The Cane Corso Dog Breed, More Powerful Than a Lion

By IAN
Cane corso

The Cane Corso is a large and powerful Italian breed of dog with a short coat. They were trained as guard dogs to protect homes and property.

The Cane Corso hates sitting idle and loves to have a job. Get him involved in a dog sport such as agility, dock diving, nose work. If left idle for a long time, their behavior may change and, at times, become destructive.

The Cane Corso is very loyal and affectionate…with their own people. This is not a dog that becomes the best friend of everyone they meet.

During the ancient Rome battles, these dogs were sometimes pitted against wild animals like lions and bears. Although it may be difficult for Cane Corso (psi-700) to take down a grown lion (psi-691), a few of these dogs would certainly be victorious.  

cane corso

Although these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of rescue groups or shelters. Since they are powerful and strong, large and secured fences should be used by experienced owners.

Corso has no interest in people or other animals outside his family, but those within the family will have his undivided loyalty and protection.

Height (Male)
Height (Female)
 23-28 inch (Male)
22-27 inch (Female)
Weight (Male)
Weight (Female)
 100-110 lb (Male)
89-100 lb (Female)
ColorsBlack, Fawn, Black Brindle, Chestnut Brindle, Grey, Red
PatternBicolor, Brindle
Avg. Life Span 9.3 Yrs
TemperamentStable, Even Tempered, Intelligent, Loyal, Reserved, Alert, Fearless, Quiet, Trainable, Calm
HypoallergenicNo
Recommended Health TestsCardiac, Hip and Elbow evaluation
Where to consult for health IssuesYou can connect at veterinaryhousecallcare
Where to find a TrainerFor finding a trainer Visit here
OriginItaly

Cane Corso falls in the healthy breed of dog category. They are usually screened for the following health issues: hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, demodex mange, and eyelid abnormalities.

Just like other breeds, Cane Corso should be checked for ear infection and teeth should be cleaned regularly.

Cane Corso breed

If you can give your dog plenty of space, exercise, and training, then this may be the breed for you.

Diet and Nutrition

An adult dog needs 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food or canned food mixed everyday with the kibble. It’s always a better idea to divide the food into two meals to help reduce the risk of bloating and stomach torsion.

Cane Corso Characteristics

1) The Corso is a working dog who needs lots of mental and physical stimulation. A 30 minute walk is necessary every day.

2) This breed should only be owned by experienced parents as they require a lot of attention, training and socialization.

3) The Corso’s ears may be cropped or uncropped. When playing or working, Cane Corsos might get their ears torn, and tails provide other dogs a place to grab.

4) They have a short coat which may be in black, light, and dark shades of gray and red.

5) If trained properly, they get along well with children.

6) In order to prevent any injury and infection, Cane Corsos have their ears cropped and tails docked

Rare Facts about Cane Corso

a) Before arriving in the USA in 1988, this dog was considered rare and was only known in some parts of southern Italy.

b) The Corso painting appeared in many of the art works by Bartolomeo Pinelli (November 20, 1781 – April 1, 1835), an Italian illustrator and engraver.

Bartolomeo Pinelli painting
Image Source : Pinterest

c) They have a short coat. During winter an undercoat appears.

d) The Cane Corso has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.

e) The breed has derived it’s name from the Latin word “bodyguard dog”

f) More than one dog of this type is known as Cani Corsi.

g) The Breed Was Used in Gladiator Games

h) This breed was almost extinct after World War II. The Società Amatori Cane Corso selectively bred about 2,000 of the surviving animals and brought the dog back.

i) This breed also falls in the category of smartest dogs.

j) Some studies suggest that this dog’s Lifespan May Be Foretold by Its Color.  Brindle dogs live for about 10.13 years, gray brindle dogs live for 9.84 years, and black brindle dogs lived about 10.30 years.  

Fun Facts

1) Actress Sherri Shepherd (an American actress, comedian, author, broadcaster and television personality) regularly posts photos and video of her enormous cane corso, Lexi, on social media.

2) This is the dog that Ramsay Bolton owned in the HBO series, “Game of Thrones

Where to Buy Cane Corso ?

The Cane Corso Association of America (CCAA) is the official American Kennel Club (AKC) Parent Breed Club for the Cane Corso in the United States of America. 

A puppy on an average may cost around $1500 but it can run into few thousand dollars for a pedigreed Cane Corso pup.

FAQ’s

Is a Cane Corso dog a good pet?

When trained properly, they are very affectionate and loyal towards their owner and family but do not become friends with everyone they meet.

Is Cane Corso the most powerful dog?

This dog stands in the top 3, having a bite force of 700 psi (per square inch), Kangal tops the list with 743 psi (per square inch).

Is a Cane Corso stronger than a lion?

Yes, If we compare the psi of the two, Cane Corso’s psi is (700), Lion’s psi is (691).

Can Cane Corso fight lions?

In the arena, the Cane Corso was used to fight lions, bears, bulls, other wild animals and even gladiators.

Conclusion

If you want to own a Cane Corso, then start training it from the beginning and should not be kept in a family where someone dislikes dogs. This dog will not do well in a home with anyone who is afraid of or is unable to manage a large dog.

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