Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is a dog that ranges from medium to large in size and comes from Roman Mastiffs. These dogs are strong, fit, and sturdy without being heavyset; you can picture them as furry protectors. They move with grace and strength, showcasing a smooth and powerful walk. Initially developed as all-purpose farm dogs in Italy, they have a natural instinct to guard. They are intelligent and easy to train, showing great loyalty and dedication to their families.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Black, gray, fawn, red, or brindle
Lifespan
9 to 12 years
Height
24 to 28 inches
Type
Working
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
88 to 110 pounds
Family
Mastiff

Personality

The Cane Corso is a caring and observant breed that is loyal to its family. They want to make their owners happy and are simple to train, which is important for managing a big dog. This breed is best suited for people who have experience with large dogs similar to Mastiffs. They tend to bark to warn their owners and may become too wary if they aren't socialized correctly. With proper training, they can get along well with other animals and can be great family pets.

History

The Cane Corso is a type of Italian Mastiff that was first developed for work on farms. This breed is connected to the Neapolitan Mastiff. They trace their roots back to Roman Mastiffs, and after the Roman Empire collapsed, they became versatile helpers on farms, assisting with tasks like guarding property and herding animals.

Ideal Owner

It’s best for Cane Corso dog owners to have some background with big breeds. Proper training is crucial, so owners need to dedicate time to use strong techniques that focus on positive rewards. Owners who are active and in good shape are the most suitable for Cane Corso dogs, as these dogs require a lot of mental and physical activity.

Exercise Needs

The Cane Corso is an active breed that requires plenty of exercise to stay healthy. To tire them out, they need daily walks, runs, and play sessions in a secure yard. Additionally, keeping their minds engaged with puzzles and training activities is important to prevent boredom.

Space Requirements

Cane Corso dogs are quite big, so they require plenty of room both inside and outside. They can adjust to smaller indoor spaces, but they need to go outside often for exercise and long walks. If you have a yard, it's best to have it fenced in.

Training

The Cane Corso is an intelligent breed, but it can also be quite headstrong, making training and socialization very important. These dogs are sensitive and tend to thrive on positive reinforcement. With steady and clear training, they can grow into confident and well-behaved companions.

Grooming

Taking care of a Cane Corso's short coat is simple; just brush it regularly. If the dog gets muddy, a bath every now and then may be necessary.

Suitability for Family Life

Cane Corso dogs are known for being loyal and protective friends to families, but they thrive in homes with older kids or no kids at all. Their size can make them a bit awkward around small children or older adults.

Did You know?

The Cane Corso is a breed from Italy. In Italian, “Cane” translates to “dog,” while “Corso” comes from Latin and means “protector.” When referring to more than one, you would say Cani Corsi.

Similar Breeds

Dogo Argentino
Presa Canario

Need to Know

Might not be suitable for first-time dog owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Large dog
Some drool
Requires regular grooming
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual