The Cane Corso is a powerful Italian hunting dog that was developed to hunt boar and other similar large game. The breed is also known for its excellent guarding ability, making it an excellent choice for families who want the best of both worlds.
While this breed may not be as popular in America, it is certainly gaining popularity due to its many desirable qualities. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular reasons why people are opting for this breed.
The Cane Corso is a large dog type that originated in Italy. They are known for their loyalty, protective nature and athleticism. They make great guard dogs, and they’re excellent with kids.
The Cane Corso is also a versatile breed and can do well in many different roles like working dogs, family pets, or even service animals.
History of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large Italian Molosser, which was developed to guard property and hunt big game. Although the breed is relatively new, it is said to be a descendant of the ancient Roman Molossus. The Cane Corso was used for hunting wild boar and as a guard dog by Italian farmers and nobility.
The Cane Corso almost became extinct by the 1970s, but was saved by a few dedicated breeders. The breed gained popularity in America in the 1990s, and has since become one of the most popular Molosser breeds.
Cane Corso Appearance
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a very large and powerful dog with a strong muscular build and a big head. They are athletic and have an agile body with thick coat, which is usually black, blue or brindle-colored with some white markings on their chest and feet. These wonderful dogs make excellent family pets because they are extremely loyal and protective animals.
Cane Corso Size & Weight
Male Cane Corsos can grow to 24-28 inches tall, while females are about 23-26 inches. Males will also weigh between 88-110 pounds, and females will be between 88-95 pounds.
Cane Corso Colors
There are a variety of colors that a Cane Corso can be. The most common colors are black, fawn, and brindle. However, Cane Corsos can also come in gray, blue, red, and silver. A Cane Corso’s coat should be shiny and short.
The color of a Cane Corso doesn’t play a role in how well they perform as a working dog or pet. All colors are equally intelligent and trainable. Choose the color that you think is the prettiest or that will best match your home décor!
Characteristics of the Cane Corso
1. Cane Corso’s are large, powerful dogs that were originally bred in Italy for hunting purposes.
2. They are loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs.
3. Cane Corso’s are intelligent and trainable, but can also be stubborn at times.
4. They need plenty of exercise and socialization, or they can become bored and destructive.
5. Cane Corso’s are not a good fit for everyone – potential owners should research the breed before deciding if it is right for them.
Cane Corso Temperament
The Cane Corso is a great family dog and will do everything in their power to protect their loved ones. They are extremely loyal and attached to their owners and can become very anxious if left alone for too long.
This breed does best in a home with a large yard where they can run and play. They need plenty of exercise and love to run, so a daily walk or jog is a must. This breed can also be stubborn at times and require a lot of patience when training.
Lifespan
The Cane Corso has a lifespan of 10-12 years.
Shedding
The Cane Corso is a dog breed that is known for its shedding. This breed sheds a lot of hair, and it can be a challenge to keep up with the shedding. The best way to control the shedding is to brush the dog regularly and use a vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair.
Since they are heavy shedders, special shampoos are often necessary to help manage the shedding process.
There are a few different types of shampoos that can be helpful for Cane Corsos who shed excessively.
Anti-shedding shampoos can help to reduce the amount of hair that is shed by binding to the hair follicles. This can be especially helpful during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Nutritional supplements can also be added to your dog’s diet to help with shedding. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial for reducing shedding in some dogs. Adding a fish oil supplement to your dog’s food can help to improve the health of their skin and coat, which can in turn reduce shedding.
Talk to your veterinarian about what options might be best for your Cane Corso if excessive shedding is a problem. They can help you choose the right shampoo and other products to help manage the shedding and keep your home clean!
Grooming
The Cane Corso is a relatively easy dog to care for. They do not require a lot of grooming, but they do need regular exercise. Here are some tips to help you care for your Cane Corso:
- Brush their teeth at least once a week to prevent tartar buildup and keep their gums healthy.
- Brush their coat once or twice a week to remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy and clean.
- Take them on a daily walk or jog to keep them fit and mentally stimulated.
- Take them to the vet at least once a year for a checkup and vaccinations.
Cane Corso Diet
There are a number of things to consider when choosing the right dog food for your Cane Corso.
1. Make sure that the food is appropriate for their size and activity level. Cane Corsos are large, active dogs and need a food that will give them the energy they need to stay active.
2. You want to choose a food that is high in protein and fat to help maintain their muscular physique.
3. Since Cane Corsos are prone to joint problems, you’ll want to choose a food that contains joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
4. Cane Corsos can be sensitive to certain ingredients, so you’ll want to avoid foods with artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. Finally, you’ll want to select a food that fits within your budget.
When it comes to finding the best dog food for your Cane Corso, there are a lot of options on the market. To help narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the best dog food for Cane Corsos.
Health Issues
The Cane Corso is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to some health problems. Some of the health issues that have been seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, and eye problems.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect any dog breed, but it is especially common in large breeds. It occurs when the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. If you think your Cane Corso may be suffering from hip dysplasia, take them to the vet for an x-ray.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is another condition that can affect any dog breed, but it is especially common in large breeds. It occurs when the elbow joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. If you think your Cane Corso may be suffering from elbow dysplasia, take them to the vet for an x-ray.
Cardiac Issues: Cardiac issues are relatively rare in the Cane Corso breed, but they can occur. The most common cardiac issue seen in the breed is aortic stenosis, which is a narrowing of the aorta. If you think your Cane Corso may be suffering from a heart problem, take them to the vet for an examination and possible testing.
Eye Problems: Eye problems are relatively common in the Cane Corso breed. Some of the eye problems that have been seen in the breed include entropion, ectropion, and cherry eye. If you think your Cane Corso may have an eye problem, take them to the vet for an examination.
Cane Corso Exercise
The Cane Corso needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are an active breed, and need daily walks, runs, or hikes to stay in shape. The Cane Corso is also a working dog, and can excel in agility, obedience, tracking, and other dog sports.
Cane Corso Training
The Cane Corso is an intelligent and loyal breed, making them great candidates for training. However, like all dogs, they require patience and consistency from their owners. Here are some tips on how to train your Cane Corso:
1. Start with the basics. Teach your dog the basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and off. These will be the foundation of all future training.
2. Be consistent. Consistency is key when training any dog breed, but especially a headstrong breed like the Cane Corso. Make sure everyone in the family is using the same commands and rewarding the dog for good behavior.
3. Use positive reinforcement techniques. Reward your dog with treats or verbal praise when they obey a command or perform a desired behavior. This will reinforce good behavior and help them learn faster.
4. Be patient and have fun! Training should be a positive experience for both you and your dog. If you get frustrated, take a break and try again later. Above all else, remember to have fun with it!
With proper socialization, the Cane Corso should respond fairly quickly to commands. These dogs need lots of exercise in order to stay calm indoors which is why obedience training can be beneficial for both owners and the dog.
Overall, the most effective form of training for a Cane Corso is positive reinforcement because they are highly sensitive dogs that respond well to praise.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Cane Corso
There are many things to consider before owning any dog, let alone a Cane Corso.
These massive dogs can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand as tall as 27 inches at the shoulder. They are also considered by some to be “dangerous” dogs due to their size and power. But, like all dogs, they are individuals and each has his own personality.
So, what are the pros and cons of owning a Cane Corso?
- Cane Corsos make excellent guard dogs. They are loyal and protective of their family and home.
- They are intelligent and trainable. With patience and consistency, most Corsos can learn basic obedience commands and even tricks.
- They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their short coat looking its best.
- They are relatively healthy compared to other breeds their size; however, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart disease – so it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder who health tests his breeding stock..
- Corsos love food! This can be an advantage if you’re looking for a dog who will be easy to train with food rewards; however, it also means that you have to be careful not to overfeed them and cause them to become overweight.
- Cane Corsos are not the best choice for first-time dog owners. They require a confident owner who is willing and able to provide consistent training and leadership.
- They are not a good choice for families with small children. While some Corsos may do well with kids, their size and strength make them more suitable for homes with older children who can treat them with respect.
- They are not a good choice for people who live in apartments or small homes. Corsos need plenty of exercise and space to run and play. A large yard is ideal, but if you don’t have one, you must be willing to take your dog for long walks or runs every day.
- Corsos are notorious barkers. If you’re looking for a quiet dog, this is not the breed for you!
- Like all dogs, Corsos shed – although their short coats don’t shed as much as some other breeds.
Conclusion
The Cane Corso is a large and powerful dog breed that is known for its loyalty and protective nature. If you are looking for a guard dog or a loyal companion, the Cane Corso may be the right breed for you. This breed does require some exercise and training, but with the right owner, the Cane Corso can make a great addition to the family.
