Cane Corso Dog Breed: History, Care, Characteristics

One long stare is enough to scare anyone! We’re talking about one of the most powerful, strong, and majestic dog breeds in the world – Cane Corso!

Cane Corso (pronounced “KAH-Nay KOR-So”) are giant dogs with muscular bodies whose presence is intimidating. These canines are loyal, territorial, and well-known for their protective instincts. With the right training and early socialization, these dogs proved to be the best family pets. However, these dogs aren’t for everybody. So, keep reading to determine whether this breed is good for your family! Today, in this breed guide, I will share detailed information about Cane Corso dogs. From its origin and physical appearance to its characteristics and cost, I have literally covered everything.

So, let’s start with an overview table.

History

What is a Cane Corso? 

• Cane Corso canines were actually descendants of the Molossus, which was one of the ancient dogs of Rome. 
• Molossus were large and powerful canines that were used as guard dogs and war dogs. 
• Cane Corso is a Latin word that translates to “bodyguard dog,” and after looking at the above picture, there will be no doubt in your mind about this name.
• Today, Cane Corso is used for various tasks, including guarding property, hunting, and herding livestock.
• Back in the 19th century, this breed was almost at the edge of disappearing. However, later in the 1970s, they were revived, and since then, they’ve become more and more popular.

Appearance (Size and Height)

• Don’t get intimidated by the physical appearance of these large dogs because they’re quite calm and friendly canines. 
• These dogs are protective, athletic, and active. This is why they’re also considered one of the biggest dogs in the world. 
• Cane Corso has a broad head, a powerful jaw, and a deep chest.
• Due to its unique and dominating features, this breed stands out among the large dog breeds. 
• Whether you want a dog to watch over your kids or protect your property, think no more; these Cane Corso canines will be the perfect choice!

How big does Cane Corso get? 

Here is the Cane Corso size growth table: 

Age	Weight (Male)	Weight (Female)
1 month	20 – 28 lbs	16 – 25 lbs
2 months	30 – 36 lbs	26 – 32 lbs
3 months	35 – 40 lbs	30 – 37 lbs
4 months	42 – 46 lbs	36 – 43 lbs
5 months	48 – 55 lbs	42 – 50 lbs
6 months	60 – 65 lbs	55 – 60 lbs
7 months	65 – 70 lbs	60 – 65 lbs
8 months	70 – 80 lbs	65 – 72 lbs
9 months	80 – 90 lbs	68 – 75 lbs
10 months	85 – 95 lbs	75 – 82 lbs
11 months	90 – 100 lbs	80 – 90 lbs
1 year	90 – 105 lbs	85 – 95 lbs
2 years	99 – 110 lbs	88 – 99 lbs

Coat and Color

Cane Corso Mastiff has a short, dense coat that is generally easy to maintain. These coats are suitable for all types of weather conditions. These beautiful coats are available in various colors, including: 

• Black
• Gray
• Fawn
• Red
• Blue
• Brindle 
• Chocolate or Liver
• Patches of Black and White

Characteristics and Temperament

To be honest, each Corso is different! So, it’s hard to generalize a Cane Corso temperament! 

• There are usually two types of dogs: those who bark at everything and those who rarely bark. 
• And the fun thing is that you can get both of these things in one Cane Corso! Fascinating, right? 
• Overall, these canines are gentle and loving with their families but get protective and aggressive when seeing strangers. 
• Never doubt their loyalty, as they will never leave and can do anything to protect their family in any condition. 
• This is why proper training is required to control their behavior. Otherwise, these cute canines have easy-going temperaments and make great family pets.

Look here is the complete characteristics table of the Cane Corso Italiano: 

Cane Corso Characteristics
Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Low
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Low
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	High
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Health and Nutrition

Is Cane Corso a healthy breed?

Yes, generally, Cane Corsos are healthy dogs, but they are still susceptible to a few health issues, including: 

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Bloat
• Cherry Eye
• Entropion
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Seizures

Apart from visiting the vet, providing them with healthy food is another thing that can help your beloved Cane Corso in the best form. As Cane Corso is a giant breed, you should give them high-quality food, and a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial.

Here is how much nutrition a Cane Corso needs on a daily basis:

Nutritional Requirements:

High-quality protein: 25-30% for adult dogs and around 30-35% for growing puppies.

Balanced fat content: 14-18% (omega-3 and omega-6)

Carbohydrates and fiber: 3-5%

So, how much should I feed my Cane Corso? 

Take a look at this feeding schedule:

Cane Corso Daily Feeding Chart:

0-4 months: 2 ⅓ to 3 ¼ cups of kibbles
6-8 months: 3 ⅓ to 5 ½ cups of kibbles
9-11 months: 4 ½ to 6 cups of kibbles
1-2 years: 6 ½ to 9 ⅓ cups of kibbles

Exercise and Training

How to train Cane Corso? Is it difficult? 

• There is no doubt that Cane Corso are strong-willed and muscular canines, but they’re also intelligent and quick to learn things, making them easy to train. 
• However, the way you train them is extremely important. 
• Try to start training in the early stages of growth to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs.
• Even though you feel your pup is acting a bit stubborn, you have to use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and rewards. 
• Also, try to interact with them with other pets and humans while they’re still in the puppy stage. 

NOTE:

If your pet is suffering from any kind of health issue, it’s recommended that you consult your veterinarian. They will guide you on what diet and exercise will work best for your Cane Corso puppy.

Grooming Needs

Do you want your pooch to look its best all the time? 

If yes, pay attention to their grooming! 

• Cane Corso Mastiff has a short and coarse coat, which is relatively easy to maintain.
• You have to brush their coat at least 1-2 times a week to prevent matting and dust.
• Once in a while, bathe them, but not too often, as this can dry out their skin.
• Also, clean your dog’s ears and teeth regularly.
• You can also visit professional groomers to get all types of grooming services, such as nail clipping, brushing, and haircuts. Let’s see some best grooming tips.

Are Cane Corso hypoallergenic?

No, Cane Corsos are not hypoallergenic. These canines shed moderately, which can trigger allergies. So, if you’re sensitive to dog fur, this breed is not suitable for you! 

Price 

How much is a Cane Corso? 

You can buy a Cane Corso puppy anywhere between $1,500 and $4,000. However, the Cane Corso price may vary depending on various factors, such as coat colors, the breeder’s reputation, and location. You can also get Cane Corso puppies for sale at rescue clubs and adoption centers. You can search Cane Corso for sale on Google to find the best breeder near you.

Life Span

Typically, the Cane Corso lifespan is about 9 to 12 years when provided with high-quality food, a healthy lifestyle, and the best care.

Pros and Cons of Cane Corso 

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of having a Cane Corso as a pet: 

FAQs

Final Thoughts:-

The Cane Corso is considered one of the most remarkable breeds on this planet. They’re strong, powerful, and, most importantly, extremely loyal to their family. If you plan to add a Cane Corso puppy to your family, be prepared for lots of training and exercise.

Explore Further

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