Cane Corso Dog Breed: Characteristics, Facts, and Names

Have you ever noticed that dog sitting beside the police van outside the shopping mall or the concert hall? I’m sure there have been times when you’ve sat wondering about the name of the dog breed. Doesn’t quite look like the usual labrador or the bull mastiff right? Do you know what those obedient and intimidating creatures are known as? Yes, you’ve got me right. Those are the Cane Corso.

They are highly trainable, disciplined and very loyal dogs which have derived its name from a Latin term which means guard dogs. Its large size and confident face are often misleading  Despite being a protective work dog, they are absolute softies at heart and love to please others.

Cane Corso Dog Breed Overview

cane corso dog breed overview

Group: Working
Size: Large ( 70-100kgs)
Lifespan: 9-12 years
Best Suited For: Families, guard dogs
Temperament: Calm, protective, energetic
Exercise Needs: High
Drooling Potential: High
Grooming Needs: Low
Similar Breeds: Italian Molosser, Neapolitan Mastiff

1. Basic Features

Cane Corso has a large, well-built body with strong muscles. They have a huge and remarkable head with two triangular erect ears, rectangular muzzle with hanging lips. Their eyes are set just above muzzle at the sides.

Although they have short hair, they have a double-layered coat. The inner coat sheds fur during the spring season. Apart from a few dewlaps near the neck the rest of the body has relatively firm skin.

2. Origin

cane corso history

It is believed that they are the descendants of Italian Molosser. Their presence was widely distributed in the southern part of Italy, especially in Basilicata, Campania, and Apulia.

Earlier, they were used to guard houses, property, cattle etc. After a major dip in its population in the late 70s, they gained back their popularity and is 50th most popular dog in the United States of America.

3. Personality

Cane Corso is a very disciplined and hardworking dog. Once groomed to socialize properly they are extremely good with children and families.

Very loyal and protective to its loved ones, it might get over possessive and territorial in nature. Although friendly to children and other animals they are initially a bit standoffish to strangers and always have them on their radar.

They are always at their master’s feet ready to get into action.

4. Behavior

The Cane Corso is more like a “ guardian dog” more than a guard dog. If there is anyone in the vicinity with a Cane Corso as a pet, you will always find the dog patrolling around the house like it is the owner of the house, irrespective of the age of the individual.

They are not quite welcoming towards other animals nor other individuals of the same species. They like to maintain their own boundaries and also expect others to respect it. Otherwise calm, these doggos get really agitated om seeing unknown faces or is immediately alerted on sensing trouble.

5. Trainability

Cane Corso is a very intelligent and obedient breed of dog, therefore, making them not such difficult students.

They also belong to that category who would try really hard to please their master which establishes them to be willing personalities.

A strict but loving master is all they need to be trained and socialized to guide them through their journey from puppyhood to adulthood. Proper upbringing could bring out the potential trustworthy partners in them.

6. Exercise Needs

cane corso playing fetch

Apart from usual walks around your house, down the lane, in the nearby park, swimming would be an amazing form of exercise for your sturdy doggo. Swimming on a regular basis tone the body muscles and promotes active blood circulation throughout the body.

Playing fetch is not only a physical but also acts as a form of emotional and mental stimulation for the dogs.

7. Dietary Needs

Adding good quality protein to your dog’s diet plan is essential. Being a big and working dog, a Cane Corso needs a lot of energy throughout the day. An average male Cane Corso weighing 90 pounds needs around 2100 calories per day.

A balanced diet consisting of adequate amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fats is necessary for making the foundation of a healthy body. Apart from meat by-products, one should also avoid buying commodities with artificial colors, flavors or preservatives for their pets. Sufficient amount of vegetables and vitamin-rich foods should also be included in the diet to promote better digestion and immunity against diseases.

8. Health Problems

cane coso pups

As our body ages, we tend to fall susceptible to many diseases, so does our pooches. This theory has been challenged by increasing pollution and other environmental factors that lead to an increasing rate of illnesses. Sometimes, it’s also caused by the lifestyle or heredity.

Some of the health concerns that disrupt the well being of these Canes are:

Orthopedic conditions- Being of a large stature and belonging to the working group a Cane Corso needs special care and attention towards their bones. As they grow up they tend to develop certain problems in their bones, Elbow dysplasia being one of the most common defects.

Bloating- Often caused due to the filling of the stomach with air can sometimes prove to be fatal. The accumulated air provides pressure on the other vital internal organs like the heart sometimes leading to cardiac arrest.

Demodectic Mange- Demodex mites are the key source of this skin infection which is found in most dogs but consider dogs with low immunity as good hosts. This leads to the formation of patches all over the body ultimately resulting in loss of hair.

9. Who should Adopt a Cane Corso?

Are you someone who wants a cute little, happy go lucky baby following you around the house? Then there is a bad news for you and by the end of this article, you obviously know the reason why.

These dogs also need a lot of space and are not that apartment friendly.

So if you feel that you could be that confident, assertive and loving master whom your puppy seeks for then go ahead and welcome your new family member home but make sure to receive it from a licensed breeder.

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