Cane Corso Dog Breed: Training, Health Problems & How to Take Care

Some common attributes of Cane Corso dogs include strength, intelligence, nobility and undivided loyalty. With a grand stature, these breeds display an immensely protective nature.

The breed requires enough attention from its owner and thorough training to develop a good temperament.

Important things about Corsos include the following:

• Cane Corsos have been hunters, farm guards and more. Their very name means "guard of the estate" in Latin.
• Corsos are typically mastiffs who absolutely love staying active.
• This breed has a reputation as a working dog.
• They even possess great hunting instincts.
• There are specific challenges a Cane Corso parent may face relating to the breed's health.
• These may include anxiety in the breed and more.
• They are family-only dogs and do not display much interest in meeting other dogs or people outside the family.
• Corsos require very attentive owners who can provide firm yet enough love and guidance.

More characteristics of the Cane Corso dog breed include the following:

1. General Characteristics

• Life Span: 10-12 years
• Height: 62-72 centimetres
• Weight: 45-50 kilograms

2. Cane Corsos’ Colour and Pattern of Coats

The following colours and patterns appear in a Corso:

• Light and dark shades of grey
• Light and dark shades of fawn
• Black
• Red

These colours may have a brindle pattern with irregular streaks of dark and light colours. In addition, red and solid fawn Corsos may have black and grey masks.

3. Cane Corso Temperament and Personality

An analysis of the history of Corsos suggests the following traits in the breed:

• They possess a vigorous temperament, are ever ready to meet any challenge and are exceptionally intelligent.
• They require adequate training and socialising at an early age.
• Corsos are affectionate and docile enough towards their families, including children.
• The breed, when trained well, does not usually display inappropriate aggression.
• Inadequate training may lead to the development of aggressive behaviour in Corsos.
• It is crucial to ensure one is capable enough to train the dog perfectly to develop appropriate behaviour.

4. Living Conditions and Other Important Characteristics

These dogs are known to survive in varying weather conditions. There are, however, certain important factors that cater to Corsos' living conditions:

• When kept indoors, these dogs, especially adults, stay calm. Quiet and relaxed.
• Cane Corso puppies and dogs display exceptional athleticism when outside, outperforming most mastiff breeds.
• Though Corsos prefer staying outside, there is no harm in keeping them inside the house either.

Some tips to consider while taking care of Cane Corsos include going on short strolls along the neighbourhood. More so, make them exercise 40-60 minutes regularly. More tips include the following pointers:

• Diet And Nutrition: Adult Corsos require 2 meals a day, and their diet should include biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats and ground, preferably raw meat and bones. Puppies can have eggs and cheese and require 4 meals a day. Quality dog food can even provide the required nutrition to Corsos young and old.
• Grooming: Corsos benefit from regular grooming; bathing them with proper shampoos for dogs every 4-7 weeks is crucial. During moulting, brush them every 2-3 weeks. Clean their nose and ear regularly and keep their mouth clean with mouth-cleaning products. Clip their nail with a dog nail clipper every 2 weeks.
• Exercise: Cane Corsos require exercising 60-120 minutes regularly, which may include long and brisk walks or even jogs with some time to jump and play off-lead in a secure place.

Most of the vets suggest that the age of 2 to 13 weeks is when a puppy must be trained and given the chance of socialisation. Hence, for better results and uninterrupted education during the early phase, a proper training timeline must be established.

Here is a detailed training timeline to be followed for Cane Corso puppies:

Training Timeline: 8 to 16 Weeks

• Establishing a Bond With the Puppy: After you bring a Cane Corso dog home, you will automatically create an organic bond while you will feed the puppy and provide all the requirements. During this initial stage, it is important for the dog to receive training and petting, which eventually will strengthen the bond between the owner and the puppy. There are a plethora of engagement forms available which will accentuate this bond and help him/her adjust to a new environment.
• Potty Training: Potty training, leash training, discipline and obedience are some of the major training that a Cane Corso puppy receives during its early stage. Potty training is very important, starting at a tender age due to a myriad of reasons. A Cane Corso parent needs to determine a specific spot inside or outside the house. Then, place a pee pad on the area and take them near the spot while they develop a tendency to pee, as young as 2 months of age. Do the same while they have the tendency to take a potty.
• Socialising: Socialising is another important aspect of the training process. For example, a stroll at the dog park will help determine how a Corso behaves around other dogs and people. Practise this starting from a young age to help manage excitement and aggression.
• Crate Training: Crate training is pivotal as sleeping in a crate will help them to feel relaxed and safe. Moreover, it will allow them to process all the information they have absorbed that particular day. Like a child, a puppy too requires a quiet place for recharging. Hence, providing a crate with toys, food and treats will help to build a positive and comforting nest for your dog.
• House Training: To some extent, house training is related to potty training. Mostly, this process includes introducing your dog to a specified area where they can carry out their job and come back to their crate. Once they come back to their crate, treat your dog with treats and toys as this will help them to elevate their mood.
• Techniques Related to Grooming: After bringing a Cane Corso dog, learning grooming and handling techniques is quintessential. During this early age, it is important for your dog to get familiar with healthy habits like brushing, bathing, tooth brushing and nail trimming. In addition, you can also appoint a professional for inspecting their ears, eyes, paws and teeth and take them to groomers for routine grooming sessions.
• Igniting Obedience: As Cane Corso dogs belong to a breed which is generally intelligent, starting their training at an early age to incorporate an obedience attitude can be beneficial. Obedience training mostly includes getting them habituated with lifesaving and simple commands - like sit and stay, stop, and call them names. In order to achieve complete success during this training, it is ideal to keep it short, exciting, and fun.

Training Timeline: 16 Weeks to 6 Months

Upon successful completion of training during the early stage, it is important to start training which includes impulse control. In addition, at this time, start with accentuating leash skills and advanced obedience. Though, in most Cane Corso dogs, the socialisation period ends within 16 weeks of their age, it is recommended to expose your dog to kids, and other human beings to keep them active.

Training Timeline: 6 Months to Adulthood

During this stage, a Cane Corso puppy will reach the state of sexual maturity and will enter an adolescent stage. Understanding their boundaries and training them accordingly will be beneficial for your pup. Even at this phase, it will be important to practise obedience and train them to respond to commands.

Common health problems in Cane Corsos include the following:

• Bloating: Bloating happens when the stomach fills with gas. A dog with bloating requires immediate attention. This happens when a dog eats too quickly and, hence, practises disciplining a dog by administering tactics that help build patience.
• Joint problems: It is necessary to maintain a healthy weight in Corsos as these large dog breeds are at higher risk of developing joint issues on the limbs. Hence, a proper and balanced diet is necessary to ensure healthy weight gain and prevent obesity.
• Anxiety: Anxiety may result from varied reasons. One is separation anxiety, which is common to most dogs. Another common anxiety is- the lack of chances to mate with the onset of adulthood. Hence, ensure they spend the least alone time and spay/neuter at the right time when behavioural changes occur between 6 to 18 months.

Given their size and temperament, it may seem challenging to properly bring up Cane Corso dogs. Preparing for the same may include indulging in research before getting a Corso to acquire knowledge and know-how. This is the end of the article incorporating every vital piece of information regarding the dog breed Cane Corso.