The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a breed of dog which has its origin in Italy. The Cane Corso is viewed as a prestigious companion. In contrary to the image that their athletic build creates, they are quite docile and loving. But they can also turn into furious guards. Here are some facts about this interesting breed of dog.
The history of the Cane Corso can be traced back to the Roman times. The literal meaning of their name is “bodyguard”. During World War II, they were close to extinction but were revived. They have very strong instincts that make them fierce protectors.
10 Facts about Cane Corso Dog
1. Their Size
They go from small to very large quickly. The height of an average Cane Corso is 27 inches, and it can typically weigh up to 120 pounds. It is important to know that some of them have a hearty appetite and can quickly slip into the overweight or obese zone if they are not given a proper amount of exercise.
2. Taking Care
They have a short, coarse, and solid coat. They come in different shades like black, grey (both light and dark), and red. They may have the brindle pattern on them. Brush his coat as often as possible. Twice a year the coats shed and it is advisable to get it vacuum-cleaned. As a part of general grooming, it is recommended to brush the teeth and trim the nails of Cane Corso dogs. Also, bathe him when necessary. Sometimes they also tend to drool.
3. Personality
Cane Corso dogs have a majestic personality. They are considered the “bodyguard dogs”. They are always prepared for a new challenging task. They are the perfect dogs for the family. But they also have the tendency to become aggressive in case of maltreatment. It is important for them to socialize, and it’s equally important to spend time on their own to build confidence.
4. Physical Features
The Cane Corso may have cropped or uncropped ears. They also have big heads; their eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, and filled with questions and curiosity. Cane Corso dogs are generally of large and athletic build.
5. Exercise
Although the Cane Corso dogs are considered to be a prestigious possession, they belong to the working class. Hence, it is very important that they are made to perform some kind of physical activity for at least an hour every day. Exercise is not just physical but also mental in order to avoid boredom. Boredom leads to excessive barking and destruction of things in these dogs. Therefore, it is important to keep them physically and mentally active.
6. Birth, Health, and Lifespan
The average litter of Cane Corso dogs is four to six. The little creatures quickly transform into massive ones. They are typically prone to certain health conditions which may be inherent or genetic or sometimes due to poor breeding conditions. Examples of such conditions include ocular disorders and hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia refers to underdevelopment of hips during birth, which degenerates over time. Bloating is also a health problem found in them as they have a large appetite.
Cane Corso dogs must be walked at least twice a day in order to stay healthy. The normal life expectancy of a Cane Corso is between 10 and 12 years. This is applicable for a Cane Corso with a healthy weight and lifestyle. There have also been cases of eye problems reported. A common eye problem in Cane Corso is the glandular hypertrophy, which is commonly known as cherry eye. Other eye issues in Cane Corsos include entropion and ectropion. These are the problems that occur on the eyelids and can be cured by surgical treatments.
7. Relationship with Owners
Cane Corso dogs are quite submissive and perfect family dogs. They tend to communicate with their family making snouts or woo-woo sounds. However, if you are having a dog for the first time or if you are inexperienced as a dog owner, Cane Corso dogs are not recommended for you. It can turn out to be aggressive in case it is not trained properly. Hence, it is very important to begin their training as early as possible. It also needs to socialize with others in order to avoid being hostile. They do not prefer staying alone. Cane Corso dogs are very loyal. They must never be left unattended or unsupervised as they can become a potential threat to other dogs and cats in the vicinity. Cane Corso dogs are very territorial.
8. Legalities Involved
If you are planning on buying or adopting a Cane Corso, pay extra attention to the legal exigencies. You may not be able to get your favorite dog and not be able to be with him. Even worse is spending all that time sorting out the formalities. They are often cornered to be banned due to their unstable and temperamental nature and aggressiveness. Not everyone you meet or the ones who come home will be comfortable around the Cane Corso.
9. Best Environments
The Cane Corso dogs do not need a specialized or personalized environment to thrive. A house with a huge backyard would suffice. They can spend time running and rolling in the backyard.
10. Training
We know that the efficiency of a Cane Corso dog can be optimized by training. They are easily trainable too. Right from the moment you bring the Cane Corso home, make the acceptable and unacceptable behaviors clear. You can start the training by yourself with basic commands like “sit”, “stand,” etc. Let them know unacceptable behavior by sternly saying “No”. Do not resort to violence with them.
The Bottom Line
Cane Corso is the perfect embodiment of all the good traits that are equated to a dog. It is quiet, safe around children, and loves them. It is a sensitive dog that always has an air of seriousness. They are noble and fiercely protective of their family. They love their family. Cane Corso dogs are smart and easily trainable. They are confident and always up for challenges. Docile yet majestic, this is all one could ask for in a dog. It is in the hands of the pet parents to take good care of the Cane Corso and groom and nurture it further. In a nutshell, Cane Corso dogs are strong-willed dogs by nature who takes their own responsibility seriously.
List of reference books:
- Cane Corso Bible And the Cane Corso: Your Perfect Cane Corso Guide by Mark Manfield (Author) ( Find This Book )
- Cane Corso Training Guide by William Sanderson (Author) ( Find This Book )