Cane Corso

The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a descendent of ancient Roman war dogs, which are believed to be ancestors of one of the giant dog breeds of ancient Greece, the Molossus.

The name “cane corso” is often translated as “bodyguard dog” or “guardian of the courtyard,” as it combines the Latin words “canis” and “cohors.” Fittingly, after the fall of Rome, the breed developed across Italy into guard dogs, hunters, and farmhands. They protected homes and cattle, pulled heavy carts, and helped flush out game during hunts.

The Cane Corso population declined after World War II to the point of extinction, until Italian breeders actively revived them. The breed came to America in 1988 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.

The Cane Corso is considered a giant-breed dog. They have short, smooth coats that are commonly black or black brindle (unique, tiger-like stripes). Chestnut brindle, gray brindle, fawn, red, and gray are popular colorings, and some have a unique masklike pattern on their faces.

1. Head: A Cano Corso has a large head with a flat cranium that converges at the muzzle.
2. Eyes: Oval-shaped eyes have very dark irises and are set apart.
3. Coat: Their short fur is lustrous, thick, and comes in various colors. The coat becomes thicker during colder seasons.
4. Tail: The tail is naturally long. If it is docked, it’s usually cut to about one-third of its natural length.
5. Forequarters: Very well-muscled and proportional to the dog’s size. The pads and nails are hard, dark, and lean.
6. Hindquarters: Well-proportioned to the forequarters, being equally muscled and strong.

What to know before adopting

Cane Corsos are beautiful, intelligent animals, but they may not be suitable for everyone’s lifestyle. Here’s what to consider before adopting this breed:

• Time commitment: Like all dogs, a Cane Corso requires a regular routine of daily walks. They also thrive when given plenty of attention and stimulation, both physical and mental.
• Financial commitment: Veterinarian visits, dog supplies and toys, and grooming are all costs to consider when owning a dog. Larger breeds like the Cane Corso will naturally need more food than smaller breeds.
• Lifestyle match: A Cane Corso could suit someone who is prepared to help their dog stay physically and mentally active. Consider how this large breed will fit into your living space and home life.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan for this breed is 9 to 12 years, so owning a Cane Corso, particularly as a puppy, is a significant commitment.
• Training and socialization: Early and consistent training and socialization would be beneficial for a Cane Corso, whose size and strength are more easily managed as a puppy.

Where to adopt a Cane Corso

If you think a cane corso is the right dog for you, here are some of the most popular places from which to adopt one:

• Breeders: Breeders are a wise option to consider when you’re looking to adopt a Cane Corso. You may ask a vet for their recommendation, or research a reputable breeder through your national breed club.
• Shelters: As with breeders, it’s crucial to look into the shelter and the staff who care for the dogs. Prioritize shelters that can provide full transparency about the Cane Corso’s medical history or any other details about its past.

A Cane Corso’s risk in developing a specific health condition depends on many factors, including its age, sex, genetics, diet, and lifestyle. Here are some common health conditions for this breed:

• Eyelid abnormalities: Common eyelid abnormalities in Cane Corsos include ectropion (when the lower eyelid turns outward), and entropion (when the eyelid rolls inward).
• Hip/elbow dysplasia: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia in dogs are conditions where the respective joints develop abnormally and don’t fit together as they should, leading to instability and arthritis. Limping and limited mobility are common symptoms for both hip and elbow dysplasia. Depending on the age of the dog and the severity of the condition, there are various treatments, including physical therapy, surgery, and medication.
• Demodectic mange: Cane Corsos are at higher risk of developing demodectic mange, which is a skin condition that occurs when many Demodex mites infest a dog’s skin. It presents as red bumps, thick and dark or scaly skin, itchiness, and hair loss.
• Idiopathic epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure disorder with no identifiable underlying cause, and genetics are believed to play a role in its development in certain breeds, including the Cane Corso. Affected dogs are typically normal between seizures, and signs often begin between one and five years of age. While there is no cure, seizure frequency and severity can usually be managed with long-term medication.
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Cane Corsos, like many large, deep-chested breeds, are at increased risk for GDV, also called bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. It develops suddenly and requires emergency veterinary care.

There are many ways to support your Cane Corso’s overall physical and mental health. From prioritizing preventative care to fulfilling nutritional needs, here are some common areas to focus on when caring for your dog:

Foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions are toxic to all dogs, but for large breeds prone to GDV, there are additional recommendations when it comes to feeding.

Placing the food bowl at ground level and feeding two or more smaller meals per day rather than one large meal, may help reduce the risk of GDV. Some studies suggest that high-fat dry diets may increase risk, so choose a balanced, moderate-fat food from a reputable manufacturer. Encourage your dog to eat slowly to minimize air swallowing. and allow them to eat at ground level. Some studies suggest that high-fat dry diets may increase risk, so choose a balanced, moderate-fat food from a reputable manufacturer. Encourage your dog to eat slowly to minimize air swallowing.

Whether you’re worried about a change in your cane corso’s behavior or interested in learning more about parasite prevention, Vetster makes it easy to connect with a trusted vet online, 24/7. Get expert advice and address health concerns from the comfort of home. Save time and reduce stressful in-person vet visits so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying life with your dog.

A Cane Corso may need treatment for a range of health concerns, from acute like a sudden injury to chronic conditions like diabetes. An accurate diagnosis is key to creating an effective treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of the symptoms.

While additional testing is being conducted to pinpoint the underlying cause, veterinarians may also provide symptomatic care to relieve symptoms like pain, fever, or nausea.

It is critical to work with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis for your dog’s condition. Doing so allows you to access a safe and effective treatment plan, rather than using medications without professional guidance and putting your dog’s health at risk.

Learn more about effective treatments for your Cane Corso by speaking to an online vet at Vetster.