Breed Spotlight: Cane Corso

Coat Type and Colors

The cane corso’s coat is often darkly colored, ranging from black and gray to chestnut and red.3 They may sometimes have a “mask” of darker or lighter coloration on their face. Whatever the color, their coat is always short and smooth.

Shedding and Grooming

Cane corsos grow a double layer of fur during the colder months, then shed it in the spring.3 They require regular brushing year-round to remove dead fur and promote new growth. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly.

Ears

The ears of the cane corso are set high above the cheekbone. In their natural state they are of medium size, triangular, and fall to the jawbone.³

Drooling Level

As might be expected of dogs their size, cane corsos tend to drool often. Expect to get slobbered on as part of their affection.

Behavior

The cane corso temperament can be described as intelligent and collected. Their coolness can sometimes gloss over their demanding exercise needs. Likewise, the imposing stature of a cane corso hides the heart of a big softie. These pups love their family and will happily return affection that’s given to them.

Exercise Needs

Cane corsos require a high level of daily exercise.³ They’re just as happy on long hikes as they are on a walk or run each morning and evening. They also need plenty of mental stimulation. Cane corsos were bred to be workers and aren’t happy unless they have a job to do. Canine sports, like agility or tracking, can be a good outlet for their ambitious spirit.

Good with Other Pets?

As long as they have been socialized early, most cane corsos should get along just fine with other dogs.³ If you have more than one pooch in your furry family, your cane corso may take it upon themselves to lead the pack.

Trainability

Early socialization and obedience training is key for cane corsos. Otherwise, their intelligence could lead to a domineering personality that’s hard to control. Cane corsos have a naturally protective nature, so they may try to become the boss of the house if left untrained.

Good with Kids?

As natural protectors, cane corsos can be a good fit for children aged 6 and older. Due to their size, however, they are not recommended for families with kids younger than 5.

Barking Level

The cane corso can be quite vocal, especially when fulfilling their guardian instincts. Take steps to help them recognize what is and isn’t worth barking about.

Cane Corsos: A History

This storied breed has seen the rise and fall of empires. Originally bred for warfare by the ancient Romans, cane corsos have since become a renowned workhorse.³ They were popular throughout Italy as hunting dogs and herders, until the mezzadria sharecropping system collapsed in the 1960s.^4,5 It wasn’t until the 1980s that a sizable population was bred again. In 1983, the Società Amatori Cane Corso breeding society was formed to further their return.

Decades later they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.³ Today there are between 3,000 and 4,250 cane corsos registered with the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana.⁵ Despite the centuries that have passed, this breed still lives up to its Latin name: “cane,” for “dog,” and “corso,” derived from “cohors,” or “guardian.” Literally, “guardian dog.”⁶