Cane Corso

Published: Last updated: by brown cane corso laying down in the grass

The Cane Corso dog breed makes an excellent guard dog. They're a working breed that needs exercise, but makes a good companion.

Average size and lifespan

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Height: 1ft 11in - 2ft 3in
Weight: 90-120lbs
Lifespan: 10 - 13 Years

Behavior

  • Affection3/5
  • Kid-Friendly2/5
  • Stranger-Friendly1/5
  • Dog-Friendly2/5
  • Barking Amount3/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty1/5
  • Shedding Amount2/5
  • Easy to Train3/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need4/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance3/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly1/5

Cane Corso Information

The Cane Corso looks intimating – which is precisely the point. He descends from the Canis Pugnax, an ancient Roman dog breed used to hunt wild animals and serve in battle. In later years, he acted as a watchdog overseeing his owner’s property. His strong, athletic build and assertive, confident nature give him a tough demeanor. But, in reality, he’s an affectionate, intelligent dog who’s intensively loyal to his family.

Speaking of family, the Cane Corso gets along great with kids and other pets. He does well with training, although you should ensure this breed receives plenty of exercise to stay on his best behavior.

This breed has recently increased in popularity – what’s old is new again!

Cane Corso Training and Temperament

The Cane Corso is a big, powerful dog with a short coat and muscular body. They are intelligent and capable of learning quickly. With proper training, he is obedient and calm.

This breed has a protective instinct that makes him a good watchdog. However, he can be aggressive towards other dogs. For this reason, it is essential to socialize early on so that he will get along well with other dogs as an adult.

The Cane Corso was bred as a guard dog, so he will bark when there are strangers around or if there are any suspicious noises from outside. This breed has been bred for hundreds of years as a guard dog, so this behavior is expected.

Exercise

He needs plenty of exercise to stay in shape and keep his weight under control. This breed could live in an apartment if given enough exercise each day but would prefer to live in a house with a yard where he can run freely.

Grooming

The Cane Corso has a short coat that is easy to care for. A weekly brush should do the trick; he will need to be bathed only when necessary.

Sources: AKC, Wikipedia

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!

Breed FAQs

Can Cane Corsos be apartment dogs?

Cane Corsos don't do very well in apartments. It's recommended to look at another breed better suited to apartment-living.

Can Cane Corsos be left alone?

While Cane Corsos prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Cane Corsos good with kids?

Cane Corsos can be difficult to handle with the rowdy behavior of a child. They should be watched very closely.

Are Cane Corsos friendly with strangers?

Cane Corsos tend to be very slow to warm up to strangers. They require long periods of exposure before they will trust somone.

Do Cane Corsos get along with other dogs?

Cane Corsos aren't usually friendly with other dogs. They tend to not get along unless carefully socialized.

Do Cane Corsos bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Cane Corsos bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.

Do Cane Corsos shed a lot?

The Cane Corso isn't a heavy shedder. Some limited brushing and occassional cleaning should help prevent much hair build-up.

Do Cane Corsos need a lot of grooming?

With a Cane Corso you won't need to dedicate any extra time to special grooming. Their coats are easy to deal with.

Do Cane Corsos need a lot of exercise?

The Cane Corso has a good amount of energy and will need to be exercised with some walks and play to keep them happy.

Are Cane Corsos easy to train?

Although Cane Corsos can be a challenge to train, they can be taught with some dedicated work or by hiring some training help.

Can Cane Corsos handle cold weather?

Although Cane Corsos can handle the cold weather when out with you, they may not want to stay out for long periods of time.

Can Cane Corsos handle hot weather?

Although Cane Corsos can tolerate hot conditions, be careful not to expose them for too long.

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