Cane Corso

Cane Corsos nearly became extinct in the mid-1900s, but the breed was revived by a group of Italians. Even so, they still didn’t become known in many other parts of the world until after 1988.

History and Origins

Cane Corsos are a large dog breed. This Italian breed was created to be a guardian dog. They fall under the larger category of molossus dogs, also called Molosers. Molosers were given their name from Molossi, who were believed to breed giant dogs, like Mastiffs, in Greece. You may also hear a Cane Corso referred to as an Italian Mastiff.

The original Cane Corsos were likely even larger than the dogs we see today. They were used in battle and would help the army charge on enemy lines. Later, they were used for other tasks such as farming, hunting wild boar, or guarding henhouses or farms. In the mid-1900s, these dogs nearly became extinct, but a group of Italians was able to bring the breed back from the brink of extinction and formed the Society of Cane Corso Lovers in Italy in 1983. It wasn’t until 1988 that the first Cane Corso came to the United States, and in 2010 that they gained recognition from the AKC.

These dogs have short coats that may be different shades of gray, black, fawn, or red. They are very confident. With the right owners, they can be very loving and affectionate toward the people they trust.

Owning a Cane Corso: 3 Pros and Cons

Size and Weight

Cane Corsos are a large breed of dog. Males are between 24 and 28 inches tall with a weight that is proportional to their body, typically between 99 and 110 pounds. Females are slightly smaller at 23 to 26 inches and generally weigh between 88 and 99 pounds. A one-month-old puppy weighs less than 9 pounds. However, by the time the puppy reaches six months old, it may weigh between 52 and 77 pounds. These dogs are fully grown by the time they are two and a half years old.

Common Health Issues

All in all, this is a very healthy breed. It is important to look for reputable breeders who screen for genetic conditions to prevent them from being passed down to the puppies.

Hip dysplasia is one potential health concern. This is a condition where a dog’s hip bones don’t develop properly and rub against one another. It can be quite painful and often requires surgery. This is a genetic condition, so choosing responsible breeders can decrease the chances of your dog developing it.

Another potential concern for these dogs is idiopathic epilepsy. This condition causes dogs to suffer from recurring seizures. The cause of the seizures is unknown. This is likely an inherited condition as well.

As a large breed, they can also suffer from bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus or GDV). This condition, where the stomach becomes filled with air and twists, is life-threatening, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Temperament and Behavior

Cane Corso has a very confident personality. They are also highly intelligent, and without a strong leader in the home, may push the boundaries and try to assert themselves as the one who is in charge.

However, with a strong leader and trainer, Cane Corso’s traits also make them good family dogs. They can be gentle and loving with children and other members of the family. Proper socialization and training are essential to ensure that any unwanted behaviors don’t occur.

How to Take Care of Them

Since each dog breed is different, the care you’ll need to provide your dog will look different from what another breed will require. As you prepare to take care of your new dog, keep their temperament, health concerns, training and socialization needs, dietary needs, and other needs in mind.

The Best Dog Food

The Cane Corso’s size can put it at risk for hip dysplasia. So it’s important to include adequate nutrition in your Cane Corso’s diet to maintain bone and joint health.

As a large breed dog, Cane Corsos need to eat a good amount of food each day. Most dogs require between 4 and 5 cups a day, though the exact amount can vary based on the dog’s size, age, metabolism, health concerns, and other factors. Always choose high-quality food to feed your dog. You can consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure which food to feed them or how much they should get each day.

The dietary needs of your dog will also vary based on his or her age. Puppies require smaller meals more frequently throughout the day since their stomach is not as large as an adult’s. Keep this in mind as you plan to care for your dog.

Maintenance and Grooming

These dogs are relatively easy to groom. They have a double-layered coat, and their undercoat will shed some, but the shedding will be especially heavy twice a year. When they are in one of their two shedding seasons, they should be brushed daily, but other than this, their shorter coats only require weekly brushing.

Keep a dog’s nails trimmed to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort when walking. You should also make sure that their ears are kept clean and that their teeth are brushed regularly.

Training

Start training a Cane Corso from a very young age. Between their large size and how dominant they can be, it is essential to begin the training and socialization process as early as possible. They do best with a strong trainer who will assert themselves as the leader of the household. Since these dogs are also very eager to please, with the right trainer, they can do very well with training, especially when positive training methods are utilized.

Exercise

These dogs were bred to perform a job, and this breed does best when they have a job or get a lot of daily exercise. Ideally, they should be taken for at least two mile-long walks each day. In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is also important for this breed to prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors. You can consider signing your Cane Corso up for obedience, tracking, or agility events.

Puppies

When you bring home a puppy, be prepared for it to grow very quickly. While a two-month-old puppy only weighs between 13 and 22 pounds, this weight will triple by the time the puppy is six months old.

Puppies will need a puppy-proof area in your home, so before bringing home a dog, remove anything potentially dangerous from the areas in the home the dog will have access to. You should also purchase a dog bed, crate, leash, collar, food, and water bowls, and all the other supplies your new dog will need before bringing him or her home.

With Children

These dogs have the potential to be excellent family dogs. They can be quite affectionate and loving with children. They also know how to be very gentle around young children. However, in order for these traits to shine through, the dog must be raised in a home with a strong leader who will set clear boundaries. Also, keep in mind that this is a very large breed, and even without meaning to, a large dog could injure a small child. For this reason, it is important to always supervise children when they are around a Cane Corso.

Similar Dogs

Neapolitan Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, and Rottweilers are three breeds that are similar to the Cane Corso.

• Neapolitan Mastiff: Neapolitan Mastiffs and Cane Corsos were both bred in Italy as working dogs. Both breeds are very large, but the Neapolitan Mastiff is even larger than the Cane Corso, with an average male weight of 140 pounds compared to the 104-pound average of a Cane Corso. Both breeds make an excellent watchdog, but Cane Corsos have a much higher prey drive than Neapolitan Mastiffs.
• Bullmastiff: Bullmastiffs are another working dog breed. They were bred in England, not Italy, like the Cane Corso. Both breeds are moderate shedders who don’t require too much grooming. Both breeds are very territorial, but the Bullmastiff can be better suited for homes with children.
• Rottweiler: Rottweilers are also working dogs. They were bred in Germany originally. Rottweilers and Cane Corso are around the same size, with an average male weight of 112 and 104 pounds, respectively. Males in both breeds are also around the same height, at 24 to 27 inches tall. The Rottweiler was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931, but it wasn’t until 2010 that the Cane Corso was first recognized.

Famous Cane Corsos

There are a few celebrities who own Cane Corso:

• Lexi is Sherri Shepherd’s Cane Corso.
• Roman is Vin Diesel’s Cane Corso.