The Cane Corso (pronounced “KAH-neh KOR-so”) is a deeply loyal and intelligent dog who you can always count on to be by your side. Also known as the Italian Mastiff, this noble breed has a history that can be traced back to ancient Rome as war dogs and were considered part of the Molosser dog group, working dogs who guarded and protected land and livestock. Many years later, they became farm dogs and game hunters. In addition to their countless accomplishments, they overcame near extinction!
A Cane Corso commonly comes in four main colors: black, fawn, gray, and red. However, they may appear in a variety of color combinations and patterns.
The Cane Corso can easily be spotted thanks to their large, muscular build, deep chest, short coat, squared head shape, wrinkly forehead, and naturally floppy but sometimes cropped ears.
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Ancient Rome
- Size:
- Weight: 90-110 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Breed Appearance
Despite being considered a medium-sized Mastiff, the Cane Corso is easily a giant dog breed compared to others. They typically weigh roughly 90–110 pounds and can reach up to 30 inches tall. Sarah Carvell, a UK-based Cane Corso breeder and owner of Lockdown Kennels UK, says Cani Corsi are a slow-maturing breed physically and mentally. They can take up to three years to reach full maturity.
These majestic Mastiffs can appear in an array of colors, though their main colors include black, fawn, gray, and red.
Cane Corso color and pattern variations include the following:
- Black
- Slate gray
- Lead gray
- Light gray
- Light fawn
- Dark fawn and stag red
- Dark wheat
- Black brindle
- Gray brindle
The Cane Corso has a short, shiny, double-layered coat that sheds seasonally. Carvell says the Cane Corso isn’t an excessive shedder, and weekly grooming should be sufficient.
She describes the Cane Corso as having a lean, powerful, and elegant appearance. Like most Molosser-type dogs, the Cane Corso might look imposing with their large, deep chest, strong bones, and pronounced muscles. Their distinguishing features include a large, square head and muzzle. They also have striking eyes and an adorably wrinkly forehead.
Cane Corso Personality
As with all big, strong breeds, looks can be deceiving. Though the Cane Corso commands your attention with their large, stocky appearance, they love their family.
Trevor Smith, a certified dog trainer with Pupford, says a Cane Corso is highly trainable due to their intelligence and willingness to please their pet parents. When it comes to other dogs and children, he says the Cane Corso can play nice and simply needs a friendly introduction along with some training.
Smith adds that a Cane Corso has a natural guarding instinct, which, combined with their size and protective nature, contributes to their effectiveness as guard dogs. They exhibit protectiveness, and while they’re not generally not overly boisterous, they do have a strong presence.
If you live an active lifestyle, expect a Cane Corso to be your best workout buddy (and protector)! Smith says they have a moderate exercise requirement and enjoy outdoor activities, including walks and playtime.
“These loyal pups love being by your side and aren’t big fans of independence,” Smith says. “They’d rather stick with their favorite humans.”
Cane Corso Health
Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and veterinary consultant for Dogaspet, explains that some of the most common health issues in a Cane Corso include joint diseases, such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
For these reasons, she recommends ensuring any purchased puppy comes hip and elbow scored. A hip and elbow screening evaluates their joints to get an idea of how likely they are to develop hip or elbow dysplasia in the future.
Another relatively common issue, she notes, is gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), or bloat. Deep-chested dogs are naturally more prone to this issue, and without immediate vet attention, the condition can be life-threatening.
“For most seniors, [a Cane Corso] will have mobility issues, and many benefit from long-term medicine, such as pain relief and anti-inflammatories,” she says. Smith adds that pet parents cant manage and prevent joint disease by feeding their Cane Corso a premium diet and starting joint supplements.
She adds that a Cane Corso is not known for vision issues, and their eyesight should remain good even as a senior.
Misconceptions around health benefits of ear cropping
Ear cropping is frequently seen in the Cane Corso breed, and despite various claims, there are no proven health benefits to the controversial practice.
“The belief is a myth and is most commonly used in the justification of cosmetic ear cropping,” says Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, and veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers.”There is no current scientific evidence showing that ear cropping has any benefits or that it reduces infections and injuries.” In fact, Whittenburg says having cropped ears may leave a dog’s ear canals more susceptible to injury.
While some breeds are more predisposed to ear infections than others, Dr. Whittenburg says whether or not they have floppy ears doesn’t play a major part in their predisposition.
Ideal Environment for a Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an incredibly adaptable breed that’s capable of co-existing in many different environments, according to Carvell. She says they’re loyal companions who are great with children and other family members, but their large size and powerful nature should always be considered around children.
“They’re a highly intelligent breed that requires daily mental and physical stimulation from their family, which will be rewarded in return with a close and loyal lifetime bond,” Carvell says.
Until your dog is fully matured, she says it’s important to limit physical activity to protect their growing joints. Therefore, mental stimulation (e.g. basic training, games, play) and socialization (people, places, noises, environments) are essential until they’ve reached at least 18 months of age.
Ideal Human for a Cane Corso
Wondering if you might be a great match for a Cane Corso? Carvell says the ideal human for this breed should be:
- Educated. “They have researched the breed [and] met breeders and dogs in person in various environments,” she says. “They are also willing to continue to learn with the dog and seek experienced guidance if needed.”
- Patient. Carvell says a Cane Corso requires a pet parent who’s in it for the long haul. They need to dedicate time to the dog’s well-being and social training from puppyhood to their golden years.
- Fun. Play forms a massive part in the development of any puppy and, for the duration of their life, assists in creating an unbreakable bond between you and your pup.
- Consistent. The ideal human will provide a consistent and loving environment; Carvell says the Cane Corso is an extremely loving breed who likes having lots of cuddles and a solid routine.
- Physically active. Since this breed is highly active and enjoys space to move, consider their physical needs as they mature before purchasing or adopting.
Cane Corso Training
When training your Cane Corso, you’ll need lots of big dog toys, treats, and patience. Michelle Brasil, a dog trainer specializing in behavior modification for working breed dogs at Daring Paws, says the Cane Corso picks up new commands fairly quickly, but training takes time and consistency from the pet parent. She adds that these dogs are known to be headstrong and will always try to push boundaries as much as they’re allowed to.
Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT-KA, and founder and Fun Paw Care, notes the breed tends to be on the more willful side but also eager to learn.
Brasil says a well-trained Cane Corso is desensitized to all environments and people, maintaining a constant focus on their pet parent.
Even though there are a few differences in training a small dog versus a large dog, Harstein says a Cane Corso can be trained in behaviors other dogs can do. Brasil adds that “training and learning is the best way to bond and have a well-rounded, happy family member with the least probability of behavior and training issues as they grow older.”
Cane Corso Grooming
Carvell says the Cane Corso’s short coat can easily be maintained with a weekly brushing and quarterly shampoo. Because they’re not an extremely wrinkly breed, there aren’t any excessive skin folds to clean.
No matter whether your pup’s ears are floppy or cropped, Carvell recommends keeping their ears free from dirt, debris, and wax. Like other breeds, you should trim your dog’s nails about once a month.
Getting a Cane Corso
Carvell says a Cane Corso is naturally protective of their family and home. To ensure they understand your expectations, she says they should be socialized throughout their lifetime. Introducing and establishing boundaries with positive reinforcement training during puppyhood, as well as crate training, can be helpful.
Though she recommends this breed for experienced dog parents, she’s found that many new pet parents who work with a trainer familiar with the breed find it “hugely rewarding.”
If you get a Cane Corso from a breeder, Carvell encourages speaking with them to establish the temperament of the parents and grandparents, as it can play a big part in the temperament and drive of litters.
If you want to adopt, below are a few breed-specific rescues with this breed available for adoption:
Why Cane Corso May Not Be Right For You
Since they’re working dogs, Carvell says a Cane Corso requires ongoing mental and physical stimulation—and a pet parent who’s dedicated and consistent at providing it. A Cane Corso tends to prefer being close to their favorite person.
If you live a busy lifestyle that doesn’t allow you to spend ample time at home to train, exercise, or play with your Cane Corso, they may not be the best breed for you.
Breeds like Cane Corso
If you love the look or personality of the Cane Corso, Carvell says these big-dog breeds could be a better match.
- Neapolitan Mastiff. These are a good alternative for a less active family since they’re larger and heavier dogs. They’re generally less demanding but possess similar temperament traits and are excellent home and family guardians.
- Rottweiler. Slightly smaller, Rottweilers are known to be great family pets. They can be territorial and require a pet parent who’s dedicated to training.
- Old English Mastiff. Old English Mastiffs are much larger than a Cane Corso and can weigh up to 220 pounds. They require less physical activity and are generally less demanding. They’re fantastic family companions, but like all Mastiffs, will require suitable training.
- Bull Mastiff. Slightly larger, Bull Mastiffs are excellent at noticing early danger and alerting their pet parents. They’re gentle and affectionate with family but aloof with strangers until properly introduced.
- Boxer. Boxers are smaller in size and structure than the Cane Corso. They’re more upbeat and playful and have higher energy. They suit active and busy families who will provide them with a lot of stimulation.
- Perro de Presa de Canario (Canary Mastiff). The Perro de Presa de Canario is similar in size, power, and temperament and requires an experienced pet parent. They’re at their best with training and a job to do and make fantastic working dogs.
Before adopting or purchasing a Cane Corso, remember the amount of training, exercise, and space this beautiful, big breed requires to thrive and live a happy, healthy life.
