Cane Corso: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The cane corso (pronounced "KAH-Nay KOR-So") is a large-boned and muscular working dog with a noble, confident disposition and a lineage that goes back to ancient Rome. Cane corsos are powerful dogs that may seem intimidating to some. These fearless and vigilant dogs are not right for everyone. However, these gentle giants are often misunderstood and can actually make excellent companions. For those who like the idea of a very large dog that is protective and athletic, the cane corso is one to consider.

Characteristics of the Cane Corso

Despite its intense and muscular appearance, which some might find intimidating, the cane corso can be affectionate and gentle. This breed will bond deeply with its family and act as a protector. With proper handling and socialization, the cane corso can get along well with children, even forming a close bond. However, children must also be taught how to behave around dogs and never be left unsupervised.

History of the Cane Corso

The cane corso originated in Italy and can be traced back to ancient times. The molossus, a now extinct mastiff-type dog, is an ancestor of the cane corso and similar mastiff-type dogs. Throughout its early history, the cane corso acted as a guard dog, war dog, and skilled hunter of various game (including very large game). Its name is derived from the Italian word for dog, cane, and the Latin term cohors, which means "protector" or "guardian."

A significant decline of the cane corso breed was brought on by World Wars I and II, but small numbers of the dogs still existed. During the 1970s, cane corso enthusiasts sparked a revival of the breed. The first cane corso dogs arrived in the U.S. in 1988. The breed was admitted to the AKC miscellaneous class in 2007 and received full recognition into the AKC working group in 2010.

Cane Corso Care

Exercise and training are most important to a cane corso, and happily, grooming requirements are basic. A cane corso needs a sturdy, high fence when allowed outdoors. The breed has a high prey drive and is prone to chasing and killing small animals such as cats and other dogs. They are territorial and will patrol the fence line, protecting the property from passersby.

Exercise

A true working breed, the cane corso is active and driven. Daily exercise will help keep the cane corso physically and mentally fit. Brisk walking or jogging for at least a mile is a good start, so plan on spending a minimum of 30 minutes a day exercising together. If you are up for it, even longer walks or jogs a few times per week are good for both you and your pet. You can also provide exercise by throwing a ball or Frisbee for fetch; many dogs will happily spend quite a bit of time in pursuit of their ball.

If you don't have a job for a cane corso to do, it might find its own and end up digging holes and chewing your belongings. The old expression, "A tired dog is a good dog" is quite true for the cane corso. If you have a farm, the dog can herd livestock. If you own a business, have your dog greet customers. But if you are a more typical homeowner, spend time each day with a dog sport, learning tricks, or practicing obedience skills.

Grooming

The cane corso has a short, coarse double coat. The length of the undercoat depends on where the dog lives; dogs in colder climates will have thicker and longer undercoats than dogs in mild climates. Like other breeds with double coats, the cane corso will shed a fair amount throughout the year, but will shed more heavily in the spring. Still, the grooming needs of these dogs are basic—just a weekly brushing throughout the year, with additional grooming sessions during the shedding season, along with a bath when needed is all that's generally required. This is not a breed that needs fancy haircuts or trims.

Like other large dogs, the cane corso's nails might wear down naturally, especially if the dog walks frequently on pavement or other rough surfaces. However, occasional nail trims may be necessary. Check the length of your dog's nails on a regular basis so it can remain comfortable and mobile.

The ears of the cane corso are often cropped into an equilateral triangle, but this is not a requirement according to the breed standard. The tail is typically docked at the fourth vertebra.

Training

Proper training and socialization are essential for all dogs, but especially for large breeds like the cane corso. Start your training when the dog is a young puppy. You should socialize it frequently with other dogs, cats if they live in your home, children, strangers, and extended family members. Always keep an eye on the dog when meeting new animals or people, and be sure to have your dog on a leash so you can control it if necessary.

With a natural aversion to strangers and a tendency to be territorial, you must be diligent and consistent while training a cane corso. This is also crucial because of the dog's giant size so careful attention should be placed upon prevention of jumping, leaning, and leash-pulling. Your dog could easily knock someone over if it jumped up on them or yanked on its leash during a walk. The cane corso is intelligent and hard-working, so it should not be difficult for this breed to learn, however. Plus, it has a natural desire to please its owner and responds very well to praise, attention, and affection.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. Be aware of the following conditions:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition that can lead to lameness and arthritis. It's especially common in large or giant breeds of dog.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Bloating after eating and drinking too fast is possible. If the stomach twists, it can cut off the blood supply and create a medical emergency. This painful and potentially fatal condition is also most common in large breeds of dog like the cane corso.
• Ectropion: A common condition in which the eyelids roll inwards, causing the lashes to rub against the dog's eyeball. This is painful and can damage the eye. Any dog can have the condition, but it is more common in giant breeds.

Diet and Nutrition

An adult cane corso will need 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food per day or canned food on its own or mixed with the kibble. It's best to divide the dog's food into two meals to help reduce the risk of bloating and stomach torsion. Be sure to assess whether your dog is getting overweight. If you note weight gain, ask your veterinarian whether you need to change the feeding schedule, amount, type of food, and exercise routine. And while treats are an enjoyable way to reward your dog, be sure that treats only make up a very small percentage of your dog's daily calorie intake.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Cane Corso

If you think the cane corso could be right for you, try to locate cane corso breeders and owners in your area so you can spend some time with the breed first. Also, consider searching for a cane corso rescue group to adopt. Make sure you understand what is necessary to properly care for this breed before you bring one into your life. Begin your search through the Cane Corso Association of America. Expect to pay on average of $1,500 for a puppy, but the cost can skyrocket to thousands more for a pedigreed cane corso pup.

Check with your local animal shelter and rescue groups to see if there's a cane corso available for adoption. Large- and giant-breed rescue groups such as Big Dogs Huge Paws Inc. or Cane Corso Rescue may have cane corsos available to adopt.

Cane Corso Overview

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More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look to these to compare the pros and cons:

• Mastiff breed
• Bullmastiff breed
• Dogue de Bordeaux

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.