Breed Comparison: Chihuahua Versus Cane Corso

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Cane Corso: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Cane Corso. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Cane Corso.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

Chihuahua versus Cane Corso: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Cane Corso is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Cane Corso belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Chihuahua versus Cane Corso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Cane Corso based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso

FactorChihuahuaCane Corso
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/51/5
Life Span10 to 18 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
General Health2/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds90 to 120 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/52/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/52/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Average Lifespan14.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$1820$2020
Price Range$850 – $2500$1500 – $2500
Temperament Score69.6 percent88.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds3035

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Cane Corso. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cane Corso is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Cane Corso. So, you should get a Chihuahua!

    Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso

    Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are most different:

  • Chihuahuas do not have the tendency to drool. However, Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Cane Corsos require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas are good for new dog owners. However, Cane Corsos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso

    The Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are most similar:

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso are very easy to groom.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso.

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Cane Corsos weigh 90 to 120 pounds when fully grown. Cane Corsos are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Cane Corsos is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Cane Corsos is 11.0 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Cane Corsos.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

    Temperament of the Cane Corso Versus the Chihuahua

    The Cane Corso has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Cane Corso is 88.1 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 88.1 percent, the Cane Corso has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 235 Cane Corsos.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Cane Corso

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Cane Corso puppy is $2020. The price of the Cane Corso typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Cane Corso can be as low as $200 and as high as $7000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 751 Cane Corso puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cane Corso is more expensive than the Chihuahua.

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    Chihuahua Cane Corso
    Average Price $1820 $2020
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Cane Corso. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Cane Corso puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cane Corsos

    A breakdown of the prices of Cane Corsos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Cane Corso puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

    The Popularity of Chihuahua versus Popularity of Cane Corso

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chihuahua is more popular with dog owners than the Cane Corso. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chihuahua is 30 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Cane Corso is 35 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Chihuahua

    Popularity of Cane Corso

    Popularity of Cane Corso

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    Year Chihuahua Popularity Rank Cane Corso Popularity Rank
    2013 22 50
    2014 24 48
    2015 28 35
    2016 30 40
    2017 32 37
    2018 33 32
    2019 35 30
    2020 34 25
    2021 37 21

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Cane Corso

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Cane Corsos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Cane Corsos?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Cane Corsos shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Cane Corso?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Cane Corsos are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Cane Corso?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Cane Corsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Cane Corsos?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Cane Corsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Cane Corso?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Cane Corsos are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Cane Corso

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cane Corsos have a very high tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Cane Corsos?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Cane Corsos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cane Corso?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Cane Corsos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Cane Corsos?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Cane Corsos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cane Corsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Cane Corsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Cane Corso

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Cane Corsos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cane Corsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Cane Corsos can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Cane Corso?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cane Corsos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Cane Corso?

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Cane Corsos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Cane Corso. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Cane Corso better suits you and your family.