Cane Corso
Protective, brave, strong-willed
Corsos 101
Working groupThe Cane Corso is one of an ancient group of massive dogs used to guard people and property. The breed is intelligent, independent and courageous, and decidedly not for beginners. This is a breed for canine-experienced families willing and able to provide responsible leadership, along with consistent handling and regular training and exercise.
What we love about Corsos
Tough-minded dog keeps you on your toes.
Because of the breed’s massive size, the Cane Corso is not well-suited to families with small children or elderly adults. They may also not be compatible with other dogs and with smaller family pets. They are often suspicious around people they do not know. Secure fencing is a must.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary
Size
Size: 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- As needed
- Height
- 23.5 to 27.5 inches
- Lifespan
- 9 to 12 years
- Weight
- 90 to 110 lbs
The Cane Corso stands 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weighs 90 to 110 lbs. Cane Corsos have a lifespan of 9 to 12 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Cane Corsos get?
- Cane Corsos stand 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall and typically weigh between 90 and 110 pounds.
- How long do Cane Corsos live?
- The average lifespan of a Cane Corso is 9 to 12 years.
- Are Cane Corsos good for first-time dog owners?
- Cane Corsos are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Cane Corsos bark a lot?
- Cane Corsos typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Cane Corso health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Corso
Risk level for common Corso conditions
Mid-life Cane Corsos should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk.
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- Above Average Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Corso
Risk level for common Corso conditions
Senior Cane Corsos face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Bone cancer poses very high risk. Arthritis and Cruciate ligament tear (knee) are at high risk.
- Bone cancer
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- High Risk
Corso puppy
Risk level for common Corso conditions
Cane Corso puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) poses very high risk.
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Corso
Risk level for common Corso conditions
As Cane Corsos grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk.
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
- Very High Risk
- Hip dysplasia
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Corso
Risk level for common Corso conditions
Mid-life Cane Corsos should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) poses very high risk.
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- Above Average Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Senior Corso
Risk level for common Corso conditions
Senior Cane Corsos face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Bone cancer poses very high risk. Arthritis and Cruciate ligament tear (knee) are at high risk.
- Bone cancer
- Very High Risk
- Arthritis
- High Risk
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
- High Risk
Corso puppy
Risk level for common Corso conditions
Cane Corso puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) poses very high risk.
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- Above Average Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Young adult Corso
Risk level for common Corso conditions
As Cane Corsos grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk.
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
- Very High Risk
- Hip dysplasia
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Cane Corso's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 1 year)
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Very High Risk, Gastritis: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Young Adult (1 year to 4 years)
- Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
- Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk, Arthritis: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
- Senior (8+ years)
- Bone cancer: Very High Risk, Arthritis: High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): High Risk
The translation of Cane Corso is roughly “bodyguard dog.” These Italian dogs descended from Roman mastiffs, and they’ve been used to hunt, protect livestock and drive cattle. They are serious dogs who will protect their family to their dying breath. The Cane Corso needs experienced handling, early socialization and good training.
Cane Corso coat care and colors
The coat of the Cane Corso is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Any skin folds need special attention and regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infection. The Cane Corso comes in seven recognized colors, four solid and the rest brindle, with either black or gray masks.
Many darker-colored dogs have black nails, making it sadly too easy to hit the vein in the middle of the nail, called the quick, during trims. Grinding the nails instead of clipping may be the best way to avoid bleeding. Because the Cane Corso is such a strong dog, it’s best to acclimate them as puppies to having their feet handled to encourage cooperation as adults.
How often should my Cane Corso be bathed?
How often should my Cane Corso be bathed?
What kind of brush should I use on my Cane Corso?
What kind of brush should I use on my Cane Corso?
How do you treat Cane Corso skin?
How do you treat Cane Corso skin?
Corso exercise & training
Corso fun facts
Top girl names for Corsos
of Corsos are female
of Corsos are male
Top boy names for Corsos
Nationwide loves Cane Corsos of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Cane Corsos insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Cane Corso statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Corsos
Best. Cane Corso insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
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