Black and Grey are two of the Cane Corso coat colors recognized by the American Kennel Club.
They are both unique and fantastic colors, however, how different are they? How do you differentiate between them? And which one should you choose?
Below we outline differences and similarities between the Black Vs Grey Cane Corso from appearance, temperament, associated health problems, and price to help you decide which color to choose.
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso: What is the difference?
The main difference between a Black and a Grey Cane Corso is the coat color. The Black Cane Corso’s coat color is a solid glossy black all over their body while the Grey coat color is a diluted version of the black coat color pigment from black to grey. It is a coat color with a base coat that is a soft gray or slate color. The Grey Cane Corso has a distinct nose pigmentation that is a gray color which is also another physical identifier of the coat color.
The coat colors are linked to the genes that a puppy inherits from both of its parents.
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso: Appearance
The Black Cane Corso and Grey Cane Corso are very different in appearance. The main difference is the coats’ base color.
The distinct features of the Black Cane Corso is simply a Cane Corso with a jet black coat without any other color markings and a black nose.
On the other hand, the Grey Cane Corso is a diluted version of the black coat making it appear grey, hence the name Grey Cane Corso, with a muzzle/ nose pigmentation that is a gray color.
Both coats are short, sleek, and smooth.
Variations of the Black Cane Corso exist, having white markings and brindle coat color pattern. This includes the Black Cane Corso with white chest and the Black Brindle Cane Corso.
Variations of the Grey Cane Corso coat color also exist, having brindle markings, which makes the Gray Brindle Cane Corso.
See also:
- Black Cane Corso with white chest: Everything you need to know
- Black Brindle Cane Corso: Breed Info, Traits and Facts
As a Cane Corso dog breed, the physical features of both Cani Corsi are similar.
The head is a prominent feature, characterized by a broad skull and a well-defined stop. The Cane Corso’s muzzle is square and substantial, with a strong jawline.
The breed’s eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and typically dark in color, conveying a sense of alertness and intelligence.
Both dogs have natural floppy ears, however, one of the most distinguishing aspects of the Cane Corso is its ears, which are often cropped to stand erect.
Read more: Best Cane Corso ear cropping styles
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso Size
Both the Black and Grey Cani Corsi are similar in size. The size is the standard Cane Corso breed size.
The male Cane Corsos are slightly taller and heavier than the female Cane Corsos.
Adult male Cane Corso stand between 24 to 27.5 inches (61 to 70 cm) at the shoulder with an average weight of 90 to 110 pounds (41 to 50 kg) while the adult female Cane Corso stands at 23.5 to 26 inches (60 to 66 cm) with a weight of 80 to 100 pounds (36 to 45 kg).
The weight and height numbers are estimates which should not be taken as exact numbers. This is because all Cane Corso puppies regardless of their coat color grow at different rates even puppies from the same litter.
Growth depends on a puppy’s diet, genes, and environment.
Read More: Why is my Cane Corso so skinny? Here’s why
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso Genetics
The coat color of all dogs is based on a black pigment (eumelanin), and a red pigment (pheomelanin).
The two pigments are the base pigments and depending on the coat color genes that a puppy receives from both parents, the pigments can be modified and expressed differently to produce a variety of dog coat colors and patterns.
A Black Cane Corso puppy’s coat is due to a dominant gene that is responsible for the creation of the black pigment (eumelanin).
A dominant gene overrides the expression of any recessive gene and in a Black Cane Corso, this results in the expression of the black coat color.
Eye color is also determined by these genes and the Black Cane Corso’s eye color is brown.
The Grey coat appearance of a Cane Corso is a diluted version of the black pigment from black to Grey. It takes two recessive alleles (dd) to lighten the black coat pigment from black to grey.
There are two gene alleles that are associated with the dilution, these are the D ( dominant full-color) and the d (recessive dilute). Grey Cane Corso puppies are produced when the two parents each have a recessive dilute allele (d) which a puppy inherits, one from each parent.
Both parents do not have to be Grey in color, however, they must pass on the recessive gene to the puppies.
A Grey Cane Corso puppy in appearance has a grey coat with blue eyes because all Cane Corso puppies are all born with blue eyes.
Puppies lose their blue eye color as they age, that is at 3 months of age and some at 6 months of age, which change to dark brown, light brown, or amber.
The Grey coat color also gets deeper as they get older and can vary in color intensity from a deep grey to a pale light shade of grey. So don’t worry when your puppy’s coat changes to a deeper hue of grey as they age.
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso Behavior
The Cane Corso’s personality is not influenced by its coat color. The Black and Grey Cani Corsi personalities align with the Cane Corso dog breed’s personality.
There is no personality difference between the Black and the Grey Cane Corso. They are both loyal, intelligent, assertive, eager to please and protective.
They are also easy to train and are good family dogs.
The personality of any individual Cane Corso is also shaped by their training, socialization, and proper nurturing. Therefore having a well-mannered companion is also dependent on these factors.
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso: Lifespan
Both Black and Grey Cani Corsi live between 9 to 12 years, which is the Cane Corso’s breed lifespan.
Large breed dogs like the Cane Corso tend to have a short lifespan compared to small breed dogs. Small breed dogs generally live between 10 to 15 years.
The short lifespan of some dogs has been linked to their size. Research has proven this fact and concluded that the larger a dog, the shorter its lifespan.
This is because the size of a large dog strains their physiological processes causing them to wear faster, meaning they age faster and thus have a shorter lifespan.
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso: Health Concerns
Studies have shown that certain dog coat colors make them more prone to more health conditions.
Black coat color is not among these coat colors, and currently, there are no health conditions linked to this coat color. The Black Cani Corsi do not suffer any unusual health issues due to their coat color.
However, the Grey Cane Corso is prone to certain health problems because of its coat color.
Grey Cane Corso is susceptible to color dilution alopecia (CDA), which is a genetically inherited hormonal condition that causes hair loss or thinning which may also include dry and itchy skin.
The condition is commonly experienced by dogs with dilute coat colors. This includes Grey/Blue and Fawn coat colors which are diluted versions of black, brown, red, and tan coat color pigments.
Genetically, a Grey Cane Corso carries a recessive gene (dd) that leads to dilution of the black coat pigment to a grey coat color.
The cause of CDA is not well understood by veterinary science. The condition causes hair follicles to self-destruct which prevents the growth of new hair. This presents as patches of hair loss on the coat.
In addition to this, skin problems start to appear around the affected areas. If a Cane Corso has this condition the symptoms start when they are at least 6 months old or older.
The symptoms include:
- Uniform or varied hair loss
- Bald patches on the coat
- Scaling of the skin
- Redness on the affected skin area
- Presence of lesions with bacterial infections
- Inflammation and crusting around their problematic area
- Itching around the affected area
Read more: Gray Cane Corso: Everything you need to know
The Black and Grey Cani Corsi as a breed are also prone to common Cane Corso health problems as a large breed dog. These health problems include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Demodectic mange
- Obesity
Although Black and Grey Cani Corsi are susceptible to the above health conditions, most are healthy and will not automatically develop the conditions.
It is important to be aware of the health conditions of a particular dog breed, which prepares you for what to expect and the required care for a healthy dog.
To reduce the risks of the development of the conditions, always purchase Cane Corso puppies from responsible breeders who practice ethical breeding and who also provide medical histories of the pups.
Good care, diet, and exercise also go a long way in raising a healthy Cane Corso.
Black Vs Grey Cane Corso Cost
Purebred Black and Grey Cane Corso costs are in the same range. The average cost of both the Black and Grey Cane Corso is $1,500 to $4,000.
The cost varies depending on the breeder, and their location and pedigree Cani Corsi with superior lineages. Puppies also cost more than older dogs.
Both Cani Corsi are available at Cane Corso breeders or Cane Corso rescue groups.
When you are set on buying a Cane Corso always purchase one from a responsible breeder to receive a healthy puppy.
Reputable breeders provide health certificates to verify your puppy or dog’s health. You are also able to ask more questions regarding their breeding program.
Which one is right for you?
Now you have a better idea about the differences and similarities between a Black and a Grey Cane Corso.
The major difference is in their coat color, but in all other aspects, they are similar. They are both devoted dogs, eager to please, easy to train, protective and make a good fit for a family.
They are both susceptible to the common Cane Corso breed’s health problems but do not necessarily develop them. Good breeding, care, diet, and exercise all help to raise healthy Cani Corsi.
Regardless of whether you choose the Mantle Cane Corso or the Black Cane Corso, you will still be getting good large breed dogs.
Before bringing a Cane Corso into your home, assess your ability to meet their needs for exercise, training, and socialization. Consider your experience with large, protective breeds and whether you can provide a spacious, active lifestyle and secure living environment.
You only have to decide if they are the perfect fit for your family based on your preference, and whether they match your lifestyle.
Summary: Black Vs Grey Cane Corso
The most distinctive feature between the Black and Grey Cane Corso is their coat color. Grey Cani Corsi have a coat color with a base coat that is a soft gray while the Black Cani Corsi are completely black with no other markings.
Despite their coat color differences, the Black and Grey Cani Corsi have similar physical features, personalities, and the breed’s health concerns. Despite some of the health issues that the Grey Cane Corso are susceptible to due to their coat color, most are healthy.
Black and Grey Cani Corsi both bring equal amounts of affection and joy to a family.
When considering buying these fascinating Cane Corso coat colors, make sure you purchase them from responsible Cane Corso breeders who conduct all the health checks.
You will be provided with their health status which ensures that your puppy is healthy and off to a good start.