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Cane Corsos are a popular breed for dog enthusiasts looking for a devoted companion and guardian. But before welcoming one into your home, it’s crucial to have all the cost information about this strong-willed canine so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
At a Glance: Cane Corso Traits and Temperament
Latin for “bodyguard dog,” the intelligent and confident Cane Corso can be traced back to ancient Roman times. While intimidating and assertive, with a weight of more than 100 pounds, Corso dogs are also very loyal and easy to please.
However, because of their inherent protective traits, Cane Corsos may be prone to resource guarding—especially if they haven’t received the right training. Pet parents should be on the lookout for growling, eating food abnormally fast, teeth baring, and tension in their Cane Corso’s body.
Like many large dog breeds, Cane Corsos have a shorter life expectancy than small or medium-sized dogs. A healthy lifespan for a Cane Corso ranges from 9 to 12 years.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a Cane Corso
The amount of money you’ll spend upfront on a Cane Corso depends on whether your purchase comes via an adoption from a rescue or a responsible breeder. For a Cane Corso, pet parents can expect to pay between $900 and $4000 from a breeder, with puppies and blue Cane Cane Corsos falling on the more expensive end of the spectrum.
Rescuing a Cane Corso will typically cost less than buying one from a breeder. Rescue and shelter fees for a Corso typically ring in around $300, often covering initial vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and sometimes even microchipping.
Cane Corso Costs: First Year to Adolescents
Cane Corsos reach sexual maturity at about 6 months old. Below are expenses that are typical of Cane Corso puppies, though prices will fluctuate depending on your location and specific veterinary services.
Item | From | To |
Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1085 |
Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1500 |
Dog care basics | $120 | $1460 |
Food* | $648 | $1944 |
Treats | $360 | $720 |
Grooming** | $450 | $600 |
Training | $200 | $1000 |
Annual Exams*** | $280 | $440 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1080 |
Annual Cost | $3169 | $9909 |
*$54 per bag, a few times a month to once a month at 2 ⅓ cup to 5 ½ cups of kibble per day
** $75-$100 a session at 6 times a year
***$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult Cane Corsos
A Cane Corso becomes an adolescent around 6 months of age and typically stops growing by two years of age. Below are typical expenses pet parents can expect to spend for their adult Cane Corso. Prices will fluctuate based on your location and specific veterinary services.
Item | From | To |
Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
Food* | $1296 | $3456 |
Treats | $360 | $720 |
Grooming | $450 | $600 |
Dental care | $300 | $2500 |
Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1080 |
Annual Total | $3207 | $9491 |
*$54 per bag, 2-4 times a month at 4 ½ cups to 9 cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Cane Corsos
Like other large dog breeds, a Cane Corso is considered a senior dog by around 6-7 years old. For senior Cane Corsos, pet parents can expect many costs to stay the same as a Cane adult stage. However, older dogs typically develop more health issues as they age, so you’ll likely spend much more on veterinary care than earlier in your pup’s life.
Blood work is an example of an ongoing expense in your dog’s senior years, as they need regular testing done to make sure their medications are working effectively. These tests typically cost between $100 and $200 per visit.
Because of these additional costs, it may be worth it to pet parents to invest in pet insurance when their dog is young—before pre-existing conditions come into play—or potentially even a savings account, if that’s a better option for them.
Cane Corso Costs: Common Health Conditions
Cane Corsos may be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, eyelid abnormalities (including cherry eye), and a skin condition known as demodectic mange.
Below is an average range of costs that pet parents may expect for treating these conditions.
- Hip dysplasia: Typically between $1700 and $4500 for surgery
- Idiopathic epilepsy: Drug treatment can vary from $200 annually to thousands, depending on the choice in medication
- Cherry eye surgery: As low as $300 in a low-cost clinic and as high as $1,900 with a specialist
- Demodectic mange: Between $300-$1100 for a combination of medications and immunotherapy.
The cost of treating these conditions depends on where you’re located—as vet prices differ depending on geographic location—and where your Cane Corso is treated (such as a private veterinary practice or a lower cost clinic).
Cane Corso Costs: Dog Training
Each Cane Corso dog will have different training needs. Because Cane Corsos are challenging with very protective instincts, their training can be somewhat difficult—which is why you’ll need to tailor the type of training to whatever best suits your pup.
Some Corsos may do better in one-on-one training without the distraction of other dogs. Others may be service dogs that require more expensive specialized training.
Although training costs will vary depending on the location and service, here are some numbers that may be typical:
One-on-one training sessions: $720-$960 for 6-8 lessons
Four-to-six week group classes: $200-$1000
Professional service dog training: $15,000-$30,000 over the course of private training, which may take up to a year
Unexpected Costs
Being a pet parent often means that unexpected or “optional” costs often come up—some that you can plan for, others that may creep up on you. This may include things like:
- Emergency vet bills due to an accident or illness
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
How dog insurance can help
Unexpected emergencies and illnesses can end up costing pet parents dearly, potentially setting them back thousands in vet bills. A pet insurance plan can help pet parents pursue necessary care for their pets without the added financial strain that sometimes comes with it.
As we already know, Cane Corsos are prone to developing expensive conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Signing up for a pet insurance policy when your Corso is young may offer some coverage for these potential health issues later on.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.
Further Reading
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet
- What Does Pet Insurance Cover, and How Does It Work? A Beginner’s Guide
- How Does a Pre-Existing Condition Affect Pet Insurance Coverage?
- The Best Pet Insurance Wellness Plans: How Preventive Care Add-Ons Work
- How To Choose the Right Insurance for Your Pet
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
- What To Know About Waiting Periods and Pet Insurance
- What Are Pet Insurance Deductibles, and How Do You Pick One?
- When Should You Get Pet Insurance?
- Savings Account Versus Pet Insurance: Which Is Better?