Corsos 101

Working group

The Cane Corso is one of an ancient group of massive dogs used to guard people and property. The breed is intelligent, independent and courageous, and decidedly not for beginners. This is a breed for canine-experienced families willing and able to provide responsible leadership, along with consistent handling and regular training and exercise.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Corsos

Tough-minded dog keeps you on your toes.

Because of the breed’s massive size, the Cane Corso is not well-suited to families with small children or elderly adults. They may also not be compatible with other dogs and with smaller family pets. They are often suspicious around people they do not know. Secure fencing is a must.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
23.5 to 27.5 inches tall
Group Size Large
Lifespan
9 to 12 years
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Weight
90 to 110 lbs
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Mature adult Corso

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Corso conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Arthritis

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Ear infection

Senior Corso

8+ years

Risk level for common Corso conditions

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Bone cancer

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Arthritis

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Corso puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Corso conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Gastritis

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Ear infection

Young adult Corso

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Corso conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Hip dysplasia

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Ear infection

Mature adult Corso

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Corso conditions

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

Senior Corso

8+ years

Risk level for common Corso conditions

risk-level-bar

Bone cancer

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Corso puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Corso conditions

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

Young adult Corso

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Corso conditions

risk-level-bar

Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

2-Cane corso laying down GettyImages-1440166585

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The translation of Cane Corso is roughly “bodyguard dog.” These Italian dogs descended from Roman mastiffs, and they’ve been used to hunt, protect livestock and drive cattle. They are serious dogs who will protect their family to their dying breath. The Cane Corso needs experienced handling, early socialization and good training.

Cane Corso coat care and colors

The coat of the Cane Corso is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Any skin folds need special attention and regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infection. The Cane Corso comes in seven recognized colors, four solid and the rest brindle, with either black or gray masks.

Many darker-colored dogs have black nails, making it sadly too easy to hit the vein in the middle of the nail, called the quick, during trims. Grinding the nails instead of clipping may be the best way to avoid bleeding. Because the Cane Corso is such a strong dog, it’s best to acclimate them as puppies to having their feet handled to encourage cooperation as adults.

How often should my Cane Corso be bathed?

There’s no need to wait until your Cane Corso is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Most Cane Corsos do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing.

What kind of brush should I use on my Cane Corso?

Your Cane Corso can be groomed with hound glove, a glove that has nubs that grab loose fur.

How do you treat Cane Corso skin?

A healthy diet and good parasite-control will keep your Cane Corso's skin in good shape. If your Cane Corso has persistent skin issues, visit your dog's veterinary healthcare team for advice and treatment options.

Corso exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The Cane Corso doesn’t have the highest of exercise needs, but regular long walks will prove beneficial. Because of the breed’s size, good leash manners are a must.

Independent study

Trainability

If you’re not the leader of a Cane Corso, they’ll make decisions for you both. Consistent training and limit-setting are essential.

Corso fun facts

Top girl names for Corsos

100%

of Corsos are female

0%

of Corsos are male

Top boy names for Corsos

Nationwide loves Cane Corsos of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Corsos

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