A Cane Corso sits in an open field.
A Cane Corso sits in an open field.

Cane Corso

avatarChristy McDowell, LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height23 - 27.5"
Weight88 to 110 lbs
TypeWorking
Life Expectancy10 - 12 years
Area of OriginItaly

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Cane Corso is a majestic, large-breed dog from Italy. They are known for their protective qualities, so much so that their name translates to "bodyguard dog" in Latin. This breed is very loyal to their owners, intelligent, confident, and easily trained.  

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Cane Corso From?

The Cane Corso is an ancient breed that can be traced back to the Molossus dog of the Romans, which were bred for size and ferocity. The Neapolitan Mastiff is another Molossus dog, but of the two breeds, the Cane Corso is more agile and quick.

It can also be argued that the Cane Corso breed came from an old Sicilian herding dog known as the Cane di Macellaio. They were used primarily as warriors and hunters during the Middle Ages. When they were not hunting, they were driving cattle and other animals to market. The breed was not present in the US until 1987, when they made their first appearance in New Jersey. They are still rather uncommon outside of Italy.

Where Are Cane Corso From?

The Cane Corso is an ancient breed that can be traced back to the Molossus dog of the Romans, which were bred for size and ferocity. The Neapolitan Mastiff is another Molossus dog, but of the two breeds, the Cane Corso is more agile and quick.

It can also be argued that the Cane Corso breed came from an old Sicilian herding dog known as the Cane di Macellaio. They were used primarily as warriors and hunters during the Middle Ages. When they were not hunting, they were driving cattle and other animals to market. The breed was not present in the US until 1987, when they made their first appearance in New Jersey. They are still rather uncommon outside of Italy.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Cane Corso Need?

The Cane Corso requires a high-quality diet and, due to their large size, they need a larger caloric intake than most dogs. They are prone to becoming overweight, however, so portion size should be considered.

Caring for a Cane Corso

What Kind of Diet Does a Cane Corso Need?

How Often Should You Brush a Cane Corso?

Are Cane Corso Healthy Dogs?

Can You Train a Cane Corso?

How Much Exercise Does a Cane Corso Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Cane Corso Need?

The Cane Corso requires a high-quality diet and, due to their large size, they need a larger caloric intake than most dogs. They are prone to becoming overweight, however, so portion size should be considered.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Cane Corso?

Cane Corso range from medium to large in size, and are sturdy, strong dogs. The breed’s expression is alert and responsive. Desired height is 23 – 27.5 inches at the shoulders and the desired weight is anywhere from 88 to 110 pounds, depending on the height and the sex of the dog.

The head is large, encompassing a large portion of the Corso’s overall height. Eyes are medium in size, almond shaped, and not bulging. Dogs with black muzzles have dark brown eyes, while dogs with grey muzzles have lighter colored eyes. The ears can be cropped. If uncropped, they are triangular and medium sized. The nose has the same pigment color as the body of the dog. The muzzle is very broad and deep, and as wide as it is long.

The body of a Cane Corso is very large boned, muscular, and athletic. The chest is broad and strong.

The tail is docked at the fourth vertebrae and thick at the base, but does not taper much to the tip. It is usually carried low when not in action.

The front legs are taut and straight-forward. The shoulders are very muscular. Dewclaws may or may not be removed.

The Cane Corso has a shiny, short, dense coat. The undercoat is lighter, but becomes dense in cold weather. Black, multiple shades of gray and fawn, brindle, and red are acceptable colors. Fawn and red-colored dogs typically have a black or gray mask. A white patch on either the chest, throat, chin, back of legs, or the toes is occasionally present as well.

The thighs are muscular and legs are straight and rigid. Rear dewclaws should be removed.

Cane Corso Facts

1

Before 1987, the Cane Corso was so rare that it was only known in its native southern Italy.

2

Yellow "bird of prey" eyes or blue eyes are a disqualification of the breed standard.

3

Cane Corso were frequently the subject of early 19th century paintings by Bartolomeo Pinelli.

Other Breeds to Explore

Choosing a Neapolitan Mastiff
Rottweiler
Boxer

References

  • “Official Standard of the Cane Corso.” American Kennel Club, 30 June 2010, images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf.
  • “Cane Corso Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, 6 Nov. 2017, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cane-corso/.
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