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Cane Corso owners will always feel safe with this gentle giant by their side! This fiercely loyal dog is a natural protector and will always keep a watchful eye over his family. Despite his huge size, the Cane Corso is actually a big sweetheart with a heart of gold. If trained properly, this big breed can be the perfect pet for small children.
Breed Overview
Height:
23–28 inches
Weight:
88–110 pounds
Lifespan:
10–12 years
Colors:
Fawn, black, blue, chestnut brindle, grey, red, black brindle
Suitable for:
Active families, couples, singles
Temperament:
Even-tempered, quiet, reserved, intelligent, protective, stable, loyal, and loving
While the Cane Corso might make you feel tough, this powerful dog isn’t for everyone. He requires an experienced owner who is ready to put in the time and effort to correctly train and socialize this monstrous dog. If you’re thinking about adding a Cane Corso to your household, here is your complete guide to this colossal canine.
Cane Corso Characteristics
Cane Corso Puppies
The Cane Corso is an adorable dog that will later turn into a gentle giant with an energetic, social, and lovable personality. They are good for training and will be very protective by instinct.
If you’re looking for an intelligent and protective dog, the Cane Corso is an amazing pet for you. They love to have something to do, so it’s important to give them a dog to keep them mentally stimulated and avoid boredom. They also might do better as the only dog in your home. If you welcome a Cane Corso puppy into your home, it’ll be an unforgettable and fun experience for all.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a highly intelligent dog that is extremely loyal and loving to his family. With that being said, this dog needs an experienced, consistent, and confident owner that will efficiently train and socialize this dog. Because of his massive size, the Cane Corso can easily injure his owner or a complete stranger. He can even be prone to bouts of aggression. Firm leadership is necessary for this breed. But that does not mean hitting your pet. The Cane Corso is also extremely sensitive and can easily comprehend the tone of your voice. Positive reinforcement training works best with this breed.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Cane Corso makes a good family pet for active families with older children. Because of his large size, this dog can accidentally injure smaller children during playtime. Early training and socialization are imperative for the Cane Corso. Training should start well before the dog is four months old. It is critical that you teach your Cane Corso who is the top dog (you!) from the get-go. Because this breed is prone to stubbornness and aggression, consistent training is key. You need to be an assertive pet parent with a Cane Corso in order to be a true power couple.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
If socialized early, the Cane Corso will get along with other pets. However, we recommend that the Cane Corso is the only pet in your household. He can easily injure smaller dogs or pets because of his large size. If you do bring a Cane Corso into a multi-pet household, always keep a close eye on your animals whenever they are interacting.
Things to Know When Owning a Cane Corso:
In order for your Cane Corso to live his best life, you’ll need to provide him with the required essentials such as a high-quality diet and plenty of attention and exercise.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Cane Corso will need a top-notch kibble that accommodates his size, activity level, and age. Always consult with your vet about the best formula for your pet. High-protein, meat-based, large-breed dog food is best for the Cane Corso. Feed your pet four to five cups of kibble divided into two meals per day.
Exercise 🐕
Cane Corsos are fairly active dogs that are known for their speed and agility. However, because of their size, they cannot comfortably zoom around the inside of your house all day long. The Cane Corso will need plenty of playtime outdoors or to be taken for long walks. Aim to walk your dog for about a mile or two every day.
Since he is a working dog, a Cane Corso will need mental stimulation in addition to his daily exercise. Enrolling your dog in a weekly obedience class won’t just teach him proper manners but will also keep him actively engaged. While you’re at work or away from home, provide your Cane Corso with numerous interactive toys, such as a puppy puzzle, to keep his mind occupied.
Training 🎾
Ongoing training is imperative for this breed. The Cane Corso can easily overtake you and having a properly trained dog is critical for your safety and the safety of others. Positive reinforcement training works best for this smart and sensitive breed. The Cane Corso can be stubborn, so plenty of patience is required during your training sessions. Help your Cane Corso develop confidence by socializing him from the start with other people and dogs. Take him for long walks where he can meet new faces or consider enrolling him in a puppy class. Socialization and training is a lifelong commitment for the Cane Corso. It doesn’t stop at puppyhood.
Grooming ✂️
Cane Corsos have short fur and don’t require daily grooming. Bathe your dog biweekly. Brush his teeth daily. Clip his nails and clean his ears as needed.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Cane Corso is a relatively hardy breed. However, he is prone to certain health conditions. Routine vet visits, a quality diet, and plenty of exercise can all combat health issues.
Male vs Female
Male Cane Corsos are larger than females and can be more aggressive if not properly trained and socialized.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Cane Corso
1. They Will Protect You From a Lion
Cane Corsos have been around for nearly 1,000 years. Originally developed as guard dogs, the Romans used this breed to fend off lions.
2. The Cane Corso’s Lifespan May Be Related to His Coat Color
A recent study explored the lifespan of Cane Corsos based on their coat colors. It was found that black Cane Corsos lived longer than ones with light-colored fur.
3. They Always Need a Job to Do
The Cane Corso is a working breed. He’s easily prone to boredom if he doesn’t have a task to work on. So give your dog a job.
Final Thoughts
The Cane Corso is a large, loyal, and loving dog that is best suited for experienced dog owners. This isn’t a “starter” breed. This dog requires ongoing socialization and training. Additionally, he will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The Cane Corso does best as the only pet in the household.
If you’re looking for a gentle giant to add to your family, consider a Cane Corso today!
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Featured Image Credit: Stivog, Shutterstock
