Cane Corso | Italian Mastiff | 2024 Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for a dog that is smart, loyal, and protective? You may have just found your perfect match with a Cane Corso!

These dogs are known for being intelligent and highly trainable. They’re also very aggressive hunters and make excellent guard dogs. Here’s an overview of this breed, as well as some tips on how to help you decide if this is the right dog for you.

Our ultimate guide will go through everything you need to know about Cane Corso so you can decide if this is the right breed for you or not.

Cane Corso feeding guide

Origins and History

The Cane Corso’s origins are interesting, to say the least. They were originally bred in Italy and their name translates to “short-haired mastiff”.

These dogs have been used for centuries as guard dogs and hunting companions. In the United States, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1960.

Living with a Cane Corso

One of the best things about these dogs is that they are extremely tolerant of children. They’re also known to be calmer than other breeds and are great with strangers.

One thing you should know, however, is that they will be very protective and territorial when it comes to their home.

On average, Cane Corso’s can live between 10-12 years. These dogs do require a lot of exercise and training, so it’s important to commit the time needed for your dog’s good behaviour and health.

If you’re looking for an intelligent breed with a good temperament, Cane Corso may be just the dog for you!

Appearance

Cane Corsos are large, muscular dogs that stand about 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a strong body with a square-shaped head and mottled coat. Their coat is usually solid black with white markings on their chest, feet, and muzzle.

The Cane Corso’s long, thick black fur protects them from the harsh winter weather of their native Italy. However, they shed heavily in the summertime.

Weight

The weight of a Cane Corso will depend on the dog’s size. A male Cane Corso typically weighs between 35 and 45 pounds, while a female will weigh around 30-40 pounds.

To give you an idea of what this may mean in relation to the size of your home, the height at the withers for a female is typically 18-20 inches.

Size

The Cane Corso is a medium-sized dog with a broad, muscular body. They can grow to be up to 22 inches tall but are most commonly found to be around 20 inches in height.

This breed has a medium-length coat that can vary from being coarse and straight or wavy and silky. It also has a wrinkled face, long ears, and black nose.

Read More: Cane Corso growth stages

Personality

The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff and is related to the Molosser breeds. They were originally bred for use in the Roman army, which required them to be protective and aggressive towards others. These dogs are known for being independent, with a strong temperament.

Although they are not very sociable with strangers, they tend to get along well with family members, children, and other pets. They are loving and affectionate towards their humans but can also be stubborn at times.

When it comes to training, these dogs require a firm hand. If you don’t have the time or patience to put in the effort necessary to train your dog, then it may be best for you to choose another breed of dog.

Some owners also report that their Cane Corso can be difficult when training them because they have such a high prey drive. However, if you do have the time and patience needed for this breed of dog, then you will reap the benefits of having a loyal and trusting companion that will show their love by doing tricks at your request!

Should you neuter, spay, or breed a Cane Corso

Temperament

Cane Corso dogs are known for their aggression, intelligence, and protectiveness. They also have a reputation for being stubborn and independent.

The Cane Corso is a large, powerful dog that can be difficult to handle. They require training and will not let anything stand in the way of their job as effective guard dogs. There’s nothing wrong with the Cane Corso’s temperament if they are raised with proper care from a young age.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Cane Corso is about 10-12 years. However, they are considered “working dogs” so their longevity may be shorter depending on how often they’re used.

Make sure that you give your Cane Corso good supplements and vitamins.

Read about Cane Corso’s most common health problems.

Excercise requirements

Cane Corso’s are known to be active dogs, so they require daily exercise. They need lots of space and time to run around and explore. They are not recommended for apartment living or households with small children.

Care

A Cane Corso’s routine care is very important in order to maintain their health and well-being. They should be groomed regularly, have their teeth brushed often, and have a good diet.

Additionally, they should receive plenty of exercises and be given plenty of attention from their owners.

They are overall easy to care for and they are not fussy about where and how they live.

You may be interested in Best beds for Cane Corso

Cost

Cane Corsos are known for their size and strength. They are a muscular breed of dog that can weigh up to 100 pounds. They are also known for their intelligence and protective nature.

Cane Corsos can be expensive to purchase and maintain. The average price for a puppy is between $1,000 and $2,000. The average annual cost for food, medical care, and basic supplies is estimated to be between $600 and $1,000.

Food

A Cane Corso is a large Italian breed of dog that was originally used for hunting and herding. These dogs are now popular as family pets, and they require a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs.

A Cane Corso’s diet should be rich in protein to help support their muscular development, and it should also include plenty of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Read More:

Best treats for Cane Corso

Best homemade recipes for Cane Corso

Cane Corso feeding guide

Cane Corso FAQs

Does a Cane Corso shed a lot?

No one enjoys dealing with dog hair all over the house, but how much does a Cane Corso shed? The answer to this question may surprise you.

Contrary to popular belief, the Cane Corso is not a heavy shedder. In fact, they only tend to lose a small amount of hair on a regular basis. This means that you will not have to spend hours each week cleaning up after your dog.

You can brush your Cane Corso 2-3 times a week and bathe your dog once or twice a week to see almost no hair inside your house.

Read More: Cane Corso shedding and losing hair

Does Cane Corso drool a lot?

Cane Corsos are known for drooling, but it’s not excessive. Some people say it’s because they have big jowls that hang down and the saliva just accumulates.

Others say it’s because they like to chew on things (like sticks) and that stimulates saliva production.

Are you allowed to own a Cane Corso as a pet?

Yes, Cane Corsos are allowed as pets in most countries. They are a breed known for their intelligence and good temperament and make excellent family dogs.

However, as with any dog breed, it is important to do your research before bringing one home to ensure that you are able to provide the necessary care and training.

Find out more: Where and why are Cane Corso banned

Is Cane Corso an aggressive breed?

Cane Corso is not an aggressive breed. They are known to be loyal, protective, and make great family pets.

However, like any dog, they require proper training and socialization from a young age to ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved members of the family.

Does Cane Corsos have a lockjaw?

There is no such thing as a lockjaw for dogs. However, any dog can potentially bite if it feels threatened or is in pain. So, it is always important to be cautious around any dog, even those that seem friendly.

Is Cane Corso recommended for family with kids?

Cane Corsos can be great family dogs, but they may not be the best choice for families with very small children.

These dogs are large and powerful, and may accidentally knock over a small child or become overexcited and unintentionally rough with them.

With proper training and socialization, however, Cane Corsos can make wonderful family pets.

Should I use a collar or harness on Cane Corso?

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to using a collar or harness on a Cane Corso. Some people prefer to use a collar because it gives them more control over their dog, while others prefer to use a harness because it is more comfortable for the dog and can help prevent injuries.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual owner to decide what is best for their dog.

What breeds make a Cane Corso?

The Cane Corso is a descendant of the ancient Roman war dog. They are thought to be bred from the Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bulldog.

Is Cane Corso good with strangers?

Cane Corsos can be good with strangers, but they should always be supervised around new people. They are loyal and protective dogs, so they may bark or growl at unfamiliar people until they get to know them. With proper socialization, Cane Corsos can make great family pets.

Will a Cane Corso guard you and your family?

Are Cane Corso good with other dogs?

Cane Corsos can be good with other dogs, but they may not always be friendly. It’s important to socialize your Cane Corso from a young age and continue to do so as they grow older.

If your dog is aggressive or doesn’t get along with other dogs, it’s best to keep them away from other animals.

Are Cane Corso good swimmers?

It depends on the individual Cane Corso’s swimming ability however most of the Cane Corso will love water.

Some Cane Corsos are natural swimmers and enjoy the water, while others may be hesitant or reluctant to enter the pool.

It is always important to supervise your dog around water and take measures to ensure their safety, regardless of their swimming ability.

You should also introduce your puppy to your swimming pool as early as possible so they get used to the water.

Are Cane Corso good running and hiking companion?

Yes, Cane Corsos are great running and hiking companions. They are a very active breed and love to be outdoors.

You should not start long walks and hikes when your Cane Corso is a puppy however after 2 years old, you should be able to run and go for a long 1-hour hike with your adult dog.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cane Corso is a great breed of dog that is loyal, protective, and loving. They make great family pets and are excellent with children.

If you are considering adding a Cane Corso to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder.