Before we start telling the story of the great Cane Corso, the descendant of dogs of Ancient Rome, let’s listen to Brutus, who’s drooling all its secrets away:
Hey there! I’m Brutus, the protective Corsi. Wanna train me into a good dog? Act firmly, and don’t skimp on the exercise.
I love to stretch my legs on long walks. It keeps me mentally sharp. Also, I’m a big softy at heart, so quality time and cuddles mean the world to me. Oh, and regular check-ups keep me in tip-top shape!
🐕 Brutus
Pay attention to his bark, backed by years of Cane Corso wisdom, and let’s go together on this journey!
Temperament & Personality
Well-matched to its appearance, the Cane Corso is a very confident and assertive dog. When it comes to strangers and new places, it becomes skeptical and alert and doesn’t know what to expect.
This might have to do with the fact that the Corsi is quite a territorial dog and likes to defend its surroundings. This is one of the reasons it was used as a herding dog.
Such an energetic dog requires regular exercise to maintain a calm and stable indoor temper.
To obtain a well-balanced adult Cane Corso, training must start early in life. As time goes by, from the moment it reaches puberty, at around 5-6 months old, the Corsi will become more dominant and harder to master. The training process is facilitated by its eagerness to learn, and natural intelligence.
Though it may seem a ferocious creature, the Corsi is actually a very affectionate dog. It forms lifelong bonds with the members of its family. But an important aspect is that the entire family must have a leadership attitude towards the dog because the Corso tends to be dominant and forget who’s the boss.
Though it may seem easy, not anyone can be a Corsi owner. A stressed dog with pent-up energy will exhibit unwelcomed behaviors. It gets bored easily and tends to become restless in search of something to do.
It may start chewing on things, and furniture, always in search of trouble. So, if you are considering a Cane Corso as your new family member, it’s best to think twice whether you’re prepared for such a dog.
In rare cases, it may even become aggressive towards the members of its household.
Compatibility with Kids & Other Pets
Such a dog, with a tremendous energy level, protective nature, and robust build requires attention when it is introduced to children or other house pets.
The introduction to kids and other animals must be done as early in puppyhood as possible so that the dog will learn how to behave around kids and other animals.
A Cane Corso that learns from puppyhood how to react around kids will be affectionate, gentle, and patient with them, even with smaller ones.
But first of all, the kids must be taught how to behave around this giant fellow and to respect its boundaries. This process must be gradual and requires a dedicated effort.
Don’t forget: always supervise your kids when playing with such a big dog, to ensure no (unwanted) accident occurs.
A well-behaved Cane Corso won’t hurt other animals if it’s taught to be gentle and assertive. But be sure to introduce it gradually and carefully to other housepets, especially smaller ones and cats.
It may achieve a temporary hunting instinct, because it’s attracted to the fast movements of other animals, and it might start chasing the cat around.
Physical Characteristics
The Cane Corso is a giant dog with a fearsome aspect. Its massive head has wrinkles on its forehead, that look like it’s permanently wondering about something. It’s a very expressive dog.
The big snout with floppy lips makes you think about what may fit in there. It almost constantly drools. The muzzle is relatively short, with a black nose and lips. Only the gray/blue colored dogs have dark gray noses and lips.
Its ears are usually medium-sized and droopy. Some owners opt for their ears to be surgically shortened, although this practice is forbidden in most countries.
It has a short, wide neck that was very appreciated in combat. The shorter, the harder to hit by spears and swords. The chest is wide and filled with muscles, resembling Roman athletes.
| Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Corso Male | 25-27.5 inches (63-70 cm) | 99-110 pounds (45-50 kg) |
| Adult Corso Female | 23.5-26 inches (60-66 cm) | 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg) |
A Corso puppy has a long tail, but some breeders surgically remove two-thirds of it, for aesthetic reasons. This practice is also forbidden in many countries.
Its coat is short, double-layered, and comes in several colors including black, red, fawn, brindle, and gray. When you opt for a specific coat color, you should pay attention to the fact that some coat colors tend to have a shorter life expectancy.
Studies have shown that black-colored Corsis have a longer life span.
Obedience, Trainability & Intelligence
Cane Corso isn’t always the most obedient dog in the traditional sense. Its independent nature may be sometimes mistaken for stubbornness. It also has a kind of slow-moving nature to it. A dog like this requires an experienced handler who knows this breed well and can guide it.
Training must start as a puppy, to facilitate this dog’s behavior modeling. As it gets older, it’s going to start trying to dominate its owner or trainer. Organizations like the American Kennel Club insist on the importance of firm, consistent, early training to harness these dogs’ protective instincts.
The Corsi must undergo obedience training that establishes the owner’s role as the pack leader and builds a bond based on trust and respect.
Corsis has a naturally protective attitude, making them excellent watchdogs. Training must focus on controlling the dog and teaching them to be vigilant without being overly aggressive.
Due to their size and strength, leash training is very important in making sure walks can be controlled. You wouldn’t want this big dog pulling you around when it sees a bird or a cat, right?
As we’ve said before, and we can’t stress this enough: an important behavioral aspect is that Corsis must be introduced early in life to various people, situations, animals, and new environments. This teaches the dog how to react to new situations and places.
The Corsi has a skeptical nature and tends to become hostile towards strangers, so this type of training will prevent its aggressive tendencies. New places they aren’t familiar with will make them anxious. And you surely wouldn’t want this big-sized dog to be anxious around you.
The Cane Corso is a highly intelligent dog and exhibits an advanced understanding of things. It can quickly pick up on commands, though if it doubts the trainer or owner’s judgment, it may not obey in an emergency, which does not indicate a lack of intelligence, but a lack of trust.
Research has shown that these dogs can anticipate their owner’s wishes solely by gestures or mimics. Well, isn’t that a fun fact?
Energy Level & Exercise Needs
A Cane Corso is a bomb of energy. Thus, it requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, to consume its strength. So, if you want to become a Corsi’s owner, you’ll have to commit to an active lifestyle.
Provide at least one hour a day for walks, jogs or even swimming, divided into morning and evening sessions. The Cane Corso loves long walks, discovering new places, and stretching its legs.
The Corsi puppies are little ticking bombs, pronouncedly vivacious. This will fade eventually as they get older. But even an adult Corsi will love a good play session. It also loves games that stimulate its body and mind, like hiding food, and puzzles.
You must be aware that a lack of sufficient stimulation and exercise will lead to undesirable behaviors, like aggressiveness, chewing on objects, not obeying commands, and even biting.
The games you’ll play with your Corso will also aid in behavioral development and channeling its energy. However, impulse control and training are crucial from an early age to ensure that play does not become overbearing.
Cane Corso Puppies
These puppies are bundles of joy, ready to take over your home and heart. They are calm and obedient, and have the eagerness to please.
Their native intelligence makes them easy to train, they understand quite quickly what the training requires. However, as they grow, they become more stubborn and try to gain leadership.
The period of adolescence is the most challenging stage when it comes to training and handling young Corsi. It has rapid growth and its brain isn’t mature enough. It’ll have the mind of a puppy trapped inside the body of an adult, so it’ll be extremely hard to handle. Just like my kid at 15 y/o.
As we’ve said, puppies benefit immensely if they are introduced early in life to various people, environments, and other dogs and animals to become well-balanced adults.
It is well known that some kennels breed Cane Corso puppies solely for color. While beautiful on the outside, these puppies are more prone to various health conditions than usual.
Lifespan, Health Issues & Nutrition
A Corsi has an average lifespan of 9-12 years. As with any other dog, its longevity is conditioned by factors such as genetics, nutrition, care, and health management.
Cane Corso is prone to several health problems, specific to its breed, such as:
- Hip Dysplasia, a genetic condition that is a hip joint deformity that occurs during growth. In time, it leads to pain, lameness, degeneration of the hip joint, or even osteoarthritis.
- Joint Problems which are very common in large breeds. The Cane Corso may develop elbow dysplasia or other joint issues, contributing to discomfort and mobility challenges.
- DSRA, or Dental Skeletal Retinal Anomaly, eventually leads to vision loss. As a new owner, you must know that your Corsi’s DNA should be tested as a pup.
- Obesity causes joint problems and increases the risk of other health issues including diabetes, respiratory problems, and heart conditions.
Early screening for breed-related diseases is important, as it can assist in identifying health problems before they escalate.
Nutrition and health go hand in hand up to one point. Meaning, you must feed your dog properly, so it doesn’t become obese and doesn’t favor certain health issues caused by gaining weight. Neutered adults have different energy needs, and must be fed with special diets that contain less protein.
Such a big, active dog has different energetic needs than a smaller one. To meet the nutritional demands of the Corsi, you have to provide your dog with a balanced combination of high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Fats help the Cane Corso maintain an optimal energy level and a healthy coat and skin, while carbohydrates offer energy and fiber helps with digestion.
A Cane Corso puppy has a fast-growing rate, so it requires more protein than adult dogs, for bone, joints, and muscle growth.
When you transition your dog’s food from puppy to adult, make sure the change is gradual, to avoid digestive upset. First, try mixing the puppy food with the adult one in equal proportions. The next day, add 10% of the adult food and remove 10% from the puppy food. Do this until your dog will eat only the adult specially formulated diet.
Adequate hydration is also very important. Because the Corsi drools a lot, it tends to dehydrate very easily, so provide your dog with fresh water at all times.
We recommend you use good, complete, and quality large-breed dog food.
You can always add fresh fruit and vegetables to your dog’s diet, such as apples, pears, cantaloupe, zucchini, celery, carrots and green peppers.
Grooming Needs
The Corsi has a dense coat, double-layered, but it isn’t very pretentious when it comes to grooming. A good regular brushing should do the trick, to remove dead hair and distribute natural skin oils evenly.
Unfortunately, the Corsi sheds all the time, and even more in spring, when it loses its denser winter coat. This is a big minus if you plan on keeping such a big dog in your apartment. You can use a wire brush or try a Furminator. These tools will make a big difference when it comes to the amount of hair the Corsi will leave behind.
Grooming can also help you detect any early signs of skin conditions, so don’t skimp on it.
Bathing your Corso will be an adventure, especially if you don’t have a bathtub. It’s not that easy to wash such a big pooch.
We recommend bathing only 3-4 times a year, because washing your dog too often will remove its natural skin oils. Thus, the skin will be forced to produce more sebum and your dog will end up with a foul smell. Remember to always use a shampoo specially formulated for dogs with short coats.
Don’t forget about nails; trimming must be done at least monthly to prevent overgrowth, which will eventually lead to discomfort or even difficulty walking.
Note: while grooming focuses on external care, overall health will impact the coat’s condition.
Adoption & Rescue Options
Before you start searching for a Corso, make sure this breed fits your lifestyle and home.
If you really want to buy a Cane Corso puppy, we strongly recommend searching for highly regarded Cane Corso kennels. They use responsible breeding practices to provide the best puppies.
An important aspect professional breeders take great care of is the lineage of the puppy, which must be thoroughly documented.
All their dogs should be (and usually are) evaluated using the PennHIP method, to assess the health of their hips. This is a very important aspect, as this large dog is prone to hip joint and other joint issues.
Adopting a Cane Corso from an animal shelter or rescue group can be a fulfilling experience, though. Such organizations focus on the well-being of the breed and facilitate the adoption process.
To get you started, have a look at these reputable locations where you can find your next Corso pup:
- https://canecorsorescue.org
- http://www.westcoastcanecorsorescue.org (but their Facebook is “livelier”)
- https://www.chewy.com/g/dog-cane-corso_ga1 (always a choice)
Adopting a neglected or abandoned dog will change your life, we promise you.
Many rescue organizations often provide support after the adoption process has ended, to ensure the dog’s smooth transition into its new home. They provide neutered, vaccinated, and usually microchipped dogs.
If you are open to the idea of a Cane Corso mix, you can find online platforms that can connect potential adopters with mixed breeds in need of homes.
Cane Corso requires committed guardians who understand this breed’s needs.
Cost of Ownership
When considering the ownership of a Cane Corso, you must prepare for significant financial commitment. The initial purchase price is just the beginning; ongoing expenses include nutrition, health, and other essentials for a well-maintained dog.
Puppies with pedigrees from renowned kennels are more expensive. Responsible breeders invest significantly in the quality and health of their litter, which is reflected in the purchase price. Special preferences for certain bloodlines and coloration might increase cost.
When you bring your puppy home, it will need some toys and a crate, if you don’t want to share your bed or couch. Be careful to take your youngster to the vet, for a quick check-up.
Some breeders microchip and deworm their litter, but consider you may have to pay for it. Some puppies might be already vaccinated with the first dose of the core vaccine by the time they’re sold.
Consider other vaccines, deworming, preventive medication for external parasites, vitamins, and other supplements.
Given its large size, a Corsi will eat a lot, especially if it’s an adult. So prepare to add quality food to your budget. Don’t forget about treats and chewable leather bones.
Regarding future medical care, ask your vet about pet insurance, to offset potential high veterinary costs.
Training costs will also be added. Be sure to find a suitable trainer who knows how to work with Cane Corsos. It needs a firm, steady hand and lots of patience.
Preparing Your Home
Before a Cane Corso joins the family, you must ensure a safe and welcoming environment. As a powerful breed, establishing a secure space is essential for the safety of both the puppy and your other family members or pets.
A Corsi will take advantage of any possibility and escape the yard if it has the chance. Keep in mind that the adult Cane Corso is capable of knocking down a loose fence. So, you need an enclosed space with a sturdy fence to prevent any escape attempts and to provide a safe area for the dog.
Make sure to remove or secure loose cables, toxic plants, household cleaners, and small objects that a curious dog, whether it’s a puppy or an adult, might ingest.
If you have adopted a puppy, it needs a comfortable bed to sleep away from the crowded and noisy areas of the house. When it arrives home, be sure to show the puppy the specific spot for its food and water bowls.
Don’t forget its toilet; try using pet pads set up in a remote area, away from the feeding space, to teach the puppy to use its “bathroom”. Consistency is the key: show it where it’s supposed to use the toilet, by putting pet pads in that specific corner.
Some pads have substances that mimic the urine odor, stimulating the puppy to pee in the designated spot. Usually, it takes about 3-4 weeks until the puppy learns to pee and poo in the right space.
Teach all family members how to interact safely and confidently with the new member, emphasizing gentle handling and understanding the Cane Corso’s temper.
Interesting Facts & Quirks
The “Cane Corso” name of the breed is derived from Latin and it can be translated as ‘bodyguard-dog’.
When someone they love is present or vulnerable in any way, the Corsi goes into guard mode. No one can come any closer.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, a longer lifespan of the Corsi is related to black coloring. Research has shown that black Cane Corsos live longer than other colors.
The Corsi is a very vocal breed, especially when it gets bored. It can snort, snuffle, howl, growl, and it even makes a “roo-roo” sound, somewhere in between barking and singing.
They’d rather be put to work than sit around doing nothing.
Cane Corso Names
A proper name for your dog might combine the breed’s imposing presence and noble temper. Some of the most popular names for Cane Corso include Maximus and Luna, for their imposing character.
You might prefer names rooted in Italian culture, such as Brutus, Caesar, Tiberius, or Lucius. Particularly fitting are names that mirror Cane Corso’s temper, like King and Queen, which signify leadership. Or Storm, reflecting its intense and focused nature.
If you prefer unique names with meaning, a name like Alessia, which means “defending warrior”, can be very appropriate for a female. Viggo, translated to “war”, could be an excellent match for a male.
No matter what name you choose for your Corso, think about the individual dog’s personality and how it might grow into its name.
Breed History & Origin
Their name comes from the Latin “Cohors” which means “guardian” or “protector”.
The Cane Corso is deeply anchored in history, with its origins tracing back to ancient Rome where it served as a guardian and war dog. These powerful canines are descendants of the Molossus breed and were prized for their versatility in roles such as hunting and guarding livestock.
The Mollosus became famous when Alexander the Great used these dogs in his attempt to conquer every kingdom and nation between Egypt and India from 336 B.C. until he died in 323 B.C.
Throughout history, this breed faced challenges, particularly around the time of the World Wars when their numbers decreased significantly.
The breed saw near extinction, in the mid-20th century. Between 1970-1980, in Sicily, efforts began to revive the breed. The pups were called “Sicillian Branchiero”.
They were later imported to the US as the breed you know now.
