Cane Corso
The Cane Corso (pronounced KAH-neh-KOR-soh) breed is a robust and muscular Italian dog breed with a long and storied history. Cane Corsos are considered to be a type of bully breed, as they are descended from the Molosser family of dogs, which is often associated with bully breeds; they share characteristics like a large, muscular build and a protective nature, often used as guard dogs.
These pups are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature, making them excellent companions. With their distinctive large, square heads and short, sleek coats, Cane Corsos have an imposing yet dignified appearance that commands attention.
Cane Corso As Protection Dogs
With proper training and socialization from a young age, cane corsos can also be gentle, affectionate, and loyal family companions. Corsos form strong bonds with their owners and are generally good with children when raised with them, making a perfect protection dog for the entire family.
​
They do however require consistent leadership and a firm but loving approach.
Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is a must for this active working breed, they like to have a job.
Although their size and strength may seem intimidating, a well-bred and well-socialized Cane Corso can be a calm, stable, and devoted addition to the family for the right owner willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly, though their protective instincts mean they can be standoffish with strangers at first.
​
​
The cane corso has a fascinating and storied past that stretches back centuries, Its noble lineage traces back over 2,000 years. This majestic breed traces its lineage to the molossus, the mighty war dogs of ancient Rome, they originated in Greece and the Balkans, and is the ancestor of many modern dog breeds, including the American Molossus, Cane Corso, and Bulldog. Corsos served as fearless guardians and loyal companions to soldiers and nobility alike. As the Roman Empire expanded throughout Europe, the dogs spread far and wide.
After the empire's fall, corsos continued to thrive in Italy where they found work as farm dogs, hunters, and protectors of family and property. Their powerful build, courage, and even temperament made them ideally suited to these roles.
​
While the breed's numbers dwindled in the mid-20th century, dedicated breeders passionate about preserving this noble breed brought it back from the brink of extinction.
Today, the cane corso is enjoying a resurgence in popularity around the world as more people discover the intelligence, trainability, and steadfast devotion that are the hallmarks of this impressive breed with its long and distinguished history.
Grey Cane Corso Female With Uncropped Ears
History Of The Cane Corso
According to the breed standard of the largest international kennel club (FCI), the Cane Corso was once distributed throughout much of the Italian peninsula, but in the recent past was found only in Puglia, in southern Italy. After the collapse of the mezzadria system of share-cropping in the 1960s, the dogs became rare. The modern breed derives from selective breeding from about 1980 of a few surviving animals.
Are Cane Corso Dogs Good With Children
​
​A Cane Corso can be a good family dog if properly socialized at a early age preferably with children and properly trained, but due to their large size and protective nature, they are generally best suited for families with older children and are not recommended for first-time dog owners; supervision around young children is always necessary.
Physical Characteristics
The Cane Corso's coat is short, but double-layered. The undercoat, which varies in length depending on the climate the dog lives in, sheds throughout the year, especially during shedding season in the spring, coat colors include black, gray, fawn, red and a combination of these colors with a brindle mixture.
At nearly 28 inches at the shoulder and often weighing more than 100 pounds, with a large head, alert expression, and muscles rippling beneath their coat, Corsi are at a glance an intimidating creatures.
Corsi are known for their large heads, alert expressions, and short, stiff, double-layered coat. Weekly brushing is essential to maintain the shedding level, especially in the spring.
A female Cane Corso with ears, a Cane Corso with cropped ears can often be perceived as a more formidable protection dog, as the cropped ears contribute to a more defined and aggressive appearance. This aesthetic is a choice made by some owners for various reasons, including a desire for a more intimidating look.
Temperament
Cane Corsos are fiercely loyal to their families and will instinctively protect them and their property.
​
Intelligent and eager to please, they are smart dogs that learn quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They can also be assertive and independent, which means they need a firm, consistent owner who can establish clear boundaries and leadership.
They require early socialization this is crucial to ensure they are comfortable around strangers, other animals, and in various environments.
​
Cane Corsos are naturally cautious and reserved with strangers, which can be a positive trait for a guard dog, but requires careful training to ensure they don't become overly aggressive.
​
They are a working breed with a high energy level and need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. They have the potential for dominance issues, without exercise and proper training along with socialization, Cane Corsos can become dominant and difficult to manage.
Owners should be aware of potential health concerns. Hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, can lead to pain and mobility issues. Elbow dysplasia is also seen in the breed.
Because Cane Corsos are such large dogs, they often suffer from hip dysplasia, a joint issue that starts when your Cane Corso goes through their puppy growth stages. When a dog develops hip dysplasia, which unfortunately can happen to almost all breeds, the hip joint loosens and doesn’t function correctly, which can cause inflammation and, with time, chronic pain.
Cane Corso Health Issues
Black Cane Corso Female Juvenile
Obesity and associated higher risk for certain medical conditions may impact your Cane Corso’s lifespan, so providing your pup with a nutritious and balanced diet is essential. It’s also critical that your Cane Corso gets plenty of exercise to burn off any extra fat and calories they may have eaten.
Susceptible to bloat a deep-chested breed like the corso, bloat is a sudden and life threatening digestive condition, exercise immediately before and after a meal is not recommended.
Slow Feeder Bowls: These bowls force your dog to eat more slowly, reducing the amount of air they swallow with their food.
​
Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of one large meal, feed your Cane Corso two or more smaller meals throughout the day.
Reputable Breeders Are The Key
If you’ve ever seen a Cane Corso with “droopy” eyelids, they’re likely suffering from an ectropion health condition. A Cane Corso with ectropion will have eyes that look red and inflamed. Also, when they blink, their eyelids may not be able to fully meet like usual to protect and lubricate their eyes. Furthermore, because their lower eyelids are loose and the delicate conjunctiva is exposed to the environment, getting irritated and dry, it may cause your Cane Corso’s eyes to become inflamed, infected, and dry, predisposing them to corneal ulcers.
Eye problems like cherry eye, entropion and ectropion can occur. Responsible breeders screen for inherited heart defects and perform health tests to produce the healthiest pups possible. Proper diet, exercise and preventive vet care help support lifelong well-being.
​
When looking to purchase a puppy, it's essential to choose a ethical reputable breeder.
Avoid puppy mill dogs for behavioral and health issues. Spot A Puppy Mill >
​​
Although many of the health issues that Cane Corsos suffer from, can’t be prevented, some can. Research methods you can use to ensure your Cane Corso stays happy and healthy throughout its life.
Find a puppy with fully vaccinated parents and offspring that have had their hips, elbows, and heart health evaluated, alongside other common health concerns in this breed.
​
​