Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix

The Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Brussels Griffon and the Cane Corso. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Brussels Griffon is known for being inquisitive, alert, and sensitive. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Brussels Griffon or the Cane Corso? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix puppies for sale.

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Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Brussels Griffon History

As they had done with sheepdogs, the Belgians, in the mid-to late 1800s, were breeding new varieties of toy dogs. Besides the Brussels Griffon (French: Griffon Bruxellois), these included the Belgian Griffon (Griffon Belge), and the Petit Brabançon. All three of these toy dogs are thought to descend from the same ancestor, a dog called a Smousje. Smousje was a rough-coated, small terrier-like dog kept in stables to eliminate rodents. Later on, both the Pug and two varieties of the English Toy Spaniel are thought to have been crossed with the Brussels Griffon. Today, the primary distinction among all the Belgian toy rodent-hunting dogs is their coat texture — they are referred to as either a wire-coated or a smooth-coated Brussels Griffon.

Among the significant breed registries, the AKC recognizes only the Brussels Griffon; European groups recognize all three earlier Griffons with breed standards differing mostly in coat texture and color.

Fun fact: The Brussels Griffon is connected to the Star Wars movie franchise. For Return of the Jedi (1983), the visual effects director used an image of a Griffon Bruxellois, the same species of dog George Lucas owned, to design the general look of the furry Ewok characters. The makeup artist took it from there, and the denizens of the Forest Moon of Endor were born.

By 1870, the Brussels Griffon had raised himself from a chaser of barn rats to a favorite among royalty. Belgian Queen Henrietta Maria so enjoyed them that they became sought after by both members of the nobility and working-class people in Brussels. The present-day Brussels Griffon is a spirited little dog who appeals to people of all social classes on both sides of the Atlantic.

As happened to so many breeds during the two World Wars, the Brussels Griffon nearly became extinct during the 40-year period during which the wars were fought. A dedicated group of admirers in the U.K. and elsewhere restored the breed, but it remains relatively uncommon, especially in the U.S.

Cane Corso History

The Cane Corso (plural: Cani Corsi) is a large and solid Italian breed, highly prized in his native country for his ability as a guard dog, hunter, and companion. He also is variously known as the Italian Mastiff, Cane Corso Italiano, Cane Corso Mastiff, Italian Corso Dog, and Italian Molosso. He is a large dog whose size and sometimes severe facial expression can be intimidating to people not familiar with the breed.

Fun fact: The word “corso” means guardian or protector in Italian.

Cani Corsi have kept a low profile for centuries. Throughout their history, they tended to belong to far-flung rural or wealthy owners, who appreciated the dogs’ hunting and guarding abilities. As a hunter, the Cane Corso is a catch dog, meaning he can immobilize prey with only his strength and his powerful jaws and teeth.

The Cane Corso is related to the Neopolitan Mastiff, as both dogs are descendants of the original Italian Molosser.

In the recent past, the Cane Corso was a common site all over Italy. But by the 20th century, fewer people were farming, and the dog’s numbers dwindled, although many Cani Corsi help their people guard property, livestock, and families to this day.
When the population of the Cane Corso began to dwindle in the 1960s and 1970s, a group of Italian aficionados set about restoring them. By 1994, population had risen and the breed was fully accepted by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) as the 14th Italian breed of dog. The FCI provisionally accepted the Corso in 1997, and ten years later he was fully recognized internationally.

A decade later, a man named Michael Sottile imported the first litter of Corsos to the United States. The next year, 1989, brought a second litter. In 1993, The International Cane Corso Association was born. This breed club eventually sought recognition from the American Kennel Club, which was granted in 2010. The Cane Corso Association of America now governs the breed. The popularity of the breed is growing as fast as a Corso puppy; in 2013 he ranked in 50th place in the United States in 2013, a 10-point jump from 60th place in 2012.

Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix Size and Weight

Brussels Griffon
Height: 9 - 10 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 8 - 10 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

Cane Corso
Height: 24 - 28 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 85 - 110 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix Personality

The Brussels Griffon and the Cane Corso are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Brussels Griffon mixed with the Cane Corso might be prone to joint dysplasia, distichias, cataracts, pra, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Brussels Griffon Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in