Meet Helen, an 8 1/2-year-old Cane Corso bravely battling osteosarcoma. In a remarkable twist of fate, her family, already participating in a clinical trial for their 1-year-old son’s rare liver disease, decided to enroll Helen in a clinical trial through the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center. This center, affiliated with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, offers cutting-edge cancer diagnostics, medical, surgical, and radiation oncology for pets. Helen’s diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a common bone cancer in large breeds, led her owners to seek innovative solutions due to the financial strain alongside their son’s medical needs. Through this journey, they’re not only helping Helen but contributing to advancements in cancer treatment for both animals and humans.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is like that one friend who’s got your back no matter what. With a heart as big as its paws, this breed combines a majestic blend of strength, loyalty, and elegance, epitomizing the essence of a noble protector.
Country of Origin
Italy
Breed Group
Working Dogs
Height
Male 25-27.5 In
Female 23.5-26 In
Weight
Male 90-120 Ib
Female 90-120 Ib
Life Span
9-12 years
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In a Nutshell
Corsis are intelligent, loyal, eager to please, versatile, and intensely loyal to their humans. They are also assertive and willful. Their powerful presence is matched by a strong-willed nature. So, if you’re new to the dog game or have only hung out with Spaniels, Retrievers, or pint-sized pals, consider swiping left. This pup is the OG of guard dogs, blending fierce loyalty with a heartwarming family vibe. But here’s the deal: you’re gonna need to bring your A-game as a seasoned owner and sign up for puppy training pronto. This majestic Italian Mastiff isn’t just a pretty face – they were born and bred to work. Give them a gig or some action-packed activities, and they’ll be your BFF. Leave ’em to their own devices, though, and mischief becomes their middle name – especially if they’re stuck home alone, which they’ll tell you they absolutely did not sign up for. As with any other big guardian dog, responsible breeding and early socialization with people and other dogs is vital.
Life With a Cane Corso
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
At nearly 28 inches at the shoulder and often weighing more than 100 pounds, Corsi are at a glance intimidating creatures. They have a large head, alert expression, and muscles rippling beneath their short, stiff coat., Their imposing appearance is their first line of defense against intruders. The breed displays a glossy, thick, and short coat that is available in twelve different colors, including black, fawn, various shades of gray, and brindle.
While these dogs were traditionally employed as guard dogs for property or cattle herds and were even tasked with herding cattle to the market or slaughter, they possess intelligence, sensitivity, and gentleness that make them well-suited for family life. As we’ve previously discussed their requirement for physical activity, it’s essential to ensure they receive at least one substantial, long walk each day, one that enables them to expend energy and not merely relieve themselves. Engaging in various sports, such as agility training or agility classes, can undoubtedly prove beneficial and fulfilling in this regard.
When a Cane Corso becomes bored, it tends to display destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture, exhibiting excessive vigilance towards strangers, and engaging in obsessive digging that can transform your yard beyond recognition. If you believed that early training and socialization classes during their puppyhood would make them universally friendly, the reality is a bit different. A Cane Corso will establish strong bonds with members of its immediate family and with pets it has grown up with from a young age. However, in many instances, strangers or unfamiliar individuals may receive a somewhat reserved or cautious demeanor from them.
Common Health Problems
The Cane Corso is typically a healthy dog, but owing to its size, its lifespan is relatively short. There are several diseases to which the breed is more susceptible, with hip dysplasia being the most frequently observed. In this context, the role of responsible breeders is of utmost importance."
A tip from a vet
A tip from a trainer
Did You Know
Corsis love to talk to their people with snuffles, snorts, and “woo-woo” howls that are somewhere between singing and barking.
Despite a multi-century legacy, the Cane Corso nearly went extinct during World War II.
The breed’s name comes from the Latin word for “bodyguard dog” or “robust dog.”
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
Originating in ancient Greece, Cane Corsos served as formidable warriors. Following the Roman conquest of the Greek Islands, these dogs were brought to Italy by legionaries and crossbred with local Italian canines. Their purpose evolved to encompass guarding property, tracking large game, and multitasking on farms – from herding livestock to guiding them to markets. Despite facing near extinction during WWII, dedicated breed enthusiasts successfully revived the Cane Corso in the 1970s. The breed found its way to the US when Michael Sottile imported the first litter in 1988, followed by another in 1989. Recognition from the American Kennel Club finally came in 2010.
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