The Cane Corso is a vast, loving, and powerful dog. They are part of the Mastiff breed and have some of their traits. They are speedy, energetic, and very protective. They respond well to training and can be great companions.
The Cane Corso breed originated in Italy. They were bred to hunt, look after property and help around the farm by guarding sheep and cattle. The name ‘Cane Corso’ translates to ‘bodyguard-dog.’
Size and appearance
Males are 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh 99 to 110 pounds; females are 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 88 to 99 pounds. Males are more significant than females. They are muscular and strong with giant heads. They have a short, firm coat in varying shades of black, fawn, and red.
Nature and characteristics
These dogs are vigilant and highly manageable since they respond well to training. They need a competent and assertive owner who can consistently guide them. Experience is necessary to handle this breed.
Cane Corsi are obedient and loving towards their family, but only if appropriately trained and well socialized. Otherwise, they can become quite violent and unable to differentiate between friends and enemies. Being consistent with a Cane Corso is crucial for their development. They have a protective and dominant nature, so they are not immediately friendly with everyone they meet.
Diet and exercise
They are highly active, so they eat a lot of food, most likely 4 to 5 cups of dry food each day. A proper diet should be maintained to prevent obesity.
This breed is not one to laze around. Cane Corsi are known as working dogs, and they require sufficient exercise to stay healthy. They are very active and should be taken for a jog or walk for a mile, every morning and evening at the least. However, Cane Corso puppies should be born for shorter walks.
They also need mental stimulation. The dog can be given jobs like learning skills, dog sports, herding livestock, and obeying orders.
So, they are not best suited for apartment life.
Health
Cane Corsi are primarily healthy, but they are likely to develop some common health problems, which are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eyelid abnormalities such as ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye
- Mange
- Gastric torsion or bloat
They live for 10 to 12 years.
Grooming
Cane Corso has a firm, short coat so brushing it in a week is enough. However, they shed their skin twice, yearly. Bathe them regularly and brush their teeth daily to avoid bacteria, bad breath, and gum diseases. Clean their ears once per week. Please pay attention to any infection or rashes on their body while grooming them. Also, please pay special attention to their eyes since Cane Corsi is prone to developing eye infections.
No matter how loving they are, they should never be left alone with children. Since yelling and loud noises might trigger their protective nature and they can consider the children as threats. With adequate training and care, they will become your best companion.
