Cane Corso Breed Guide

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 was 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.

Who are Cane Corso dogs 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!

How much grooming does a Cane Corso need?

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.

Do Cane Corso bark much?

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.

Do Cane Corso bite?

As with all breeds, poor training and little to no socialisation can result in biting habits developing. Responsible pet owners will always ensure their dogs receive early socialisation.

Introducing your dog to a variety of different sounds, places, people, and other dogs from an early age will ensure it grows into a well-mannered and well-adjusted adult.

Another thing to remember is mouthing as a puppy. Although this behaviour may be cute at first, it shouldn't be encouraged or allowed to continue past puppyhood. Having a full-grown Cane Corso using your hand as a chew toy wouldn't be fun!

What is the temperament & personality of a Cane Corso?

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 is a must to prevent any unwanted behaviour.

What is the weight & size of a Cane Corso?

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

How much training does a Cane Corso need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cane Corso?

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

• idiopathic epilepsy

• eyelid abnormalities

• hip dysplasia

• demodex mange

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.

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 should you feed a Cane Corso?

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 dog's current weight, activity level, and age.

What is the price of 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!