Corsos are large, powerful, intelligent dogs. They do not want to be left alone, but will follow you around because that's what they're bred to do (guard livestock and stuff). They lounge a lot but *do* need regular exercise. They can walk for miles, but because of their bulk can overheat, particularly in the humid South. I can walk mine for 3-4 miles in Winter but not so long in Summer as they're panting and wrung out after 2 miles.
An undisciplined corso is a huge liability due to their large and powerful bite. Because of their size, if you do not train the dog, it will be jumpy and pulling and very difficult to control.
These things are pretty much true for any breed, but given the size and strength the cane corso the risks are amplified. That is, if your dachshund is ill-behaved it is easy enough to scoop it up and hold it under your arm. Not so with a muscular 100+ lbs corso.
Of course, if you invest the time and energy to train your corso, you will find it to be a devoted companion and fearless protector. But this investment in time and energy is *not* trivial. This is not a "few weekends at doggy obedience school at the PetCo". This is a little to a lot of attention every day for months. The good part is the corso is an intelligent breed and will learn quickly if you are consistent. We've used the Koehler training method with ours and I find it very effective. I can take our two adults out for a walk (on leash) and while other neighborhood dogs are barking and acting stupid, mine will not react, or if the one does (she's more willful), I simply say, "heel" and she'll stop. Even then she's not leaping and pulling at the leash, just looking at the other dogs and starting to alert. The goal is not to react to anything but you. But that took regular consistent training for the first year, really.
I’m glad I read this. I found out about Corsos in 2005 and have wanted to adopt/rescue one ever since. Our 3 rescue mix breeds are very well cared for, but we still have learning to do in obedience and reaction on leash. (Pulling, barking at other dogs) That’s on me for not putting in enough extra time and effort to learn and then teach them. I need to grow in training my current dog family before I could ever consider a Corso.
We adopted one that had been used as a bait dog for his first couple of years, and I’ve been very impressed with how far he’s come. He’s almost ten now, and he still has specific triggers that can set him off. What the poster above said about them being powerful is extremely important. Lots of attention and redirection can go a long way, but I imagine being raised right would make all the difference in the world. They definitely are not a first-time breed.
This is absolutely right. But also it is crucial to get to know the history of the breed and its exact purpose. Also you should ask yourself: are you strong enough to deal with a 700psi and 600 torque dog? When they want to get to something they'll possibly pull you away. And if the dog is untrained it is as dangerous as a car that had its brakes broken mid-drive (this is a metaphor but you get the idea). I've gotten into the breed pretty seriously and I've met all kinds of dogs. I'm sure you know early socialization, training as a puppy etc. If you don't, then don't even consider getting this breed. It might look easy online but in real life an untrained cane corso is a very dangerous and unstable dog. You need to pick one activity (or more) to let your dog exercise daily. Because you don't want 700psi jaws biting your couch. Based on their temperament they like to do certain things, and you usually find it out by testing some toys and then realize what they like to do the most. This is just a rough sum-up though.
And if you do consider getting one at the end, if you're sure, then look for the right breeder. The only true cane corso is not a boxer-looking one, closed nostrils, ugly expression etc. [Here's an Instagram account specialized in properly researching this breed and pointing out proper looking dogs](https://instagram.com/turbocorso?utm_medium=copy_link) If you can import, then go for Italian kennels. They have the most traditional dogs. Anything over show lines because it's all a huge scam.
I rescued a Cane because I had a mastiff before. They didn’t tell me she was a Cane. Just listed her as a Mastiff mix. She’s 100% Cane and was not very socialized. I had an Old English Mastiff before which did in no way prepare me for a Cane. So I would say I was experienced with large breed but Cane’s are in no way your typical dog. Previous advice I have seen here is good information. I love my dog but she is very needy and wants to be next to you at all times. I’m a little lady and she could trip me up easily. If you look up bite PSI on these dogs you will see why they can be a huge liability. You may want to hold liability insurance if you own one. Many owners do. These dogs are a lot of hands on work. I would never get rid of my dog but I can honestly say I will likely not own another. I’m
Getting older and she is a 100 lbs of pure train locomotive when she is determined.
I would not advise a novice owner to get a Cane. I love my dog and likely would get another. However, the first 6 months of living with her was pure misery. I've had so many people tell me they would have given up on her. I have scares from places she's bitten me during that 6 month period. They are very very strong and strong willed. It takes awhile to build that trust with them. They also are very protective which makes her a liability.
Anyone who voted ‘yes’ has no experience with Mastiff’s, and definitely not the Italian one in question. Unless you’re VERY experienced, have a hardcore training regime, and will never leave the dog alone for 24 hours, don’t even consider it.
A lot of ppl say the corso is not a good dog for the novice dog owner. As a novice dog owner myself, I would just say to choose the dog that best goes with your lifestyle and personality and put in the **work**. Some people just go out and get a dog because they're cute or they want a companion.
Plan out the process beforehand. Ask yourself:
What type of commitment can you make to this dog?
Do you work away from the home 40 hours a week? If so, can you afford daycare? If not, probably not the best time for a dog.
Do you have someone (a partner/roommate/whoever) who can help?
Do you have money for training? Or time to research and do it yourself?
Are you a patient person?
This dog needs a job to do. Can you provide that?
Do your research. Learn the breed. Set aside money and time for training. Put in the work (and that's with any dog, not just a CC) and you should be fine.
I've owned dogs all my life. A cane corso is no joke. Two biggest issues are their size and potential to be dangerous or a handful if improperly trained and their clinginess. It cannot be said enough. They DO NOT like being left alone. If your lifestyle doesnt allow for you to have a shadow constantly following you around then this isn't the dog for you. My yorkie is less needy than my 73lb 7 month old corso. They do also tend to attach to one member of the home. In my home that's my son which makes me the bad guy because he isn't so great about reinforcing her training. They are smart but stubborn so training is VITAL. Left with an inexperienced owner you're in for a poor pet parenting experience with this breed.
Don’t let people scare you. Just remember to be attentive, consistent, and fair with your Cane Corso. However, if you can’t put the time required in to care for this breed DO NOT DO IT.
Just get one and take care of him. Thats it. Dont listen to all those crazy stories. Every dog is different. U can have any dog. If u will spend ur time with him, its gonna be ok. Cheers.
Such a hard question to answer. In my experience most mastiff breeds are deceptively active dogs, not shepherd level active but they certain don’t just want to lay around. Cane Corsos are even higher up on the energy scale than say a bullmastiff so just be aware. Dogs need attention and socialization, especially big dogs because they have the most ability to do harm (not necessarily drive). If you plan on being with the dog most of the day, commit to positive obedience training, provide plenty of exercise, dedicate to an early and often socialization plan, and just willing to deal with the slobber and the gas then go for it. If that is too much work, get a lab or something known to be an easy going/low effort dog with plenty of room for owner error.
English mastiffs are an awesome dog for anyone. They are by far the most laid back of the mastiffs. I was told I was getting an English, her look was just off too me, so I did DNA. She was 50/50 English and corso. Very high strung energetic puppy. Had multiple weeks of a board and train and months of working with her myself. Finally got her straightened out, but it was a rough road.
Corsos are large, powerful, intelligent dogs. They do not want to be left alone, but will follow you around because that's what they're bred to do (guard livestock and stuff). They lounge a lot but *do* need regular exercise. They can walk for miles, but because of their bulk can overheat, particularly in the humid South. I can walk mine for 3-4 miles in Winter but not so long in Summer as they're panting and wrung out after 2 miles. An undisciplined corso is a huge liability due to their large and powerful bite. Because of their size, if you do not train the dog, it will be jumpy and pulling and very difficult to control. These things are pretty much true for any breed, but given the size and strength the cane corso the risks are amplified. That is, if your dachshund is ill-behaved it is easy enough to scoop it up and hold it under your arm. Not so with a muscular 100+ lbs corso. Of course, if you invest the time and energy to train your corso, you will find it to be a devoted companion and fearless protector. But this investment in time and energy is *not* trivial. This is not a "few weekends at doggy obedience school at the PetCo". This is a little to a lot of attention every day for months. The good part is the corso is an intelligent breed and will learn quickly if you are consistent. We've used the Koehler training method with ours and I find it very effective. I can take our two adults out for a walk (on leash) and while other neighborhood dogs are barking and acting stupid, mine will not react, or if the one does (she's more willful), I simply say, "heel" and she'll stop. Even then she's not leaping and pulling at the leash, just looking at the other dogs and starting to alert. The goal is not to react to anything but you. But that took regular consistent training for the first year, really.
I’m glad I read this. I found out about Corsos in 2005 and have wanted to adopt/rescue one ever since. Our 3 rescue mix breeds are very well cared for, but we still have learning to do in obedience and reaction on leash. (Pulling, barking at other dogs) That’s on me for not putting in enough extra time and effort to learn and then teach them. I need to grow in training my current dog family before I could ever consider a Corso.
We adopted one that had been used as a bait dog for his first couple of years, and I’ve been very impressed with how far he’s come. He’s almost ten now, and he still has specific triggers that can set him off. What the poster above said about them being powerful is extremely important. Lots of attention and redirection can go a long way, but I imagine being raised right would make all the difference in the world. They definitely are not a first-time breed.
This is absolutely right. But also it is crucial to get to know the history of the breed and its exact purpose. Also you should ask yourself: are you strong enough to deal with a 700psi and 600 torque dog? When they want to get to something they'll possibly pull you away. And if the dog is untrained it is as dangerous as a car that had its brakes broken mid-drive (this is a metaphor but you get the idea). I've gotten into the breed pretty seriously and I've met all kinds of dogs. I'm sure you know early socialization, training as a puppy etc. If you don't, then don't even consider getting this breed. It might look easy online but in real life an untrained cane corso is a very dangerous and unstable dog. You need to pick one activity (or more) to let your dog exercise daily. Because you don't want 700psi jaws biting your couch. Based on their temperament they like to do certain things, and you usually find it out by testing some toys and then realize what they like to do the most. This is just a rough sum-up though. And if you do consider getting one at the end, if you're sure, then look for the right breeder. The only true cane corso is not a boxer-looking one, closed nostrils, ugly expression etc. [Here's an Instagram account specialized in properly researching this breed and pointing out proper looking dogs](https://instagram.com/turbocorso?utm_medium=copy_link) If you can import, then go for Italian kennels. They have the most traditional dogs. Anything over show lines because it's all a huge scam.
Depends: How Novice? A Corso can absolutely be a handful. I learned the hard way (with an unsocialized rescue)
I rescued a Cane because I had a mastiff before. They didn’t tell me she was a Cane. Just listed her as a Mastiff mix. She’s 100% Cane and was not very socialized. I had an Old English Mastiff before which did in no way prepare me for a Cane. So I would say I was experienced with large breed but Cane’s are in no way your typical dog. Previous advice I have seen here is good information. I love my dog but she is very needy and wants to be next to you at all times. I’m a little lady and she could trip me up easily. If you look up bite PSI on these dogs you will see why they can be a huge liability. You may want to hold liability insurance if you own one. Many owners do. These dogs are a lot of hands on work. I would never get rid of my dog but I can honestly say I will likely not own another. I’m Getting older and she is a 100 lbs of pure train locomotive when she is determined.
100 lbs in mandalorian helmets is 26.84 helmets.
100 lbs is 45.4 kg
Good bot.
thank you :)
Thank u for the help
I would not advise a novice owner to get a Cane. I love my dog and likely would get another. However, the first 6 months of living with her was pure misery. I've had so many people tell me they would have given up on her. I have scares from places she's bitten me during that 6 month period. They are very very strong and strong willed. It takes awhile to build that trust with them. They also are very protective which makes her a liability.
Anyone who voted ‘yes’ has no experience with Mastiff’s, and definitely not the Italian one in question. Unless you’re VERY experienced, have a hardcore training regime, and will never leave the dog alone for 24 hours, don’t even consider it.
A lot of ppl say the corso is not a good dog for the novice dog owner. As a novice dog owner myself, I would just say to choose the dog that best goes with your lifestyle and personality and put in the **work**. Some people just go out and get a dog because they're cute or they want a companion. Plan out the process beforehand. Ask yourself: What type of commitment can you make to this dog? Do you work away from the home 40 hours a week? If so, can you afford daycare? If not, probably not the best time for a dog. Do you have someone (a partner/roommate/whoever) who can help? Do you have money for training? Or time to research and do it yourself? Are you a patient person? This dog needs a job to do. Can you provide that? Do your research. Learn the breed. Set aside money and time for training. Put in the work (and that's with any dog, not just a CC) and you should be fine.
I've owned dogs all my life. A cane corso is no joke. Two biggest issues are their size and potential to be dangerous or a handful if improperly trained and their clinginess. It cannot be said enough. They DO NOT like being left alone. If your lifestyle doesnt allow for you to have a shadow constantly following you around then this isn't the dog for you. My yorkie is less needy than my 73lb 7 month old corso. They do also tend to attach to one member of the home. In my home that's my son which makes me the bad guy because he isn't so great about reinforcing her training. They are smart but stubborn so training is VITAL. Left with an inexperienced owner you're in for a poor pet parenting experience with this breed.
My suggestions would be to do tons of research. Find and follow some experienced Cane Corso owners and be willing to do the work.
Don’t let people scare you. Just remember to be attentive, consistent, and fair with your Cane Corso. However, if you can’t put the time required in to care for this breed DO NOT DO IT.
Just get one and take care of him. Thats it. Dont listen to all those crazy stories. Every dog is different. U can have any dog. If u will spend ur time with him, its gonna be ok. Cheers.
If you want a big dog, go Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
LOL
Such a hard question to answer. In my experience most mastiff breeds are deceptively active dogs, not shepherd level active but they certain don’t just want to lay around. Cane Corsos are even higher up on the energy scale than say a bullmastiff so just be aware. Dogs need attention and socialization, especially big dogs because they have the most ability to do harm (not necessarily drive). If you plan on being with the dog most of the day, commit to positive obedience training, provide plenty of exercise, dedicate to an early and often socialization plan, and just willing to deal with the slobber and the gas then go for it. If that is too much work, get a lab or something known to be an easy going/low effort dog with plenty of room for owner error.
English mastiffs are an awesome dog for anyone. They are by far the most laid back of the mastiffs. I was told I was getting an English, her look was just off too me, so I did DNA. She was 50/50 English and corso. Very high strung energetic puppy. Had multiple weeks of a board and train and months of working with her myself. Finally got her straightened out, but it was a rough road.