Differences between Presa and Corso? (Physically and Aesthetically)

[presaMKE414]

Pretty new to the breed so excuse my ignorance, but what are the major differences physically and aesthetically between and Presa Canario and Cane Corso? I would like to say I could tell the difference in person now between the two breeds but I am not certain as I haven't really experienced a Cane Corso in person besides one and my own Presa. Sorry if this is an obvious and foolish question but I've been curious about it for awhile now and out of the tens of people that comment on Odin every day, the few and couple that even can guess Corso or Presa get it right the first time. Without any research online into it and just my limited knowledge of the presa and corso breed, it seems like there is possibly some main characteristics that differentiate the two? Presas from what I've seen (and this can possibly be a debated subject as I know there's always controversy of presa and dogo canario, working/show standards, ect.), seem to have possibly a shorter stature but more muscular, slightly different shaped muzzle/head, and maybe angulation of back legs? Also, I've seen from owner's pictures that some Cane Corso's may have a docked tail, is this a breed standard? From the Cane Corso that I've seen in person and that of pictures online, they seem to possibly be taller and thinner in stature, slightly different shaped muzzle/head, angulation and tail? Can anybody specify some obvious differences that I'm probably oblivious too and other specific characteristics that distinguish the two breeds? Anybody have experience with both breeds and can compare their general personalities? I know my presa followed a maturity timeline that I saw common in the breed's information that I've read, he was pretty cautious and wary of strangers and dogs at first for quite a while and possibly appeared somewhat timid of things and persons, but almost right around/before the two year mark his personality changed quickly per say. He became confident around all dogs/people, still keeping the cautious personality of strangers but would now hold his own and show his dominance. Basically he became the dominant alpha male dog that kept similar characteristics of what I have read being cautious yet strong personality that has an allegiance primarily to the caregiver. Around the same time he started actively guarding as well. I'm assuming the personalities are similar in nature, so I was wondering in regards more to the cautious nature and allegiance/connection primarily to one person.

 

[Johnny G.]

I don't have Cane Corso experience but I was researching them before deciding on the Presa Canario. I think you answered all of your own questions...LOL...the Presa Canario and Cane Corso were bred to do the same thing. Like you said, at first glance, they look very similar...except for the tail. I've never seen one without the tail docked. Presa Canario - Spanish version & Cane Corso - Italian version.

 

[presaMKE414]

Yeah that's what it appears to be so far. Looked around a bit more on the internet and asked some other people but what I've seen so far is what I listed. I originally was looking into purchasing a cane corso until I came across presa canario. The subtle differences that they do have though set them apart for me, I love their large cat-like structure and gait. Presa will be my choice of breed for life. Off topic of the post somewhat, but has anyone come across Cane Corso x Presa Canario? I don't condone mixed breeding, quite the opposite, but what they would look like has crossed my mind.

 

[Johnny G.]

I agree with you on Presa being the only breed of dog I will own. I'm looking into buying another one. After that, I'm done...LOL...No, I've never seen a Presa Canario x Cane Corso. I don't condone mix breeding either. The one mix breeding I was curious about was the Presa Canario x Pit Bull. I've seen pictures of a "Presa Pit" as they are called.

 

[CatosMom]

My uneducated eye, saw your Presa pictures .. and without knowing the answer would have easily mistaken him for a Corso. Being a Corso owner myself I was surprised at the similarity in the facial features. Beautiful pup

 

[lexinrose]

I saw a presa once looked like a big tiger

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[Joao M]

Never had a Presa or a CC but I´ve been around both breeds.

They are similar, no doubt, but IF they´re kept within standard (at least european), the presa is much more massive than the CC (which is more agile than the Presa).

The FCI recognizes the "Dogo Canario" and not "Presa Canario". Apparently the same breed, but if you ask any spanish Presa breeder they will tell you otherwise; they will say the Presa is the real thing and the Dogo is just a show breed created to have recognition by the FCI. (a similar situation to what happened initially with the APBT and the Amstaff)
Please note that as per the FCI standards, a male CC should be 45-50kgs (~100-110 lbs) and between 64-68cms H at the shoulder (~25.6-27.2") while a Dogo Canario male should be 50-65kgs (110-143 lbs) and 60-66 cms H (~24-26.4").
So, with similar heights a CC at the maximum of the standard weight equals a Dogo/Presa Canario at the minimum of its own standard weight
However, I have seen CC´s in this forum that make Presas look lean and small. I understand there is a different approach for CC in North America