Skip to content 
Cane Corso Dog Breed Introduction
Cane Corso (also known as Cane Corso Italiano) is a Mastiff dog breed that originated from Italy. It is well-muscled and closely related to Neapolitan Mastiff, although it is less bulky than other mastiff breeds. Cane Corsos have an imposing appearance that is their line of defense against intruders. Initially bred as war dogs, hunting large game, and herding cattle dogs, Cane Corsos are now used as companion dogs, guardian dogs, or for protecting livestock.
If properly socialized and raised along with kids and other pets, Cane Corsos can get along well with them. However, due to their imposing size and power when they are fully grown makes them unsuitable for a household with very small breed dogs or young children.
Children should always be supervised while playing with a Cane Corso. Older kids should be taught to treat Corsos with respect and avoid rambunctious play. Before getting a Cane Corso, ensure that older children(from the age of 8 years) and other family members are comfortable sharing space with a mastiff dog.
This breed doesn’t make a good fit for inexperienced and dormant pet parents since they should have a solid background in dog behavior, training, laws of learning, and general knowledge of canines in order to raise properly mannered Corsos.
Cane Corso History | Origin
The progenitors of Cane Corsos were offspring crosses of Roman war dogs and native Italian breeds. The word Cane Corso loosely translates from Latin to English as Bodyguard dog. The ancestors of these breed were used as dogs of conquest who earned their title as fearless dogs that charged enemy lines with buckets of flaming oil strapped on their backs. It is generally assumed that their progenitors were bigger and more lumbering dogs as compared to modern Cane Corsos that possess a sleeker version.
During the 5th century, the Western Empire dissolved leaving Italian legions and their dogs jobless. Therefore, Cane Corsos adapted to civilian jobs like large game hunting, farming, guarding henhouses and farmsteads, and driving livestock. For centuries, these dogs were distributed throughout the Italian Peninsula. However, after the collapse of share-cropping and mezzadria system in the 1960s, the numbers of Cane Corsos greatly reduced to the point of becoming extinct.
Fortunately, Italian fanciers banded together in the 1970s to revive this breed through selective breeding. The Society of Cane Corso Lovers(Society Amorati Cane Corso) was formed in 1983. A decade later, Cane Corsos were being exhibited in European dog shows. FCI(Federation Cynologique Internationale ) recognized this breed in 1996. The first litter of Cane Corso was imported in the USA in 1988 by Michael Sottile. The second litter followed in 1989. AKC recognized this breed in 2010.
Cane Corso Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Cane Corso is 9 to 12 years according to AKC. However, majority dogs of these breed have been listed to have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Cane Corso Lifespan By Color
According to a 2017 research study of 232 Cane Corsos from 25 countries, it was discovered that the average lifespan is 9.3 years varying with different coat colors.
- Gray Brindle dogs had an average lifespan of 9.8 years.
- Pure Black dogs had an average life expectancy of 9 years.
- Black Brindle dogs had an average lifespan of 10.3 years.
- Brindle dogs had an average life expectancy of 10.1 years.
- Fawn colored dogs had a lifespan of 9 years.
- Gray coated dogs had an average life expectancy of 9 years and the other colors of dogs that are not mentioned.
Cane Corso Lifespan Male
According to a 2017 study, Male Cane Corsos have an average lifespan of 9.25 years.
Cane Corso Lifespan Female
Female Cane Corsos have a lifespan of 9.33 years according to the 2017 study of 232 dogs.
Blue Cane Corso Lifespan
Gray coated Cane Corso is also referred to as Blue Cane Corso. Therefore, it has an average lifespan of 9 years.
Cane Corso Grooming | Grooming Tips | Coat Care
A Cane Corso has a double-coated short coat that sheds all-year round. Regular brushing at least once a week will keep the coat looking glossy and healthy. Heavy shedding is also experienced during seasonal change once or twice a year.
During the heavy shedding season, brush the coat daily using a hound glove, medium bristled brush, or a rubber grooming mitt to remove dead hair, promote new hair growth, and naturally distribute the oils present on the coat.
Cane Corsos need to bathe with a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner once every 6 to 8 weeks unless it rolls in something stinky. Remember to wipe the face with a damp washcloth at least twice a week. Clip the nails once a month if the nails don’t worn out naturally. Overly grown nails make walking and running painful for your pooch.
Brush the teeth of a Cane Corso twice a week if not daily using a tasty canine toothpaste and finger toothbrush. On a weekly basis, wipe the ears with cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution to remove excess dirt, wax, or debris.
Cane Corso Shedding | Shedding Level | Shedding Season | Shedding A Lot
This mastiff dog sheds all-year round at low to moderate levels depending on the climate that the dog lives in. However, Cane Corsos sheds a lot or simply described like crazy once or twice a year during the shedding season in Spring and/or Fall. During the heavy shedding season, daily brushing is key in confining the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house.
Cane Corso Coat | Coat Type
Cane Corsos have a stiff, shiny, and double-layered coat that has a topcoat and an undercoat. The coat is short even though the length of the hair depends on the climate that the pooch lives in. The undercoat is also light and becomes dense during the cold season.
Cane Corso Hypoallergenic
Although a Cane Corso has a smooth and short hairs that shed at low to moderate levels, they are not hypoallergenic. This is because shedding allows dander and hair to spread around the house. Furthermore, it is easy for short hairs to weave easily in the fabrics, furniture, and carpet. Dog experts also argue there is no breed of dog that is totally hypoallergenic.
Apart from dander and hair, dog’s saliva, urine, and mucus also have a protein allergen that cause inflammation in people affected by dog allergies. A Cane Corso is also prone to drooling particularly after drinking or when food is anticipated spreading saliva on the surface. Therefore not ideal for people who suffer from dog allergies.
Cane Corso Training Tips | Training
It is easy for pet parents to get carried away with squishy puppy face, floppy ears, and wrinkly bodies of a Cane Corso puppy. Although, don’t let all that cuteness fool you. This breed quickly grows into a very powerful and large dog. Naturally, dogs of this breed can be protective and dominant. In order to raise a well-behaved and adjusted Cane Corso, puppy training and socialization is a must do. Obedience training is also essential in inhibiting Corsos from becoming the boss of the household.
The age of 2 to 13 weeks is a sensitive learning period for a pooch. This is because things learned tend to stick with the dog throughout its life as compared with any other age. When you bring a pup home from the age of 8 weeks, start socialization immediately. This training starts when the pup is still with the breeder from the age of 3 weeks. Critical socialization period will last until the age of 16 weeks.
Introduce your dog to new animals, people, experiences, sights, smells, and sounds such as sirens, whistles, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and washing machine. This will help to eliminate fearful response to new situations, people, and animals. The best way to approach socialization is through repeated and regular exposure while creating positive associations with fun, praise, and treats.
A well-socialized Cane Corso is able to discern a situation that requires a response. Puppy classes also serve as a form of socialization and helps dog owners to identify and correct bad habits like exhibiting obvious dominant behaviors like snapping or growling when he is picked up or moved, when a person gets close to its toys or food, and even mounting other people or animals. Remember to teach basic command words like come, sit, stay, leave it, and play, all of which are potentially life saving commands.
Teach one command word at a time until the dog understands before proceeding to the next command word. Always be keen and consistent when uttering command words for positive outcome. Although intelligent, Cane Corsos don’t have a repetition of being eager to please and easily get bored. Therefore, keep the training sessions fun, exciting, and short for a period utmost 15 minutes. Despite their imposing size, Corsos are all hearty and respond well to positive reinforcement methods better than harsh training methods or corrections. Crate training is also important in teaching a Cane Corso to stay alone, making house breaking easier, and creating a sense of rank in a family pack.
If a Cane Corso puppy is allowed to sleep uninvited on the couch or bed, he may think he is equal to the rank of a pet parent. Therefore, this breed should learn to sleep on crate beside your bed. Make a crate comfortable and appealing through the use of favorite toys, treats, praise, and lining it with a comfortable blanket. While in the house during the day, always leave the crate door open so that a Cane Corso may understand that a crate is not a forced experience.
Avoid keeping the dog in the crate for long extended periods of time. A pooch requires to go outside in order to play and run. However, if a dog needs to be contained when the family is away, a fenced yard is preferred. A constantly locked in or crated Cane Corso is likely to develop separation anxiety. At no time, should a crate be used as a form of punishment. It is necessary for a dog or pup to have an alone time so that it develops confidence to be by himself without a dog parent. Leash training is also done between the age 4 to 6 months.
Cane Corso Training Book | Books
The Complete Guide to the Cane Corso: Selecting, Raising, Training, Socializing, Living with, and Loving Your New Cane Corso Dog(February 2020).
Cane Corso Potty Training | Potty Training Tips
Potty training starts immediately a Corso owner brings a pup home from the age of 8 to 12 weeks. General rule of the thumb for this training, is understanding that an -8 week- old pup will hold for a period of 2 hours before eliminating while a 12 week pup holds for three minutes. Remember that the bladder and bowel muscles of a pup strengthens as the dog matures. Patience, consistency, and firmness are recommended for positive outcomes. It may take a period of 2 to 3 months before a pup is fully house trained.
Prior to bringing a pup home, decide on the appropriate toilet area where the Carne Corso will relieve itself. The toilet area should not be near the BBQ area or patio deck. Immediately take the puppy outside when it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals, every 2 to 3 hours, after naps, and following an exciting activity like playtime and car ride. Choose a command word that you will use every time your take a Cane Corso to the designated elimination area. For instance ‘potty command’ or toilet command’. Regardless of the command name that you will settle with, consistency is key. Avoid interchangeably using the two words since it will make your dog confused.
Once you take your dog to the elimination area, give the command word and remain there for a period of 15 minutes. This will allow a Cane Corso to relax the bowel and bladder muscles for a pee or poo. After the dog eliminates in the area, give it a treat, playtime, or praise. If the dog fails to eliminate, take it back to the house and return to the elimination area after 15 to 30 minutes. Before a dog is fully house trained, there is a possibility that it will experience accidents in the house. If this happens, immediately take it to the toilet area after uttering a firm No. Avoid yelling or beating your dog since it will increase the chances of future accidents.
Remove the odor by cleaning the mess using an iodine solution or enzymatic detergent. If the odor is retained, a Cane Corso may eliminate in the same accident spot after sniffing the smell. Remember to watch out for signs that indicates that your dog wants to eliminate such as circling, sniffing, squatting, whining, or lifting a leg against the wall or furniture. Below the age of 16 weeks, set an alarm to take your dog to the toilet spot at least once during the night.
Cane Corso Temperament | Temperament And Personality | Traits
- Trainable.
- Intelligent.
- Confident.
- Assertive.
- Alert.
- Loyal.
- Versatile.
- Protective.
- Affectionate to owners.
- Powerful.
- Docile.
- Willful.
- Sensitive.
Cane Corso Temperament Trainable
They possess a trainable temperament since Cane Corsos are intelligent. However, intelligent dogs easily get bored, combined with their repetition of no eagerness to please their owners , Corsos will easily get distracted. Make training sessions short, exciting , and fun for positive outcome.
Cane Corso Temperament Even Tempered
A well-socialized and well-mannered Cane Corso is even tempered. This is because it has been exposed to a lot of new people, animals, sounds, experiences, and situations hence discerning keenly before reacting to a situation.
Cane Corso Temperament With Other Dogs | Reserved
Even though a Cane Corso has been exposed to other animals and people, it is still indifferent to the people and animals that are not in his family pack.
Blue Cane Corso Temperament
Regardless of the coat color whether blue, black, fawn, or brindle, all Cane Corsos are willful, assertive, intelligent, affectionate to their owners, alert, protective, sensitive, etc.
Cane Corso Exercise | Exercise Requirements | Exercise Needs
Cane Corsos need around two hours of exercise everyday. This may include running at least a mile in the morning and evening, time to play off-leash in a secured yard, jogging, or even brisk walks. This breed also makes great partners for hikes, bicycle rides, or long walks. Cane Corsos may also participate in dog events like dock diving, tracking events, obedience, agility, or protection sports. A Cane Corso that is neither physically nor mentally stimulated may have behavior problems.
Cane Corso Barking | Barking and Growling
The level of barking for Cane Corsos depends on the role(companion or Guardian dogs), socialization, and exercise. Corsos bred as guard dogs are likely to bark at the sight of anything. If a dog is not properly exercised, it will bark as a means to release the pent-up energy. A well-socialized dog has been exposed to new sounds, people, animals, sights, and smell and will not be triggered to bark unless there is danger or threat.
Cane Corso Growling
Growling is a form of communication to dogs as they warn when a person or animal invades its territory, when a person comes closer to the feeding bowl, or a traumatizing experience. However, a Cane Corso should be trained not to growl when someone approaches the bowl when it is eating.
Cane Corso Height | Height In Feet
A Female Cane Corso height from the withers is 23 to 26 inches ( approx. 58 to 66 cm) while the male counterpart has a height of 24 to 28 inches ( approx. 62 to 70 cm).
Cane Corso Height Standing Up
While standing on its hind legs, a Cane Corso has a height of 32.5 to 43 inches ( approx. 83 to 109 cm).
Cane Corso Size | Size Comparison |Height And Weight
Female Cane Corsos are slightly smaller in size as compared to their male counterparts. A Female Corso has a height of 23 to 26 inches( approx. 58 to 66 cm) with a weight of 88 to 99 pounds ( approx. 40 to 45 kg) . On the other hand a Male Corso has a height of 24 to 28 inches ( approx. 62 to 70 cm) and a weight of 99 to 132 pounds ( approx. 45 to 60 Kg).
Cane Corso Weight | Weight Full Grown
Male Cane Corsos have a weight of 99 to 132 pounds ( approx. 45 to 60 Kg) while their female counterparts possess a weight of 88 to 99 pounds ( approx. 40 to 45 kg) .
Male Cane Corso Weight | Cane Corso Weight Male
An adult Male Cane Corso has a weight of 99 to 132 pounds ( approx. 45 to 60 Kg).
Female Cane Corso Weight
A mature Female Cane Corso has a weight of 88 to 99 pounds ( approx. 40 to 45 kg) .
Average Cane Corso Weight
Biggest | Average Cane Corso weight is 88 to 132 pounds ( approx. 40 to 60 kg).
Female Cane Corso Size
A Female Corso has a height of 23 to 26 inches( approx. 58 to 66 cm) with a weight of 88 to 99 pounds ( approx. 40 to 45 kg)
Great Dane Vs Cane Corso Size
Although Great Danes and Cane Corsos are large-sized dogs, the former is larger in size as compared to the latter. A female Great Dane has a height of 28 to 30 inches ( approx. 71 to 76 cm ) and a weight of 110 to 140 pounds ( approx. 50 to 64 kg) while a female Cane Corso has a height of 23 to 26 inches ( approx. 58 to 66 cm) and a weight of 88 to 99 pounds ( approx. 40 to 45 kg).
On the other hand, a male Great Dane has a height of 30 to 32 inches ( approx. 76 to 81 cm ) and a weight of 140 to 175 pounds ( approx. 64 to 79 kg ) while a male Cane Corso has a height of 24 to 28 inches ( approx. 62 to 70 cm) and a weight of 99 to 132 pounds ( approx. 45 to 60 Kg).
Cane Corso Aggressive | Aggressive Behavior | Aggressive Breed
A well-socialized Cane Corso is even-tempered and indifferent to people and animals that don’t belong to its household. However, it is not aggressive. Cane Corsos becomes an aggressive breed if it is not well-trained and socialized. Naturally, these dogs are protective, territorial, and have a guarding instinct.
Cane Corso Bite Force | Bite Force Psi
A Cane Corso has the strongest bite force of 700 Psi.
Cane Corso Bite Force Vs Lion
A Cane Corso has a stronger bite force as compared to a Lion. A Cane Corso has a bite force of 700 Psi while a Lion has a bite force of 650 Psi.
Cane Corso Biting
A Cane Corse has a natural guarding instinct and may be prone to biting or nipping. Apart from the guarding instinct, a pup may bite while exploring its surrounding or when teething due to discomfort. Cane Corsos puppies have squishy pup face and their bites may seem adorable. However, this will not be prolonged once the pup matures to possess an imposing size. For this reason, pet parents are encouraged to curb biting even before it develops into a habit through redirection, bite inhibition, and distraction.
Cane Corso Hair Loss
Cane Corsos experience normal hair loss known as shedding all-year round in moderate levels and heavily during the heavy shedding season. Apart from shedding other causes of hair loss in this breed include allergies, hormonal imbalance especially during the heat cycle, demodectic mange, stress, and flea allergy dermatitis.
Cane Corso Eyes
Cane Corsos have almond shaped and medium sized eyes that are neither bulging nor round. Black muzzled Cane Corsos that have solid and brindle Fawn, Black, or red should have dark brown colored eyes. Gray muzzled brindle and solid red, fawn, or gray should have light colored eyes.
Cane Corso Eye Infection
Eye infection in Cane Corsos may be a result of a virus or bacteria. However, the latter is farm more common. The bacteria will invade the eye of a Corso following trauma to the eye, viruses, or dry eye disease which compromise the local defenses of the eye. Injury or scratch to the cornea also causes eye infection.
Foreign materials such as plant material, debris, dirt, hair, or fur also result in bacterial eye infection. Symptoms exhibited by a Cane Corso when suffering from eye infection include pawing at the eye due to pain or itchiness, squinting, swelling eyelids, redness, and a discharge. A clear discharge is a result of viral infection while a thick yellowish green discharge is due to bacterial infection. Home remedy for eye infection is the use of the saline rinses to flush the eyes.
Cane Corso Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection, other eye problems that affect Corsos include:
Cherry eye is a common eye problem in Cane Corsos that is characterized by red tissue protruding from the inside corner of the eye caused by the prolapsed gland of the eyelid. This condition causes excessive watery eyes, discharge, squinting, overproduction of tears, and rubbing or scratching at the eye.
Entropion – is an eye condition that causes eyelids to roll inwards hence rubbing the eye surface which may be very uncomfortable for your Cane Corso.
Dry eye – causes the inflammation of the eye cornea which inhibits the production of enough tears that lubricate the eye. This eye problem is made worse by having a thick yellowish or greenish discharge.
Cataracts – this is an eye condition that results in a cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of a Corso. Senior dogs are mostly affected. Cataracts may be removed through surgery to restore eye sight.
Ectropion – This is an eye condition that occurs when the bottom eye lid is pulled downward expressing a sad look. This disease exposes the delicate tissue beneath the eyelid leading to eye infection.
Distichiasis is an eye condition that leads to the rubbing on the surface of the eye due to extra hairs that grow inside the eyelid. If left untreated, the abnormal hair may lead to chronic eye pain and corneal ulcers.
Cane Corso Ears | Uncropped Ears | Cropped Ears
According to AKC, a Cane Corso may have natural or docked ears. Natural or uncropped ears are triangular shaped, medium sized, and held close to the cheeks. However, natural Corso ears should not extend beyond the jaw bone. On the other hand, cropped ears should possess an equilateral triangular shape.
Cane Corso Ear Cropping Styles
If a Cane Corso parent want the dog to have cropped ears, the surgical procedure is performed when the pup is between the age of 7 to 12 weeks before the hardening of the cartilage. The healing time may last between 7 to 14 days. There are four ear cropping styles including:
Short Crop to achieve this style 1/3 of the ear is cropped leaving 2/3 of the ear.
Battle Crop – as the name suggests this was a cut used during the ancient dog fighting days. To achieve battle crop, a large part of ear is cropped leaving almost nothing to grab.
Show crop – This is an ear docking styles for Cane C0rsos that participate in conformation shows. To achieve this look, enough ear is left undocked achieving an equilateral triangle shape.
Tail Crop – This ear cropping style has more material that is left undocked as compared to the other three. In order to heal, it requires support to stay in an erect position.
Cane Corso Ear Infection | Ear Problems
Naturally uncropped ears of a Cane Corso are triangular in shape and tightly held to the cheeks protecting the ear canal from foreign materials. However, these type of ears inhibit airflow easily resulting to accumulation of moisture. Although cropped ears promote air flow, they are likely to collect a lot of dirt. Ear mites, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, yeast imbalances, moisture accumulation and excess dirt, wax, or debris cause ear infections in Corsos.
Dogs may suffer from three types of ear infections; externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. However, externa otitis is far more common and results to inflammation to the cells located in the external ear. If left untreated, the infection spreads to the middle ear canal(media) and inner ear canal ( interna) resulting in facial paralysis, deafness, and vestibular signs like disorientation, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Signs manifested by a Cane Corso that is suffering from an ear infection includes odor, dark discharge, redness, head shaking, scabs in the ears, scratching at the affected ear, pain, and swelling of the ear canal.
Cane Corso Health Issues
Cane Corsos are generally healthy. However, they are susceptible to bloating, eye defects like cherry eye, idiopathic epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and demodex mange.
Some of the other dog breeds include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Cane Corso Seizures
Fits, convulsions, or seizures refers to the disturbance of the normal functionality of the brain that is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. Seizures in dogs are categorized according to causes; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are inherited and far common in Cane Corsos. However, the cause is unknown, hence referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Onset of primary seizures in this breed starts from the age of 2 years and as late as 5 years. However, some may suffer from the age of 9 months.
Secondary seizures are caused by trauma, stroke, and brain tumor while reactive seizures occur after the brain has detected a problem to do with metabolism due to low blood sugar, organ failure, or toxins. When the dog is experiencing a seizure, put nothing in its mouth since it pose as a risk to you and your pet. Symptoms of seizures include loss of consciousness, stiffening of the muscles, urination or defecation, staring, hiding after an episode, and foaming mouth.
Cane Corso Heat Cycle | Mating
The heat cycle of a Cane Corso lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. This process recurs after every 6 to 9 months. A female Corso will experience the first heat cycle from the age of 10 to 12 months. Although, their are early bloomers who go on heat season at the age of 6 months and late bloomers that experience their heat cycle close to their second birthday. A female dam is fertile all her life and may get pregnant while senior if not spayed. If a pet parent has no intention of breeding a Cane Corso, then the dog should be spayed.
A female Corso becomes receptive to the sire later in the cycle between day 11 to day 14 while ovulating. Symptoms exhibited by a dog that is on heat include swollen vulva, tail flagging, increased urination, bloody discharge, mood swings, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Before breeding Cane Corsos, it is highly recommended to schedule genetic testing for the potential dam and sire.
Some of the health conditions screened for include hip dysplasia, eyelid abnormalities, and demodex mange. Wait until a female Corso is 2 years old before mating her. This allows the dam to physically and emotional develop in order to take care of the litter. Avoid breeding an aggressive female since the puppies will also be aggressive or fearful.
Cane Corso Pregnancy Length
After conception, a female Corso has a gestation period of 63 days.
Cane Corso Litter Size
A Cane Corso Dam can whelp a litter size of 4 to 6 puppies. Although, some may have a larger litter size depending on age, health, size, and diet.
Cane Corso Speed
An adult Cane Corso may run a speed of up to 32 mph ( approx. 51 km/h ).
Cane Corso Neck Size | Collar Size
The neck size and collar size of Cane Corsos is equivalent to the collar size since a collar rests around the neck. However, you should ensure that you can insert two fingers between the neck and a collar. The neck size | collar size of a Cane Corso is 22 to 30 inches ( approx. 56 to 76 cm ).
Cane Corso Colors | Coat Colors
The allowed coat colors for Cane Corsos is black, lighter and darker shades of blue or gray, red, and lighter and darker shades of fawn. A Cane Corse may also be Brindle gray, black, red, or fawn. Solid red and fawn including lighter and darker shades have a gray or black mask. Although, the mask doesn’t go beyond the eyes. Cane Corsos may have a white patch on the chin, toes, chest, backs of the pasterns, and throat.
Cane Corso Types
There is only one type of pure breed Cane Corsos that originated from the offspring of Roman War dogs and Italian Native breeds.
Cane Corso Allergies
Different forms of allergies that are likely to affect Cane Corso include:
Skin allergies – This inflammation can be caused by environmental, contact, or food allergies that affect the skin and coat of Cane Corsos.
Food allergies – True food allergies are rare and result to an immune response. However, the same cannot be said when it comes to food intolerance or sensitivities.
Contact allergies – This inflammation occurs when the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that cause allergic reaction in Cane Corso include grooming products like shampoos, carpet cleaning detergents, plastics, latex, medication, bed linens, and lawn chemicals. Contact allergies mostly affects the paws, belly sides, and around the muzzle. If left untreated it may result in sores, hives, and lesions.
Environmental allergies – Fleas causes flea allergy dermatitis that causes intensive scratching and biting on the back legs and underneath the tail. Excessive scratching lead to hair loss and sores around the bite area. Other environmental allergens that affects this breed includes ragweed, mites, pollen, grass, trees, dust and dust mites, mosquitoes, and house molds. This allergy results in a runny nose, swollen eyes, and itchiness on various body parts including underarms, muzzle, ears, groin, between the feet, and around the eyes.
Cane Corso Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Cane Corso maybe a result of food allergies, contact allergies, and Environmental allergies that cause atopic dermatitis. This is a condition that causes reddened circular areas, patches, and bumps. Symptoms of skin allergies in Corsos include hot spots, biting, scratching, dandruff, scaliness, itchiness, lesions, hair loss, flakiness, and rashes. Common locations for this inflammation include armpits, belly sides, around the eyes, paws, groin, etc. Without proper treatment, biting and chewing may result in secondary skin infections.
Cane Corso Food Allergies
It is rare for Cane Corso to suffer from food allergies. A true food allergy will result in an immune response accompanied with a wide range of symptoms from skin issues symptoms such as hives, crusting lesions, sores, hot spots, dermatitis, pruritus, and facial swelling as well as gastrointestinal signs including acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
However, food intolerance is likely to affect Cane Corsos as compared to food allergies. Food intolerance is a result of a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of a Corso. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivities include additives, preservatives, chemicals, beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, milk, turkey, fillers, etc.
Symptoms manifested by a Cane Corso that suffers from food sensitivities include poor skin and coat, vomiting, diarrhea, foot infections, loss of appetite, or ear infections. Pet parents are urged to work with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient.
Cane Corso Harness | Collar
An adult Cane Corso has a large imposing size that may damage your shoulders if you are holding on a leash with only one hand and it pulls. Therefore, it is very crucial to teach this breed how to nicely walk on a leash without pulling. Some pet parents argue that using a collar put pressure on the neck of a dog if it pulls. Whereas others say that a harness encourages the dog to pull. There are both pros and cons of using a collar and a harness. Therefore, there is no definite answer on what is best to use.
Cane Corso Muzzle
Although a well-trained and socialized Cane Corso is able to discern better before reacting, they are also muzzled in certain situations. A muzzle is used when the pet parent is not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimuli. Muzzle a dog that is in pain since it is likely to bite and nip. AKC encourages dog owners to create positive associations with the device through the use of treats and praise. However, a muzzle is not used to correct behavior issues like chewing, biting, and barking.
Cane Corso Feeding Amount
The amount of food that your feed Cane Corsos depends on their size, activity level, age, body build, and metabolism. The food should be high in protein and relatively low in fat.
An adult Cane Corso feeds twice a day a total of 4 1/4 cups of food for a dog that is 100 lbs. Add another extra 1/4 cup for every additional 10 pounds. The feeding amount for Cane Corsos puppies is as follows:
From the age of 1 to 3 months feed a total food of 1 to 2 ⅔ cups of food 4 times a day.
At the age of 4 to 5 months, feed a Cane Corso a total of 3 to 3 ¾ cups a day three times a day.
From the age of 6 to 8 months feed a total amount of 3 to 5 ⅓ cups a day in two servings.
Between the age of 9 to 11 months, feed a total amount of 4 to 6 cups in two servings.
At the age of 1 to 2 years, feed a Cane Corso twice a day a total of 6 to 9 cups.
Cane Corso Dog Food | Food
Depending on the time and budget of a pet owner, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless, ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of a Cane Corso, high protein level and low fat intake.
The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your pooch is to take them to the vet to find out more on their weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your dog. If you can see your dog’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If a Corso parent cannot feel the ribs of the dog under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.
When you get Cane Corsos puppies from a breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food with old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your Corso with the same amount of the new food and old food.
On the third week feed your pooch with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. If a pet owner wants to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically designed for large-sized puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
Cane Corso Tail | Docked Tail | Undocked Tail
A Cane Corso tail is thick at the root and carried low when the dog is not in action. A docked tail is cut at the fourth vertebrae. A natural tail reaches the hock but not below it. Undocked tail that is twisted or knotted is a disqualification according to AKC.
Cane Corso Tail Length
A docked tail is cut at the 4th vertebrae which is about 1/3 length of the total undocked tail.
Cane Corso Tail Docking Age
Tail docking is performed when the pup is still with the dam at the age of 2 to 5 days.
Cane Corso Teeth
An adult Cane Corso has a total set of 42 permanent teeth which starts growing in from the age of 12 weeks until the pup is 6 months old. However, a pup of this breed is born with no teeth. Deciduous teeth will start growing from the age of 2 or 3 weeks until the pup has a total of 28 teeth. Regular teeth cleaning twice a week using a finger toothbrush and canine toothpaste helps to promote good breathe and prevent periodontal disease.
Cane Corso Names
The most important exercise that a dog owner engages in after getting a Cane Corso from a responsible breeder is searching a name fo it. Names may be inspired from their Italian origin, body size, personality, coat color, food-themed names, music, books, movies, and celebrities.
Regardless of the name that you will pick ensure that it won’t make you embarrassed when uttered loudly in public malls and parks. Names with vowels are better understood by Corsos and other dog breeds. Giving your pet a name that rhymes with command words create confusion. Long Corso names should have nicknames. Resist the urge to name Cane Corsos after family members or guests who frequent your household to avoid confusion.
Female Cane Corso Names
- Roxy.
- Rosie.
- Nina.
- Sophie.
- Lucia.
- Chloe.
- Anna.
- Birdie.
- Molly.
- Sage.
- Gina.
- Nora.
- Tina, etc.
Cane Corso Head Size
A Cane Corso has a large head and a circumference(measured at cheekbones) more than twice the total length of the skin.
Cane Corso Names Male
- Mossimo.
- Enzio.
- Rocco.
- Neyo.
- Aries.
- Tito.
- Chief.
- Louie.
- Frank.
- Winston.
- Willow.
- Rex.
- Pepper.
- Bosco, etc.
Are Cane Corso Hypoallergenic
No. Cane Corsos shed all year round spreading dander and hair around the house. They are also prone to drooling after drinking or when anticipating food licking saliva on the surfaces. Dog’s dander, hair, saliva, urine, and mucus cause allergic inflammation in people suffering from dog allergies.
How Much Does A Cane Corso Weight
Adult Cane Corsos have a weight range of 88 to 132 pounds( approx. 40 to 60 kg). However, Male Cane Corsos ( weighing 45 to 60 kg) are slightly heavier as compared with their female counterparts ( weighing 40 to 45 kg).
Are Cane Corso Aggressive
No. A properly trained and socialized Cane Corso is not aggressive. However, it is indifferent to animals and people that don’t belong to its family pack. Cane Corsos may be aggressive if they are poorly bred and were not socialized.
What Is A Cane Corso Bite Force
Cane Corsos have a bite force of 700 Psi that exceeds a Lion’s bite force by 50 Psi.
Why Is My Cane Corsos Shedding So Much
A Corso experiences heavy shedding when blowing off its coat once or twice a year during spring and/or fall. Other causes of excessive shedding include demodex mange, stress, hormones, and flea allergy dermatitis.
Cane Corso Quick Fcats
- Cane Corsos may have docked or undocked tails. A docked tail should possess an equilateral triangular shape.
- The name of the breed was derived from Latin loosely translating to Bodyguard.
- Cane Corsos are less bulky and well muscled when compared to other mastiff breeds.
