The Fawn and the Blue Fawn/Formentino are two of many Cane Corso coat colors. It is easy to confuse these two Cani Corsi with these coat colors because they look the same.
So, how different are they? And how can you differentiate these two Cani Corsi?
We outline the Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso differences and similarities, from appearance, temperament, associated health problem concerns, and their price to help you identify them.
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso: What is the difference?
The main difference between a Fawn and a Formentino Cane Corso is the facial mask color, which is the hair on the muzzle, face, and ears. Both dogs have a fawn coat color, however, the mask of the Fawn Cane Corso is black while a Formentino Cane Corso’s mask is blue, that is, a subtle gray color.
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso: Appearance
The Fawn Cane Corso and Formentino Cane Corso look similar but they are different in appearance.
The Fawn Cane Corso is one of the official seven coat colors of the Cane Corso, recognized by the American Kennel Club.
A Fawn Cane Corso has a fawn-colored coat all over the body with a black mask, with the black color being on the muzzle and also may extend to the ears.
Fawn is a shade of light brown that ranges from soft tan to yellow gold.
Any other markings on the toes or chest are undesirable, according to the American Kennel Club’s standards of this coat color.
On the other hand, the Formentino Cane Corso is a Fawn Cane Corso with a blue/gray mask. The blue color is simply a subtle gray, that covers the muzzle, and eye area and also may extend to the ears.
The gray is a result of recessive genes that a Formentino puppy inherits from both parents, which dilute the black pigment (eumelanin) on the mask of a Fawn Cane Corso.
This dilute color is commonly referred to as blue.
The American Kennel Club only recognizes the Fawn Cane Corso as an official color of the Cane Corso breed but does not accept Formentino Cane Corso as an official coat color.
Except for the facial mask color between the Fawn and the Formentino Cane Corso, the two dogs have similar physical features.
Both have an athletic, muscular build, with a large head, large muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, natural floppy ears, a short, and smooth coat, and a medium-sized tail.
Learn more about these and other Cane Corso colors to understand their appearance, how to spot them, and how they come about from our Cane Corso coat color guides:
- Fawn Cane Corso: Characteristics, traits and facts
- Formentino Cane Corso: Everything you need to know
- Black Brindle Cane Corso: Characteristics, traits and facts
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso Size
The Fawn Cane Corso and Formentino Cane Corso are similar in size, both being the standard Cane Corso breed size.
Adult male dogs weigh between 90 to 110 pounds, standing at 24 to 27.5 inches in height.
Females are smaller than male dogs with a height of 23.5 to 26 inches and 80 to 100 pounds in weight.
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso Behavior
The Fawn and Formentino Cane Corso have the same personality, the breed’s personality. They are both intelligent, loyal, confident, and protective.
Their pleasant personality makes them good guard dogs and family dogs when socialized early. They get along with both children and other pets.
The two dogs are protective dogs that have an instinct to protect their owners. They are fiendly and loving to the people they know and not so much to outsiders.
They are also easy to train.
The personality of any dog or Cane Corso is also shaped by socialization, training, and good care.
Therefore having a well-mannered Fawn or Formentino Cane Corso is also dependent on these important factors.
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso Lifespan
Both the Fawn and Formentino Cane Corso have a life expectancy of 9 to 12 years.
Research has shown that large breed dogs such as the Cane Corso tend to have a short lifespan in comparison to small breed dogs that have a longer lifespan, living between 10 to 15 years.
This is because their large size strains their bodies’ physiological processes making them wear faster and thus age faster.
See also:
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso Health Concerns
Research studies have indicated that the coat color of a dog can make them more susceptible to certain health conditions.
The Fawn Cane Corso is not susceptible to specific health issues due to their coat color however, the Formentino Cane Corso is.
Dilute-colored dogs, that is, dogs with blue color which is a dilute black, are susceptible to color dilution alopecia (CDA). This means Formentino Cane Corso is susceptible to CDA.
Color dilution alopecia (CDA) is a hereditary condition that leads to coat hair thinning, hair loss, inflamed bald patches, and itching.
The condition does not have a cure but is managed through regular bathing of the affected dog with medicated shampoos to reduce inflammation, itching, and infection of the bald skin areas.
In addition to this, both dogs are susceptible to the common health problems of the Cane Corso dog breed. This includes:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Demodectic mange
- Obesity
Despite being prone to these Cane Corso breed health problems, both the Blue Fawn and Fawn Cane Corso are generally healthy dogs.
They do not necessarily develop illnesses and they lead healthy lives. A healthy life is promoted by a healthy diet, exercise, good nurturing, and good breeding.
Good breeding of Cani Corsi produces healthy puppies. This is why it is important to buy a Cane Corso puppy from reputable Cane Corso breeders who produce healthy puppies.
Professional breeders for example do not include Cane Corso parents that have color dilution alopecia (CDA) to prevent the disease from being passed on to the offspring.
Therefore not all Formentino Cani Corsi have color dilution alopecia.
Breeders reduce the probability of occurrence of other conditions in puppies and with proper care, a Cane Corso can live a healthy life.
Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso Cost
Both the Fawn and the Formentino Cane Corso prices are in the same range. The average cost is between $1500 – $4000.
The price varies greatly depending on individual breeders, and their location. The cost for puppies is higher than the cost of older dogs and dogs up for adoption.
You can find both the Fawn and Formentino Cani Corsi from Cane Corso breeders or rescue groups.
When considering getting either Cani Corsi, always purchase one from a reputable Cane Corso breeder to ensure you receive a healthy puppy.
Professional breeders provide important information about their puppies including health certificates that show a puppy’s status.
You are also free to ask the breeder more questions that will help you have more information.
Avoid buying your puppy from backyard breeders or puppy mills that unethically breed dogs for a profit. Be cautious and always buy a puppy from a certified Cane Corso Breeder.
The American Kennel Club’s marketplace is a great place to start when looking for reputable Cane Corso breeders.
Which one is right for you?
The differences between a Fawn and Formentino Cane Corso are not many. They are more similar than different.
The major difference is their facial mask color, however, in all other aspects, they are very similar.
The two Cani Corsi have the breed’s personality as affectionate, loyal, intelligent, eager to please, protective, and easy to train dogs. They are also good family dogs.
The Formentino and the Fawn Cane Corso are both prone to the breed’s health problems, however, generally they are both healthy dogs.
The care for each dog is similar. Both require a healthy diet, regular exercise, and care.
The Formentino may require extra care if they have Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) however, not all have this condition.
Therefore regardless of whether you select the Fawn Cane Corso or the Formentino Cane Corso, they are both good choices for Fawn-colored Cani Corsi.
If you intend to part he AKC’s conformation dog shows, the Fawn Cane Corso with a black mask is the acceptable coat color.
Takeaway: Fawn Vs Formentino Cane Corso
The main difference between the Fawn and Formentino Cane Corso is their facial mask color. They are both Fawn-colored Cani Corsi, however, for a Formentino the facial mask is gray compared to the fawn Cane Corso’s black facial mask.
Despite this difference, both dogs have the same qualities in terms of their physical features, temperament, and the breed’s health concerns.
Both Blue Fawn and Fawn Cani Corsi are good protective and loving dogs. The decision of which one is best for you boils down to which one you prefer having.
Also 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 secure living environment.