Breed Profile: Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are smart dogs that are extremely loyal and protective of their family. Keep reading to learn what it takes to properly care for this athletic breed.
Breed Snapshot
• Size: They can be anywhere from 56 to 71cm tall and weigh 55 to 63kgs.
• Energy: Cane Corsos are very energetic and require a lot of exercises. At a minimum, they should walk for at least a mile in the morning, and then again in the evening
• Lifespan: They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Breed Type: Part of the Mastiff family, Cane Corsos are large, muscular dogs that are extremely loyal and very protective of their family and personal belongings
• Great Breed For: Farmhouses, homes with large yards, Family-friendly and protective over small children
What Is Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a large dog that is both loyal and very protective of its owner. At first glance, this dog has an intimidating appearance that looks as if it demands respect. The Cane Corso is part of the Mastiff family. The breed originated in Italy and was mainly used as a working dog to help with various farming tasks. The dog’s strong, muscular body and above-average intelligence make it a good hunter and protector. In fact, for many years, people would solely use their Cane Corsos as loveable, yet fierce, guard dogs to help protect their homes and other property.
What Does Cane Corsos Look Like?
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog that can weigh as much as 63 kgs. They have a square head and a prominent muzzle that looks similar to a Mastiff’s. They also have a short and sleek double coat that produces natural oils that allow their skin to naturally repel water.
Naturally, they have medium-sized ears that slightly hang down, as well as a long tail. However, to help add to their menacing look, some have their ears cropped. In Australia, it is illegal to crop a dog’s ears.
What Makes the Cane Corso Special?
Cane Corsos are one of the most loyal breeds of dogs out there. They quickly form a forever bond with their family members and will go to great lengths to ensure that their family is protected and safe. They have been known to be especially protective of children.
How Often Do I Need to Groom My Cane Corso?
This strong and handsome breed does not require a lot when it comes to grooming. Their coat produces its own oils which help to keep the skin clean and moisturized. Baths should only be given occasionally to help preserve the oils in their coat.
The Cain Corso has a double-layered coat that is prone to shedding quite frequently. They usually shed some all year long, but they seem to shed excessively during the warmer months. For this reason, you should brush their coat with a medium-bristle brush at least once a week throughout the year. And during their shedding times, their coat should be brushed at least once a day.
How Often Should I Walk My Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso requires a lot of exercise. To keep them happy and healthy, it is recommended that they walk or run for at least one mile twice a day. This dog was bred for the sole purpose of working and they are happiest when they are given a job to do. They also are usually great swimmers and love to splash around in the pool during the warmer months. No matter what activity you choose to have your Cane Corso do, as long as they are staying active for a large portion of the day, they will be happy.
How Do I Train My Cane Corso?
This breed has a dominant personality, so early obedience training is vital in ensuring that they will be well-behaved when they enter adulthood. They are loyal to their family members and are also eager to please, so training your Cane Corso to be obedient is not that difficult.
However, they also have a tendency to show their dominance and will often try to take on a leadership role within the household. It is important that you are teaching your dog early on that you are the boss. While they do require you to be somewhat stern and strict during the training period, they also can become quite emotional or aggressive if they feel they have angered you. For this reason, it is important to use positive reinforcement and provide plenty of treats and praise during their training sessions.
Quickfire Questions
How long will my Cane Corso live?
The average life expectancy of a Cane Corso is between 10 to 12 years.
Can my Cane Corso be left at home alone all day?
Cane Corsos are companion dogs, but their strong-willed personality also allows them to be independent. If your Cane Corso is left alone, you can rest assured that they will be fine and that your home will be well protected.
What kind of health risk do Cane Corsos have?
For the most part, Cane Corsos are relatively healthy dogs. There have been some dogs of this breed that have been known to suffer from hip dysplasia. Another common occurrence among this breed is a life-threatening form of bloat. This condition is profoundly serious and sometimes referred to as “stomach twist.” If you notice that your dog’s stomach is swollen or your dog seems to be in pain when you touch their stomach, it is vital that you seek medical attention for your dog right away.
Are Cane Corsos prone to barking?
Cane Corsos do not usually bark excessively. However, if they feel that there is a dangerous situation or they encounter a new person, their first instinct to bark loudly to warn their family members of any potential danger.
Where Can I Get a Cane Corso?
There are presently only about 20 Cane Corsos in Australia. To learn more about this breed, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will then suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders to understand whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.
