Cane Corso vs Dogue de Bordeaux: full comparison
| Trait | Cane Corso | Dogue de Bordeaux |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Medium | Low |
| Trainability | High | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium | High |
| Good with children | Medium | High |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | Very High | High |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 10 years | 8 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Cane Corso is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Cane Corso needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Dogue de Bordeaux needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.
Grooming and shedding
The Cane Corso is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Dogue de Bordeaux is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Cane Corso takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and gets on with children when raised around them. The Dogue de Bordeaux picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Cane Corso is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct, whereas Dogue de Bordeaux is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Cane Corso has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Cane Corso has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Cane Corso and Dogue de Bordeaux are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Cane Corso if you want a longer-lived breed, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.
Choose the Dogue de Bordeaux if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Cane Corso or the Dogue de Bordeaux better for families with children?
- The Dogue de Bordeaux tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
- Which sheds more, the Cane Corso or the Dogue de Bordeaux?
- The Cane Corso and Dogue de Bordeaux shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Cane Corso or the Dogue de Bordeaux?
- The Cane Corso is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Cane Corso or Dogue de Bordeaux bigger?
- Cane Corso and Dogue de Bordeaux are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Cane Corso or Dogue de Bordeaux?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, Cane Corso or Dogue de Bordeaux?
- For apartment or apartment living, Dogue de Bordeaux has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.