The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a large working dog originally bred as guardians of farms and livestock. These powerful dogs possess a loyal and protective nature. However, their imposing stature and past association with dog fighting have unfortunately led to misconceptions about their temperament.
In reality, a Cane Corso dog can form strong bonds with their families. While they may be reserved towards strangers, proper socialization from a young age helps them become well-adjusted members of the family.
Cane Corso Characteristics
- Height: Male Cane Corso (24–28 inches) Female Cane Corso (23–26 inches)
- Weight: Male (99–110 pounds) Female (88–99 pounds)
- Cane Corso Life span: 10 – 12 years
Coat and Color Variations
A Cane Corso’ short, dense coat requires minimal grooming but sheds moderately, with heavier shedding twice a year.
The breed standard allows for black, fawn, brindle (any of these colors with brindle markings), and red. Some may have white markings on the chest, toes, and muzzle.
Physical Traits and Appearance
The Cane Corso boasts a well-muscled, athletic physique and their size can be imposing and intimidating at first glance.
- Large and Square: Their head is large and square, with a broad forehead and a powerful jaw.
- Alert Expression: Their dark, almond-shaped eyes are alert and convey the intelligence the breed has.
- Ear Carriage: Traditionally, ears were cropped, but the natural floppy ears are becoming more common.
- Tail: The tail is naturally docked in some countries, but the standard allows for a long tail.
History
The Cane Corso’s story started thousands of years ago. Their lineage traces back to the Molossers, giant Mastiff-type guard dogs bred by the ancient the Greek people, the Molossi. Fast forward to the Roman conquest of Greece, and these impressive dogs migrated to Italy. There, the Romans interbred them with local breeds, creating the ancestors of both the Cane Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Roman Dog Soldiers
Believe it or not, Cane Corsi were some of the first military service dogs! The Romans called them “pireferi” and tasked them with carrying flaming buckets of oil strapped to their backs – a fiery tactic to scare and disorient enemy soldiers.
From War to Farms
After the Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, the Cane Corso’s duties became a bit less dramatic. They transitioned to life as working dogs on Italian farms, tackling tasks like hunting wild boar, herding livestock, and keeping watch over property. This loyal breed fulfilled these roles for centuries, but sadly, by the mid-20th century, factors like war, economic hardship, and modern farming practices pushed the breed towards extinction.
A Resurgence in Popularity
Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. In the 1970s, dedicated dog enthusiasts rediscovered some surviving Cane Corsi and set out on a mission to bring the breed back. Fast forward to 1983, and the Society of Cane Corso Lovers was born in Italy, working tirelessly to revive the breed.
The United States wasn’t left out for long. In the late 1980s, Michael Sottile imported the first litter of Cane Corsos, where they exploded in popularity across America. A few years later, the International Cane Corso Association was established, and by 2010, the Cane Corso officially received recognition from the American Kennel Club. Today, the Cane Corso Association of America governs the breed in the United States.
What Does Cane Corso Mean?
The name “Cane Corso” itself gives us some into the breed’s history. “Cane” comes from the Latin word “canis,” simply meaning “dog.” “Corso” has two possible origins: one theory suggests it comes from “cohors,” translating to “bodyguard,” reflecting their protective nature. Another theory suggests it stems from the old Italian word “corsus,” meaning “sturdy” or “robust,” in a nod to their impressive build.
Cane Corso Temperament
The Italian Mastiff’s temperament is a complex blend of loyalty, protectiveness, intelligence, and independence. They can be quiet, attentive, and super serious, but that stems from their desire to be protective guardians.
Much like all dogs, a Cane Corso’s behavior all depends on how they’ve been raised since puppyhood. That said, we’re talking about Cane Corsos. If you don’t take charge, they will.
Personality and Behavior
Protective: Bred for centuries as guardians, Cane Corso mastiff possess a strong protective instinct towards their family and property. They are naturally alert and watchful.
Loyal: These dogs form deep bonds with their families and are fiercely loyal companions.
Intelligence and Trainability:
Eager to Please: Cane Corsos are intelligent dogs who are eager to please their owners. This makes them highly trainable with the right approach.
Confident and Independent: Cane Corsos possess a confident and independent streak. Experienced dog owners who can provide consistent leadership will find them a rewarding breed.
Training and Socialization
The good news is that Cane Corsos are intelligent dogs who are eager to please their human parents. This makes them highly trainable with the right approach.
Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training techniques are ideal for building a strong bond and fostering obedience. Their intelligence allows them to learn quickly, but consistency and patience are key.
However, Cane Corso’s require a firm hand and are not recommended for first-time dog parents.
Potential Challenges
Independent Streak: Cane Corsos possess a confident and independent streak. They are not pushovers and require experienced dog owners who can provide consistent leadership.
Reserved with Strangers: While not inherently aggressive, Cane Corsos can be reserved with strangers. Early socialization from a young age is crucial to prevent them from becoming wary or fearful of unfamiliar people.
Strong Will: Their independent nature can sometimes translate to stubbornness. Owners should be prepared to establish themselves as the leader through consistent training and boundaries.
Overall, Cane Corsos are loyal, intelligent, and protective companions who thrive in homes that can provide consistent training, ample exercise, and a strong sense of leadership. While their guardian instinct makes them excellent watchdogs, proper socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted around strangers and other animals.
Is the Cane Corso dangerous and aggressive?
The short answer is that Cane Corsos are neither inherently dangerous nor aggressive. Many perceive the Cane Corso’s temperament as dangerous because of their powerful build. However, when well-trained and properly socialized, a Cane Corso will hardly pose a danger to everyone they meet.
By nature, Cane Corsos have strong protective instincts. Therefore, they’re often quick to defend loved ones and property from anything they perceive as a threat. It’s in a Cane Corso’s nature to be distrustful of strangers and other pets. Unfortunately, their natural urge to defend and protect is often mistaken for innate aggression.
But make no mistake, the Cane Corso bite force is an estimated 700 PSI. So when owners don’t fulfill their pet parent responsibilities to the letter, they can become aggressive if not properly trained.
Early Socialization is Key: While naturally reserved with strangers, early socialization from a young age helps them become well-adjusted around new people and other animals.
Is owning a Cane Corso illegal or banned?
While there are no federal bans on Cane Corsos in the United States, some cities and states have Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and ordinances that restrict, regulate, or prohibit ownership of certain dog breeds, including Cane Corsos. Those states are: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Washington.
As of December 2023, the United Kingdom’s “Dangerous Dog Act,” didn’t ban the Cane Corso, but many Corso parents feel this might be a pretext for a ban to eventually happen. Other European countries such as Denmark, Norway, France, and Malta have varying degrees of restrictions.
The laws and restrictions are subject to change at any time, and this information is for general guidance and may not be fully comprehensive.
Purchasing a Cane Corso Puppy
Are King Cane Corsos real? Let’s get this out of the way now: There is no official designation for a King Cane Corso dog. The name is just a marketing gimmick used by breeders to inflate their prices. Established breed standards exist for Cane Corsos, outlining their size, proportions, and other characteristics. There’s no mention of a “King” classification within these standards.
If you’re considering a Cane Corso puppy, it’s important to find a reputable breeder who adheres to breed standards and focuses on health and temperament. Avoid breeders who use terms like “King Cane Corso dogs” as it might not be a reliable indicator of quality.
How much much are Cane Corso puppies?
As per Cane Corso Pets, purchasing a Cane Corso for sale from a reputable breeder typically falls within the $1,500 to $2,500 range. On the other hand, those seeking a Cane Corso puppies with top breed lines and a superior pedigree can expect to pay between upwards to $5,000 or more.
Cane Corso Care
Cane Corso are expensive dogs to own. If you choose the purchase, the initial upfront cost could range anywhere between $1,500 to as high as $8,000 if you’re looking for superior, championship bloodlines. Rescuing and adopting can greatly reduce this cost.
If you are considering getting a Cane Corso, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are prepared for the commitment. These dogs are amazing companions, but they require a lot of care and attention.
Cane Corso Grooming Needs
The Cane Corso’s short, sleek coat may appear low-maintenance, but consistent grooming is essential for their overall health and well-being. By following these simple grooming practices, you can help your Cane Corso maintain a healthy, shiny coat, and an overall practical grooming schedule.
Coat Care
- Shedding: Cane Corsos are moderate shedders, with a heavier blow-out period twice a year, typically in spring and fall. Regular brushing helps manage loose hair and minimize shedding around the house.
- Brushing: Brushing your Cane Corso at least once a week (daily during shedding seasons) with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt, or hound glove removes dead hair, distributes natural oils,and promotes healthy coat growth.
Bathing Basics
While Cane Corsos don’t require frequent baths, the occasional cleansing is necessary for their health.
- Frequency: Bathe your Cane Corso a few times a year, focusing on periods of heavy shedding or if they get dirty. Over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.
- Puppy Training: Introduce bath time at a young age to create a positive association. Use lukewarm water, gentle dog shampoo, and plenty of praise to make bath time a breeze.
Nail Care
- Trimming: Regular nail trims are crucial to prevent discomfort and walking difficulties. Ideally, nails shouldn’t touch the ground when your dog walks. Use dog nail clippers specifically designed for thick nails.
- Signs: If you hear your Cane Corso’s nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. Be cautious to avoid the quick (blood vessel) within the nail. If you’re not comfortable trimming nails yourself, seek help from a veterinarian or groomer.
Ears
- Inspection: Weekly ear checks are essential for early detection of infections. Look for redness, discharge, or bad odor.
- Cleaning: Don’t insert anything deep into the ear canal. Use a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to wipe out any visible debris from the outer ear. Over-cleaning can disrupt the natural balance in the ear and lead to infection.
Dental
- Brushing: Regular teeth brushing (ideally 2-3 times a week) helps prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. Use a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Dental Chews: Dental chews can be a helpful supplement to brushing, promoting fresh breath and healthy chewing habits.
Early Acclimation is Key
Getting your Cane Corso accustomed to grooming procedures from a young age makes the process easier and more enjoyable for both of you. Handle their paws frequently, examine their mouth and ears, and reward them for good behavior during grooming sessions. This positive foundation sets the stage for stress-free veterinary exams and handling throughout their lives.
Additional Tips
- During your weekly grooming routine, use the opportunity to check your Cane Corso’s skin for any signs of irritation, sores, or rashes.
- Their eyes should be clear, free of redness or discharge.
Exercise Requirements
Compared to their cousin, the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Cane Corso has a lighter build. This is due to their historical roles, which went beyond guarding property. These versatile farmhands were bred to hunt wild game, keep watch over livestock, and even assist with herding duties. Imagine a Cane Corso rounding up pigs or cattle, helping to drive them to market. They don’t want to be sitting on a couch.
So for an outlet for their innate instincts and mental stimulation, Corsos want to work – so give them a job! Good employment for a Corso includes herding livestock, learning tricks, practicing obedience skills, or being involved in a dog sport. Today, they are used as therapy dogs and service dogs to help people with a variety of disabilities, including autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Feeding and Nutrition
Due to their susceptibility to bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (see Cane Corso Health Issues below), special care should be taken when feeding your Corso. Always consult your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations based on your individual Cane Corso’s needs. They can consider your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and overall health to determine the optimal feeding plan.
Tips for feeding your Cane Corso puppy
For puppies ages 2-6 months, 3-4 meals per day with a total of 3-4 cups of high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds is recommended. As they approach their first year, you can gradually reduce the feeding frequency to 2-3 meals per day.
Stick to a Schedule: Feeding your puppy at consistent times throughout the day helps regulate their digestion and prevents them from becoming overly hungry.
Measure Food: Use measuring cups to ensure you’re feeding the correct amount of food.
Choose High-Quality Food: Invest in a high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for large breeds. These foods provide the essential nutrients your puppy needs for healthy growth and development.
Avoid Free Feeding: Free feeding (leaving food out all day) can lead to overeating and obesity.
Fresh Water: Always provide your puppy with fresh, clean water at all times.
Tips for feeding your adult Cane Corso
A full grown Cane Corso typically requires feeding twice a day. Younger adults (1-3 years old) may need slightly more food than older adults (4+ years old) due to higher activity levels.
The same feeding tips for a puppy apply here, but with an adult Corsi, there are other factors to consider.
Activity Level: Highly active Cane Corsos will burn more calories and require more food than their less active counterparts.
Body Weight and Condition: Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust food portions as needed to maintain a healthy body condition. Their ribs should be easily felt but not visible.
Food Quality: High-quality dog food offers more concentrated nutrients, allowing you to feed a smaller amount compared to lower-quality fo
How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than your average lap dog.
Cane Corso and Family Compatibility
The Corso is a serious dog breed for a person who is serious about having a dog as a companion and who can provide them with the firm, but loving guidance they need to become a well-adjusted dog and happy member of the family. However, once they are a member of the family, they are a family-only dog.
Don’t expect them to buddy up with everyone they meets. Corsos have no interest in people or other animals outside his family, but those within the family will have his undivided loyalty and protection.
Is The Cane Corso Good with Children?
Cane Corsos make great family dogs. When properly raised, trained, and socialized, the Corso can be loving toward and protective of children. Running and squealing may cause the Corso to associate children with prey.
Keep your Corso confined when kids run outdoors and make lots of noise, especially if your children have friends over. The Corso may think it necessary to step in and protect “their” kids, which is unlikely to end well. Games of fetch or — for young children — helping to hold the leash are good ways for children to interact with a Cane Corso puppy or adult.
Never allow a Corso to run loose. A solid, secure fence is a must. An electronic fence will not prevent him from leaving your property if he chooses to, and it won’t protect your neighbor’s dog or cat if he wanders into your yard.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs and supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while it’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away.
Do Cane Corsos Get Along with Other Pets?
The Corso may get along with other dogs or cats if raised with them, but will likely view strange animals as prey. It’s essential to be able to protect neighbors’ pets from him. This is another instance in which socialization is a must. Your Cane Corso should learn from an early age to remain calm in the presence of other dogs. If you get a second dog, either Cane Corso or a different breed, it is best to choose one of a different sex.
Apartment Living
Cane Corsos can potentially live in apartments, but it requires a significant commitment from their owner to ensure their needs are met. Ultimately, the decision depends on your lifestyle and commitment. If you can provide the exercise, training, and mental stimulation a Cane Corso needs, apartment living can be successful.
Challenges
- Size: Cane Corsos are large dogs, and apartments might feel cramped for them.
- Exercise Needs: They require plenty of daily exercise (at least an hour) to burn off energy and prevent destructive behavior.
- Barking: Their protective nature can lead to barking at noises or unfamiliar sights outside the apartment. This might disturb neighbors.
Success Factors
- Active Lifestyle: Owners who lead active lifestyles and can provide ample exercise can make apartment living work.
- Proper Training: Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to manage barking and ensure respectful behavior around neighbors.
- Management: Setting boundaries within the apartment and providing activities can help prevent boredom and destructive chewing.
Cane Corso Health Issues
Like all breeds, Cane Corsos have potential health concerns. Responsible breeders prioritize genetic health testing to minimize these risks.
Heart Disease
The Cane Corso is predisposed to various forms of heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
You should also be aware of the most common Corso health problems, so that you can seek veterinary care right away.
Degenerative Joint Diseases
Due to their size, Corsos may develop joint problems in their front and back legs that can cause them discomfort and, eventually, severe pain later in life. If your Corso has a limited range of motion or a limp, hip and elbow dysplasia are the likely causes.
A PennHIP screening can evaluate your Corso’s risk of hip dysplasia. Verify hip dysplasia clearances (OFA/PennHIP) from puppy’s parents. Reputable breeders prioritize genetic testing over a simple vet check to ensure healthy bloodlines. Don’t buy from breeders who lack documentation.
Treatment for these issues can include pain and anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, physical therapy, and even surgery. However, monitoring your Corso’s weight can also go a long way as a preventative measure.
Stomach Issues
Large, deep-chested dog breeds like Cane Corsos are at risk for bloat (gastric dilatation) and GDV (stomach torsion). These conditions are life-threatening and require immediate veterinary attention. Warning signs include rapid stomach enlargement, unproductive vomiting, abdominal pain, and changes in behavior.
Bloat might be treated medically, but GDV requires emergency surgery. Preventative gastropexy surgery, during spaying or neutering, attaches the stomach to the body wall, stopping torsion.
Eye Conditions
Cane Corso dogs are susceptible to four distinct eye conditions, mostly concerning their eyelids.
Expect breeders to have up-to-date health clearances certifying that a puppy’s parents are free of eye disease. These clearances should be in the form of an eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with the results registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
Allergies
The Corso can develop allergies to food ingredients, environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites, or both, resulting in itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues.
When choosing a Cane Corso breeder, avoid those who lack written health testing documentation for the breed. A simple vet check isn’t enough – responsible breeders rely on genetic testing to ensure healthy bloodlines. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of inheritable health issues in your future furry companion.
Cane Corso Breeders and Rescue Groups
As stated, prioritizing ethical breeders is a must. While DogTime will always advocate for adoption or rescue first, we understand the necessity of ethical breeding practices.
Some Corsos, purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, need adoption or fostering. The Cane Corso Rescue, Inc., or a local breed club, who can assist you in adopting a Cane Corso in need of a good and loving home.
