The Cane Corso is a large, Mastiff-type dog that originated in Italy. For centuries it was used to guard farm animals against predators, as well as provide protection for the farm owner.
Although not as large as other Mastiff breeds, the Cane Corso was also good as a hunting dog and capable of taking down wild boar and other large game.
The Cane Corso’s size, immense strength, and protective nature make it an excellent watchdog as well as a guard dog.
| Weight (pounds) Male: 90-120 Female: 80-105 | Height (inches) Male: 25-28 Female: 23-25 | Lifespan (years) 9-12 | Dog Breed Group Working breed |
Characteristics Ratings
We rate 19 characteristics for each breed, divided into three categories:
Highest Rated – Characteristics for which this breed is rated 4 or 5 stars (on a 5 star scale).
Neutral Rated – Characteristics that rated 3 stars.
Lowest Rated – Characteristics that rated only 1 or 2 stars.
Highest Rated
- Good Family Dog
- Low Shedding
- Protective Nature
- Easy to Train
- High Energy Level
- Tolerates Hot Climate
- High Intelligence
Neutral Rated
- Kid Friendly
- Good With Other Dogs
- Low Drooling
- Friendly to Strangers
- Likes to Play
- Handles Change Easily
- Low Amount of Barking
- Tolerates Cold Climate
- Good General Heallth
Lowest Rated
- Suitable for Small Yards/Apartments
- Good for Novice Owners
- Tolerates Being Left Alone
General Overview
Cane Corsos are very good family dogs, showing unconditional love and affection towards family members, but are not good with strangers and if not properly socialized and trained can become overly aggressive. They are only moderately kid friendly and do best in households with older or no children.
They are cautious around other dogs or other animals and as a rule, do not do well at dog parks. They will tolerate animals they were raised with but may show aggression towards other animals and see them as prey.
All this said, a Cane Corso that is properly trained and socialized at an early age will be an affectionate and loyal family dog that will put its life on the line to protect its family.
From a grooming standpoint, Cane Corsos are low shedders and have an easy-to-maintain coat.
They don’t drool or bark excessively, making them easy to live with, but they do suffer from separation anxiety and don’t tolerate being left alone very well.
Cane Corsos are highly energetic and athletic dogs that need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they may develop some behaviors you will not like.
Fortunately, a long walk or run, combined with one or two high-activity play sessions, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or swimming, should be enough to keep them happy and healthy. A large, fenced yard will also help them burn off some of that energy.
For these reasons, the Cane Corso is not a good choice for apartment living or houses with little or no yards.
When it comes to intelligence, Cane Corsos score high. This makes them easy to train, although given their dominant personalities, they need firm leadership combined with set boundaries. For these reasons, they are a poor choice for a first-time dog owner.
Cane Corsos are a moderately healthy breed. However, due to their deep chest, they are predisposed to bloating, which can be a life-threatening condition.