Cane Corso
Also known as Italian Mastiff, Cane Corso Italiano
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Italy
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, powerful Italian molosser with a muscular, athletic build and a self-assured temperament. Historically used as a guardian and hunter, this intelligent, majestic breed is known for its loyalty and courage.
History and origins
An ancient Italian breed descended from Roman molosser war dogs, developed as a versatile farm dog, guardian and big-game hunter. The breed came close to extinction but was revived by enthusiasts in the 1970s and 1980s.
Health
Life expectancy is 9 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Entropion and ectropion
- Prolapsed third eyelid gland (“cherry eye”)
- Idiopathic epilepsy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Cane Corso FAQ
How big does the Cane Corso get?
The Cane Corso stands 58 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 50 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Cane Corso shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Cane Corso live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Cane Corso need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Cane Corso good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Cane Corso live?
Life expectancy is 9 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
