Cane Corsos make wonderful pets in the right homes. However, we frequently see them given up to Battersea. This is because people often underestimate the complexities of the breed, and whether they are compatible with their lives.
What you need to know
- Average lifespan: 7-10 years
- Size: Large (40-50kg)
- Time: You’ll need to spend plenty of time each day on training your Cane Corso and building their confidence. Without this, they can become sensitive to new situations.
- Cost: In addition to day-to-day costs, you’ll need an insurance plan or sufficient savings to cover unexpected veterinary treatments, as Cane Corsos are prone to some health conditions. And because they’re very large dogs, you’ll need to pay for a greater supply of pet food too.
Behaviour, training and exercise
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You’ll need to socialise your Cane Corso to help them become familiar with different people, places and sounds.
They can be wary of new situations, so you’ll need to make a concerted effort to get them used to new situations from a young age.
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You’ll need to train them consistently to manage their natural guarding instincts, as Cane Corsos are protective by nature and bond strongly with their family. Careful training helps them stay relaxed around visitors or people outside your immediate circle.
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You’ll need to dedicate a lot of time and commitment to training so you can handle their strength and size and consider whether you are physically capable of handling them.
Because they’re a larger breed, it’s also important to teach them good lead walking and recall, to keep walks safe and enjoyable for everyone.
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You’ll need to commit time to plenty of mental stimulation.
Because they lack stamina for longer distances (although they still need daily walks), trick training and food puzzles help to keep them happy and engaged. Without this, your Cane Corso can be prone to frustration.
Good to know
While a dog’s breed may influence how they behave, their behaviour will be shaped by all kinds of factors, from their age to their life experiences.
Health
Cane Corsos can develop problems that affect their bones, muscles or joints, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis. These can occur from an early age and cause varying degrees of pain and arthritis over time.
Treatment and costs
Bone and joint problems need lifelong management and treatment. This can include regular vet visits and medication to manage mobility, pain and quality of life. Expensive surgery or hydrotherapy/physiotherapy may also be needed.
Cane Corsos can develop cherry eye, where the tear gland in the inner corner of their eye becomes inflamed. This can affect their ability to produce tears and be painful if not treated.
Treatment and costs
Surgery is usually needed to treat cherry eye, and it may come back even after treatment. Costs can add up when ongoing care and several operations are needed.
Good to know
Some reputable breeders will screen parents for certain health issues to reduce the chance of puppies developing them.
Costs to consider
The cost of owning and keeping a dog healthy and happy is a long-term financial commitment.
As there are common medical issues associated with Cane Corsos which can be expensive to treat, it’s important to consider how you would fund this. Pet insurance doesn't always cover all medical treatment, so you may need to pay some costs yourself.
Good to know
If you're considering getting a puppy from a breeder, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Check out this helpful guide on what to look for in a breeder and questions to ask.
