Cane Corso Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

45-55 kg

Height

62-72 cm

Lifespan

9-12 years

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About the Cane Corso

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

A breed that’s rapidly becoming popular, the Cane Corso is a real tank! If you’re considering giving a home to one of these huge dogs, you’re in luck. Our Cane Corso breed guide has everything you need to know about owning one of these magnificent dogs.

From where to find a Cane Corso puppy to training and grooming advice, you’ll find it all right here. To find out whether this is a suitable breed for you, read on for more information.

What is the history & origin of the Cane Corso?

The Cane Corso is recognised as a breed known as “Molossus”. The breed was seen frequently in Ancient Greek history, depicted in paintings and sculptures. The Molosser dogs are made up of both Mastiff and Bulldog breeds.

Originating from Italy, it’s thought that Cane Corsos might have descended from a Roman Molossian breed that were used as Roman war dogs. After the war, Cane Corsos became much more civilised dogs and Italians used them to drive and hunt livestock.

Cane Corsos weren’t recognised by the AKC – American Kennel Club, until 2010. Because they’re now recognised, there are breed standards and Corso breeders don’t stray too far from this Italian heritage.

What is a Cane Corso breed?

Part of the Mastiff group, the Cane Corso is recognisable by its wide chest, muscular features, and strong stature. However, Corsos still aren’t as big and bulky as other Mastiffs.

This breed has a broad strong head complete with a muscular and well-defined frame that’s typically rectangular in shape.

Learn more about: Cane Corso Colours

Who is a Cane Corso best for?

Cane Corsos are very family-oriented and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods. The ideal Cane Corso owner is someone who enjoys being active and is at home most of the time. They should also not mind cleaning up lots of drool!

As expected, these big dogs are expensive to feed, so be prepared to fork out quite a lot to meet your Corso’s diet requirements.

The Cane Corso is an intelligent and active breed that thrives on work and loves having a job to do. Because of their size, Corsos need a large and securely fenced outdoor area, such as a garden or yard.

They’ll also need an owner who can walk them regularly. If they’re not given enough mental stimulation and physical exercise, Cane Corsos can become very destructive!

Cane Corso Grooming & Shedding

Cane Corsos are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, so you won’t have to worry about dog hair covering every single item of furniture in your home!

They have short, double-layered coats, with the undercoat shedding throughout the year, especially in spring. If your pooch is going through one of his shedding seasons, be sure to brush it every day. But otherwise, your Cane Corso’s coat will only need a weekly brush.

You should also trim your dog’s nails to stop them from getting long and causing pain when walking. Ear and teeth cleaning will also be a necessity and should be done regularly.

Learn more about: Cane Corso Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Cane Corsos bark a lot?

Like other large breed dogs, Cane Corsos don’t tend to bark much. Their calm nature usually takes over and they’ll only bark if they see a genuine reason to do so.

For example, if there’s an intrusion or they see something that might be a threat, your Cane Corso may let out a loud warning bark. The breed is well known for its protective nature and will bark if they think they need to protect their family and territory.

What is the average weight & height of a Cane Corso dog?

Despite their huge size, Cane Corsos are classed as a large dog breed rather than a giant breed. Males typically weigh from 45-55kg and can measure between 62-72cm tall. Females are usually smaller, weighing in at 40-45kg and standing at 60-66cm in height.

Learn more about: Cane Corso Size & Weight Chart

Are Cane Corsos easy to train?

Proper socialisation and puppy training lessons are a recommendation for every dog, but for a large breed dog like a Cane Corso, they are essential. These dogs can be protective and dominant, but socialising will help them to become stable and well-mannered later in life.

Obedience training and positive reinforcement will stop them from thinking they’re in charge! Plenty of dog treats will go a long way in keeping the training sessions interesting too.

Learn more about: Cane Corso Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Cane Corsos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Cane Corso temperament is very confident. They’re also incredibly intelligent and if they don’t have a strong leader, they’ll find ways of pushing the boundaries and will try to take over as boss. With a dog as big as this, that’s the last thing you want!

But, with an assertive owner, your Cane Corso’s personality traits make it an excellent family dog. They are loving and gentle with family members, including children. But do remember that proper socialisation and strong but fair training are a must to prevent any unwanted behaviour.

Learn more about: Cane Corso Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Cane Corso have any common health issues?

Cane Corsos are generally healthy dogs and responsible breeders will always test their breeding stock for health problems such as:

Idiopathic Epilepsy: A neurological condition leading to seizures.
Eyelid Abnormalities: Conditions like entropion or ectropion affecting eyelid alignment.
Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to arthritis.
Demodex Mange: A skin condition caused by mites, leading to hair loss and irritation.

But, no matter how healthy your pup is when you initially bring it home, you must be prepared for any problems that may pop up throughout its life. A good pet insurance policy can help you be ready for all of your pooch’s veterinary requirements.

Learn more about: Common Cane Corso Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Cane Corso?

As with many large dog breeds, the Cane Corso has a fairly short life expectancy of around 9-12 years. They have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds because they age quicker and are at risk of developing certain health issues.

But, you can help to extend your pooch’s life by providing it with a high-quality diet, exercise, and regular vet checks for preventative care.

How much does a Cane Corso need to be fed?

There’s no doubt about it, your Cane Corso will need a lot of food! However, the exact amount your pooch will need depends on the brand you choose. The best method of maintaining a healthy weight is by feeding in meals, where you measure the food out and give it out at regular times, usually twice a day.

Having a consistent feeding routine can help to reduce the chance of your Cane Corso suffering from stomach torsion or bloat. When it comes to choosing dog food, take into account your dogs current weight, activity level, and age.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Cane Corso? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Cane Corso in Australia?

If you’re sure that a Cane Corso is right for you, you’re probably eager to start looking for your new furry family member. But, you should know that these huge dogs come with equally huge prices!

If you’re looking for a pup just for companionship, expect to pay between $900-$2,000. However, purebred dogs that are show quality could cost as much as $3,000-$8,000!

Learn more about: Cane Corso Prices In Australia

Cane Corso FAQs

Are Cane Corsos an easy dog breed to socialise?

Because of how big they will become, it’s a must for Cane Corso puppies to be friendly in strange environments. As long as you start from an early age your Cane Corso will be easy to socialise. With proper socialisation, your puppy can become comfortable around strange dogs as they get older.

It’s recommended you do this whilst your pup is on a lead until he’s playful and friendly towards other dogs. Keep repeating this until he’s more sociable and well behaved around others.

Another good method of social training is to take your puppy to training classes. These are the perfect chances to socialise your pup as they are controlled environments where dogs can mix safely.

Do Cane Corsos make good guard dogs compared to other dogs?

Considering they were originally bred to be guard dogs, yes, the Cane Corso is a great watchdog compared to other breeds. This vigilant instinct has stayed with them, making them naturally protective of their families.

Is the Cane Corso dog breed popular?

Although not as well-known as a Labrador or a German Shepherd, the Cane Corso is becoming more and more popular in many countries. With their loving nature, protective instinct, and high intelligence, it’s easy to see why there are Cane Corso lovers the world over.

Where can I get Cane Corso puppies?

The best way to find your new four-legged family member is by going through a reputable breeder. Steer clear of online adverts offering ridiculously cheap puppies as this is probably a puppy mill where dogs are bred irresponsibly, typically with many health problems.

A responsible breeder will always have their dogs wormed, vaccinated and screened for various potential health issues.