Working with Cane Corso dogs for over 15 years enabled me to know so much about the breed.
These wonderful dogs are a blessing to all families that want to have loyal and protective companions.
Read on to find out more about the Cane Corso breed.
About the Cane Corso Breed
The Cane Corso is distinguished by its muscular frame, square head with wide-set eyes and ears, strong neck, full muzzle, and short coat that comes in various colors such as black or gray.
At maturity, this breed weighs between 88-110 lbs (40-50 kg) and stands 22-28 inches (56-71 cm) tall at the shoulder.
The Cane Corso has an intelligent, loyal, and even-tempered character. It is protective of its home, family, and property, making it a great guard dog.
To ensure these puppies remain well-behaved throughout their lives, consistent training must be given when young.
Socialization with people and other animals is essential for this breed in order to prevent possessiveness or aggression from taking over.
History
The Cane Corso has a centuries-old history. It is believed to have descended from ancient Roman war dogs with possible influences from other breeds like Mastiff or Neapolitan Mastiff.
Used for hunting game, protection, and herding livestock in Italy for centuries, the breed nearly went extinct after World War II but has seen a resurgence in popularity due to its intelligent nature, loyalty, and size.
Nowadays the Cane Corso is a popular family guard dog across Europe and America due to its large size and strength – making it ideal for those seeking an attentive protector yet gentle with children or smaller pets.
Thanks to their coat, the Cane Corso is able to stay outside if necessary. However, most of them live indoors even though they are heavy droolers.
Physical Traits
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular, and powerful dog. Their physical traits differ based on their gender.
Males
The Cane Corso typically has a life expectancy of 10-12 years and can reach heights up to 27-30 inches at the shoulder, with weights ranging from 88-110 pounds.
The Male Cane Corso is a powerful yet graceful breed of dog, with a muscular and well-proportioned body. The head is large and slightly rounded, with eyes that are set wide apart.
The muzzle is long and slightly tapered at the end. Ears can be cropped or uncropped, depending on preference. The tail is also typically docked short to medium length.
The coat color can range from a blackish blue to reddish brown, though there are many variations in between.
Due to their size, Cane Corso is not built for swimming.
They have strong bones and muscles that carry their weight while they move gracefully with a characteristic rolling gait.
They have broad chests and thick necks that allow them to bear pressure easily when working or running long distances.
If not tired, they become big chewers.
Females
Female Cane Corsos have similar physical traits to their male counterparts. They are large and muscular with a deep chest and strong skeleton, making them very powerful and agile.
Females tend to run slightly smaller than males, usually ranging from 25-28 inches in height at the shoulder. The weight of an adult female can range from 80-105 pounds.
They have a distinctive rectangular head that is wide between the eyes and tapers at the muzzle, with a black nose and dark eyes giving them an intense expression.
Their coat is short, thick, glossy, and dense but not overly long or curly; colors vary from shades of gray to fawn or brindle.
Personality Traits
Personality traits of Cane Corso differ depending on their gender. Males tend to be more protective while females are more trainable.
Males
Male Cane Corsos are strong, confident, and loyal dogs. They have an independent nature and can be very protective of their family.
They tend to be territorial and may bark when they sense a stranger is nearby. Male Cane Corsos can also be assertive and dominant in some situations, so it is important to provide them with proper training and socialization from an early age.
They are known for their strength and athleticism, making them great guard dogs or companions for active households.
Additionally, they have been known to show immense devotion toward their owners and families.
They require lots of exercises, attention, mental stimulation, and daily supervision to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
Male puppies tend to bite more than female puppies and that behavior has to be stopped before they reach adulthood.
Females
Female Cane Corsos have strong personalities and are usually very protective of their family and home.
They make excellent guard dogs because:
- They are highly alert
- Observant
- Courageous
- Loyal
Females tend to be territorial and may bark at unfamiliar people or animals that come near the house.
Females can also be stubborn and independent, but with proper training and socialization, they quickly learn to obey commands.
Female Cane Corsos require lots of exercise and stimulation for optimal mental and physical health.
They thrive in active households where their intelligence is appreciated and challenged through activities such as agility trials, obedience classes, hunting trips, or visits to dog parks.
Female Cane Corso tend to be picky eaters.
Health
Cane Corso males and females are generally healthy dogs, though they can be prone to certain health issues.
Overweight Cane Corsos (mostly male) are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, so it’s important to keep their weight in check with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
The breed is also predisposed to hip problems, so it’s best to get them tested for dysplasia at an early age.
Elbow problems can also be an issue in certain bloodlines, although this is not a widespread problem among the breed.
Cane Corso males in particular may be more susceptible due to their larger size and heavier bone structure.
Males are at higher risk for
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Cystinuria
- A testicular tumor (if not neutered)
Females are at higher risk for
Overall, Cane Corso males and females tend to be very healthy with relatively few health problems compared to other breeds.
Both genders should receive regular health check-ups from the vet to identify any potential problems early on.
Grooming
- Brushing: Once a week.
- Bathing: 5 – 8 weeks or sooner.
- Ear cleaning: 1 – 2 weeks.
- Teeth cleaning: Daily.
- Nail trimming: 4 – 6 weeks.
- Coat trimming: 4 – 6 months.
Cane Corso’s grooming requirements are quite minimal and easy to manage.
The outer layer is a dense and smooth coat of short guard hairs, while the inner layer is softer and thicker.
This double-layered coat helps protect their skin from the elements and keeps them warm in cold weather.
Brushing
Cane Corso dogs require regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat.
Grooming should be done at least once a week and daily brushing is recommended for long-haired Cane Corsos (longer than 2 centimeters hair).
When brushing Cane Corsos, begin by detangling their fur with a wide-toothed comb and switching to either a slicker brush or pin brush for finishing touches.
Be sure to cover all areas including the top of the head, neck, back, sides, legs, and tail; always use a gentle hand as Cane Corsos have sensitive skin.
Once complete, use either a hound glove or rubber curry comb to remove dead hair from their coat and massage the skin beneath for healthy circulation.
Bathing
Cane Corso dogs require regular bathing to maintain a healthy coat and prevent skin issues. It is recommended that they be bathed at least every 5-8 weeks, depending on the activity level of the dog.
However, many Cane Corso’s that live outdoors require baths weekly or bi-weekly because they tend to smell bad.
During each bath, it is important to thoroughly wet your Cane Corso’s coat using warm water, then use a shampoo specifically designed for canine coats.
After rinsing off all of the shampoos, you should apply a conditioner or moisturizing cream to nourish their skin and fur.
Finally, towel dry your Cane Corso and brush out any tangles or mats in their fur before allowing them to air dry.
Ears
Cane Corso dogs should have their ears cleaned regularly, ideally every 1-2 weeks. This is important to prevent ear infections, which can be caused by dirt or wax buildup in the ear canal.
During an ear cleaning session, use a cotton ball and some gentle ear cleaner made specifically for pets to clean the inside of the ear flap as well as around the entrance to the canal.
Avoid pushing anything inside of the ear canal. Once you’ve finished cleaning, wipe away any excess moisture with a soft cloth.
To keep your Cane Corso’s ears healthy and clean, check them periodically for redness or discharge that could indicate infection; if either is present, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on treating it.
Teeth
Regular tooth brushing should be done at least once a day, but more often may be necessary depending on your individual dog’s needs.
Cane Corso dogs require regular dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to keep their pearly whites clean and free of plaque buildup.
If done properly, brushing can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can lead to gum disease.
Brushing is also important when puppies go through the teething process.
Be sure to use canine-specific toothpaste as human toothpaste contains ingredients that are not safe for your pooch!
Nail trimming
It is best to get your Cane Corso’s nails trimmed every 4-6 weeks to ensure that they are properly maintained.
Cane Corso dogs require regular nail trimming to keep their paws healthy and prevent discomfort when walking on hard surfaces.
When trimming their nails, it is important to be careful not to cut too close or too short as this can cause pain and bleeding in the dog.
It is also beneficial to use a good quality pet nail clipper specifically designed for Cane Corso dogs.
Additionally, you will want to provide them with plenty of rewards throughout the process so that they associate nail trimming with positive experiences.
Coat trimming
Cane Corsos typically require regular grooming and coat trimming. The length and texture of the coat can vary depending on the individual dog, but it is generally advisable to trim it every four to six months.
Additionally, brushing should be done at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the coat looking healthy.
Exercise
The Cane Corso is an active and powerful breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy.
This includes daily walks, off-leash playtime outside, and mental stimulation through training sessions.
Daily walking requirements
Cane Corso should be getting at least one hour of daily walking.
Just remember, an exhausted pup will sleep through the night and will not become destructive.
Daily running requirements
Cane Corso should be getting at least thirty minutes of running every day.
Mental stimulation requirements
Mental stimulation is important and Cane Corso should be getting mental stimulation for at least thirty minutes each day. Here are 5 ways to stimulate a Cane Corso.
Cane Corso requires a lot of attention and owners need to plan their days to make sure that they are getting the exercise needed.
Training
The Cane Corso is a large and powerful breed of dog. As such, they require consistent and well-structured training to ensure they grow up to be healthy, happy dogs.
Training should start when the pup is young and should include basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, leave it, and heel as well as potty training. (more about potty training).
Socialization with people and other animals also needs to be started early on to ensure the Cane Corso grows into a proper canine citizen.
Nutrition
The Cane Corso is a large and powerful breed of dog that needs a diet that is high in protein to support its muscular build.
A good quality kibble with at least 25% protein is ideal for your Cane Corso’s daily nutrition. It is important to feed them a balanced diet, which includes all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
Adding small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables can also provide them with additional nutrients. Avoid giving fatty treats or table scraps as these can lead to obesity in this breed.
Providing a bowl of fresh water at all times is super important.
It’s important to remember that the nutritional needs of each individual Cane Corso may vary based on age, activity level, health status, and other factors.
What To Expect When Caring For Cane Corso
In Conclusion
Cane Corso is a great dog breed for people that already have experience in training a dog.
Due to their size, they have to be trained properly. Otherwise, they pose a threat to the owner and their surroundings.
However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get a Cane Corso.
Just make sure to make yourself familiar with training a large dog and you will get yourself a fine companion.
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