Cane Corso is pronounced as ‘kah-naye’ ‘Kor-so’. This wonderful breed makes an excellent family pet for he is keen, intelligent, loyal and a great companion to kids and adults. Want to know more about this guardian protector breed? Read on for details about their temperament, training, colors and much more.
Interesting facts
- The word Cane Corso literally means guard dog.
- This Mastiff type breed is derived from the Roman Molossian – a large, now extinct dog breed.
Size, weight and colors
Size – Males: 64 cm to 68 cm or 25.1 to 26.8 inches. Females: 60-64 cm or 23.6 to 25.19 inches.
Weight – Males: 45-50 kilos or up to 110 lbs. Females: 40-45 kilos or up to 99 lb.
Colors – This breed comes in interesting colors like black, light and dark grey, light and dark fawn and red.
Where to find a Cane Corso
The best places to look for reputed and knowledgeable Cane Corso breeders include the official website of the Cane Corso Club. Once you find a reliable place, you will need to choose between getting a puppy or an adult dog. Adopting is also a good option. When you go for a fully developed adult Corso, you can bypass some of the puppyhood teething problems. However, an adult dog may not be trained and shaping its behavior and traits could be problematic. Genuine professional breeders will screen your Cane Corsi’s eyes and for hip problems. So a Cane Corso puppy adopted from a legitimate breeder will come with a health certificate. When you get your Cane Corso puppy from a reputed breeder who is willing to share information about the bloodlines etc, then you can expect to shell out anywhere between $1500 to $4000 for it. Raising a Cane Corso is also pretty expensive-you might have to spend at least $100 per month in food, medicines and vet bills etc and that is an estimate on the lower side.
Training
- The Cane Corso is a dominant breed, so take care that you start training your puppy from a young age to establish its position in the family. Crate training, lead training and proper socialization are very important for your Corso.
- With proper conditioning, he can be a great companion to your children.
Temperament
- This is a breed with a gentle vibe.
- Some common adjectives used to describe the Corso include attentive, noble, responsive, and powerful.
- They are active fun loving dogs who adore their family.
- This is a balanced dog breed- they will bark a lot if they see something or someone that does not belong in its territory but once their owner gives them the OK, they are more than willing to make friends.
- Get the Corso if you have ample space- this breed loves to run and has a proclivity to roaming.
- They simply do not like a life of inactivity, so although they are not disobedient, their owners can definitely expect a wakeup call early morning should they be lax in taking them for walks.
- Pet parents looking for a good strong partnership with their pet can expect great bonding with this breed.
Grooming
This is a low maintenance breed. They do not shed too much so light grooming of the coat is generally sufficient. A monthly bath and once-a-week quick wipe down with damp cloth followed by occasional once over with a soft bristled brush is generally all the coat-care your Corso needs.
Health issues in Cane Corso dogs
Cane Corsi tend to live up to 12 years. A simple blood and urine test after 5 years of age can catch many health issues before they become serious. If you keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, you can expect fewer health problems in your aging Corso. A pet with joint issues or hip dysplasia will need lot of care and attention as this health condition can lead to aggression in older Corsi. Another common health problem in this breed is the cherry eye which can lead to serious vision related complications. Feeding small and frequent meals per day is best for this breed as it is prone to bloating.