What’s the first breed that comes to your mind when you think of a dog that looks really intimidating? If your mind also went straight to Cane Corso, we can totally get why. A Cane Corso is an intense looking canine, which falls under the category of medium to large sized dog breeds. Add to it the fact that they have an imposing physique, and you know that you will have a reliable guardian for your family. But there’s a lot more to a Cane Corso than how they appear.
If you’re thinking of adding a Cane Corso to your family, here’s what you should know.
Is The Cane Corso Popular In India?
There won’t be a lot of debates when we say that the Cane Corso is not the most popular choice of dog breed in India. However, since around 10 years or so, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people looking to adopt or buy a Cane Corso in India. This increase in demand is believed to be due to the exceptional abilities of the canine. To shed some more light, be it someone who lives by themselves or a family, both these categories of people seem to love Cane Corsos.
See also: Most Popular Dog Breeds
Cane Corso Availability In India
The big and famous pet stores are places where you could find them. In general though, it has been noticed that larger metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai are where you can find numerous reliable breeders to find a Cane Corso.
Price Of A Cane Corso In India
The price of a Cane Corso in India ranges between ₹60,000 to ₹80,000. Depending on whether you want a male Cane Corso or a female one, the price could differ. Even the colour of the fur is a contributing factor to the final price. Then again, a purebred is likely to be on the higher range, but overall, prices could vary depending on the breeder you choose.
Monthly Maintenance Cost
The Cane Corso has a short coat but it is double layered. An important thing worth noting is that the climate the canine lives in will be a major determining factor in its undercoat’s length. Prepare yourself to witness a Cane Corso experiencing a year-round shedding. At the same time, Springtime is when Cane Corsos kind of personify the Fall Season, because it’s also when they experience good amounts of shedding.
Normally, brushing a Cane Corso once in 7 days should suffice. But come shedding season, it’s best to do so everyday. Trust the medium bristle brush to take out the dead hair and any accumulated dirt on your Corso’s coat. Do also make use of rubber grooming mitts while you’re at it, simply because it’s efficient and both these processes also assist in new hair growth. Like every other breed, the Cane Corso needs its nails trimmed regularly. Depending on the quality of the groomer’s services, Expect to shell out anywhere between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 6000 approximately as part of the breed’s monthly maintenance cost.
History And Popularity
The Cane Corso has a fascinating origins story, with a lineage associated with war dogs of yesteryears, specifically the Roman Molossus. However, they are still an Italian dog breed. In fact, the only one of two breeds with such a history. You will also notice some similarities between the Cane Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff. Although, you can consider the former as a sleeker cousin to the latter, of sorts. Eventually though, the Neapolitan Mastiff evolved into a faithful guard dog. The Cane Corso, however, experienced a different evolution altogether, turning into a farm dog that displayed great adaptability.
Here’s a little surprise – “Kahn-Nay Corso” is the actual pronunciation of this mutt. Didn’t see that coming did you? Interestingly, the rough translation for it “catch dog”, which refers to the dogs there were relied upon to capture prey. Believe it or not, the 12th century is how long back the origins of the name goes back to.
Bulls and livestock such as goats or sheep in farms eventually came under the watchful eye of the Cane Corso. This transition only took place after the Roman Empire started losing its power, which consequently resulted in the Cane Corso becoming a farmer’s four-legged deputy. A powerful deputy with a predatory instinct to take down even the strongest of preys.
Italy witnessed the number of Cane Corsos gradually reducing, starting from the Post World War I era. The magnitude of this decrease in population only spiked further after World War II.
A few that remained in Italy around the 1970s did so as a farmer’s companion. Starting in 1973, all remaining Cane Corsos were brought together with one single purpose – breeding! Its result? The Cane Corso breed club! 1988 is when these mastiffs made their grand entrance in the US, and the AKC granted full recognition to the Cane Corso in 2010.
Characteristics
To put things in context, 1 Cane Corso = ½ Danny DeVito, meaning this canine’s height is 28 inches. You know what they say, with great height comes great weight. So you shouldn’t be surprised that a Cane Corso can be as heavy as 100 pounds. Signified by vigilant eyes and a huge head, this breed also features a rigid fur coat, over which one can notice its rippling muscles.
Intelligence and altruism are some of their characteristics, which can be evident from how they often are willing to make others happy. With a history as intense as theirs, assertiveness comes naturally to the Cane Corso. But they are still a loyal breed. Black, red, grey and variations of fawn are the various possible colours of this breed’s coat. Sometimes, brindled patterns & irregular streaks are also a part of it. The ears of the breed can be both cropped and uncropped.
See also: Dog Breed Characteristics
Temperament Of The Cane Corso
Devotion personified – The Cane Corso totally loves being as close to their human family as possible. While it’s not really hard to train them, you will have to be strict or get a trainer that can be strong and assertive. Their hunting instincts make sure that strangers and new people always come under their radar of suspicion. Be sure to give proper socialization and training from a young age itself, so that they don’t turn excessively assertive. Normally, a Cane Corso will easily get along with dogs of the other sex as well as with other breeds or animals.
Lifespan
The Cane Corso lives for up to 9 to 12 years or age.
Are Cane Corsos Hypoallergenic
No, the Cane Corso is not hypoallergenic.
Average Litter Size
The average litter size of the Cane Corso is 8 to 10 puppies. But then again, on certain occasions, Cane Corsos have also given birth to more than 10 puppers.
What Is The Cane Corso Like As A Puppy
The Cane Corso puppy needs a lot of attention and affection from its human family. The Cane Corso puppy requires a good amount of loving, gentle and firm guidance that helps it to grow into a brilliant dog. The breed does not like to mingle up with strangers all that much. If you are bringing home a Cane Corso, remember that the puppy is family-only!
The Cane Corso puppy loves to spend time doing some job or another. It is protective of its human family. If left alone or not given any work to do, the puppy might dig holes to reach the other end of the world!
Good Diet For Cane Corso
The basic nutrients needed for a Cane Corso are carbs, protein and fat. Don’t compromise on the quality of dog food and ensure that it isn’t lacking some quantities of fiber, minerals and vitamins at least. Feed them in break. Tiny meals in intervals is better than a massive one. A slow feed bowl encourages the breed to eat slowly – saving them from gulping air.
Health Concerns
The Cane Corso is a breed that has certain minor and major health concerns. The following are the health conditions found in Cane Corso that you need to be aware of:
1. Entropion: Think of it as a malformation. There’s an inward rolling of the eyelid which causes the surface hair of the eyelid to rub against the cornea. The dog can experience pain, perforations or even ulcers in their cornea due to this. Pigment development in the corneal area can also interfere with the dog’s vision.
2. Demodectic mange: It is caused by a parasite mite called Demodex Canis which lives in the dog’s hair follicles. This condition is generally found in dogs with an immature immune system. Topical medication is used to treat this condition. There are shampoos with benzoyl peroxide which help to flush out the mite.
3. Bloat: An occurrence which can be caused due to overeating, acid reflux or even too much fluid and/or gas in the Corso’s tummy. Bloating in dogs can further cause a year in the stomach walls or breathing troubles. Restlessness, excessive drooling, swelling of the stomach, anxiety, tendency to vomit are all things that can happen in this case.
Things To Take Care Of
The Cane Corso has an amazing tolerance to high temperatures. It can live efficiently in a country like India. The breed requires a big space for themselves to live in. It is important to remember that proper fencing would be required if you are to adopt a Cane Corso. The breed needs special care and attention, but they certainly would happily be by your side!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cane Corso
How much does it cost to buy a Cane Corso?
Valuing these puppies can be difficult, with the prices ranging from INR 60000 to INR 80000. You will want a reputable breeder that you know has purebreds and is willing to give you records of health tests as well as being able to tell you about their breeding practices. However, it’s worth it in the end because this breed makes an excellent addition for any family looking for a large dog but still wants something manageable enough inside your home!
Is Cane Corso banned in India?
The Indian government has banned importing Cane Corso dogs for breeding or any other commercial activity. Although, imports will still be allowed for internal security by the defense and police force. The new law attempts to curb illegal smuggling into India that may have been taking place from neighboring countries such as Nepal, where there are no restrictions on dog breeds being imported.
Are Cane Corsos smart?
Cane Corsos are too much of an independent breed to be considered smart. They are intelligent and eager to please, but their independence can make them difficult at times. However, they respond better with love than harsh corrections, which is good considering how stubborn these pups tend to be!
Why are Cane Corsos so expensive?
The Cane Corso is a costly breed of dog, but it’s not just the purchase price that will hurt your wallet. These dogs are large and require strong fencing to keep them in and food, adding up quickly.
Are Cane Corsos lazy?
One may think that Cane Corsos are lazy at first glance. However, these dogs can be very active and require daily walks or jogs to maintain their health.
Why does my Cane Corso stink?
Cane Corso’s have a peculiar smell about them. This is because their anus glands often become plugged, swollen, and smelly! To prevent any unwanted infections in your pet, you’ll need to perform regular cleaning of this area with special wipes or soap designed for canines.
How strong is a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a popular dog for hunting thanks to its 700 psi bite force, one of the strongest in terms of bite power. Originating from Italy as an Italian Mastiff type, this large breed will love people and other dogs alike with their softhearted personality that can’t be beaten!
Are Cane Corso good with kids?
The Cane Corso is a loyal and protective dog breed. They are known to be good with kids; it all depends on how much training you give them and your pet’s age when first brought home. The Cane Corso has been around for centuries protecting families while also being fiercely loyal. Over time they have become more family-oriented dogs who go great with any size group but especially those that include children so long as their obedience is reinforced through consistent training.
Will my Cane Corso protect me?
Cane Corsos are known for their guard dog skills. A Cane Corsa is an excellent protector and has been bred since the Roman Empire times because of its powerful nature when protecting the home territory from intruders or other animals.
How aggressive are Cane Corsos?
Cane Corsos are a very territorial breed and need to be socialized with people from a young age. While Cane Corsos can establish themselves as aggressive, they have the potential for temperance if adequately trained at an early stage in their life.
Are Cane Corsos stubborn?
You bet they are! They were bred for hunting, and being stubborn is a trait that we want in any good hunter. However, to be successful, you need to learn how to push them out of their comfort zone with repetition and consistency. You may see the occasional Corso try something new. Still, it’s important not to get frustrated or give up on teaching your Cane Corso this valuable lesson as doing so will only further reinforce their instinct: Stubbornly refusing anything unfamiliar even if it’s better for him.
How do you discipline a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is an ancient breed that has been used for centuries as a guard dog throughout Italy. Though they are typically good with children and dogs alike, do not be surprised if your canine companion becomes aggressive in defense of their territory or food. To discipline this majestic beast, one must lead them by kindness and positivity while also being firm when needed! Encourage positive behaviors but discourage those negative ones so you can raise a happy and healthy pup.
How much sleep does a Cane Corso need?
Cane Corso adults sleep between 10 and 13 hours a day, as they have a solid sleep routine compared with puppies. They are known to be one of the few breeds that is an active breed and has extended periods of deep restfulness during their sleeping time.
What age is a Cane Corso full grown?
Cane Corso dogs will take longer than one year to grow into their adult size. Most canines won’t be fully mature until they’ve lived at least two years, but some may need up to four!
What two breeds make a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is an ancient breed used for hunting and war. It’s a strong hunter found in two breeds: the Neapolitan Mastiff and the lighter-weight Cane Corso. The latter descended from Roman dogs, while the heavier mastiffs were brought to Italy by Arabic invaders during medieval times.
Are Cane Corsos mean?
Cane Corso puppies are cute and friendly, but they can grow up to be aggressive. Aggression is a problem with Cane Corsos; it’s not just for dogfighting anymore. You’ll want to socialize your puppy early on, so he doesn’t become violent in the future!
Is a Cane Corso a good family dog?
The Cane Corso is a large dog that can be great for families with lots of space. The breed has been known to be loving and devoted pups who will do anything they are told to please their owner. They make good guard dogs because of their sharp sense of alertness but also have some downsides like not being the best choice if you live in an apartment or home with small children at risk from a larger animal running around inside your house.
At what age do Cane Corsos calm down?
The Cane Corso is a surprisingly mellow dog for its size, and the reason behind this has to do with how they grow up. Once your pup reaches 15-18 months old, he will reach emotional maturity – which means that these canines are less likely to show signs of aggression or dominance to other pack members. However, because you’ve spent so much time training him before, there’s no chance of any problems coming!
Why does my Cane Corso stare at me?
Dogs are not complicated animals. They either love you, or they don’t, and if the latter is true, then it’s time to consult a professional trainer. If your dog stares at you as well, I wouldn’t be alarmed; dogs tend to stare into our eyes when we spend a lot of quality one-on-one time with them because affectionately staring into someone else’s eye has been shown in humans too!
Why does my Cane Corso fart so much?
Farts are created when the body breaks down food, and there’s a release of hydrogen sulfide gas. The problem is that this gaseous by-product can’t escape from your dog’s digestive system to be released in their poops or burps, which leaves it trapped inside them until they do one thing: Fart! This occurs after eating certain foods with fiber like broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage because these veggies have been found to produce more flatulence than other vegetables.
