Cane Corso or American Bully! Which is the right one?

Making decisions is never easy, especially when choosing the perfect pet. The Cane Corso and the American Bully are two dog breeds that, at first glance, have a lot in common. Both have muscular physiques and impressive looks. But when it comes to temperament, size and grooming needs, there are some significant differences between the breeds. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Cane Corso and the American Bully, weigh their pros and cons, and help you decide which of these two breeds best suits you and your lifestyle.

Unlike the Cane Corso, the American Bully is a very young breed that is still not recognized as a distinct breed in many countries. The American Bully was only recognized as a breed by the UKC in 2013. The breeding goal was an imposing appearance reminiscent of the pit bull, but the character and nature of the American Bully should be a family and companion dog. On the other hand, the Cane Corso is a classic watchdog with a strong guarding and protective instinct.

Profile Cane Corso and American Bully

Characteristics	Cane Corso	American Bully
Origin	Italy	USA
Size / Weight	23-28 inches/ 88-132 lbs (60-70 cm / 40-60 kg)	18-22 inches/up to 110 lbs (48-57 cm / up to 50 kg)
Lifespan	10-12 years	10-12 years
Character	calm, serene, alert, self-confident, stubborn	friendly, self-confident, alert, good-natured
Urge to move (1 little – 5 much)	2,5 (average)	2,5 (average)
Coat Colors	black, gray, brown, brindle	all possible colors, incl. Tri-Color

At first glance, there is little difference between the Cane Corso and the American Bully. Both are huge and muscular dogs that attract attention because of their appearance.

The Cane Corso is an ancient dog breed originally from Italy and was used there for various purposes. Its ancestors are the Roman war dogs. Among other things, as a guard dog on farms to protect herds of cattle and as a hunting dog for the big game.

With the American Bully, they wanted to create a breed similar to the American Pitbull Terrier in appearance but has the nature and character of a friendly companion and family dog. The American Bully on the contrary is a young dog breed that was created only in the 1990s in the USA. It mixes the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog and other Molosser breeds.

The Cane Corso is recognized worldwide as an independent breed. With the American Bully, on the other hand, things are “still” somewhat different. The American Bully is not recognized in Europe generally by the FCI as an independent breed. The UKC (United Kennel Club) only accepted the breed standard in the USA in 2013.

Differences in size and weight

The American Bully is divided into different types. There are the Classic, Standard, Pocket and XL. We compare here because it makes the most sense, the Cane Corso with the American Bully XL. After all, both are in the point size most similar.

Size and weight of the Cane Corso are given in the breed standard with 25-26 inches (64-68 cm) and up to 110lbs (50 kg) for the males. The females come to 60-64 cm and 88-100 lbs (40-45 kg.)

However, the reality is usually much different. Malou our Cane Corso female weighs 100 lbs (45 kg) at a height of 26 inches (68 cm). She was one of the smallest in the litter.

Her sister reached a weight of 121 lbs (55 kg) at 28 inches (72 cm). Malou’s brother, a big Cane Corso male weighs 143 lbs (65 kg) at 29 inches (75 cm.)

If you browse through various forums, you will quickly find that many Cane Corso are larger and heavier than the official breed standard.

The American Bully XL is given 20-23 inches (51-57 cm) and reaches a weight of up to 100 lbs (45 kg). As soon as American Bullys exceed these dimensions they are declared American Bully XXL.

So the American Bully XL is a bit smaller and lighter than the Cane Corso, but not less impressive in my opinion.

In which coat colors are Cane Corso and American Bullys available?

Regarding the variety of coat colors, the American Bully is clearly in front. While the Cane Corso is available in the following coat colors: Black, gray, brown and brindle, there is no limit to the American Bully.

Here are a few coat colors in which the American Bully is available: Champagne, Lilac Tri, Blue Sable, Merle, Blue, Fawn, Brindle, Grey,

Regarding the variety of coat colors, the American Bully is ahead of the Cane Corso.

Activity level comparison: Cane Corso or American Bully?

The activity level is a decisive factor for or against a dog breed. How much exercise does the breed need and what do I want to do with the dog?

Are you looking for a dog that will mainly lie next to you on the couch and be content with relaxed walks or are you looking for a partner for daily bike rides or running?

The Cane Corso is one of the more active Molossian breeds and needs about an average amount of daily exercise and activity. If it is only a 30-minute walk one day and a longer hike in the woods on the weekend, when you have more time, that is also ok.

All in all, you can say that with about 1-1.5 hours a day, you have a reasonable basis to keep your Cane Corso busy and busy.

You can accustom a Cane Corso to much more or a little less exercise.

Besides daily walks, mental exercise is essential. A good way is an education and obedience training. This can be done parallel during a walk without any problems.

The American Bully, is similar. With about 1-1,5 hours daily on average you have a reasonable basis. However, you will quickly notice if your dog needs more exercise or does not like going out with you.

Both breeds need about the same amount of exercise and activity.

Who is easier to train? Cane Corso or American Bully?

Cane Corsos are intelligent and very easy to train. However, training can be a little stressful here and there, as Cane Corso can also be very stubborn.

Cane Corsos need consistent training. If you are aware of this, they can become super well-behaved dogs. But it does take some work. They sometimes argue and check if you are serious about your decision.

The American Bully tends to be easier to train because they are less stubborn. They are specifically bred to live with humans. They want to work with you and please you.

Overall, both Cane Corso and American Bully are easy to train. However, the American Bully makes it a little easier for you.

Cane Corso or American Bully as a family dog?

Cane Corsos can be great family dogs if they are well-trained. They are cuddly, love children and prefer to be near you always.

However, Cane Corso’s strong guarding and protective instincts should not be underestimated. If your children are playing loudly with friends in the garden, your Cane Corso must not misinterpret the situation, see your children in danger, and try to protect them.

To counteract this, proper socialization and consistent education are necessary. We have a Cane Corso as a family dog and can recommend it. It does take some work though.

The American Bully, on the other hand, is an excellent family dog. He was specifically bred to be a loving family dog and companion dog. The Bullys temperament is described as friendly, gentle and highly eager-to-please.

The breeding goal of the American Bully is an imposing appearance. However, they should not show any aggression or prey drive but be gentle, peaceful family dogs.

Unfortunately, the breeding goal is no longer taken seriously by all breeders, and more black sheep come out with increased popularity.

If you have an American Bully from a reputable breeder who values the original idea of the great family dog, it is probably the better family dog.

Which is the better guard dog?

There can only be one winner when it comes to the question of which is the better guard dog. The Cane Corso is one of the best; if not it is the best guard dog ever. That is its task. That is what it is made for. There is no discussion.

Of course, the American Bully is also alert to a certain degree and would protect his family in an emergency. The breeds from which the American Bully originates partly bring this with them. But the imposing appearance alone is usually enough to keep potential burglars from picking your house.

If you are primarily looking for a guard dog, you should choose the Cane Corso!

Conclusion: Cane Corso or American Bully? Which one suits you?

Depending on what demands you make on a dog, the Cane Corso and the American Bully are better suited. The Cane Corso is the better guard dog. The American Bully made education a little bit easier and was bred specially as a gentle family dog.

Cane Corso (@ Boguslavovna-depositphotos.com)- American Bully (@ lifeonwhite-depositphotos.com) (Contributed image)