Are you thinking of Buying or Adopting a Cane Corso dog? Maybe you already own one but do you know all the important information about the breed? Worry no more because we have come up with a comprehensive guide that any Cane Corso dog parent should read.
Let’s dive in:
Cane Corso: Highlights and Breed Characteristics
The Cane Corso dogs happen to be one of the large breeds in the world. Despite their large size, they’re one of the best-natured dogs because of their affection for owners and gentleness with family, including kids.
Cane Corso is the 32nd most popular dog breed according to the AKC breed popularity index. These dogs have a bossy nature but are highly intelligent. Cane Corsos might not be the best in adapting to specific environments but possess the best qualities to be happy about.
Let’s take a look at the breed characteristics of this gentle giant.
Adaptability
Cane Corsos are not that good at adapting to some environments. However, this should not scare you since they can adapt to any situation if trained early.
- It is not suitable for apartment living because of its vast size.
- The Corso is not a good “first dog” and not suitable for novice parents.
- Cane Corsos are moderately sensitive dogs. Punishments, shouting, and yelling at them can affect them emotionally.
- It’s poorly suited to be left alone for extended periods.
- These dogs have a moderate tolerance for cold weather and a high tolerance for hot temperatures.
Friendliness
Cane Corso is a family-only dog. They have no interest in people or other animals outside their family.
- Cane Corsos shower the whole family with love and affection.
- They are known to be friendly with children but due to their large size, they should still be supervised during playtime.
- Cane Corsos are moderately friendly with other pets in your house. Early socialization will improve this behavior.
- Corsos are not stranger-friendly dogs. Don’t expect them to greet and buddy up with everyone they meet.
Health and Grooming
Cane Corsos are known to be generally healthy dogs and don’t require much grooming. Below are the reasons for this:
- Corsos are average shedders and are easy to groom. They have a short, stiff coat with a light undercoat
- They have drool-prone dogs. If you’re a neatnik, Corsos are not a good choice for you.
- They have the potential to put on weight easily.
- They are large-sized dogs and are prone to fewer health problems.
Trainability
This dog breed is intelligent and easy to train. They should be trained gently, but with determination.
- For experienced dog parents, training the Cane Corso is relatively easy.
- These dogs have high intelligence and concentration levels.
- Because of their hunting instincts, Cane Corsos have a high prey drive. It may not be the best idea to own a Corso if you already have a kitty.
- They are more of domestic workers rather than escape artists.
- Corsos have a low potential for mouthiness.
- They have a moderate tendency to bark. They usually bark when bored or anxious.
Physical Needs
Corsos are highly energetic dogs and need physical activity to keep them fit and away from destructive behavior.
- Cane Corsos are high-energy dogs who always require a job to do.
- The Corso is a working dog who needs lots of mental and physical stimulation to maintain good health.
- Cane Corsos are not among the most playful dog breeds. However, they occasionally enjoy playdates and such.
- They are moderately vigorous dogs.
Vital Stats About Cane Corso
Let’s have a look at some vital stats of Cane Corso:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Working Group |
| Family | Mastiff |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic |
| Average Height | 25-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26 inches (female) |
| Weight Range | Proportionate to height |
| Energy level | Medium |
| Exercise requirements | High |
| Other names | Italian Mastiff |
| Life Expectancy | 9-12 years |
Cane Corso Appearance
Cane Corso, also known as Italian Mastiff, is a medium to large breed with a strong skeleton. It has a massive head, a heavy rectangular body, and a muscular body beneath its coat. The ears of Corsos may be cropped or uncropped.
The coat is short, stiff, shiny, and dense with a light undercoat. The coat often thickens during the winter seasons. Coat colors are black, grey, fawn, and red. Brindles are possible in all colors and may have black or grey masks.
At a glance, you should observe the following physical traits of the Cane Corso:
- Eye Colour: Brown
- Nose: Large with well-opened nostrils
- Coat Colour: Black, Fawn, Red, Gray, Brindle
- Muzzle: Very broad and deep
- Coat: Short, stiff, and dense
- Average height: Male: 25-27.5 inches, Female: 23.5-26 inches
- Average weight: Proportionate to height, often weighing more than 100 pounds
History of Cane Corso
The Cane Corso originated in Italy and descended from Roman war dogs. Corsos can be traced back to ancient times. They were bred to hunt games, drive livestock, and guard property.
Throughout its early history, the Cane Corso acted as a guard dog, war dog, boar hunter, and skilled hunter of various other games. By the mid-20th century, there was a significant decline of the Cane Corso breed.
During the 1970s, Cane Corso enthusiasts spurred a revival of the dog. The breed was officially recognised by American Kennel Club in 2010.
Temperament and Personality of Cane Corso
A typical Cane Corso is humble and affectionate but only towards its human family. This breed is sensitive and understands tonal variations. They are ready to meet any challenge.
- Loyal: The Cane Corso is extremely loyal to the family. This dog is an exceptional protector of its family and home.
- Bossy: Cane Corsos have a bossy nature and can sometimes be dominant, strong-willed, and independent.
- Intelligent: The Corsos are very intelligent dogs. They have a good memory and understand human tone variations.
- Affectionate: The ideal Corso is docile and utterly affectionate towards its family, including children. If socialized properly in puppyhood, this breed makes a superb family dog.
- Watchdogs: They are suspicious of strangers and can be overly cautious or assertive if not socialized properly.
Like all dogs, Cane Corsos need early socialization and exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences during puppyhood.
Major Health Concerns of Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are moderately healthy but are prone to certain health issues. It is important to be aware of these health conditions. Let’s have a look at them:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited and degenerative condition. Cane Corsos with hip dysplasia shows pain and lameness on one or both rear legs.
- Eyelid abnormalities: Cane Corsos are also affected by eye problems such as entropion, ectropion, and cherry eye.
- Demodectic Mange: Demodectic Mange is a challenging skin condition caused by mites known as Demodex. You will observe bald spots on the affected dog but no itching.
- Bloat: Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a fatal health condition affecting Cane Corsos. It is typically caused by stress, anxiety, feeding a large single meal a day, over-exercising, or eating too quickly. The symptoms of bloat include extreme lethargy, excess salivation, distended abdomen, pale gums, and restlessness.
How to Take Care of Cane Corso
Cane Corsos heavily rely on our care as pet parents! Taking care of your Corso involves a lot of things including feeding, grooming, training, and exercises.
Feeding your Cane Corso
The Cane Corso should be given a high-quality diet, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared. The recommended daily amount of dog food for Corso is 4-5 cups a day. It’s ideal to divide it into two meals to reduce the risk of bloating.
The amount of food that Cane Corso should eat varies with age, gender, metabolism, and physical activity. Be sure to examine whether your dog is getting overweight.
Training your Cane Corso
Cane Corso is highly intelligent but can be dominant and protective. You need to be consistently firm and patient with your Cane Corso. If you are unable to devote much time, it’s better to enroll your Corso puppy in puppy training classes.
Early socialization is important for Corsos. These dogs do not respond well to punishments and harsh training methods. Start training as early as possible, ideally when the pup is between 8-12 weeks of age.
Grooming needs of Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are average shedders and are easy to groom. The coat is short but double-layered. Let’s get down to the grooming needs of these dogs:
- Weekly brushing is recommended for Cane Corsos while daily brushing during shedding season.
- Bathe your dog only as needed or when it’s really dirty. While bathing them, use a high-quality canine shampoo.
- These dogs require regular teeth brushing at least twice or three times every week.
- Trimming your dog’s nails should be a routine at least twice every month.
- Make sure that you clean the outer part of the ears using a cotton ball dampened in a cleaning solution.
Look inside your dog’s mouth and check for sores, redness, or other signs of infection. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praises and rewards.
Exercise Requirements of Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are energetic dogs and need serious and vigorous exercise every day. You can meet their exercise requirements through activities and games like:
- Long walks
- Bicycle rides
- Running or jogging
- Agility
- Flying disc and flyball
- Fetch games
- Self-play with interactive and puzzle toys
Parting Shot on Cane Corso
These four-legged bodyguards are working dogs who have a big heart for their human family! If you are an experienced dog parent and have a house with a yard, this breed is for you.
Hope you enjoyed reading the article! Have any questions about Cane Corsos? Shoot us a comment, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.