When it comes to big and intimidating dogs, one that readily comes to mind is the Cane Corso. This canine is majestic, hard-working, smart and requires lots of consistent training. At a height of about 2.25 feet and weighing in at a little over 100 pounds, Cane Corsos are strong dogs that some might find regal, while others find the dog downright terrifying.
These dogs are highly perceptive and sensitive, constantly assessing every situation to determine their reaction. Dogs that are intelligent like this require a job in order to keep them stimulated and stave off boredom (which can lead to bad behavior).
While they are not dangerous in a general sense, their size and strength can make for some problems if not trained properly. These dogs require significant time spent on socializing. They aren’t keen on strangers, including dogs, so they must be exposed to them regularly so that they learn appropriate behaviors. Cane Corsos are affectionate dogs within their pack so it can be confusing to see their reactions to strangers!
Historically, these dogs were bred to work on farms, with livestock and as guard dogs. They are protective and territorial, which is great in a guard dog. On the other hand, they bond strongly with their pack, making for an affectionate, huge couch potato.
Cane Corsos and Aggression
There doesn’t seem to be an aggression gene found in some dogs. That said, any dog can turn aggressive and it is most often the fault of poor training. There are aspects of the Cane Corso that make it more likely to bring about an aggressive reaction. For example, the breed is wary of strangers. This is from years of breeding and training as a guard dog. When well socialized, a Cane Corso will likely be better with strangers but without training, your Cane Corso is likely to be more at risk for aggressive behaviors toward strangers.
It’s vital to remember with a breed like this that it’s never going to love strangers. If you want a dog that greets your guests like members of its own family, look for a breed other than a Cane Corso. If you’re okay with your dog being aloof, that’s great, but make sure that guests know they should not get in your dog’s space or surprise it.
(photo: canecorsoizmir)
Cane Corsos can be friends with other dogs but this also requires significant socialization and training over time.
Children in a home with Cane Corsos must understand that play-fighting with friends is completely off-limits when the dog is home. These dogs are fiercely protective of their homes and families and may not understand that the children are just playing. Even siblings in the same household should be mindful of behaviors toward each other that the dog may view as aggressive. Cane Corsos can get confused and stressed. Consider only bringing a dog like this into the home if you have well-behaved children who can keep in mind that they have a dog with the ability to step in to protect its humans but lacks the ability to understand play versus work.
Something else to keep in mind about the breed: Cane Corsos are also more suspicious and nervous in places that are unfamiliar to them. They require time to develop comfort in a new environment.
Are Cane Corsos Dangerous Dogs?
In recent years, the number of Cane Corso bites and aggressive incidents have increased. This includes some fatalities. While these can be lovely family dogs, they require significant work. Giving them a job, socializing them and making sure to discourage aggressive behaviors and reinforce friendly ones helps. Many people get this dog because they love the look but are not ready to put in the work of training an inherently dominant breed.
(photo:canemfortis)
Pitbulls are statistically the dog most likely to kill humans. Most of these attacks are the responsibility of owners who fail to train them or, worse, encourage aggressive behaviors. Pitbulls also have a distinct way of attacking that includes shaking their prey, leading to significant tissue, bone and sometimes organ damage.
(Related: Do Pitbulls Lock Their Jaws When They Bite?)
The Cane Corso as a Family Dog
Cane Corsos can make great companion dogs but they require tremendous time, energy and consistency. Working with a trainer and taking classes is the best option for bringing one of these majestic dogs into your home. Those inexperienced with dog ownership, large breeds and dogs that are not naturally social should not consider this breed as their first dog. Experienced dog owners, including those versed with special-needs dogs, rescues or other suspicious dogs are likely in a better position to take on a Cane Corso.
Dog ownership comes with lots of choices. Never pick a breed you think looks good. Get to know the breed’s temperament and lifestyle and weigh whether you have the ability to safely raise the dog and make sure it is able to live a full, rich life with you and your family.
Error in the 3rd sentence and I had to quit reading. Too bad. Cane Corso are beautiful animals.
So you quit reading because of an “error” but still felt the need to leave a comment…sure, whatever.
What is the ‘error’ that stopped you reading the rest of the article?
I have a 18 month old 154 pound cane corso. He has been to training since 5 months old. 4 to 5 days a week while I work. The most patient dog I’ve ever owned. With his training he became the dog they bring new dogs to for acclimation in both schools he is in. 5 pounds to 100+ he is a gentle giant. He greets all humans I introduce him to with a wagging tail and snuggles you to death for pets. He is a guardian of his home as well. You don’t get near our home without him knowing it. Like esp he will wake up from a dead sleep and let you know someone is approach his house! Very intimidating. Overall one of the best dogs I have ever owned. Could never have favorites with my pets but this breed trained right is very special!
I have an 8 year old male. 120lb Gentle Giant. Great with people and especially children. Bonded with our 6 year old female Pit. He is an Alfa Male but a passive one. Totally fearless. A quiet leader. He is trained well but will not come in the house until he has checked the property and is satisfied all is well. A natural guardian.
Best dog I have ever owned.
I have 160lb beauty. I hate to say that he has hip issues but that is common with big breeds. He is my baby and definitely protector of the family.
We have our second Cane Corso…both rescues….love the breed however the hip issue is brutal. Our Lou Lou was in an abusive house in a crate most of her life so has major hip issues.
I have a four year old Corso who is affectionate not only with us but also with strangers, he was a breeze to train, although I should mention I’ve been training dogs for 20+ years, we take him everywhere we can, and he absolutely adores children including my seven year old daughter, and gets along great with all kinds of other animals. It’s all in the training folks. This article was laughable to me.
We have an 18 month 120 lb Corso named Zeus and he is the most gentle, alert, friendly and protective dog my family has had. True, he requires consistency with his training, don’t all dogs require this type of attention? The article is misleading at best.
Honestly I feel like die hard owners of certain breeds write puff pieces like this to make it seem like they have this bad a** dog that only bad a** owners can handle. Although it’s true that intelligent stubborn breeds need stern reliable owners they blow it out of proportion to make the dogs seem more intimidating out of some sort of vanity. I have a English mastiff and boxer mix who is a sweet heart but tuff as nails.the cane corse puppy we just got is a 100 times more easily intimidated then the boxer mastiff at the same age. Pip would get her a** beat by bigger dogs during play time and pop right up and run in for more and the corso just runs and hides behind my legs when pip tries to play with her.
I have to two Corso they’re Brothers and they’ve been trained cost me a lot of money and they still don’t like people if you not in there circle of trust you can’t come near my family my house or nothing I’ve been trying to correct it
Are they both fixed? My friend had a 200 pound English mastiff and took back one of the male dogs from a litter his mastiff and his moms boxer had. individually they were both sweet hearts, basically giant lap dogs but together in the same house they have become down right aggressive because he refuses to get them fixed. so not only are they aggressive with each other they take out their frustration on basically anybody who crosses their sight. Which is a shame because they used to be very happy and care free dogs.
I have a female black gold brindle cane corso and she always wants to please me and my family I do think if someone was being ignorant or try hurt my kids or one my other dogs she would be the last one standing I bred her with a beautiful huge gold neopolition mastiff so I got the best of both breeds the temperament of both breeds are wonderful and super smart pups my vet recommended breed my girl just for the build and temperament
Does anybody have a number of a good trainer?
Cane Corso is not a dangerous dog breed if it’s owner has half a clue
We had a Cane Corso that was an incredible family do, best dog I’ve ever owned. He intervened when another dog broke through our fence and tried to attack my 10 year old son. Might’ve saved his life.
I have owned to Cane Corso rescues One of which I gave up in a relationship and my significant other took her to California She was a rescue from South Korea she was going to be made into a meat dog We got her at a year oldShe was the perfect dog and probably still Is She got along with all dogs and all humans no matter what size she was a 90 pound lapdog that was not food driven and always wanted to please I was so pleased with this breed I traveled from New York to Picayune Mississippi to get my next cane Corso puppy I got her at seven weeks and now she is 14 weeks I’ve socialized her as soon as I could at 12 weeks once she had all her shots she is turning into exactly what my other dog A kind gentle and playful puppy who knows her limits but at the same time She stands her ground when she can she always looks around before we enter back into our house she’s always looking at strangers from a far growls a little bit and once I say Be good she immediately calms downI’ve had dogs my whole life and there is no other breed like cane Corso if you raise this breed rightYou will be happy as long as you have them I’ve had a Belgium shepherd two Akita’s and A Hungarian Vizsla before I owned my first cane Corso I’ll never own another breed again
Corsos are great regal animals. A very old breed dating farther back than the gladiators. If any being is treated unkindly aggression may occur along with fear. Treat your animals right. Fear is smelled by this breed therefor they have an acute ability to protect.
Be respectful of the breed I’m begging.
My rescue was amazing, gaining her at 7 months she was being used as a bait dog against her sister by some low life in north Cali. Had I had her since a puppy, I could have remedied her previous abuse. Still she was a great dog. In her old age she was a little grumpy but is that odd? She was protective of her family and I would love to have the opportunity to raise another. Rip Millie- too good for this world. I believe the title to your article would be more appropriate having the title, Cane Corsos, are you the right owner of this breed? My humble opinion is based on having direct contact with this magnificent breed.
I had a gorgeous male from LA Villa Del Cane Corso which was back in the day one of the premminent cane corso breeders . My doh Scuro was to be a stud for LA Villa he was a kennel dog. But he had cherry eye so couldn’t be used for breeding . We took him home he was 15 months old very very serious dog. But was good . We took his working K9 where the dog handler Tony Pallotta had worked 2ith Scuro earlier . That dog was amazing absolutely amazing and yes no fear . Every single dog big or small should be socialized for humans and other dogs . Also I believe any working breed should by law be forced to be basic obedience trained and all dogs should be only bred and sold by registered responsible breeders
I have been dog sitting a 5 year female cane corso, she is very well behaved and has become very protective of our home. She is verbally aggressive with our friends at first but once she realizes they are guests she is very affectionate. I have a suspicion that the owner is going to ask us to keep her permanently, I am on the fence about it
The Cane Corso is an excellent breed and easily trained. I’ve had numerous large/giant breeds and I’ve never had one dog with hip issues, because I don’t let my dogs climb stairs until they’re at least 15-16 months old. You can’t help going up and down the 4-5 steps going in or out of houses, but you have to avoid the long interior flights of stairs.
Does anybody live in California, specifically, central CA,the Bay Area or Northern CA and care to talk CC training? Having trouble with my CC even though he has the best traits and qualities to be a great dog for a lot of years to come still. If so let me know and I’ll leave my email address here.
https://m.facebook.com/trainingdogdays/
Recommending Dog Days, Owner trainer Bari Halperin Woodside, Redwood City, Palo Alto areas.
You know its a shame that just because of this breed the Cane Corso is a very large animal that people are scared of these beautiful animals.. Instead of being scared go online or the library and study about the breed.. Just like the infamous pitbull that seems to be the most thrown away animal.. If you dont believe just check for yourself..
All in all any dog can be dangerous.. From the smallest to the largest.. Dogs are taught to be aggressive just like they are taught to be a loving family member.. I myself have a 100 pound animal( American Staffordshire Bull Terrier /American Bulldog mix and he is the best dog i have ever had..
I have a 15 month old male weighing almost 200 pounds.. As long as someone he knows is with him hes wonderful.. And they r very smart and catch on quickly..
Hes good towards other dogs but only if im not around.. When hes with me no animal can come close we have tried almost everything to get him over it but nothing works..
Any ideas?
Wish i could post a pic..
YOU DO NOT HAVE A CORSO IF IT’S MIXED WITH ANY OTHER DOG… I have a 100lb 7 month corso and she’s a real softy. Very calm, somewhat playful, loving although not overwhelming, and very well with strangers. She also has a very healthy appetite! She hasn’t been trained, or socialized and still doesn’t fit the description in the article. Although I would love to have her trained! She is great with my Argentine Dogos and more importantly, ALL family.
I have a two year old cane corso that I absolutely love. Truly magnificent. He weighs 150 lbs. Alert, sensitive, intelligent. Yes, he doesn’t like strangers, but he loves children especially babies. Great dog for those willing to invest the time. The cane corso will give back love abundantly .
Ok! I have a 9mo old Cane Corso who’s mixed with Neapolitan Mastiff, Staffordshire terrier and a Rottweiler and is 80lbs. She is playful at times but for the most part when I take her outside to run, use the bathroom or play she tries to bite me. I’ve been disciplining her and continues to do it. This dog plays on me and my children a lot. She knows how to open the door, jump in the car, cry when she wasn’t go out to find rabbits to chase down and kill. Twice I’ve let her out she saw rabbits and hunted them down, killed them and brought them back to me. My question is what should I do at this point? I had her every since she was 2months. Feel free to send me an email on what should I do know. [email protected] Thabks in Advance
[email protected]
Own 13 Corso live with 9 in my house my oldest is 12, some Corso can be really hard dogs and it takes experience with a dominate aggressive breed to deal with them. We will not sell anyone a pup that doesn’t have that experience. That being said with proper training, pack order and socialization they are they are great family dogs.
I have a 5 year old cane corso who has always been friendly up until about 2 and a half years ago. Now no one can come near him except me. No one can come in my house. No one can hug me. He wont let anyone close to me when I walk him.
He used to be very friendly. Run up to people and nudge them to rub him and want to play but not anymore. I don’t know what changed.
I have a 160lb 5 yr old female Corso and this won’t help you, but mine at about 2 1/2 yrs kinda did the same thing. I have a Shit-Zu that was 6 yrs when I brought my Corso home at 8 wks. They were best buddies for 2 1/2 years, then one day my Corso came into the room grabbed my little 15lb baby in her mouth and proceeded to violently shake her while I freaked out. I had to grab my Corso back legs and drag her backwards so she would let go. No bite marks, no blood, but this has happened 3 times now. I have metal gates now in my house to separate them. My Shit-Zu will not go into a room without be told it’s ok 🙁 I was told sometimes a Corso changes when the mature. Don’t know how true that is, but sounds reasonable to me.
We have a 3 year old female Corso, a 7 year old Weimaraner, and 10 year old female cat. They all get along great most of the time. The Corso is very bonded to me and the family. Incredibly intelligent with keen insight. I’m a PTSD Vet and she knows when I’m triggered and won’t leave my side. But, she is also very bossy. Lol
Heeft die gene wie dat stuk heeft geschreven eigelijk zelf zo’n hond. Nee dan bek dichthouden en niet praten over een onderwerp dat je zelf niet hebt
I am looking for a extremely good breeder for a male Cane Corso. My email is down below. Prefer in PA but will travel to see pups and family. Thank you for your help. Stay safe everyone.
Kimberly Kulcsar
Does anyone know where i can get one in Northern CA? Id rather adopt than purchase from a breeder!
2yr old, 110, rescue, with me 1 and half yrs. Other than the slow off the leash gait and the 1 to 2 small poops a day, she’s getting me pretty much well trained, and she loves me.
I adopted a 2 1/2 year old 135 lbs Corso. Not knowing about Corso’s. He was very dominant. But not more than I am. We learned each other quickly. He grew to 155 lbs.
He was the most amazing creature I ever shared my life with. With little training, I took him to a “bully breed” event with over 50 Pit Bulls. He passed his Canine Good Citizen Certification that day his first time. 30 minutes later, a 4 year old girl, ran up to Mac, who was sitting next to me, & threw her arms around his massive neck, almost tackling him, hugging him tightly. He never flinched. Then proceeded to soak her face in slobbery kisses! Her mother, a trainer, apologized for her daughter almost tackling my dog, and was amazed by his gentle, calm, loving behavior to a child he didn’t know.
I could talk about him for hours. He was an amazing, calm, assertive guardian.
He passed almost 4 years ago. I miss him dearly.
Who wrote this ??!! Obviously they know nothing about the breed of Cane Corso or Pit bulls!! Pit bulls are known to be the second gentlest dog. Any aggression is down to humans and their inhumane treatment of these dogs. As for the Corso… mine is 10 years old and a Therapy Dog with St. John’s Ambulance… visiting nursing homes, schools and hospitals. ALL dogs need proper training! Watch out the next time that poodle bites you!!
I have a 127lbs 14month Corso named Blue. He is an amazing animal that has won the hearts of everyone that knows him. Training and socialization is a must but you shouldn’t own a intelligent breed if you cannot provide these basics. I started at 9weeks taking him to any store that would allow him in and i let everyone pet him. Today, he is a pleasant energy to be around, loving and playful. But, he is a guard dog and his yard and house if off limits unless he knows you or accompanied.
I am pretty sure this autjor knows what they are talking about….
I was attacked by one of these dogs when the owner (my neighbor) accidentally left their gate open. I was walking my 15 year old half blind Cairn terrier past their house. To make a long story short, my little terrier almost died. This dog knocked me right off my feet into the middle of the road. I was never able to get back up, and broke my wrist from the fall. This was the most terrifying thing I have ever been through. The owner of this dog had to literally pry his mouth open so he would release mine. His wife had come out moments before and pounded this dog on the head with her fist numerous times, but he didn’t flinch. This dog is terrifying and can easily scale a 6 foot fence. He needs exercise, and proper strict obedience training. There are many insurance companies who won’t supply homeowners insurance if you own one if these dogs. They are banned outright in The Netherlands.
drama much ? we all dont want to own small dogs stop being so simple minded
Any good trainers in Essex UK ?
Have 9 week old male
Around kids and other dogs
Want to train him and seek advice
Short answer – don’t get one of these dogs unless you have an all-adult household and are willing to spend lots of time socializing the dog – getting it used to various situations. If the situation seems to call for fight-or-flight, they will choose fight by default – and they will win.
Socialization decreases the likelihood that the ‘fight’ instinct will kick in. This is typical of working dogs, so keep it in mind if you’re considering a large working dog.
Totally disagree with needing a totally adult household for the Corso.
The Cane Corso breed is known to be great w/ children in the family. He’s extremely gentle with all three of our children. Our pup has been socialized extremely well and takes to anyone that wants to come over to him for a pat. He always looks to me for assurance. Very smart dog that needs to be challenged. Snores and drools like crazy. Mine yelps in her sleep. He rarely barks but would defend me, my wife and our three children with his life. Ultimate everything dog for a large family…but SOCIALIZATION is a MUST.
I see nothing wrong with the 3rd sentence. But perhaps someone not knowing what a true Italian Cane Corso is may think something about the sentence is wrong. Those with dogs over 130lbs likely do not have a purebred CC or their dog is overweight. Too many North American breeders ruining the breed by mixing unhealthy Neo’s into them or other large breed dogs. Oddly, some use Boxers to shorten the muzzle. 160lb dogs? Guess what, its either fat or a mix…Breeders can be licensed despite mixing other breeds in their dogs, the pups can also be registered not being true purebred so don’t let that fool you.
I have a 100lb purebred English Bulldog. Do you think its a purebred or in good physical condition? Yes, that’s sarcasm. I do not own a bulldog.
I do have 2 CCs. Male 125lb, female 110. Lean, full of muscle and purebred. Both very easy to train. They can be aggressive if they have to be but they know to keep their cool and watch everything I do. If I over react, they do as well. If I stay calm, so do they. Great dogs for those who know the breed and how to train them properly. Not so good for those who don’t know how to train dogs. Too bad America is ruining the breed like they do so many others.
Training with any animal is paramount.
No bad animals. Only bad breeding and training.
My wife and I are both 77. We’ve had two Great Danes many years ago and loved them. We bought a fe Cane Corso puppy at 4 months old because she reminded us of our beloved Great Danes. I only wanted a fe, fawn with cropped ears and that is what we got. We did not know the breed but did our homework after getting her. We paid special attention to socializing her with strangers. She is not real big, 102 pounds and 18 months old now. But she loves people including strangers. She is very obedient and sleeps in the house in a breakfast nook. We have a flimsy little fence to keep her in there that she could easily knock over but she does not. We got a new propane delivery man and did not know when he was going to come. He showed up and our dog greeted him. He was a stranger but they were instant friends. Not that I want a real friendly dog to strangers. Most strangers would take one look at her and not take a chance.
I have 6 corsos 3 presas 3 pocket bullies that all share our home with three children and a 6 month old while they are large and can be boisterous and aggressive towards strangers they have never shown sings of being like that with myself,partner or children they are all such gentle giants but ultimately its our responsibility to keep them and other people safe, we’ve nit had to train them anymore than any normal dog just plenty of exercise and consistency in life and house rules you are and your dog is a product of your/its environment
Excellent…. Just Got the perfect information which i am searching from 2 weeks. Thanks ford Sharing these kinds of information. Kindly share some experience with Cane Corso Female. The behavioral approach of cane Corso female and how can we check that cane corso female is ready for breeding…..
when it comes to cane corso temperament this dog breed is a very loyal and protective type of dog. They are serious, intelligent, watchful dogs with an imposing appearance. One characteristic that stands out about this particular breed is their loyalty to its owners.
Whilecane corsos are not dangerous in a general sense, their size and strength can make for some problems if not trained properly. These dogs require significant time spent on socializing. They aren’t keen on strangers, including dogs, so they must be exposed to them regularly so that they learn appropriate behaviors.
I hate reading articles like this as well as the comments because I know some fool will come away thinking Cane Corsos are big harmless teddy bears or lap dogs or cuddle buddies or whatever other stupid terms people use these days.
These dogs are protection dogs. Training and breeding matter very much for both health and behavioral reasons. If you do not understand what a “guard dog” actually is then don’t get one. Animal Shelters are already overwhelmed by pit mixes that are poorly bred and dangerous to the point they can never be adopted out, don’t let backyard breeders ruin Cane Corsos too.