Rottweiler or Cane Corso ? Which is the Better Guard Dog?

If you are looking for a dog to act as a guard dog, you may be overwhelmed by all the information available. Everyone seems to have an opinion and a favourite guard dog breed, so it's hard to just get the facts. We are here to settle an old question, whether a Rottweiler or a Cane Corso is the best guard dog.

Both dogs are exceptional guard dogs, but they have different personalities or physical traits that may make one better suited to you than the other. We will look at the differences in their physical traits, personality, temperament, training ability and more to see if we can help you find the perfect guard dog.

Dog Breed Facts

Rottweiler: Rottweilers are a pure breed native to Germany. They are classified as "big giant" and males can weigh between 95 and 130 pounds while females generally weigh between 85 and 115 pounds. On average, males measure 25.5 inches and females 23.5 inches.

Cane Corso: Cane Corso are native to Italy and are considered a large breed. They do not quite match Rottweilers in the weight category, but they can weigh 99-110 pounds for males and 88-99 pounds for females. Their size is about the same as that of the Rottweiler. Males average 25.5 inches and females 24 inches.


Rottweiler: Of course, temperament varies from dog to dog, but there are some common traits that Rottweilers are more likely to have. Rottweilers tend to be fearless, alert, social, loyal, courageous, protective, intelligent and stubborn.

Cane Corso: Cane Corsos, on the other hand, tend to be cheerful, loyal, courageous, calm and sociable. Their temperaments are similar to those of the Rottie, except that they tend to be somewhat less affectionate due to their strong sense of independence.


Rottweiler: Rotties are super smart. In fact, they are one of the ten most intelligent dog breeds in the world!

Cane Corso: Cane Corso dogs are very intelligent too, although they are a bit behind the Rottweiler in this area. Just because they're not in the top 10 most intelligent breeds doesn't mean they're not capable. These dogs are very intelligent and have made amazing watchdogs for centuries.


Rottweiler: Rottweilers are very easy to train because of their intelligence. It is always recommended to get professional help to train a dog for a specific job.

Cane Corso: Cane Corsos are also very easy to train. They are intelligent and they need a place to put all their intelligence and energy. By training them, you get a respectful and obedient guard dog!


Rottweiler: Since Rottweilers are supposed to be working dogs, they will have a lot of energy! They need to be walked regularly and need to be intellectually stimulated so they don't get bored and get into trouble.

Cane Corso: Just like Rottweilers, Cane Corsos are working dogs, so you might be shocked by their energy level at first. They need regular, effective exercise and are not meant to get stuck in an apartment or house.


Rottweiler: Even by their appearance, Rottweilers are extremely intimidating. Their size, stature, general appearance and reputation mean that sometimes just seeing a Rottweiler is enough of a deterrent to potential criminals.

Cane Corso: Like Rottweilers, Cane Corsos have a very intimidating look. Their pointed ears and large body are enough of a deterrent for most.


Rottweiler: Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and courage. They are extremely affectionate to their families and would not think twice before throwing themselves into a dangerous situation to protect them.

Cane Corso: Cane Corsos are another breed known for their loyalty. They tend to bond with a member of the household and would not bat an eyelid before giving their lives to protect them.


Rottweiler: Rottweilers are extremely territorial. It's not so good if you just want a family dog, but as a guard dog it's ideal. Just make sure that the training is done properly so that he knows when he needs to be in "guard mode", otherwise your friends and family might have problems when entering the house!

Cane Corso: Like Rottweilers, Cane Corsos are super territorial, making them ideal guard dogs. Again, it is so important that they receive the right training in this department to avoid confusion.


Rottweiler: One of the highest instincts of this breed is aggressiveness, but also fighting, guarding, protection, sledding and watching. They are not very interested in digging, hunting or chasing.

Cane Corso: Cane Corso's, on the other hand, are not very interested in fighting, but they have a high aggression instinct, as well as guard, protection and observation. Like the Rotties, they are not interested in hunting, chasing or digging.


Rottweilers: Rottweilers are as playful as the next dog, but they are not too playful, having been bred as working dogs. However, they need a lot of affection and do not like to be left alone.

Cane Corso : The same goes for the Cane Corso. They are not afraid to play from time to time, but they just want to be close to their master and they don't like to be alone at home.

Social Needs

Rottweiler: Rotties are super social dogs. They need a lot of social interaction to be happy.

Cane Corso: Cane Corsos are also a social breed, but not quite on the same level as Rottweilers!

Do you like children?

Rottweiler: Rottweilers are known to be very good with children, thanks to their family personality. That said, they are very big dogs with a strong bite, so make sure you teach your children the right way to behave with dogs and how to treat them.

Cane Corso: Cane Corsos like to be quiet and independent, which doesn't really coincide with young children. They are not hostile towards them, but they are not friendly either.

Is it good for the new owners?

Rottweiler: Rottweilers are extremely intelligent and therefore need an owner who is experienced in training and handling such an intelligent (and big!) dog.

Cane Corso: The same goes for Cane Corsos. They are too intelligent and too big to be handled well by a novice dog owner. It is not recommended for new dog owners to seek out a working dog.

There, it's done. The Rottweiler and the Cane Corso side by side. They are very similar dogs; both are super intelligent and have a natural instinct to protect and guard. However, because of their loving and family instincts, we think Rottweilers may have tipped the scales for us as the best guard dog. They have all the qualities required for a guard dog, but also some of the attributes of a family dog, such as being good with children and very affectionate.

However, even though they are very affectionate towards their family, we would not want to run into a Rottie when they are in guard dog mode

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