About the breed
The Cane Corso is a large breed dog of the mastiff type. Its origin is Roman and since ancient times, this dog is distinguished by its majestic appearance and intelligence. This breed is a faithful protector of its masters, the Cane Corso is a good companion if you are looking for a guard dog.
Cane Corso
This Italian mastiff and is undoubtedly, next to the Neapolitan Mastiff, one of the most impressive Italian dog breeds. Its name comes from the Latin “cohors” which means “protector, guardian of the corral”.
If you want to have a true friend, guard, companion and have experience with guard dogs, buy a Cane Corso puppy. With proper care, upbringing and training, an obedient and loyal dog will grow out of it, who is not afraid to trust even a child.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Italy
- Size: Large
- Weight: 100 -110 lbs (45-50 kg)
- Head shape: Square
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Short, stiff, and dense
- Colors: Black, gray, fawn, red, brindle
- Temperament: Loyal, protective, confident, intelligent
- Grooming Needs: Low (occasional brushing)
- Exercise Needs: High (daily exercise and mental stimulation)
- Best For: Experienced dog owners, active families, homes with space, those seeking a guardian breed
The standard of the breed
Cane Corso is a large dog with prominent muscles. The body is characterized by the so -called elongated format, when the length is greater than the height at the withers. The latter’s indicator is 64-68 cm for males, 60-64 cm for females. Adult dogs weigh, by sex, 45-50 kg and 40-45 kg, respectively.
The size of the dog should not surprise because the breed has been raised for safety, hunting and combat needs.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
The Cane Corso is better suited to a family with elderly children (9 years and over) than a family with babies and young children because of its large size and the time and the efforts necessary to closely monitor the interactions between dogs and young children.
Cane Corso dogs get along well with other animals in the house. They will lick the cats if they let them do it. Ready to raise kittens, puppies, children. Be patient and in a good mood towards all members of the owner’s family.
Physical qualities
This dog has a large and heavy head. When looking at his head from above and from the side, it is square in shape. There should be no wrinkles on his head. His cannon is wide and deep. His chin is full and broad, and when viewed from the front, his face is completed by a flat, square muzzle. The nose and mouth protrusion are long and wide. The nose is blunt, fitting a flat face, and smells good. His mouth is very wide and deep, and the inside of his lips are black. With his drooping mouth structure, his upper lips appear to pinch his nose. His drooping mouth causes the Cane Corso to produce too much saliva. He has prominent eyebrows, a full, swollen forehead, and a prominent dimple in the middle of his forehead.
You can see the Cane Corso breed’s ears cropped or left in their natural, uncropped state. Their ears are quite large and hang on either side of the head. We recommend that you do not crop your dog’s ears for better psychological and health. Ear cropping is also illegal in many countries, and those who do so are still subject to criminal prosecution.
This dog has a flat face and a broad forehead. Their eyes are proportionally far apart and almond-shaped. The eyes of the Corso breed give them a characteristic look. Usually, the eye color is black and brown. However, Cane Corso dogs with blue eyes are also rarely seen.
42 strong white teeth are located behind dense, loose lips. The jaw is slightly curved and its lower part is slightly “bulged” forward.
The Cane Corso is a medium-sized dog that is distinguished by its strong, muscular and elegant body. With its medium-sized body, the Cane Corso has a smaller but imposing appearance compared to many Mastiff breeds. They are attracted to people as a strong, agile, durable and noble breed. The neck is slightly arched, without dewlap, muscular and strong. Its muscular body is rectangular in shape and its entire body is generally proportionate.
This dog has a double-layered coat, with thick, short and shiny skin. While the upper layer of its feathers is short and hard, the lower layer is dense and soft. The structure of the feathers covering its body is smooth. Its shiny, hard, dense and dense hair has a layer that thickens in winter. There are feathers on the shoulders, thighs and tail, but they do not form a fringe. The hair on its muzzle is very short, smooth and adheres to its skin.
It has legs and feet that rest firmly on the ground, complementing its strong and agile body structure. They walk effortlessly and confidently with their muscular legs. The nails and soles of the feet are black.
Cane Corso can have very showy and beautiful hair and fur in black, light gray, lead gray, light brown, dark brown, reddish brown, tan, black stripes and various shades of light brown and gray. Small white hairs can be seen on the chest, nose and toes. These white feathers are suitable for breed stands in the form of patterns, patches and markings. In addition, only dogs with light brown fur can have a black and gray mask on the muzzle. The patterns should not extend beyond the eye line on the face. The soles of the feet, nails and lips are also black.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossoids, Mastiff type.
What to expect when taking care of a Cane Corso
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
As with other giant breeds, the Cane Corso is prone to suffer from the following diseases:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric distortion
- Vaginal hyperplasia
- Respiratory problems
- Heatstroke
- Glandular enlargement
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Demodex scabies at birth
The Cane Corso is a smooth-haired breed and therefore does not need much grooming. Brush him once a week and bathe him at least once a month. Always keep your dog’s ears and eyes clean and trim his nails three times a month.
Cane Corso is a very active and energetic dog. That is why they need intense and fast exercise. To meet their daily exercise needs, they should walk 2 to 3 kilometers or do 90 minutes of activities.
However, the Cane Coro puppy, who is less than 18 months old and whose muscular and skeletal development is not yet complete, should absolutely not do high-pace exercises. Short, slow-paced walks and games will be enough to keep your Cane Corso puppy in shape.
Cane Corsos are better suited to living in houses than apartments due to their large size and protective nature. They need plenty of room to roam and access to a secure yard where they can exercise and satisfy their natural instincts. Additionally, Cane Corsos need regular mental and physical stimulation, which can be difficult to provide in an apartment with limited space.
Character and behavior
The Cane Corso race has a noble and balanced character and does not exchange against trifle. These dogs retain the pride and the strength of their great ancestors, which is obvious at first glance. If you are looking for a family companion who combines all the best qualities of a strong and intelligent dog, that’s what you need.
These dogs are distinguished by obedience, devotion, great intelligence and a gentle and kind character. They have composure and can remain calm even if another dog tries to intimidate them, but if it is a fight, the Cane Corso will be in battle until the end and will not even back down in front of an enemy superior.
Foreigners, the friends of the owners interest him little. Sometimes it may even seem that he does not particularly notice other people and animals until they approach closely – then the dog notes the presence of a strange creature and ensures that this same Creature, even in his thoughts, does not have to harm the relatives of his people.
The breed can fulfill a wide variety of functions. It all depends on the owner’s needs. The Cane Corso can be a protector, a goalkeeper, he helps hunting or just being a good friend.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- Despite a long heritage, Cane Corso was almost extinct in the 1970s. A concerted selection effort brought them back in number and today the popularity of the race continues to grow in Europe and North America.
- The name of the Cane Corso breed comes from two Latin words: Canus (dog) and Cohors (protector). Together, they formed a sentence that took the meaning of a bodyguard dog.
- The Cane Corso breed has been presented in many paintings, notably by Bartolomeo Pinelli.
- Until 1988, Cane Corso was only known in southern Italy and was even considered very rare.
- Many celebrities have proudly possessed Cane Corso. The film star Vin Diesel has owned several, as well as many other actors, sports personalities and politicians.
FAQ
The Cane Corso requires long walks, ideally at least 1 hour twice a day. At the same time, intense physical activity should not be carried out, since this breed of dogs is prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Walking with a Cane Corso means active rest: moderate jogging, playing Frisbee, playing with other dogs, therefore, in cold weather, with the right walk, the Cane Corso does not freeze. But in the heat, you should not walk with them for long, as they are prone to heatstroke.
Cane Corsos are not suited to winters because of their short coat, so they can only be kept warm.
The Cane Corso is not prone to fights in principle and reacts calmly to other dogs.
The Cane Corso gets along well with other animals, including cats. Despite their fearsome appearance, these dogs are ready to raise kittens, puppies, and even children.
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of the Cane Corso prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,200 | €2,500 | €1,200 | €2,000 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 3,500 | CAD 1,200 | CAD 2,500 |
| Belgium | €1,200 | €2,500 | €1,100 | €2,000 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,500 | CHF 3,000 | CHF 1,300 | CHF 2,500 |
| USA | $1,500 | $4,000 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Germany | €1,300 | €2,800 | €1,200 | €2,200 |
Explanation:
- Purchase Price: The cost to acquire a Cane Corso puppy from a reputable breeder. The prices vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, bloodline, and health clearances.
- Mini: Lower range, typically for standard puppies without show or competition lineage.
- Maxi: Higher range, usually for show-quality dogs or those from champion bloodlines.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: This includes the expenses for food, vet check-ups, grooming, and training. Cane Corsos are large dogs with considerable dietary needs, and they may also require more frequent veterinary care due to breed-specific health issues.
- Mini: Basic care including standard food and regular vet check-ups.
- Maxi: Premium care including high-quality food, more frequent vet visits, and additional services like grooming and training.
Additional Considerations:
Cane Corsos are large, protective dogs with strong guarding instincts. Their size and nature mean they require significant exercise, mental stimulation, and professional training, especially for first-time owners. Due to their strong protective instincts, early socialization and consistent training are essential for them to develop into well-balanced adults.
Their maintenance costs tend to be on the higher side due to their dietary needs, potential health issues such as hip dysplasia, and their requirement for secure living environments.
History of the breed
The Cane Corso breed appeared a long time ago, but was not officially recognized until 1994. The roots of the breed date back to Roman times. Many experts have come to the conclusion that in this breed there is an admixture of fighting dogs, which were actively developed in Macedonia and Carthage.
Thanks to their “fighting” roots, these dogs are fearless guards and bodyguards. Even the very name “corso” means – protector, guardian.
Different sources say differently: some believe that the nobles went hunting bears with these dogs, others believe that these dogs were good guardians of the owner’s livestock and property. Some historians believe that dogs were even used in gladiator fights. Cane Corso was used to entertain the public – dogs participated in battles even with lions. In ancient times, the breed was very popular and was often noted in folklore and proverbs.
Over the past 10-20 years, they have carried out work on the selection of dogs, restoring the courage and instinct of the protector. Now they are far from the level of their gladiator ancestors, but they are still excellent guards and reliable comrades.