The Cane Corso is a versatile breed with a rich history, and it's no surprise that it comes in a variety of types. With its origins dating back to ancient Rome, the Cane Corso has been bred for centuries to serve as a guard dog, hunting companion, and family pet.
The different types of Cane Corsos are often determined by their purpose and the region they originated from. For example, the Italian Cane Corso is known for its intelligence and athleticism, making it a popular choice for agility and obedience training.
In contrast, the American Cane Corso is bred for its size and strength, often used as a guard dog and protection animal. The American Cane Corso typically weighs between 90-120 pounds and stands between 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
On a similar theme: American Bully Different Types
Physical Characteristics
The Cane Corso is a large dog breed, with males standing between 62-70 cm at the withers and weighing 45-50 kg. Females are slightly smaller, weighing around 40-45 kg.
The breed's head is large and slightly over one third of the height at the withers in length, with a well-defined stop. The eyes are oval in shape and set well apart.
The Cane Corso's coat is short, dense, and lustrous, coming in a variety of colors including black, grey, fawn, and brindle. The most common coat colors are listed below:
- Grey brindle
- Brown brindle
- Black brindle
- Fawn
The breed's size can be intimidating, but with proper handling and socialization, Cane Corsos can be affectionate and gentle companions.
Head
The head of a Cane Corso is a distinctive feature of the breed. It's large and typically molossoid, meaning it has a robust and sturdy appearance.
The planes of the skull and muzzle converge slightly, giving the head a subtle curve. This is in line with the breed standard.
Serious faults include parallel planes of the skull and muzzle, or planes that converge too steeply. This can affect the overall balance and proportion of the head.
Divergent head planes are a disqualification in the breed. This means that if a dog's head planes don't converge at all, it's not eligible for breed registration.
In terms of head shape, the Cane Corso's is generally well-suited to its robust build and molossoid heritage.
If this caught your attention, see: Types of Dog Muzzles
Forequarters
The forequarters of this breed are truly impressive. The shoulders are long, oblique and very muscular.
The upper arm is strong, which is essential for supporting the dog's weight and facilitating movement.
A muscular upper arm also allows for a more efficient gait, making it easier for the dog to run and play.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters of this animal are quite impressive, with long and wide upper thighs. The back of the thigh is convex, which is a distinctive feature.
The lower thigh is strong and not fleshy, which suggests a sturdy build. This is likely due to the moderate angulation at the hock, which allows for efficient movement.
The rear pasterns are thick and sinewy, indicating a good amount of muscle and flexibility. This is essential for supporting the animal's weight and facilitating movement.
Height and Weight
When considering the physical characteristics of a breed, height and weight are crucial factors to consider.
Height at the withers for males is 25 to 27 inches, and for females, it is 23.5 to 25 inches.
One inch over or under the preferred size is acceptable.
Weight for males is 100 to 110 pounds.
For females, the ideal weight is 88 to 100 pounds.
Temperament and Training
The Cane Corso is a breed that's packed with energy and a strong will to match. They're naturally alert to new people and animals, and may react if not properly trained and socialized.
Cane Corsos are highly intelligent, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement. A delicious treat can go a long way in keeping their attention on you.
With their strong will, Cane Corsos can be strong-willed, thinking they're the ones in charge. A firm, patient, and consistent trainer is essential from an early age.
Socialization is key to raising a well-behaved Cane Corso puppy. Introduce your puppy to as many people, kids, and pets as possible in a safe and positive manner.
Cane Corsos are naturally protective of their families, but with proper handling and socialization, they can get along well with children. However, children should learn how to behave around dogs and never be left unsupervised.
A Cane Corso's size and energy level require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They need a trainer who can be firm, patient, and consistent from the start.
Here's a breakdown of the Cane Corso's temperament and training needs:
Characteristics and Traits
The Cane Corso is a large and powerful breed, with males weighing up to 120 pounds. They are known for their intense and muscular appearance, which can be intimidating at first.
Their size is a significant factor to consider, especially when it comes to children. It's essential to teach kids how to behave around dogs and never leave them unsupervised, as a Cane Corso's accidental knock can be quite a shock.
Despite their size, Cane Corsos are affectionate and gentle, bonding deeply with their families and acting as protectors. They are also known to form close bonds with children, but it's crucial to remember that they are still a large breed.
Cane Corsos are not excessive barkers, but their size produces a thunderous noise that can be a concern for some families. With proper training, you can teach your dog to stop barking.
Here's a summary of the Cane Corso's temperament and characteristics:
The Cane Corso's lifespan varies depending on their coat color, with black brindle dogs living up to 10.3 years on average. Proper care and attention can help ensure your Cane Corso lives a long and healthy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color Cane Corso is most expensive?
A Gray Cane Corso is typically the most expensive, with prices reaching up to $6,000. This is significantly higher than other coat colors, such as chestnut, which can cost around $1,500.
Sources
- Cane Corso Rescue, Inc. (canecorsorescue.org)
- AKC-registered Cane Corso breeders (akc.org)
- Cane Corso (enci.it)
- Body measurements and morphological evaluation of Italian Cane Corso (tandfonline.com)
- AZ Animals - Cane Corso (a-z-animals.com)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Longevity of Cane Corso Italiano dog breed and its relationship with hair colour (nih.gov)
- PetMD - Cane Corso (petmd.com)
- American Kennel Club - Cane Corso (akc.org)
- Animal Corner - Cane Corso (animalcorner.org)
- Cane Corso Italiano - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- Cane Corso Association of America (canecorso.org)
- Cane Corso Rescue (canecorsorescue.org)
Featured Images: pexels.com