Let’s delve into the specifics of the Cane Corso Mastiff, also referred to as the Italian Mastiff. A breed with an imposing stature, males typically weigh between 120 and 140 lbs. Females, on the other hand, usually fall within the 80 to 100 lbs weight range.
When it comes to height, males stand tall at 25 to 27.5 inches, while females measure slightly shorter, with heights between 23.5 to 26 inches.
The breed’s ranking within the American Kennel Club (AKC) as of 2009 remains unknown, but what we do know is that the Cane Corso Mastiff boasts an impressive lifespan of approximately 9 to 11 years.
This robust and endearing breed traces its origins back to Italy, cementing its standing as a unique part of canine history.
Unveiling the Cane Corso Mastiff: A Gentleman of the Dog World
A well-trained and socialized Cane Corso Mastiff can be a gem. As a loyal companion, they are quiet, loving, and ever so polite. However, without proper training and social interaction, they can transform into an unruly force to reckon with.
Firstly, let’s tackle the pronunciation of this breed’s name. It’s a commonly fumbled term. The correct pronunciation is “Kah-nay Kor-so”.
The Cane Corso Mastiff: An Overview
The Cane Corso Mastiff has roots dating back to ancient times. Its original purpose was hunting large game and safeguarding livestock. Nowadays, this breed is more commonly seen as a faithful companion and property guardian. This breed is considered somewhat rare in modern times.
The Cane Corso Mastiff, or the Italian Mastiff as it’s also known, has a lineage tracing back to the Roman Molossus dog, known as Canis Pugnax, which was larger in comparison. Existing in the same era was the Neapolitan Mastiff, a smaller variant of the Molossus. The Corso stands out from its cousins as being more agile and quicker. It’s believed the name ‘Corso’ is derived from the term ‘corhors’, translating to ‘guard of the courtyard’.
The initial use of this breed was large game hunting, but it later evolved into a protector and shepherd, guiding cattle to marketplaces. The breed remains prevalent in southern Italy and is beloved as a companion. The Corso made its American debut in 1987 and is recognized under the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is expected to fully register the Cane Corso in the near future.
The breed’s primary association is the Cane Corso Association of America, and it’s commonly seen in major show circuits like ARBA, NAKC, AKC, and IABCA.
For more insights into this remarkable breed, visit www.sovranacanecorso.com.
Unleashing the Cane Corso Mastiff’s Trainability
The Cane Corso Mastiff is a breed that is open to learning and training. This breed, however, requires a balanced training approach. It is vital to socialize and train this dog under the guidance of a confident, assertive leader who also maintains a friendly and respectful demeanor.
With a keen intellect, the Cane Corso Mastiff is constantly eager to please its owner or trainer. This security-focused and family-oriented breed is simple to train, particularly using methods such as clicker training or following the teachings of Cesar Millan, the famed Dog Whisperer. Consistent socialization throughout the dog’s lifetime is paramount!
Given the Cane Corso’s potential for assertiveness, it may be beneficial to seek out professional obedience training for a well-rounded learning experience.
On Crate Training
Interested in crate training your Cane Corso Mastiff puppy? It’s a straightforward process that, when implemented correctly, can save you from potential headaches and issues down the line. A crate can provide the puppy with a safe haven, a private space to rest, and a quiet place where they can be an unobtrusive part of the family.
Potty Training Insights
House training a Cane Corso Mastiff puppy is typically a smooth endeavor. These puppies are quick learners when it comes to understanding where they should “do their business”. If you have a new puppy, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer crate or paper potty training. To aid in making this decision and guiding you through the process, resources are available such as our Crate vs Paper Potty Training page. Regardless of the method you choose, always remember to praise your puppy when they successfully go to the bathroom in the right spot, reinforcing their positive behavior. Both training methods are effective for this breed.
If you’re dealing with an older dog, be consistent in taking the dog outside every couple of hours. This helps them understand which door leads to their designated bathroom area. Generally, older dogs adapt quickly to house training once they’re shown what to do.
The Cane Corso Mastiff is indeed a breathtaking breed, combining beauty with power!
The Cane Corso Mastiff Temperament: An Alpha’s Best Friend
The Cane Corso Mastiff is a breed that requires a firm, alpha leader to own and handle it. This powerful protective dog must never assume leadership within the family dynamic. As long as the Cane Corso Mastiff maintains a submissive role, owners can expect to receive an abundance of love and affection from this remarkable breed.
It’s essential that this breed never considers itself the “boss”. All family members, including the youngest child, must consistently assert a gentle, yet firm dominance over the dog. Provided the Corso has received comprehensive socialization from an early age (around 4 or 5 weeks), and the entire family provides clear directions, boundaries, and limitations, the resulting pet will be a smart, fast-learning companion that strives to please its human family.
Remember, the Cane Corso Mastiff seeks to please its family but needs guidance on how to accomplish this and what is expected of it.
A well-trained Corso can be calm and courteous, making it a great family pet, good with children, and a loyal and affectionate playmate. Even during play, it’s vital that children maintain a dominant role.
The Corso isn’t inclined to stray from home, exhibiting an even temperament and a strong homely nature. This breed perfectly suits a family seeking a protective, vigilant watchdog and a loving family pet. While capable of aggression when necessary, the Corso isn’t one to instigate conflicts. This dog prefers a peaceful life but won’t back down if a fight comes its way.
Obedience training is essential for the Cane Corso Mastiff, whether undertaken by the owner or a professional. This training isn’t optional; it’s a must, just like ensuring the dog understands its place in the family hierarchy. This breed isn’t suitable for everyone and is particularly unsuitable for first-time dog owners.
Separation anxiety can occasionally be an issue with the Cane Corso Mastiff. However, this can typically be managed with some dedicated training and a bit of “tough love”.
Interactions with Others
When it comes to interacting with other dogs, the Corso may be selective, tolerating some while shunning others. Despite this, the breed generally does well with other pets in the house, adapting well to cats and other dogs, especially if raised alongside them. There’s one notable exception: large male dogs may not get along with other male dogs due to dominance issues.
When it comes to strangers, the Corso tends to be cautious and can potentially be aggressive. Having the owner present to introduce the dog to the stranger often leads to better outcomes.
Playfulness and Affection
Despite their size, Corsos can be quite playful – let’s give them an 8 out of 10. Affection-wise, they score even higher – a 9 out of 10. These ratings assume the dog resides in a dominant household where it’s comfortable in a submissive role.
Corsos and Children
Corsos usually do well with older children aged 6 or 7 and up. They may be less tolerant of very young, rowdy children. Given their size and weight, close supervision is crucial when Corsos are around toddlers and all small children.
Are Corsos Good with Seniors Over 65?
Possibly. If the senior has no physical limitations and can consistently exert dominance, the Corso can make a fantastic pet. They are affectionate, loyal, playful, quiet, and do not require excessive exercise. Additionally, they make excellent watch and guard dogs – traits that many seniors appreciate. However, it’s important that potential senior owners research the breed thoroughly and make an informed decision, as this isn’t a clear-cut choice.
Living Environment and Energy Levels: Adapting to the Cane Corso Mastiff
The Cane Corso Mastiff thrives in homes with small to medium-sized fenced yards, or farms and ranches. This breed is not suitable for apartment living due to their size and energy levels.
Speaking of energy, this breed is quite energetic, scoring 7 out of 10. However, the Corso is known to calm down rapidly following exercise or play. This attribute is particularly noticeable in puppies, which can initially seem hyper but settle down quickly after some physical activity.
Daily Exercise Needs: Medium but Vital
While the Cane Corso Mastiff doesn’t require excessive exercise, a moderate amount of daily activity is crucial for this breed’s health and happiness. Owners should refrain from running their Corsos before they reach two years of age and avoid walking them on hard cement surfaces. This breed enjoys games like fetch or Frisbee for exercise and play.
Guarding Abilities: Excellent
The Cane Corso Mastiff excels as both a watchdog and guard dog, demonstrating a high level of protection over their family members, property, and any livestock.
Grooming and Shedding: Moderate to Light
Expect moderate to light shedding from the Cane Corso Mastiff. In terms of grooming, this breed requires minimal maintenance – a brush a few times a month, more frequently during shedding periods, and a quick towel off to keep their coat shiny.
Feeding the Cane Corso Mastiff
When it comes to diet, the Cane Corso Mastiff requires high-quality, large-breed, non-fish-based, low-protein, high-carbohydrate food. A diet consisting of 23% protein with naturally occurring glucosamine from other meats is ideal.
Educational Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about the Cane Corso, there is one excellent book currently in print: Cane Corso (Kennel Club Dog Breed Series). This hardcover book is a must-have for those interested in or already owning this breed.
Cane Corso Puppy Rescue
If you’re considering adopting an older dog and searching for a Cane Corso Rescue group in your area, you can try Petfinder. It might show a limited number of dogs available for adoption due to the breed’s rarity. If you want a broader selection, search online for Cane Corso Rescue, Clubs, or Kennels.
If you’re successful in adopting a Corso, ensure you get any available health records for future reference. If you’re looking for a puppy, you can also try searching for Cane Corso Mastiff puppies for sale or Cane Corso puppy rescue online.
Cane Corso Mastiff Health Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Despite being generally a healthy breed, the Cane Corso Mastiff is known to be susceptible to certain health issues. It’s important to note that these are potential problems and your dog may never experience any of these conditions. Any medical issues are usually dealt with by breeders, especially in puppies and very young dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian for any concerns regarding your dog’s health.
- Hip Dysplasia (CHD): This condition is characterized by hind end limping or weakness, where the femur doesn’t fit properly into the pelvic socket. Over time, this causes pain, difficulty in walking, and may lead to arthritis. Signs include a hopping gait and hesitation to climb stairs. Diagnostics tests can help a vet identify this condition.
- Entropion: An inherited condition causing eye irritation due to the eyelids and lashes rolling inward. Common in young, adult dogs, symptoms include excessive tearing and partially shut eyes. Treatment often requires eye surgery.
- Ectropion: This hereditary condition results in the lower eyelid growing outward, creating a gap between the eye and eyelid. Common signs include excessive tearing and conjunctivitis, but some dogs show no symptoms. Blunt trauma or nerve damage can also cause this issue. Chronic conjunctivitis or cornea damage may require surgery.
- Cherry Eye: A breed-related congenital defect, where the tear gland in the third eyelid bulges due to weak support. The gland, crucial for eye lubrication, becomes visible as a reddish mass. If the gland swells due to improper blood flow, a “tuck and stitch” procedure may be necessary to put the gland back in place and restore tear production.
- Gastric Torsion (Dog Bloat): This life-threatening condition, common in larger, deep-chested dogs, results in the stomach twisting. Symptoms include excessive drooling, nervous pacing, agitation, weakness, an attempt to vomit, bulging stomach area, heavy breathing, retching, gagging, shock, or total collapse.
- Demodicosis (Demodectic Mange or Red Mange): This skin disease, caused by a parasite, results in hair loss, itching, reddening of the skin, and areas becoming crusty. The condition is sometimes treatable with topical creams and anti-fungal bathing but may spread and require medications.
Remember, this guide is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice. Always take your dog to the vet if you notice any unusual signs or behaviors.