Cane Corso Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

SAKIBUL ALAM

18 Jun, 2024

The huge, powerful Cane Corso dog breed originated in Italy. They are renowned for their intellect, devotion, and protectiveness. When it comes to their family, Cane Corsos are normally kind and loving, but they might be apprehensive of strangers. To be well-behaved, they need early socialization and training.

This Mastiff variety from Italy exudes assurance and alertness. Their expressive eyes, which are frequently brown or amber in color, show their intellect and attentiveness. Their customarily cut ears further enhance their regal appearance. The short, dense coat of this breed is available in a range of hues, including black, fawn, gray, and brindle.

The Cane Corso dogs are devoted to their family, loyal, and guardianship. To encourage excellent behavior, kids need early socialization and training, though. They flourish in busy homes that offer lots of physical activity and intellectual stimulation. They are quick learners thanks to their intelligence. They can do a variety of jobs like guarding, tracking, and search and rescue because to their versatility as working dogs.

They make good guard dogs due to their intimidating size and fierce protectiveness. This lovely breed can grow to be a devoted family member with the right upbringing, training, and socialization. Combined strength, devotion, and love make an outstanding combination.

Prioritizing adoption from rescue groups or shelters when considering a Cane Corso is advised in order to give a loving home to a dog in need. But if you do decide to buy, it’s important to pick a trustworthy breeder. Make sure the breeder adheres to ethical standards and places a high priority on the welfare of their dogs by doing extensive research. Reputable Cane Corso breeders place a high priority on the health and temperament of their dogs, carry out mandatory health examinations, and give the puppies a loving environment. With this proactive strategy, unethical breeding techniques are discouraged and you are guaranteed to take home a healthy, content puppy.

Quick Facts

Origin: Italy
Breed Group: Working
Size: 25-27.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 90-120 pounds; females stand 23.5-26 inches tall and weigh 70-90 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Coat: Short, dense, and smooth; comes in black, brindle, fawn, or red
Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, protective, affectionate, but can be wary of strangers
Exercise needs: High; needs at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise per day
Training: Needs early and consistent training; can be stubborn but is eager to please
Grooming: Low-maintenance; brush once a week
Health: Prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and heart disease
The name Cane Corso literally means “bodyguard dog” or “robust dog” in Italian
Cane Corsos have been used as therapy dogs to help people with a variety of disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Cane Corso dogs have appeared in several movies and television shows including “Game of Throne,” “Atlanta,” “Colombiana,” and “The Borgias.”

Cane Corso Dog Breed Information & Characteristics

Cane Corso Overview

The Cane Corso, or simply Corso, is a serious dog breed for someone who is serious about owning a dog as a friend and who can give him the strong but loving training he needs to develop into a superb dog. He is a household pet only.

He has no interest in people or other animals outside of his family, but those inside the family will have his entire loyalty and protection. So don’t expect him to become best friends with everyone you meet. This dog needs a job.

He’s unwilling to just lie around all day and will find his own “work” to do if you don’t provide it: usually running the fence and barking at passersby, digging holes to China, or chewing up your furniture. If you have a farm or ranch, he will help you with the livestock; otherwise, get him involved in a dog sport such as agility, dock diving, nose work, obedience, or tracking.

Cane Corso Highlights

Cane Corsos require a lot of space, exercise, and training, and they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Here are some additional things to consider if you are thinking about getting a Cane Corso:

Space: Cane Corsos need a lot of space to run and play. They are not suited for apartment living.
Exercise: Cane Corsos need a lot of exercise. They should be walked for at least 2 hours a day, and they will also enjoy playing fetch or going for hikes.
Training: Cane Corsos need to be trained with a firm hand. They can be dominant if not properly socialized.
Cost: Cane Corsos are relatively expensive dogs to own. They require a high-quality diet, regular vet care, and grooming supplies.

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 History

The Corso is one of numerous canines that resemble Mastiffs. This one is supposed to be descended from Roman combat canines and was created in Italy. He is smaller in stature than his Neapolitan Mastiff relative and was bred to hunt game, protect property, and work as a farm hand all around.

They helped drive pigs or livestock to the market after rounding them up. Of course, the term “cane,” which is Latin for dog, comes from the word “canis.” The name “corso” may derive from the Latin word “cohors,” which means bodyguard, or from the ancient Italian word “corsus,” which means strong or sturdy. The Corso nearly became extinct as farming became increasingly mechanized, but beginning in the 1970s, dog enthusiasts set out to revive the breed.

The Society Amatori Cane Corso was formed in 1983, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in 1996. A man named Michael Sottile imported the first litter of Corsos to the United States in 1988, followed by a second litter in 1989. The International Cane Corso Association was formed in 1993. Eventually, the breed club sought recognition from the American Kennel Club, which was granted in 2010. The breed is now governed by the Cane Corso Association of America.

Cane Corso Size

The Corso is a large, muscular dog. Males stand 25 to 27.5 inches at the withers; females 23.5 to 26 inches. Weight is proportionate to height and typically ranges from 90 to 120 pounds.

Cane Corso Personality

According to the Corso’s history, he had a “vigorous temperament, ready to meet any challenge.” A temperament like that has two disadvantages. The Corso can be a wonderful family dog that is never unduly aggressive with a self-assured, dependable owner who gives solid leadership and keeps the dog from roaming, but in the wrong hands, he can turn aggressive and be a risk to the public.

The perfect Corso is submissive and devoted to his family, which includes children. He needs to be socialized and trained from an early age in order to get to that position. This dog will not adapt well to a household with people who are scared of dogs, don’t like them, or can’t handle a big dog. The Corso has exceptional intelligence. It’s simple to understand how he may come to rule the home without clear direction and boundaries when you combine that with his dictatorial personality.

He’ll put you to the test to see how far he can go. It’s crucial to explain the rules to him right away and to make sure that everyone in the family is aware of them. Implement a “nothing in life is free” philosophy by making him obey a command like “Sit” or “Down” before giving him a treat, a meal, or a toy. Never, ever use physical force when exercising firm leadership. With a big, strong dog, that not only conveys the incorrect message, but it can also be deadly.

The perceptive Corso is sensitive to voice inflection and responds well to praise and prizes when you appreciate what he has done as well as to stern, prompt corrections and the constant application of regulations when you don’t. Being composed, quiet, and confident will get you much further with this dog than outbursts of rage. He will be able to unwind and feel in control if you are consistent. Allowing the young Corso to spend time alone will help him gain confidence. This can happen when you are at work around the house and are unable to watch him, either outside in a small space like a yard or kennel or in his crate.

Without much exposure to the outside world, he is prone to become afraid or hostile. The more you socialize him, the better prepared he will be to distinguish between activities that call for a defensive reaction and those that are considered normal behavior.

The Corso should remain unresponsive when approached and should only retaliate if a genuine threat is present, according to the Italian breed standard. The Corso is a working breed that must perform well under intense stress. A Corso has the wrong temperament for the breed if it cannot keep its predetermined disposition under pressure.

Cane Corso Health

Corsos are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Corsos will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

Cane Corsos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems, such as:

Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together properly, which can lead to pain and arthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: This is a similar condition to hip dysplasia, but it affects the elbow joint.
Heart disease: Cane Corsos are more likely to develop heart disease than some other breeds.
Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself.
Eye problems: Cane Corsos are prone to a number of eye problems, such as entropion, ectropion, and cherry eye.
Allergies: Cane Corsos can develop allergies to food, environmental allergens, or both.
Cancer: Cane Corsos are more likely to develop some types of cancer than some other breeds.

It is important to take your Cane Corso to the vet for regular checkups so that any health problems can be identified and treated early. You should also be aware of the signs of the most common health problems in Cane Corsos so that you can seek veterinary care right away if necessary.

Here are some tips for keeping your Cane Corso healthy:

Feed your Cane Corso a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level.
Make sure your Cane Corso gets plenty of exercise.
Take your Cane Corso to the vet for regular checkups.
Be aware of the signs of the most common health problems in Cane Corsos.
If you notice any changes in your Cane Corso’s behavior or appearance, take them to the vet right away.

Breeders should be expected to have current health certificates stating that the parents of a puppy are free of hip dysplasia and eye illness. Clearances should take the form of an OFA or Pennhip evaluation of the hips and an eye exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist with the results filed with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Checking the Canine Health Information Center will allow you to verify health clearances.

Cane Corso Care

This working breed needs plenty of physical activity to stay in shape. Plan on taking him for a brisk walk or jog of at least a mile, morning and evening, every day. If you like to bicycle, get an attachment that will allow him to run alongside you. Go easy on puppies. Their musculoskeletal system isn’t fully developed until they are about 18 months old, so while they need more walks to help burn off their puppy energy, those walks should be shorter and slower. For mental stimulation, provide this dog with a job.

Good employment for a Corso includes herding livestock (your own or a trainer’s), learning tricks, practicing obedience skills, or being involved in a dog sport. Spend at least 20 minutes a day on these types of activities. It’s okay to break it up: for instance, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening.

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. Finally, be prepared for the amount of care and large bills that can go along with owning a large dog. There’s more poop to scoop, and essentials such as spay/neuter surgery are more expensive for big dogs than for small ones.

If your Corso needs surgery for any other reason, the cost of anesthesia will be high because he needs more of it than a small dog, as well as larger amounts of pain medication after surgery. Finally, there are the costs of training class, entry fees for dog sports, and pet-sitting or boarding when you are away from home. Take all of these expenses into consideration before acquiring a Corso because you will be facing them for 10 to 12 years.

Cane Corso Feeding

If you are giving your Corso a high-quality dry food, they should consume 4 to 5 cups each day. Note: Your adult dog’s appetite is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of exercise. Like people, each dog is unique, thus they don’t all require the same amount of food. A very active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying.

The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl. Rather than putting food out all the time, keep your Corso in good form by feeding him twice a day and measuring out his food. Give him the hands-on and eye tests if you’re not sure if he’s obese.

First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise. For more on feeding your Corso, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

Cane Corso Coat Color And Grooming

The Corso has a short, stiff coat with a light undercoat. It can be black, gray, red or fawn and may or may not have a brindle pattern. The coat sheds heavily twice a year, so have a good vacuum cleaner on hand to suck up the dust bunnies. If you plan to bathe your Corso on a regular basis, accustom him to the experience at an early age. Bathe him weekly as a young pup, teaching him the command “Bath,” so that he learns to expect and accept it.

Give him plenty of praise and rewards to sweeten the deal. Brush your Cane Corso’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. To prevent painful tears and other problems, trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long.

Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you’re not experienced at trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers. Check ears weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection.

When you check your dog’s ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don’t insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear. Begin accustoming your Corso to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he’s an adult.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Cane Corso Children And Other Pets

When he is properly raised, trained, and socialized, the Corso can be loving toward and protective of children. It’s important, however, that puppies and adult dogs not be given any opportunity to chase children and that kids avoid making high-pitched sounds in his presence. Running and squealing may cause the Corso to associate children with prey.

When youngsters are playing loudly outside, keep him in his room, especially if your kids are having friends over. The Corso could feel compelled to intervene to defend “his” children, but it is unlikely to turn out well. Children can interact with a Cane Corso adult or puppy by playing catch or, for younger children, by assisting to hold the leash.

In order to prevent biting or ear or tail tugging on either party, you should always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs. You should also carefully supervise any interactions between young children and dogs. Teach your youngster to never try to steal a dog’s food or approach a dog when he or she is eating or resting.

Regardless of how devoted, a dog should never be left unattended with a youngster. If raised with other dogs or cats, the Corso may get along with them, but if not, he’ll probably treat new animals like prey and try to kill them. It’s crucial to be able to defend the animals of the neighbors from him. Another situation where socialising is essential is this one. Early on, your Cane Corso should learn to behave calmly among other dogs. If you do obtain a second dog, whether it’s a different breed or another Cane Corso, it’s better to get one of the opposite sex.

Cane Corso Rescue Groups

Some Corsos, purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one or given up because their families can no longer keep them, are in need of adoption or fostering. Contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Corso rescue organization.

Cane Corso Breed Organizations

Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support.

On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues.