Cane Corso

The Perfect Owner & Home

“The Cane Corso is absolutely not a good dog for a first time owner,” says Michael Ertaskiran, President of the Cane Corso AKC Parent Club, US breed historian, and member of the Judges Education Committee.

“Like owning any large, dominant breed, it takes people that understand them. Many people don’t realize what they’re getting themselves into. I get in trouble from breeders when I say this, but it’s the truth.”

If you do your homework and are ready to own a Cane Corso, you will find that the dog is extremely adaptable, and will develop a profound attachment to his owner. Older children who are confident and unafraid of large dogs will be best suited for the breed. 

“They don’t require a yard, but a Cane Corso will suffer if left in one without his people, which could lead to some separation anxiety issues,” says Ertaskiran. “They’re happiest when with their family, and they want to be challenged and mentally stimulated. A squirrel going by every few hours isn’t going to cut it.”

Lisa Peterson, AKC Director of Communications, urges potential dog owners to research the breeds before taking a dog home.  “Each person has their own activity level, needs and desires, so you have to do your homework to make sure that the breed you’re picking fits your lifestyle.”

For tips on how to be a responsible dog owner, visit the AKC's site.

Appearance & Grooming

Appearance

Size: 23½ to 27½ inches tall at the shoulder

The Cane Corso’s head is twice its length, so it’ll be the first thing you notice. According to the AKC standard, the acceptable colors are black, lighter and darker shades of gray, lighter and darker shades of fawn, and red. Brindling is allowed on all of these colors.

“The Cane Corso is the linebacker of the dog world,” says Ertaskiran.  “It is heavily boned and substantial enough to take on a Wildebeest, but is agile and fast enough to catch a gazelle.”

The breed's coat is short, thick, and very coarse like the coat of a cow, in order to be perfectly waterproof.  Expect the dog to blow its coat twice a year, otherwise brush sporadically.  Its ears are cropped at 8 weeks.

Weight:  120 pounds 

Grooming

Grooming Difficulty:  **

Cost of Grooming:  ***

Wendy Weinand, Petco’s National Grooming Operations Specialist, estimates the cost for grooming the Cane Corso to be between $45-$55, depending on the dog’s size, and even slightly more if the dog is very large. This includes a bath, nails, and ear cleaning.

Personality, Temperament, & Exercise Needs

Puppy Exercise and Playtime Needs:  **

Adult Exercise and Playtime Needs:  **

Who is the Cane Corso at a party?  “He’s furniture. He’s just there. You could put a lampshade on him,” says Ertaskiran.  “He shouldn’t be aggressive or out of control, but he shouldn’t be hiding or looking to get away. However, if there’s need to take action, he instinctively takes the appropriate steps to control the situation but does not go beyond that.”

Ertaskiran does not recommend a lot of exercise for a large dog breed that’s not yet fully grown, but long walks are fine. Once grown, the dog is extremely adaptable. 

“My Cane Corso, Keno, comes running with me, and he’s just right there with me," he says. "I had to get a bike to challenge him. Having said that, he’s also perfectly happy to be a couch potato.  And, he’s so intelligent, I can train him to get me the remote.”

Socialization & Training Needs

Training Difficulty: **

Housetraining Difficulty: **

The Cane Corso is an extremely intelligent, perceptive, and easily trainable breed when in capable hands. However, the importance of socializing the breed can’t be stressed enough.  The more experiences the breed is exposed to, the more it will help them discern how to react in even simple situations.  Without this knowledge base, the dog might become fearful or aggressive, which is a worse case scenario when owning a large, dominant breed.

Health Concerns

Life Expectancy: 8-12 years

The following has been seen in the Cane Corso:

• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat
• Eyes issues
• Heart issues
• Mange   
• Epilepsy

As a large breed, Dr. Hohenhaus also suggests keeping an eye on bone cancer.

All dogs should have an annual exam, but owners may want to seek out a specialist if they know their dog is prone to a particular disease.  There may be preventative procedures to conduct early on in the dog’s life.

“The breed yields a high price tag, so it’s especially important to watch out for flashy Web sites and inexperienced breeders who talk a good game,” cautions Ertaskiran.

Owner's Guide compiled by Gail Eisenberg