The Cane Corso or King Cane Corso is a big dog that loves to stay busy. This Italian mastiff breed is fiercely loyal and will do just about anything for its master. A canine of noble heritage, the Cane Corso is a strong, smart, and athletic dog perfect for guarding and hunting.
In fact, Cane Corso roughly translates to ‘bodyguard-dog,’ Its big size and calm temperament makes it the perfect choice for guard duty. Even though they look intimidating, it doesn’t mean they are not loving! Cane Corso puppies can make the perfect addition to your family if you are a serious dog lover.
They have a lovey-dovey nature, are great with children, need minimal grooming, and have adequate social skills. Their energetic and playful nature makes them great pets. However, you will need to invest time in training Cane Corso puppies as they have a willful nature. If you have a large yard and a serious love for dogs, then Cane Corso puppies are just what you need!
Still in doubt? You will find our post to be the ultimate resource for all their questions about the Cane Corso dog breed.
About Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is not your regular dog breed. It is a breed that is meant for someone who is serious about owning a dog and providing firm and loving guidance.
· Origin and History
King Cane Corso is a Mastiff-type dog. It was bred in Italy and is said to be a descendant of Roman war dogs. However, it has a lighter build in comparison to the Neapolitan Mastiff, which was bred to guard property, hunt game, and provide help at the farm.
As farming became automated, it led to the breed becoming nearly extinct. However, dog fanciers took charge in the 1970s to rebuild King Cane Corso. The Society Amatori Cane Corso was founded in 1983 to ensure that the breed does not go extinct. The Federation Cynologique Internationale went on to recognize the breed in 1996.
In the effort to save the breed from extinction, Cane Corso puppies were imported to the United States by Michael Sottile in 1988, and the breed eventually became a huge hit in the New World. Eventually, the International Cane Corso Association came into existence in 1993, and the American Kennel Club granted recognition to the breed club in 2010.
· Physical Appearance
King Corso or Cane Corso is a large and muscular dog. The males stand at 25 to 27.5 inches, whereas females can be as large as 23.5 to 26 inches. The weight of the mastiff depends on its height, but on average, you can expect a King Cane Corso to weigh around 90 to 120 pounds.
Their big size compliments their noble features; combined with the rippling muscles beneath a short coat, the Cane Corso gives an air of absolute confidence and competence.
· Temperament
The best thing about it is that it is a family-only dog. Therefore, you cannot expect it to become friends with everyone it meets. With the right training, Cane Corso puppies will grow to become well-mannered adults, but they are not overly interested in other animals or people outside the family. However, those within the family would receive its undivided attention and protection.
King Cane Corso is an industrious dog, and if you do not keep it busy, it will find its own work. If bored, it would chew up the furniture, dig holes, bark at passersby, and run around the fence.
Therefore, it’s essential to give your Cane Corso the exercise it needs. If you have a ranch or farm, you can use its help managing the livestock, but if you live in the city, a daily run around the block will do the trick. Besides this, you will need to get your pups involved in dog sports that involve tracking, obedience, nose work, dock diving, and agility.
What Can I Expect When Caring for A Cane Corso?
If you have just adopted a Cane Corso puppy or are thinking about cane Corso puppy adoption and want to know more about what it is like caring for them, continue reading.
Health
Generally, the Cane Corso is a healthy breed. However, it is prone to certain health conditions like any other breed. Keep in mind that not every Cane Corso would suffer from these diseases. But you must be aware of the following conditions before you make up your mind about getting a Cane Corso:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eyelid Abnormalities Like Cheery Eye, Ectropion, and Entropion
- Demodectic Mange
- Gastric Torsion (Bloating)
Cane Corso owners should keep an eye out for any symptoms that could lead to these health conditions. Moreover, owners should also get their mastiffs examined regularly and watch out for ear infections.
More importantly, when you go to get Cane Corso puppies for adoption, you must ask breeders to provide up-to-date health clearances that certify that the parents of the Cane Corso puppies are free from hip dysplasia and eye disease.
The clearances should include an eye exam conducted by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist along with an evaluation of the hips by the OFA. Head over to the Canine Health Information Center to confirm the health clearances.
No matter how healthy the Cane Corso puppies might be when you first bring them with you, you still have to be prepared for any issue that they might experience during their life. Consider a pet insurance plan to ensure that its veterinary needs are met.
Care
The next thing that you need to consider is to care. This breed requires plenty of physical activity to remain healthy. Therefore, you must take it for a jog or brisk walk and cover at least a mile twice a day, every day. If you are someone who enjoys cycling, you could even get an attachment for your dog to ensure that it can run with you.
If you are getting Cane Corso puppies, you need to go easy on them. Their musculoskeletal system does not fully develop until they are at least 18 months old. It means that you will need to talk about things at a slower and shorter pace.
To keep the pups mentally stimulated, you should prove them a job such as being involved in a dog sport, practicing obedience skills, learning tricks, and even herding livestock. You must spend a minimum of 20 minutes on these types of activities every day. We recommend breaking up the activities throughout the day.
The next thing you should know is that you cannot allow your Corso to run loose. Make sure to get a solid, secure fence or keep the dog on a leash when out and about.
In addition to the above, you also have to be ready to cover the large bills that come with owning this breed. There will be more poop to scoop, and neuter surgery would be more expensive. If your Corso requires surgery down the road, the cost of anesthesia would also be high as it would require a smaller dog.
When evaluating Cane Corso puppies’ price, you must factor in training class costs, entry fees for dog sports, boarding costs when away, and health-related costs. These costs will need to be borne for anywhere from 10 to 12 years.
Feeding
Cane Corso puppies require 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food daily. However, the amount of food your adult dog requires depends on its activity level, metabolism, build, age, and size. Make sure to feed high-quality food as it will help keep your dog nourished. You can feed it twice a day. It is a good idea to ask an expert about what to feed your Corso.
Grooming
Finally, grooming your Cane Corso is essential. It would have a short, light undercoat. The coat can either be fawn, red, gray, or black. You should know that its coat would shed twice a year heavily. A good vacuum cleaner is needed to keep your home clean. Make sure to accustom your Cane Corso puppies to bathing. Teach it the command “Bath” so that it knows what to do. Praise it to sweeten the deal.
Cane Corso owners also have to brush their dog’s teeth at least twice a week to remove bacteria and tartar buildup. However, it is best to ensure daily brushing to prevent bad breath and gum disease. Do trim its nail once a month to prevent any complications. Avoid cutting too far as dog toenails have blood vessels. Otherwise, they would start to bleed. Ask a vet to teach you how to properly trim dog nails.
Why Get Cane Corso Puppies?
There is no denying that Cane Corso is not an easy-going dog breed; they are a huge responsibility. However, the following reasons will encourage you to get some for your home.
1. They are Majestic Dogs
Cane Corso dogs are majestic creatures that look formidable. On the other hand, Cane Corso puppies are extremely cute especially fur-coated ones. Their double layer of fur coat makes them extra adorable.
2. They are Expressive
Cane Corso puppies are very expressive. Not only do they communicate with their own species, but also others. They display a variety of gestures when communicating.
3. They are Super-Fast
In case you do not know, a Cane Corso can run up to a speed of 32 miles an hour. It is quick and agile. Thus, it makes for the perfect guard dog.
4. They are very Intelligent
When it comes to intelligence, these pups are very smart. You can provide proper training to them to unleash their full potential.
5. They are Fiercely Loyal
The Cane Corso breed is famously protective and loyal; it is very affectionate to its owners and will protect them intensely.
How to Get a Cane Corso?
Have we convinced you to get a Cane Corso as your furry companion, but you don’t know how to get one? Don’t worry! We have got you covered. There are two ways to get your mastiff:
1. Get Cane Corso Puppies for Sale
The most popular way of getting a Cane Corso is to buy one. You can buy a Cane Corso puppy from a breeder or someone who has had a litter and is selling puppies. Cane Corso puppies’ price is on the expensive side, but make sure you are getting a purebred puppy.
Before purchasing puppies from a breeder, make sure that they are not following unethical breeding practices. We recommend adoption to buying anyway!
2. Get Cane Corso Puppies for Adoption
The best way to get a Cane Corso? Visit an animal shelter or dog rescue organization in your locality or online. You can also check online dog adoption pages as Cane Corso owners who have a litter are often putting up Cane Corso puppies for adoption.
Should You Get a Cane Corso?
Before getting a Cane Corso, ask yourself whether this breed is right for you? Often, dog owners end up leaving their loving Cane Corso’s back in the shelter because they are unable to handle their energetic disposition.
Ask yourself the following to help you make the decision:
- Cane Corsi (the plural of Cane Corso) need plenty of exercise every day. Do you have a fenced yard or a dog park nearby?
- Cane Corsi doesn’t mingle well with other animals. Do you have other pets, i.e., cats or dogs?
- Cane Corsi need constant supervision; someone must be present at home with them at all times. Can you manage that?
- Cane Corsi need a meat-heavy diet. Can you afford it?
- Cane Corsi need mental exercises or skill training to keep them stimulated. Can you commit to it?
Cane Corso – Fiercely Loyal Canine Friend
If you are looking for a breed that is fiercely loyal and has a long life, King Cane Corso is just for you. An athletic and majestic big dog, the Cane Corso will make a perfect companion to down lovers who enjoy an athletic lifestyle themselves.
Before adopting Cane Corso puppies, make sure you understand the responsibility that comes with raising a Cane Corso. It would be beyond unethical to get a beautiful dog and then leave it at the dog shelter.
If a low-maintenance dog breed is more suitable for you, then check out our detailed guide on the Pug breed.
