimes I paid 2500 per boerboel I have 4 children and they just lay with them .play with them..they are really affectionate..I have friends that have english mastiffs..and friends that have canes..and tosas..and they all wanna trade..nothing against any other breed I just love my boerboels
its not quite accurate, i own a cane corso and he weighs over 200 pounds around 210-220
Are these breeds generally okay with cats when socialized early? I have 2 cats in my home and have been in touch with a cane corso breeder who may have puppies coming up that are a mix of both these breeds. I plan on socializing the puppy immediately and would keep the cats sectioned off in a different area of the house if I have to leave the puppy at home for any amount of time, but was just wondering if they’re generally okay with cats if they’ve grown up with them.
How exciting for you! Cane Corsos can do well in homes with children and other pets if they’re introduced at a young age. Socializing the puppy at a young age is a good idea because the breed is known to have guardian tendencies. We encourage you to read more about the Cane Corso breed here to learn about what the breed would require from you as the pet parent.
Hi. I realize this article is a little dated. However, I found it to be very interesting. I stopped to read it because I just learned about the Boeboels. I also read it because, my brother has a Cane Corso around 3 yrs. old. When she was a puppy, he started taking her on road trips to help get her socialized and familiar with family when they come around.
I adored the her and gave her rub downs that she fell in love with. My brother is in the process of having a home built and invited me to live with him because of my health issues. These same health problems have prevented me from traveling like I used to. Therefore, I was unable to be around her more. My concern is, when it’s time to live together, will she remember me? How are they when it comes to something like that?
I would like to have a boerboel as my first dog.
Is it okay.
Secondly
I am under naval training and I may have only 3months holiday.will the dog still remember me after just three months
I have owned several dogs over an 18 year period. I currently have a 9-month-old male Boerboel. He is very goofy, gets along with other male dogs, and is very affectionate with my kids. Prior to this, we had a female Cane Corso. She was 90% sweet, but highly protective. I say protective as opposed to aggressive. She shook the s*$t out of two dogs that charged us in a barking manner. She did eventually bite my son on the face, which was very surprising. I had to put her down as I could no longer trust her. This was the third event where I thought she would bite someone. I got the Corso as I worked midnight shift and wanted a protection dog. The Boerboel has shown no aggressive signs. He looks and sounds intimidating, but is an absolute sweetheart. When buying the Corso, I was told the female was more protective, but she was over the top. She barked at my neighbors everyvday, even though she knew who they were. The Boerboel is stubborn and big and intimidating, but has 0 aggression.
Wow! This is a wonderful article. I wanted to get a Cane Corso but I am leaning towards the Boerboel. I saw him on the dog show and fell in love I’m just concerned about the size of my home. I want him/her to have enough room.
I also don’t know which sex is better. I never had a female dog before. I want the dog as a protector and to keep me company as I’m home mostly alone. I noticed you mention a rescue. I feel so nervous about that, being that these dogs will become very large. Is that a good choice for me I never had a dog this size? I had a toy poodle that passed about five years ago so this will be a new adventure for me.
Hi Michelle! Both breeds here are excellent dogs. But, as mentioned in the article, neither breed is recommended for first-time dog owners (which it sounds like you aren’t.). These are strong-willed and dominant breeds, and both of them will likely grow north of 100 pounds. The reason we talk about rescues is that you can in fact get great dogs at rescues (we have two). Some have baggage, plain and simple. Some were mistreated in prior homes, or have behavior problems that others couldn’t fix.
But many rescue dogs are just one or two corrections away from being amazing pups. You also get to see their personality and will know if they get along well with kids, cats, or other animals, which is a huge plus. Obviously getting a puppy has benefits too. But I’d recommend looking at a rescue first, just to see what’s out there. You may be surprised! Good luck in your search for a new canine companion!
Michelle i am from South Africa living on a farm and i can tell you these dogs are very loyal and will protect you no matter what.I had 3 boerboels and if you can then got yourself a female.
Well written article! You did a very good job representing each breed . We have a Boerboel and they are very interesting dogs, I feel you captured their essence very well!
Thank you, Heidi! I am glad you found the article useful!
I have a pup Boerboel 3 months old he is very smart I love him . Thank you again for the information.
You are very welcome, Avery! Glad you found the information helpful!
My Boerboel Queenie is magnificent. We have yet to train her but she still follows basic commands. She’s around 150 pounds 3 years old, very protective with our family, she’s a gentle giant, patient, with our kids and she’s always looking for affection. Only downfall she refuses to go with me on my jogs!
I guess a lot of cardio is not my girls thing. Anyone looking into getting a Boerboel could not go wrong.
Sounds like a great pup, Estelle! Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Great article! I currently have 2 children (boys), a 22-month-old female Great Dane and a 4-month-old mini poodle. We’re getting another large dog and we’ve narrowed it down to these two breeds. My only concern is the small dog. Which do you think would be a better fit with a small dog?
Hi Brendan! Thanks for stopping by to comment. It really will be a personal choice on this one. Both breeds can be fine with smaller dogs. They are both guardians and were bred for similar purposes over time. I think it’s more important to make sure there’s not an inter-sex conflict, rather than being worried about the breed. If both your dogs are girls, I’d recommend adding a male to balance it out. If you have one female and one male, it will matter less, but really spend time analyzing the personality of the new addition.
Female on Female aggression is a real thing, and those altercations can be difficult to stop/prevent. So, just consider the sex of your new dog carefully. We recently adopted a 3rd pup, and she fit right in because she’s incredibly submissive, and our other female has more alpha tendencies, so it’s worked out well. For this circumstance, I would look at both dogs, and check out the parents if you have access to them. If you are rescuing, do introductions at the shelter. Good luck with your next pup!
The Cane Corso size standards seem detached from reality. I have yet to encounter a full-grown male Corso that was less than 110 lbs. And these are fit young dogs. 120-130 seems much more accurate. Even breeders showcase show dogs that are much larger than the standard. What is the disconnect?
Hi Brad, thanks for the feedback. I think the difference that some dogs have been bred to be bigger over time. People that look for mastiff-type dogs, generally think “bigger is better” so you have breeders tending to breed larger dogs. 120-130 is not out of the question at all, but it’s also generally not the standard.
It’s going to vary by dog, and by the breeder. Corso’s by nature are more active than their English cousins. I’ve seen plenty of English Mastiffs in the 120-130 range. Again, that can happen but just not the norm or the average. Hope this helps, and appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment!
A very insightful perspective on these two mastiff breeds. I own Fila Brasileiros and find them to be tenacious guard dogs. At 6 months old they start protecting, if your not a resident they will become defensive, no questions asked. No other breed compares my opinion. But this is a great comparison of both breeds.
Thanks for stopping by to comment and share, Stacy! We appreciate the insight!
I enjoyed reading your article. Very good. My wife and I have 2 Cane Corsos, one male (3 years old) and one female (8 years old). They are both terrific dogs. The female can be a little moody at times. Sometimes she just wants her alone time. Nothing aggressive.
The male is always happy-go-lucky. Loves everyone and loved by everyone. As I stated, we love the Cane Corso and plan on getting another when the time comes. However, I recently saw the Boerboel and became really interested in choosing that for our next large dog. So thank you for your article comparing the breeds. I am pretty sure there will be a Boerboel in our future.
Glad you liked the article, Matt! Both breeds are excellent choices for large to extra-large dog lovers. Good luck with your search!
How do these dogs get along with other dogs? There are many other dogs in my neighborhood and some of them react in different ways when you are walking by with your dog.
Hi Pete! This is one of those circumstances where I’ll say it really depends on the individual dog and the owner. Both breeds can get along fine with other dogs if they are socialized early. Every dog is different. The Corso and Boerboel both have protective tendencies and traits in their genetic makeup. But as long as they are socialized early, both breeds can do just fine with other dogs.
I had a Neopolitan Mastiff a few years ago. He was a great and smart dog. He lived for 9 years. Very protective of the family. He was 180 pounds. Hurt me when he died (still have his picture on the wall). Looking at getting a Boerboel(all black male pup).
Hi Phillip! We love Neos too, such great dogs. Boerboels are great pups too, and you’ll find some similarities to the Neo when it comes to temperament. I’d recommend looking for puppies via social media channels first. Try looking at different groups, even possibly rescue groups if you are open to it. If not, you can usually find reputable breeders and recommendations for them actively available via social media. You can also look at the AKC’s breed registry. Good luck in your search!
Great article on both breeds. We have inherited 8 acres. My husband wants a mastiff. I’m convincing him to get a Boerboel. He’s my dream pup, Boerboel. I’ll be reading your article to him and showing more pics of the breed.
Thanks for the comment, Sue! Good luck in your adoption process, both breeds are awesome!
Adopted our Cane Corso 6 years ago- he’s 7. And he’s the best dog we have ever had. We hired a service animal trainer who helped us pick him out. The day we bought him home, he instinctively knew what to do. We were all amazed. As he grew, he became stubborn, which is common 2 these breeds. If u don’t keep consistently training, they will test you. And they are too big to let them become alpha. He is almost ready to retire, so we have chosen the Boerboel as our next dog.
I also believe she will make an amazing service dog. And now we have even more knowledge & experience. Their instincts are spot on. I have never had another dog who understood their surroundings, people & be so in tune with my needs as Mastiffs. Everyone I speak with feels the same. Great article. Thank you
Thanks for stopping by to comment Sunny! Sounds like you have a great pup!
This was a pleasure to read. We have a 6 year old Cane Corso and he has been an amazing family pet and guard dog. Super tolerant of all the little kid love/torture too. I recently learned of Boerboels and was interested in the breed as a future pet so seeing the 2 breeds compared side by side was great.
Thanks for the comments Jessica! Glad you enjoyed it!