Gaining popularity in 2024, the cane corso, also called the Italian mastiff, is a large and muscular type of mastiff breed. They have a majestic and confident disposition and a lineage that can be traced back to ancient Rome. Cane Corso dogs are no joke; they are very powerful dogs with strong protective instincts. These dogs can be gentle giants if they are being properly trained, although these gentle giants are often misunderstood. For those who want a large, powerful dog with high energy and sharp protective instincts, consider the cane corso. But you will need a lot of training and socialisation for this dog.
Tip
Cane Corso is a fearless dog breed, but considering its huge size and need for training, it may not be the right breed for everyone, especially first-time owners.
Breed Overview
- Origin: Italy
- Group: Working Group
- Height: About 23.5 to 27.5 inches, according to (AKC) American Kennel Club
- Weight: 80 to 120 pounds
- Coat and Color: Short jacket that comes in black, grey, fawn, and red; brindle is possible in all colours, with a small patch of white
- Temperament: Reserved, calm, stable, even-tempered
- Friendliness: Medium
- Exercise Needs: High
- Energy Level: Medium
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: Medium
- Tendency to Bark: Medium
- Amount of Shedding: Medium
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Characteristics of the Cane Corso
Despite their muscular and imposing stature, cane corso can still be gentle and loving canines when trained properly. They bond with their Gmail alone, and they are least wary of strangers. They have a great protection instinct towards their family. This dog may be aggressive if not trained, but it can be an even-tempered dog that will play like a child when properly trained and socialised.
Mostly pronounced as “KAH-Nay KOR-So”, these powerful and muscular dogs can weigh as much as 120 pounds, so make sure you supervise your children when they are playing together or tell your children to behave well around when you are not around because cane corso can are large dogs breeds. They can accidentally knock your children down or destroy properties in the houses. They are independent, territorial dogs that will protect your property from intruders.
Also read:Best Guard Dog
History of the Cane Corso
The cane corso, also called the Italian mastiff, got the Italian mastiff name from where they originated, and the cane corso name is derived from the Italian word cane, which means dog, and colours, which means protector. The cane corso is Originally from Italy and was bred from the molossus, an extinct dog, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The cane corso was typically bred to be a guard dog, war dog, and powerful hunter of large games.
Before the cane corso started gaining popularity in 2024, the population of this breed decreased due to World Wars I and II, and just a small number still existed. During the 1970s, passionate cane corso enthusiasts ignited a resurgence in the breed’s popularity. The inaugural cane corso dogs made their way to the United States, marking the beginning of the breed’s presence in the country. In 1988, The American Kennel Club (AKC) admitted it to the Working Group in 2010.
Cane Corso Diet and Nutrition
Cane Corso are safe, large, powerful dogs that eat a lot and need the appropriate amount and type of food as they grow. They are giant breeds, and overfeeding or inappropriate diets can cause significant and painful growth and bone development problems. For example, cane corso puppies are very sensitive to having too much or too little calcium while their bones grow. To ensure optimal bone growth and development, they need to have the right balance of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Feeding them puppy food designed for large or giant breed puppies can help prevent these issues.
The daily food requirements for your adult cane corso may vary depending on the specific type of food you’re feeding. Feeding your dog with a high-quality giant breed adult dog food is recommended. Given the potential association between grain-free diets and heart problems, most veterinarians recommend avoiding grain-free food options. It’s essential to consult your vet for advice on the most suitable type and quantity of food to feed your adult or growing cane corso.
Split your dog’s food into two potions daily to reduce the risk of bloating and stomach torsion, particularly for large breeds like the cane corso. Regularly check your dog’s weight to ensure they are not becoming overweight. If you notice weight gain, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian to determine whether adjustments are needed in the feeding schedule, portion sizes, type of food, and exercise regimen. Additionally, while treats can be a great way to reward your dog, it is important to know that treats should not take more than 10% of your dog’s food so you can be able to maintain a balanced diet.
Cane Corso Care
The care required by us cane corso is not extra. Enough exercise and training are some of the most important things your cane corso needs to be happy. The grooming requirement for this breed is basic. If you have a cane corso, you would need a high fence if you don’t want your cane corso to go out too far or if your cane corso is always outdoors. This breed still has a high prey drive from ancient times, so they are very prone to chasing and killing small animals.
Exercise
The cane corso is an active working breed that requires regular exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. To meet their exercise requirements, it’s important to provide at least 30 minutes of walking or jogging, covering a distance of at least a mile daily. If possible, you can take them for longer walks or jogs a few times a week, which is beneficial not only to your canine companion but also to you. Additionally, engaging in activities such as playing fetch can also provide ample exercise.
Long-distance running may be good, but it is advised to avoid it if your cane corso is not fully grown. It will take at least two years for your cane corso to reach full maturity.
Excessive exercise on hard surfaces during the growing stage can lead to joint damage and other orthopaedic issues, so if you can avoid it, you should. You should also provide exercise on grassy areas and soft surfaces. By doing this, you can ensure your canine companion’s healthy growth and development.
They are known for their strong work ethic, so it is important to provide your cane corso with meaningful tasks to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Your dog might exhibit unwanted behaviours like digging and chewing without proper exercise.
Grooming
Grooming a cane corso is a big deal as they have a short, rough double coat. But because cane corso grooming is medium, it shouldn’t be neglected. Like other dog breeds with double coats, the cane corso also sheds and is quite heavier in the spring. However, as said earlier, their grooming requirements are quite simple: just a weekly brushing alongside additional grooming sessions. Baths should be given as needed.
Like many large dog breeds, the cane Corso’s nails can naturally wear down, especially if the dog is walked regularly on rough surfaces. However, trimming your dog’s nails as needed is still important to ensure their comfort and ease of moving. Dog owners are quite different, so some owners prefer to have their dogs’ ears cropped or their tails docked.
Training and Socialization
Training and socialisation are crucial for all dogs, especially large breeds such as the cane corso, so that they can be controlled. It’s important to start a training program (yourself or a Dog trainer) with your puppy when they are still young. Consistent and positive socialisation with other dogs and cats
if they are part of your household, as well as children, strangers, and extended family members, is essential. It is important to closely supervise the interaction with your dog when introducing them to new animals or people.
When training a cane corso, it’s important to consider the breed’s natural aversion to strangers and territoriality. Due to their large size, it’s crucial to be diligent and consistent in training, particularly in preventing behaviours such as jumping, leaning, and leash-pulling. The cane corso is an intelligent and hard-working breed, and its natural desire to please its owners means it responds very well to positive reinforcement during training.
Cane Corso is not the dog. You should use harsh training methods. These methods can be detrimental to your relationship and may also lead to fear-based aggression, especially in a dog of this size and power. Positive training methods are highly recommended for achieving well-behaved behaviour in a large breed like this. These methods can help foster a strong bond and minimise the risk of aggressive behaviour.
Common Health Problems
Responsible breeders uphold the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. They meticulously screen their breeding dogs for prevalent health conditions, and potential buyers must request documented proof of these screenings before acquiring a purebred dog. Certain hereditary health issues can still manifest in cani corsi despite these precautions. It’s important to be vigilant and informed about the following conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia: Inherited condition leading to lameness and arthritis, especially common in large/giant dog breeds.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Bloating after eating and drinking too fast can be harmful, especially for large breeds like the cane corso.
- Ectropion: Inward rolling of the eyelids in dogs causes lashes to rub against the eyeball, leading to pain and potential eye damage. This condition can occur in any dog.
- Seizures: The Cane Corso Association of America warns owners to watch out for idiopathic epilepsy, which can cause seizures in cane Corso between the ages of 2 and 5.
FAQs
Are cane corso good for first-time owners?
A cane corso is not recommended for first-time dog owners due to its high training and exercise needs. It is best suited for experienced owners who provide proper training and socialisation.
Are cane corso aggressive?
A cane corso may appear aggressive, but with proper socialisation and training, it can understand and respond to real threats to its territory.
Is the cane corso banned in the United States?
Some cities and towns have banned cane corsos due to breed-specific legislation. If you’re moving, ensure they’re allowed at your new location.
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