Is the Cane Corso a good family dog?
Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are powerful and energetic large-sized dogs with a somewhat intimidating appearance and a protective nature. With an even temperament, they are mostly gentle and affectionate with their humans and eager to please them. Smart, assertive and confident, they are best suited to experienced owners and to large, rural properties on which they can run around.
| Recommended for | Active singles & families (not recommended for novice or timid owners) |
| Breed Classification | Working group |
| Other names | Italian Mastiff (plural Cani Corsi) |
| Lifespan | 10-11 years |
| Size | Large |
| Temperament | Well-rounded, independent, affectionate |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to bark | Medium |
| Maintenance Level | High |
| Health Risk | This breed has a higher than average probability of developing health issues during its lifetime, hence the cost to insure is above average. |
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Cane Corso personality and temperament
The Cane Corso has a very good reputation for having an even temperament. They are generally gentle animals that show a great deal of affection, although they are very protective of their owners and can display some aggression when provoked.
A very loyal breed, Cane Corsi are keen to please their humans and very happy to play. Their long history as an all-purpose companion dog has made them extremely fond of human contact.
They are also highly independent, inquisitive, assertive and wilful, which means they can be too much for a novice owner to manage. Some Cane Corsi have a strong prey drive, which needs to be well managed through a capable handler. While Cane Corsi can be dominant and protective, early socialisation and training will help ensure that they grow into well-adjusted, well-behaved adults.
This breed will be happiest when having lots of space to run around and isn’t well-suited to city living.
Cane Corsos with kids and other pets
Cane Corsi are generally very patient with young children. However, as powerful, large-sized dogs they can accidently harm small children, so are not the best choice for families with very young kids. Hence they are more suited to families with older kids.
When it comes to other dogs, they may show aggression towards those of the same sex. If they are well-socialised with other dogs from a young age, this is less likely to occur.
As they are territorial dogs with a moderate prey drive, they will need to be well-socialised with cats and other pets from puppyhood in order to co-exist peacefully with them.
Cane Corso training and exercise
Cane Corsi need serious exercise and they make great companions on long walks, hikes, runs or bicycle rides. Many Cane Corsi compete in dog sports such as agility, obedience, dock diving, protection sport, and tracking events.
The Cane Corso was bred to work and is happiest when given a job to do. If they are not given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, undesirable behaviour will most likely result.
Early, consistent training from a young age is essential for the Cane Corso. Intelligent and eager to please, they are generally easy to train, and tend to respond to love and rewards far better than to harsh training methods. However, they do need a firm, strong human pack leader to control their stubborn independence.
Early socialisation and puppy training classes are especially recommended for breeds as big and strong as the Cane Corso. Obedience training will keep them from becoming the boss in the household. while socialisation as a puppy is a must curb aggression.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | High |
Common health issues for Cane Corsos
What do Cane Corso owners claim for the most?
- Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary condition and common in many breeds where the hip doesn’t develop as it should, often resulting in prolonged limping and eventually lameness in later life. The Cane Corso is very susceptible to this condition.
- Epilepsy is a common condition in a number of breeds and is occurs very often in the Cane Corso. If your dog suffers sudden and recurrent seizures, see your veterinarian immediately for an assessment.
- Gastric volvulus or ‘bloat’ is a very serious condition that affects many breeds of dog. The stomach fills with gas and can twist, causing a great deal of pain and, if not treated, death. Symptoms can include lethargy and groaning and retching without vomiting. This condition is common in the Cane Corso and, if symptoms are observed, see your vet for immediate assistance.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Cane Corso
When comparing cover for your Cane Corso, look for:
Cover for common Cane Corso conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Cane Corsos can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Cane Corso, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Cane Corso and your budget.
Cane Corso feeding and nutrition
The Cane Corso should do well on a high-quality dog food that is appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), size and activity level.
To prevent over-weight or obesity, monitor the Cane Corso’s calorie consumption and weight level regularly. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause weight gain.
Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Cane Corso care and grooming
The Cane Corso’s short, double-layered coat sheds lightly year round and more heavily once per year. Weekly brushing (daily during shedding season) with a medium-bristle brush, grooming mitt or glove will remove the dead hair and help keep the coat shining and healthy.
A low maintenance breed, the Cane Corso only requires bathing around every six weeks, unless the dog gets particularly dirty.
Size, appearance and coat of Cane Corsos
The Cane Corso is a large-sized dog with a muscular, strong, heavy-set and athletic appearance.
Their imposing size, large head and alert expression give the impression of an intimidating creature, easily keeping potential intruders at bay.
Their impressive facial expressions will tell you exactly what they feel and express their current moods.
Born with floppy ears, ear cropping is frequently performed on the breed during puppyhood.
| Weight range | 45 to 50 kg |
| Height range | 64 to 68 cm |
| Colours | A variety of colours, including black, brindle, grey and black |
| Coat length | Short |
Breed history of Cane Corsos
The history of the Cane Corso dates back to the ancient Romans and the name translates roughly from Latin as ‘bodyguard dog’. At the height of the Roman Empire’s power, the legions that subdued and occupied the Greek islands brought Mollosers back to Italy and bred them to native Italian breeds such as the Neapolitan Mastiff. These dogs were employed as guard dogs and working dogs, as well as war dogs going on on campaigns and fighting dogs used for sport in the arena.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Cane Corso continued to be used as a working dog, performing jobs such as wild boar hunting, farming, livestock droving, and most famously, guarding farmsteads and henhouses. The breed remained especially popular in the south of Italy where life was particularly tough and trusted resources were highly valuable.
With the implementation of mechanised farming and the widespread availability of the firearm into the 1800’s and 1900’s, the practical uses for the Cane Corso diminished and the keeping of such a large animal became less economical. By the mid 1900’s the breed was in a perilous situation. In the 1970’s the situation was at its most dire for the Cane Corso until, with the help of a number of Italian dog lovers, a concerted effort was made to revive this favoured breed of their ancestors.
In 1983 the Society Amorati Cane Corso (Society of Cane Corso Lovers) was formed, and by the following decade Cane Corsi were being exhibited in European dog shows. However, the Cane Corso wasn’t recognised on an international level until November 1996 and even now there is not a lot of information for breeders and owners outside of Italy.
Explore related breeds
Cane Corso facts!
- The Cane Corso was around when the Romans ruled the most of the known world. They were bred for hunting, fighting other dogs for sport and fighting men in battle.
- Roman Cane Corsos would often appear in the arenas for blood sport. They were often used to fight gladiators along with other ferocious animals like lions and bears.
- The breed almost went extinct in the middle of the 20th Century. There were as few as thirty known examples of the Cane Corso after the Second World War.
Summary
The Cane Corso is a large, powerful and energetic dog with a confident, protective nature. Although imposing in appearance, it can be gentle, affectionate and eager to please with its family.
Intelligent, assertive and independent, the Cane Corso is best suited to experienced owners who can provide early socialisation, training and clear guidance. Its size, strength and guarding instincts make careful management and regular exercise essential.
FAQs about the Cane Corso
They can be deeply loyal family companions in experienced homes, but early socialisation and consistent training are essential because of their size, strength or guarding instincts.
High. They need plenty of daily exercise, including walks, active play and mental stimulation, with opportunities for more vigorous activity where appropriate.
They are intelligent but can be independent or strong-willed, so patient, consistent reward-based training and early socialisation are important.
They are generally low to moderate or moderate barkers, although barking can increase with boredom, excitement, anxiety or unfamiliar activity.
Yes. They generally shed a low to moderate or moderate amount and benefit from routine brushing.
They are generally better suited to homes with more space because of their size, energy level or working and guarding instincts, although individual circumstances vary.
They can live successfully with children and other pets when carefully socialised, but their size and protective instincts mean supervision and thoughtful introductions are essential.
Potential health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus, eyelid disorders and heart disease.
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