The Italian Mastiff Cane Corso is a large and powerful breed, with a muscular build that can reach impressive heights.
The Cane Corso typically stands between 24 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their weight can vary, but on average, males can weigh between 99 and 120 pounds.
Males are generally larger than females, who can weigh between 90 and 110 pounds.
Size and Growth
A Cane Corso's growth rate is impressive, with most reaching their mature height by 1 year of age. They will continue to fill out throughout their second year of life, reaching their mature weight around the 2-year mark.
At 1 month, a Cane Corso typically weighs between 20-28 pounds and measures 8-11 inches in length. By 2 months, they've grown to 30-36 pounds and 12-15 inches in length.
Here's a breakdown of a Cane Corso's growth chart:
Keep in mind that there can be individual variations in growth rates between male and female Cane Corsos, with males typically reaching a maximum weight of 110 pounds and females reaching a maximum weight of 120 pounds.
Factors Affecting Size
The Cane Corso's size can vary significantly depending on several factors. Genetics play a huge role in determining the size of your Cane Corso pup.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Cane Corso and has an official standard that includes the acceptable structure, size, and colors. This standard helps breeders and owners understand what to expect from their Cane Corso.
To measure your Cane Corso's height, you need to have them stand up straight with their legs perpendicular to the floor. You'll measure their height at the withers, which is the highest point of the shoulder blade.
You can easily check your dog's weight by having a size-appropriate scale. Gently place them on the scale and see what number it comes up with. Make sure they have their entire body evenly distributed on the scale to get an accurate result.
It's essential to use a large scale or take your Cane Corso to the veterinarian to check their weight, especially when they're large. Weighing a massive Cane Corso pup or a full-grown adult can be challenging with a small scale.
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Breed Information
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff breed that dates back to Ancient Rome, where they were used as Roman war dogs, bodyguards, and protectors of property and livestock across the Italian countryside.
This breed is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff and is known for its impressive size and protective nature. Both breeds' ancestors were the now-extinct Greek Molossus dogs, which were developed after these dogs were brought to Italy after the Greek Islands were conquered.
The Cane Corso nearly went extinct due to limited breeding in Italy during a difficult period of war and economic downturn, but breed enthusiasts rescued the breed and formed a breed society in 1983, paving the way for its comeback.
Here are some key facts about the Cane Corso's size and recognition:
- The Cane Corso is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- The breed's official standard includes the acceptable structure, size, and colors.
Genetics
Genetics play a very large role in the size of a Cane Corso, with females reaching a shoulder height between 23.5 and 26 inches and males reaching anywhere from 25 to 27.5 inches.
You can typically look at a puppy's parents to help estimate their mature size, but this isn't always accurate due to the unpredictability of genetics.
Genetics are passed down through generations, which is why reputable breeders work to produce sizes that are within the breed's standard.
Certain genetic conditions can affect or inhibit growth, making it essential to obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder who completes necessary health testing.
Genetics are crucial in determining the eventual size of a Cane Corso, with breed standards dictating a height of between 26 and 27.5 inches for both males and females.
The unpredictability of genes passed down through generations can be affected by inbreeding and targeted breeding, which is why breeders try to produce sizes that go beyond average growth charts.
Genetics are the primary factor in determining a Cane Corso's size, making it essential to understand the role of genetics in the breed.
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Learn About Your Favorite Breed
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff breed that dates back to Ancient Rome. They were used as Roman war dogs, bodyguards, and protectors of property and livestock across the Italian countryside.
The Cane Corso is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff, and both breeds are known for their impressive size and protective nature. They share a common ancestor, the now-extinct Greek Molossus dog.
The breed nearly went extinct due to a combination of war and economic downturn, but breed enthusiasts rescued it by finding the select few remaining in Italy. They began making a comeback in the 1970s and a breed society was formed in 1983.
The Cane Corso is a giant dog, reaching nearly 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing over 100 pounds. They have a short, stiff, double-layered coat that requires regular brushing, especially during shedding season.
To help you visualize the breed standard, here are the acceptable colors and structure for the Cane Corso:
The Cane Corso is a very intelligent working breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If you're thinking of bringing one home, be prepared to train and socialize them early, as this is a very willful and powerful breed.
Understanding the Breed
The Cane Corso is a giant dog with a personality to match. Known for its fierce loyalty and protective nature, this breed needs basic obedience training and early socialization to reduce the risk of aggression and other behavioral problems.
The Cane Corso's history dates back to ancient Italy, where it was highly valued as a guard dog and hunting companion. Its history is so rich that it almost went extinct.
Early socialization is crucial for the Cane Corso to prevent behavioral problems. The American Kennel Club recommends socializing puppies between 8 and 11 weeks old.
Here's a list of essential socialization activities for Cane Corso puppies:
- Exposure to new environments
- Meeting new people and animals
- Getting used to new sounds and noises
- Learning basic obedience commands
History
The Cane Corso has a rich history that spans thousands of years. They originated from the Molossi, an ancient Greek people who bred large, big-boned guardian dogs of Mastiff type.
These early breeds of Cane Corsi were used in battle, charging ahead with buckets of flaming oil strapped to their backs. It's hard to imagine, but they were even bigger than their modern counterparts.
The Cane Corso population began to dwindle due to various reasons, including invasions of the Italian peninsula, political upheavals, and mechanized farming. This decline was a significant setback for the breed.
In the 1970s, a group of Italian fanciers joined forces to revive the breed. Their efforts paid off, and the Cane Corso was eventually recognized by the AKC in 2010.
The Personality
The Cane Corso is a breed that's often misunderstood due to its intimidating appearance. They're actually friendly, intelligent, docile, affectionate, and loyal dogs.
Early socialization is crucial for this breed, especially with large dog breeds. Without proper socialization, they can become aggressive and develop behavioral problems. The Cane Corso needs basic obedience training and early socialization to reduce the risk of aggression.
While they're naturally protective, Cane Corsi aren't aggressive by nature. Once they form a deep bond with someone, they become calm and gentle. This makes them a skilled guard dog, but also a loving companion.
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Mental and physical stimulation are essential to prevent undesirable behavior in Cane Corsi. Without proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can become destructive and develop behavioral problems.
Here are some key personality traits of the Cane Corso breed:
- Friendly
- Intelligent
- Docile
- Affectionate
- Loyal
It's worth noting that breed is not a reliable indicator of personality in any individual dog. A dog's personality is a complex combination of factors, and every Cane Corso is unique.
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The Aesthetic
The Cane Corso's size is truly impressive, with many weighing over 100 pounds due to its massive build.
Its muscular physique is quite striking, making it a majestic breed to behold.
The Cane Corso's wide muzzle and distinctive head shape are notable features that set it apart from other breeds.
Its short coat is easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, black, and gray.
The Cane Corso's facial wrinkles give it a wise and aged appearance, adding to its unique charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cane Corso bigger than a mastiff?
No, a Cane Corso is actually smaller than a Mastiff, standing 24-28 inches tall and weighing 90-130 pounds, compared to a Mastiff's larger size. Despite their smaller stature, Cane Corsos are still a powerful breed.
Are Cane Corso and Italian Mastiff the same?
Yes, Cane Corso and Italian Mastiff are the same breed, known for their large size and loyal nature. They share the same characteristics, with Cane Corso being the more commonly used name.
Sources
- Cane Corso (petmd.com)
- How Big Are Cane Corsos? (With Size & Growth Chart) (dogster.com)
- Neapolitan Mastiff (neapolitanmastiffpuppies.com)
- Cane Corso Breed | Know Your Pet DNA by Ancestry® (ancestry.com)
- Cane Corso is a medium-large size dog breed (akc.org)
- Cane Corso puppies will be between 21 and 24 inches tall at six months old (pawlicy.com)
- Cane Corso Italiano (fci.be)
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