The Black Cane Corso breed has gained popularity over the last few decades. This athletic, working dog breed makes the perfect bodyguard for your home. They are strong-willed and extremely intelligent, making them wonderful companions for the years ahead.
What is a Black Cane Corso
The Black Cane Corso dates back to ancient Rome. The name “Corso” roughly translates from the Latin for “bodyguard-dog.”
This breed belongs to a subcategory of working dog breeds called Molossus dogs or molossers. The Molossus dog category is named after the Molossi, Greek people known for breeding giant, big-boned guardian dogs. Mastiffs also belong to this category.
Early Cane Corsi (“Corsi” is the plural form of “Corso”) worked alongside warriors as dogs of conquest. They charged enemy lines with buckets of flaming oil strapped to their backs. Original Cane Corsi were likely bigger than the Corsi bred today.
When they were no longer needed for conquest, their athleticism was adapted for jobs on farms throughout Italy. They were trained for wild boar hunting, farming, livestock droving, and guarding farmsteads and henhouse.
However, by the mid-20th century, the breed was nearly extinct. In the 1970s, Italian fanciers came together to revive the breed’s popularity. The Society Amorati Cane Corso (Society of Cane Corso Lovers) was formed in 1983 to further this cause.
The first Black Cane Corso showed up in a European dog show around a decade after the society’s formation. By 1988, the first Cane Corso was imported to the United States. The American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed in 2010.
Today, the Black Cane Corso is recognized by the American Kennel Club and the Cane Corso Association of America. Breed clubs across the United States celebrate the breed.
Black Cane Corso Puppy
Black Cane Corso puppies have high energy. Like their adult counterparts, it’s important that Cane Corso puppies get plenty of exercises.
Because their muscles and skeleton are not fully developed until they’re 18 months old, exercise should be less vigorous than exercise for adult Cane Corsi. Although you should still take them for walks, daily walks with your Cane Corso puppy should be slower and shorter.
When your Black Cane Corso is still a puppy, you must ensure they are getting proper socialization and professional training. Un-socialized and un-trained Cane Corsi can develop serious behavior problems.
Black Cane Corso Temperament
When the Cane Corso breed is well-trained, it is not aggressive. However, un-trained and un-socialized Black Cane Corsi can be aggressive toward humans and animals.
Properly trained, these dogs can be affectionate with family and protective of children. Although they can be good with small children, it takes much training and socialization to get them to that point.
Even if your Cane Corso is affectionate toward your children, it’s important to teach children how to interact with a dog. No matter how well-behaved your dog and child are, you should never leave a child alone with a dog for any amount of time.
Black Cane Corsi tolerate other dogs and cats if the other pets were raised with them. Because this breed is likely to view smaller animals as prey, it’s important to protect your neighbor’s pets from your Cane Corso.
This breed has a high protective nature paired with high intelligence, loyalty, and an eagerness to please their owners. Although they can be bossy, assertive, and willful, early and consistent training can help mitigate these personality traits.
Black Cane Corso Size and Appearance
Black Cane Corsi have large heads, alert expressions, and a muscular build. Full-grown, the male Cane Corso is 25 to 27.5 inches tall, while the female is 23.5 to 26 inches tall. Adult Cane Corsi typically weigh between 90 and 120 pounds.
They have a short and smooth double coat. Although this article is focusing primarily on the Black Cane Corso, they can also come in fawn, gray, gray brindle, red, black brindle, and chestnut brindle colors.
Black Cane Corso Care Guide
Because of the need for lots of socialization, training, and exercise, the Cane Corso is not a good first dog. Their high energy and trainability make them great farm dogs, though.
Large dogs come with more expenses. Not only do they cost more to feed, but surgery will almost always be more expensive for a large dog than a small dog. The cost to spay or neuter is higher, as well as the cost for anesthesia for any future surgeries.
Diet
An adult Cane Corso should eat between 4 and 5 cups of food a day. Their exact diet should be tailored to their age (puppy, adult, or senior). Because some dogs are prone to overeating, it’s important to watch your dog’s calories and weight. Although treats can help with training, giving too many treats can result in weight problems for your Black Cane Corso.
Always consult your dog’s veterinarian about what portion size is right for them. It’s also important to make sure your dog always has access to clean fresh water to drink.
Life Expectancy
Like many large dog breeds, the life expectancy of the Black Cane Corso is between 9 and 12 years. Their life expectancy depends partially on their coat color, with the average life expectancy of black Corsi sitting around 10.3 years (higher than other Cane Corso colors).
Exercise and Hygiene
Black Cane Corsi needs serious exercise. You should take your Cane Corso for a brisk walk or run of at least a mile twice a day (ideally in the morning and evening). These dogs make excellent companions for longer walks, bike rides, and hikes. If they do not get enough mental and physical stimulation, they may exhibit bad behavior.
Because of their short double coat, the Cane Corso sheds throughout the year. Shedding may increase during the spring months. During these months, increase brushing from weekly to daily to reduce hair on your home’s surfaces. Use a medium bristle brush or rubber grooming tool to remove loose hairs.
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly. Although their nails may naturally wear down, it’s important to trim them when they get too long. If their nails grow too long, they may have trouble walking and running.
The Black Cane Corso should have its teeth brushed at least two or three times a week. To prevent gum disease and bad breath, brush your dog’s teeth every day.
Health Problems
Although the Cane Corso breed is fairly healthy, a few health problems are associated with this breed. These dogs are especially susceptible to bloat (a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition). They are at increased risk for hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, demodex mange, and eyelid abnormalities.
Training and Socialization
The high energy levels and intelligence of the Cane Corso breed make them fairly easy to train. Early socialization and professional training are essential if you want a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult, Cane Corso.
Obedience training is especially important since this breed has a tendency to be bossy. If your dog is not trained, it can end up owning you. Dominant and aggressive traits may also come out in under-socialized dogs.
Training is typically easy for this breed. They are naturally obedient and eager to please their humans. They typically respond better to rewards than to harsh corrections or punishment. Positive reinforcement can help your Cane Corso progress in training.
Are Black Cane Corsos Rare
The Cane Corso breed was nearly extinct in the 1970s. Even as late as 1988, the breed was only found in certain parts of Southern Italy.
Although they are more common now, the breed is still fairly rare. In Cane Corso litters, Black Cane Corsi will make up about 70% of the puppies.
How Much Does a Black Cane Corso Cost
A Black Cane Corso typically costs between $900 and $3,000 when purchased from a breeder. Good breed lines may push that price as high as $8,500.
Although the breed is fairly uncommon, you may occasionally find one available at a shelter or rescue. The adoption cost of these dogs can be as low as $100 to $400.
Black Cane Corso Summary
The Black Cane Corso is a working dog with a long history in Europe. These dogs were once used in conquest, then adapted for work on farms. Although the breed was nearly extinct in the 1970s, renewed interest has revived the breed.
Cane Corsi are highly intelligent, loyal, and full of energy. Although they are often free of major medical conditions, they require a lot of consistent care. Early training and socialization, and regular exercise are essential for this breed. When properly cared for, they make excellent working dogs and great companions for individuals and families.