Do Cane Corsos Make Good Family Dogs?
With their large, intimidating stature and guarding background, the Cane Corso is a breed that seems unsuitable for families at first glance. However, with the right owners who properly socialize and train this powerful dog, the loyal Cane Corso can make an excellent devoted family guardian. This article will explore the pros and cons of the Cane Corso as a family dog.
Overview of the Cane Corso Breed
First, let's look at some background on the Cane Corso:
- Originally bred in Italy as a catch dog for hunting boar and as a farm guardian of property and livestock.
- Weighs 90-120 pounds and stands 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder. Large, muscular build.
- Athletic, powerful, and inherently protective of their territory and family members.
- Intimidating appearance but affectionate and docile with owners.
- Require extensive early socialization and obedience training.
- Form a close bond with all family members when properly raised.
- Moderate shedding and occasional drooling.
The Cane Corso's history shapes many of their behavioral tendencies as a family dog. When channeled properly, their protective nature can make them excellent guardians.
The Pros of the Cane Corso as a Family Dog
Despite their imposing presence, Cane Corsos have many positive qualities when raised with proper training and care:
1. Deeply devoted and loyal to family
- Cane Corsos form extremely close bonds with all family members when raised from puppyhood.
- They aim to please their family and are very responsive to obedience training.
- Known to be gentle and docile with children in their own family when socialized early on.
- Want to accompany family members everywhere and be included in activities.
2. Natural guardian instincts
- Cane Corsos have strong territorial instincts and act as watchdogs, alerting to anything unusual. This makes family members feel safe.
- Will protect family members if they perceive a genuine threat. But they are not naturally aggressive whatsoever.
- Deter intruders simply with their formidable presence and authoritative bark.
3. Require moderate exercise
- Unlike some working breeds, Cane Corsos only need 60-90 minutes of exercise per day.
- Enjoy walks, hiking, play sessions, and training activities with their family.
- Handle apartment living well as long as exercised. But a yard is ideal.
4. Low maintenance care
- The short coat requires only occasional brushing and bathing as needed.
- Typically moderate shedders.
5. Healthy breed
- No major health problems plague the breed.
- Live an average of 10-12 years with proper care and exercise.
In the right home, the Cane Corso's unwavering loyalty and affection for family is unparalleled.
Potential Downsides of the Cane Corso for Families
While a wonderful breed in many ways, the Cane Corso does present some challenges:
1. Strong-willed and domineering
- Cane Corsos are confident, strong-minded dogs intent on taking the "alpha" role if owners allow it.
- Require a very experienced owner well-versed in positive training who can act as a firm, consistent pack leader.
- Will absolutely take advantage of weak, passive owners unable to provide leadership. Should not be for novice dog owners.
2. Requires intense early socialization
- Cane Corsos can be wary of strangers and intolerant of other dogs if not properly socialized from puppyhood.
- Socialization to many people, environments, and dogs is essential in their first 4 months especially. This must continue throughout life.
- Without socialization and training, aggression issues can develop.
3. Prey drive towards small pets
- Posses a strong prey drive due to their hunter ancestry and may view small pets as prey.
- Cannot be trusted off leash with cats or small dogs. Should be supervised.
- Early socialization with family cats and small dogs is essential to establish good relationships.
4. Capable of great destruction
- Large, powerful dogs like Cane Corsos can demolish your home and yard if bored.
- Require plenty of physical and mental exercise daily. Boredom and under-stimulation leads to mass destruction.
- Heavy chewers that can splinter all but the most robust toys. Need supervision with any toys.
5. Potential dog aggression
- Cane Corsos may show aggression towards unfamiliar dogs if not extremely well socialized.
- Should never be fully trusted with unknown dogs. Careful introductions on neutral territory are required.
- Often best as the only dog in a household unless raised with other dogs.
Cane Corsos are not the breed for casual owners. They require a serious commitment to training, leadership, and responsible ownership from the entire family.
Is the Cane Corso Right for Your Family?
Cane Corsos can make devoted family companions, but you must consider:
- Is someone home much of the time to properly socialize, train, and exercise a Cane Corso puppy? They cannot be left untrained or unsupervised for long periods.
- Does your family have experience with large, powerful guardian breeds? First time owners should not get a Cane Corso.
- Is there a securely fenced yard? Cane Corsos need substantial fencing that extends underground to contain them.
- Does everyone understand the breed's strong guarding instincts and take socialization seriously? It's absolutely critical for this breed.
- Is someone prepared to be a "pack leader" able to establish rules, boundaries, and obedience expectations from the start? The Cane Corso needs strong leadership.
- Are there small children and pets in the home? Supervision is mandatory if adopting a Cane Corso.
Cane Corsos demand respect for their powerful size and guarding heritage. But for families able to put in the work and training, they repay you with unwavering loyalty, protection, and companionship.