Cane Corso Poodle Mix: Guide, Pictures, Care & More

In the world of “designer dogs”, Poodles are one of the most commonly used breeds to mix with others. There are many different mixed breeds utilizing Poodles, likely due to their intelligence and loving personality, but also due to their low-shedding coat.

The Cane Corso and Poodle mix is a rare combination involving a Poodle, however.

Breed Overview

Height:

20–25 inches

Weight:

80–100 pounds

Lifespan:

9–12 years

Colors:

White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, and black

Suitable for:

Active families who are looking for a low-shedding dog. They do well with families with children and get along well with other pets.

Temperament:

Loyal, Loving, Intelligent

Technically, any dog breed can be mixed with any other dog breed, assuming the dogs are close enough in size. However, the Cane Corso Poodle mix is among the stranger mixed breeds. These dogs can inherit any trait from either parent, making them vary. They aren’t nearly as set in stone as other dog breeds.

However, this mixed breed is more likely to have certain traits than others. Therefore, there is a little bit we can tell you about them. Below, we’ll look at everything you might want to know about this breed, including how to care for them.

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Cane Corso Poodle Mix Puppies

While many mixed breeds are relatively popular today, this breed isn’t one of them. They can be nearly impossible to find. Not many breeders specifically produce this breed, so you’ll have to find puppies primarily born by accident.

Puppies tend to be very energetic, just as you might expect. However, they’re also very people-oriented and need plenty of attention, so be sure you have the time and energy to give them the attention they need. As intelligent dogs, they take to training very easily.

We recommend starting training as soon as you bring the puppy home. This helps ensure that the puppy learns how to interact properly with the world from an early age. Interaction and socialization are also necessary to ensure these puppies aren’t aggressive, as they can be aloof with strangers.

Parent breeds of the Canedoodle
The parent breeds of Canedoodle: Left – Cane Corso (CharlitoCZ, Shutterstock) | Right – Poodle (Sharon Snider, Pexels)

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Temperament and Intelligence of the Cane Corso Poodle Mix

The temperament of this breed varies widely. They can inherit any trait from either parent, which already adds a lot of variety to the mix. However, how they are raised also matters a lot. If a dog is socialized properly, it will be much friendlier than one that isn’t.

With that said, this breed is known for being loyal, intelligent, and friendly. They’re a good choice for families if they are properly socialized. They’re very affectionate and tend to bond closely with their owners. Because they’re larger, they tend to be less scared around children, lowering the chance of them biting.

They may or may not be territorial, depending on the exact traits they inherit. Some will be more territorial than others, but socialization often plays a large role.

They’re extremely intelligent, so they pick up on training easily. They can solve problems relatively quickly, though this isn’t always good for their owners. They require quite a bit of mental stimulation due to their intelligence.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Canedoodles can make great family pets in the right circumstance. They are noted for being devoted to their owners, particularly children, and for forming deep ties with their families. They are incredibly kind and tolerant with kids, which makes them a popular choice for families with children.

With that said, this breed is extremely energetic and requires lots of activity. Therefore, they are best for active families that want a dog to be active with. They’re easy to train but require intensive training because of their larger size. They aren’t necessarily the best for first-time owners unless they’re willing to put in plenty of work.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Canedoodle gets along well with other pets, including other dogs and cats, with proper socialization. They are amiable and social, making them suitable companions for other animals. However, they do require plenty of socialization to make that happen.

Exposing your Canedoodle to other pets gradually and under strict supervision is essential, especially in the beginning. This can guarantee an excellent introduction and ensure your Canedoodle learns to interact with other pets safely.

Early socialization and training are essential for ensuring your Canedoodle grows into a well-adjusted dog who gets along with other dogs. They can be a bit territorial, so getting them around other dogs from a very early age is vital.

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Things to Know When Owning a Cane Corso Poodle Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Balanced and nutritious food is essential to guarantee the Canedoodle’s overall health. Their nutritional needs vary according to age, activity level, and general health. However, they’re similar to the needs of other dogs.

Most Canedoodles require a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to promote their growth and development. Because they are so active, they often need more protein and fat than other dogs.

Selecting a dog food that is age- and activity-level appropriate and fulfills their particular nutritional demands is critical. These dogs eat a lot, so you should expect to pay a lot for their food.

Don’t overfeed puppies and choose a puppy food for larger dogs. If fed improperly, puppies can develop hip dysplasia, especially in larger variants of this mixed breed. Dogs that grow too quickly are particularly at risk for hip dysplasia, so controlled feedings are required.

Exercise 🐕

The Canedoodle is a very active and energetic breed that requires regular activity. They aren’t couch potatoes in the least. They have a lot of energy and must exercise for at least 60 minutes daily. You can meet this requirement in many different ways. Many owners choose to take their dogs on walks, but you can also play games or go for a hike.

On top of regular walks, you should also keep their mental stimulation needs in mind. They require lots of mental exercise. Otherwise, they can become bored and try to make their own fun, which may be destructive.

It’s important to adjust your dog’s exercise schedule as needed. Some dogs require more exercise than others due to their age or temperament. Think of these as guidelines—not hard rules.

Training 🎾

Canedoodles are intelligent, trainable dogs that respond well to training. It is critical to begin training your Canedoodle at a young age to build excellent behavior and avoid any behavioral issues. Socialization is crucial to training because it helps the dog feel comfortable and well-adjusted around people, other dogs, and new situations.

These canines can be territorial, which makes socialization even more important. We highly recommend puppy training classes for these dogs, as they can socialize your canine and provide training tips.

These dogs are more than capable of completing basic and advanced training. Many of them love agility and obedience competitions, which provide them with some extra mental stimulation. While training is necessary because it teaches your dog to be good, it also provides the mental stimulation this breed needs to thrive. Even after your dog is trained well, you’ll likely need to keep training them solely to fulfill their mental stimulation needs.

It is crucial to note that the Cane Corso Poodle hybrid may inherit some of the Cane Corso parent breed’s protective characteristics. While this is a positive quality, the dog must be well-socialized and trained to avoid potentially hostile behavior.

Grooming ✂

The Canedoodle varies widely from dog to dog, as they may inherit their coat from either parent. They’ll require more extensive grooming if they inherit their poodle parent’s coat. Either way, brushing will always be required, though those with more poodle-like coats will need it more. Some may only require weekly brushing, while others must be brushed daily.

These dogs will need to be bathed occasionally. However, it’s important not to bathe them too much, as this can lead to skin irritation and similar problems. Use a gentle shampoo and thoroughly rinse your dog to prevent skin problems. Only bathe your dog when you need to.

Check their ears regularly and clean them as needed. These dogs are somewhat prone to ear infections, which can be lessened by cleaning their ears. Don’t forget to brush their teeth regularly, too. Like all dogs, they are prone to dental problems if their teeth aren’t kept clean.

Health and Conditions 🏥

As a mixed breed, these dogs tend to be pretty healthy. They come from a wider gene pool, meaning they aren’t likely to inherit several copies of the same problem gene. Therefore, they’re less likely to develop genetic conditions.

However, they are prone to a few problems, largely due to their bigger size.

Here’s a short list of some issues they may experience:
  • Hip Dysplasia: A common inherited condition that affects the hip joints, which can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in movement.

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A genetic disease that affects the eyes, causing gradual vision loss and blindness.

  • Bloat: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and traps air, which can cause a rapid onset of symptoms and be fatal if left untreated.

  • Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures and other symptoms.

Keeping your dog exercised and on a healthy diet is vital to minimize these health problems. Regular vet checkups and vaccinations are also vital to keep your dog healthy.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies

  • Ear infections

  • Dental problems

  • Skin irritation

  • Eye infections

  • Joint problems

Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

  • Bloat

  • Epilepsy

  • Cancer

  • Heart disease

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Male vs. Female

Males are often larger than females. However, beyond that, there isn’t much difference between the two genders within this breed.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Cane Corso Poodle Mix

1. They are a relatively new mixed breed.

While purebred dogs have always accidentally mixed, these dogs are a relatively new mix. They’ve gained some popularity, but they’re still extremely rare.


2. They come in many colors.

These dogs can inherit any color from either of their parent breeds, leading to them coming in nearly any color. Therefore, they vary quite a bit.


3. They may not be low-shedding.

Often, Poodle mixes are advertised as being low-shedding. However, that isn’t necessarily always the case. This mixed breed dog can inherit any trait from either parent, meaning they may shed just as much as a Cane Corso in some circumstances.

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Final Thoughts

The Cane Corso Poodle mix is a rare breed. They’re a newer mixed breed, making them incredibly hard to find. They can inherit any gene from either parent, so you never really know what you’ll get.

They’re often affectionate and loyal, making them decent family pets. They can also be incredibly intelligent, which makes training easier. However, they also require more frequent mental stimulation and exercise.

This breed is extremely high-energy, so they do best in active families. In many cases, they also require regular grooming (which will be expensive due to their size).


Featured Image Credit: Left – Cane Corso (Didkovska Ilona, Shutterstock) | Right – Poodle (chili71, Pixabay)

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Info, Care, and More!

In recent years, cross breeding has increased in popularity in the hopes of getting the best of both worlds from two entirely different breeds of dog. A cross between two intimidating and strong breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix is a loyal and energetic dog with unwavering love and devotion for their families.

Breed Overview

Height:

24 to 27 inches

Weight:

70 to 85 pounds

Lifespan:

10 to 16 years

Colors:

White, black, brown, red gold

Suitable for:

Active families with experience in handling large dogs

Temperament:

Loving, affectionate, protective, independent, loyal

Like most hybrid breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix inherits properties from both of their purebred parents.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, also known as the African Lion Hound, is a large dog with great strength that is native to Southern Africa and has made its way to other parts of the world. Because of their size and strength, Rhodesian Ridgebacks have historically been used as guard dogs and for hunting large prey, such as lions, boars, and bears.

Similarly, the Pitbull is also a large and muscular dog with an aggressive history. For centuries, the Pitbulls’ ancestors were used for bull and bear baiting in England. After the baiting games were banned in 1835, another one was born. Dogs were placed in a pit with rats, with the sport involving dogs killing the most rats to win. This gave birth to the quick and agile Pitbull we know today, the product of a cross between bulldogs and terriers. When the Pitbull eventually made its way to the United States, they were mostly used as farm dogs and hunting dogs.

Because of the reputation of both the Ridgeback Pitbull’s parents, this mixed breed dog is also shown in a negative light. In reality, just like their parents, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix is a loving, affectionate, and gentle dog that is simply misunderstood.

Read on to learn more about this loyal and protective dog!

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Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix Puppies

As this hybrid breed is a cross between a Pitbull and a Rhodesian Ridgeback, they tend to be very energetic and need lots of exercise—especially as puppies. They have many desirable traits, but proper training and socialization from a young age is especially important to develop equally desirable temperament and personalities for these pups.

Finding breeders of this hybrid breed can be difficult on account of its rarity. Pitbulls are fairly common, while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a rare breed of dog—with only a few Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders available. While Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders are scarce to begin with, breeders of Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix are even scarcer.

Parent breeds of the Ridgeback Pitbull
The parent breeds of Ridgeback Pitbull: Left – Rhodesian Ridgeback (Marry Kolesnik, Shutterstock) | Right – Pitbull (Lunja, Shutterstock)

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix makes a great family dog. Although their temperament highly depends on the training they go through at a young age, this dog has many desirable traits that make them excellent pets.

The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) has reported the temperament scores of both parent breeds, with the Rhodesian Ridgeback scoring 84.2% and the Pitbull scoring 85.5%. These high percentages report that the two breeds have a sound and family-friendly temperament, which is likely carried over to the Ridgeback Pitbull mix.

The Ridgeback Pitbull mix is a loyal and protective breed that is cautious around strangers and other pets. They make great and reliable watch dogs that are also calm, gentle, and friendly to their loved ones. They are affectionate and can even work well with children. Despite their playfulness, this breed may not be recommended for smaller children because of their size. They may be tolerable of children’s roughhousing and curiosity, but they may accidentally knock them over.

Overall, the Ridgeback Pitbull makes an excellent family dog but may be cautious around strangers due to their protectiveness and guard-like behavior. Proper training, socialization, and exposure is necessary to properly manage this behavior.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

It is important to note that the Ridgeback Pitbull mix has a higher prey drive, thanks to standard traits of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. This may be a problem for households with other smaller pets, such as cats, rodents, and even smaller dogs. However, if introduced and properly socialized at a young age, they can learn to live in multi-pet households.

Ridgeback Pitbulls can learn to be tolerable with other pets at home, but they may greet other dogs with aggression if not properly socialized. This dog is recommended for single pet households, especially if its owners are inexperienced in training.

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Things to Know When Owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix has a similar diet as other large purebred dogs. When in doubt, it is always best to consult and receive dietary and nutritional advice from your veterinarian.

From the beginning, at puppy age, Ridgeback Pitbull pups should be fed high quality dog food three times a day, before switching to twice a day when they reach 12 months old.

In adulthood, their metabolism starts to slow down and activity decreases, so free feeding is not recommended for this dog. A routine feeding schedule is best to control your Ridgeback Pitbull’s weight gain.

This mixed breed dog may have a large appetite, but they are not known to be picky eaters. A healthy diet that is rich in protein and low on fats and carbohydrates is ideal for this hybrid breed.

Exercise 🐕

Both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Pitbull are energetic and athletic dogs that require lots of exercise. Like its parent breeds, the Ridgeback Pitbull is also a strong, athletic breed.

The Ridgeback Pitbull is an intelligent breed that requires stimulation through exercise. Ridgeback Pitbull Mixes can do with one to two hours of exercise a day, which can be split up to two to three activities per day. If they don’t receive the exercise requirements, they may show restless behavior. A well-exercised Ridgeback Pitbull is most likely to be calm and relaxed throughout the day.

Exercise and a healthy diet are important for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix. They are easily prone to weight gain especially if used to a sedentary lifestyle. This hybrid breed is recommended for active families that can take the time to exercise their dog!

Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix puppy
Image Credit: KimberlyPT07, Pixabay

Training 🎾

Early training and socialization is incredibly important for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix to ensure they have a sound and family-friendly temperament in adulthood.

The Ridgeback Pitbull is a highly intelligent dog but can have a bit of a stubborn streak. Positive reinforcement and rewards can easily facilitate the training process, but a firm and strong hand is necessary to establish that you are in charge.

Training a Ridgeback Pitbull mix can be tricky and is recommended for more experienced dog owners. When in doubt, professional training services can be employed to ensure proper training.

Housebreaking, leash training, and exposure to other animals, strangers, and children are necessary during the training process. When properly trained, Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbulls are excellent family dogs that are protective, loyal, and affectionate!

Grooming ✂

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix sports a short, beautiful coat with a shiny finish that requires minimal grooming. They are minimal shedders that shed year-round, but can be easily managed with a weekly brushing schedule. Although minimal, you may find yourself sweeping up fur around your house once in a while.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix may be minimal shedders with short hair, but they are not considered hypoallergenic. They may not have as much fur or dander compared to other dogs, but they can still potentially trigger allergies for individuals who are sensitive.

They also need baths every two to four weeks. Some Ridgeback Pitbull mixes may have sensitive skin, so be sure to use high-quality bath products to prevent any skin irritation.

Their floppy ears can easily build up dirt, so regular ear cleaning is recommended to prevent discomfort and ear infections. Teeth cleaning is recommended two to three times a week. As active dogs, proper nail monitoring and maintenance is recommended to prevent discomfort.

Health and Conditions 🏥

There is a popular notion that mixed breeds are considered healthier than purebreds. While this may be true, it is important to consider their diet, exercise, and the general health of their parent breeds as well.

The Ridgeback Pitbull is generally considered a healthy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. However, as a mixed breed, they can be susceptible to diseases that are common to both parent breeds.

To prevent any diseases, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups are recommended. The best way to treat a disease is by preventing it in the first place—so it is best to properly monitor your dog through routine consults!

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies

  • Ear infections

  • Dental issues

divider-pawMale vs Female

In terms of temperament, there is little difference between the male and female Ridgeback Pitbull mix. Depending on their training and socialization, they both can be calm and affectionate dogs, while still remaining cautious and protective with a high prey drive.

The biggest difference would be their size. Male Ridgeback Pitbulls can reach a height of 25 to 27 inches tall, weighing up to 85 pounds, while females can reach up to 24 to 26 inches tall, and weigh around 70 pounds.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix

1. They Are Not Inherently Aggressive Dogs

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix may be intimidating due to their appearance and their background. Being a mix between two strong breeds, along with the negative stigma toward Pitbulls’ aggression, many people may be wary of the Ridgeback Pitbull’s temperament.

Despite the Ridgeback Pitbull’s menacing and intimidating appearance, this towering dog is actually incredibly loving and affectionate. They are calm, gentle, and make great family dogs.

Ridgeback Pitbulls are protective and vigilant dogs and may be cautious toward strangers and other pets, so early socialization and training is key to ensuring a good temperament as they get older.


2. They Have a Stronger Prey Drive

Influenced by traits of their Rhodesian Ridgeback parent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix has a higher prey drive compared to other dogs. They make excellent guard dogs, but may have an increased tendency to lunge or chase anything that moves. This may include cars, squirrels, rabbits, and even small children.

Poorly trained Ridgeback Pitbulls may impulsively chase anything that catches their eye, but proper training at a young age can help significantly manage this innate behavior. It is also recommended that they remain supervised at all times. Generally, proper leash training is also a must for the Ridgeback Pitbull.


3. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix Is an Uncommon Breed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix is an uncommon dog mainly due to the rarity of its parents. Pitbulls are fairly common, while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a rare breed of dog—with only a few Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders available. No one knows when exactly breeders began crossing the Rhodesian Ridgeback with Pitbulls, but they are a fairly new designer breed.

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Final Thoughts

The Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix is an excellent cross between two beautiful and strong breeds. This dog has admirable traits from both the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Pitbull. They are large and muscular with incredible strength, but are also calm and gentle. They are protective of their owners and can be cautious around strangers, while also being loving and affectionate.

Often misunderstood due to the stigma that people have toward their parent breeds, as well as their menacing appearance, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull mix is an incredibly loyal hybrid breed that makes an excellent family dog.


Featured Image Credit: Denitsa Kireva, Pexels

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