Breed characteristics carousel
Learn More
Need to Know
- Might not be suitable for first-time dog owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires regular grooming
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard, preferably in suburban or rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
Gentle and watchful, the Cane Corso dog breed is devoted to its family. They are eager to please and easy to train, which is required for handling such a large dog. The Cane Corso does best with owners who have previous experience with large Mastiff-like dogs. They bark to alert and can be overly cautious if not socialized properly. They get along well with other pets and can make good family dogs with the right training.
The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff breed originally bred for farm life. They are related to the Neopolitan Mastiff. They descended from Roman Mastiff dogs, and after the fall of the Roman Empire, were used as jack-of-all-trade farm hands to help with everything from protecting and guarding to herding livestock.
After World War I and II, the Cane Corso dog breed declined. By the 1970s only a few dogs remained in the Italian countryside, but the breed had a small resurgence. The first Corsos were brought to the U.S. in 1988. They remain a relatively rare dog breed.
Ideally, owners of Cane Corso dogs should have experience with very large breeds. Training them is extremely important, so owners should have time to commit to doing so via firm methods that prioritize positive reinforcement. Fit and active owners do best with Cane Corso dogs who have high stimulation needs.
A high-energy dog, the Cane Corso needs regular and rigorous exercise. Walking, running, and playtime in a fenced-in yard will help exhaust them, and mental stimulation through puzzles, training, and more will help them from becoming bored.
The Cane Corso dog breed is large, which means that they need a good amount of space indoors and outside. They are adaptable and can get by with less space inside so long as they have regular access to the outdoors for vigorous exercise and long walks. In homes with yards, a fenced-in yard is preferred.
The short coat of the Cane Corso is easy to maintain by regularly brushing it. Occasional baths might be needed if the dog gets dirty.
The Cane Corso dog breed is smart but can have a stubborn streak, so training and socialization are essential. Sensitive souls, they respond best to positive reinforcement. Firm and consistent training can help the dog become confident and well-mannered.
Cane Corso dogs can be protective and loyal family companions but do best with families with older children or no children. They are large and can be cumbersome for families with small children or elderly members.
The cost of a Cane Corso from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Cane Corso on Purina.
Did You Know?
- The Cane Corso dog is Italian. “Cane” is Italian for “dog” and “Corso” means “protector” in Latin. The plural is Cani Corsi.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
If you’re thinking about sharing fruit with your dog this summer and wondering can dogs eat peaches, the answer is yes. The one exception of peaches for dogs is that the stone, or pit in the center, must be removed before serving. The stone in fruit is not only toxic but also a choking hazard. Whe
How Much Should You Keep Your Dog Outdoors?
If you live in the city, your urban canine is probably on a three-walk-a-day schedule for exercising, socializing, and eliminating. But if your home comes equipped with a yard and a fence, keeping a dog becomes much easier. The simplicity of giving your dog his morning constitutional while you're s