Cane Corso dog

Cane Corso

Large BreedGuard DogWorking DogExperienced Owners Only

Powerful Italian mastiff known for intelligence, loyalty, and elite guarding ability.

Origin

Italy

Size

40-55 kg

Lifespan

9-12 years

Cost

₹45k-1.8L

Elite Guardian
Highly Intelligent
Dominant Temperament

Overview & Temperament

75%
Energy Level
85%
Trainability
55%
Friendliness
60%
Shedding
55%
Heat Tolerance

The Cane Corso descends from ancient Roman war dogs and was traditionally used to guard property, livestock, and families. They are confident, calm, and extremely protective.

In India, Cane Corsos can adapt with proper care, but they are not suitable for inexperienced or casual dog owners due to their size, strength, and dominance.

Personality Traits

  • Extremely loyal to family
  • Reserved and suspicious of strangers
  • Naturally territorial
  • Calm but assertive
  • Requires firm leadership

Energy & Activity

  • Moderate to high exercise needs
  • Enjoys structured routines
  • Thrives on obedience work
  • Mental stimulation is critical

Living Conditions in India

Climate Considerations

Short coat but heavy body mass increases heat sensitivity.

  • Ideal temperature: 10°-25°C
  • Summer care: Avoid midday walks, ensure shade and ventilation
  • Hydration: Fresh water available at all times
  • Best cities: Moderate-climate cities

Ideal Living Situation

  • Independent house with compound
  • Experienced handlers
  • Security-oriented households
  • Low-chaos environments
  • Regular training schedules

Challenging Situations

  • Small apartments
  • First-time dog owners
  • Extreme heat regions
  • Unstructured households
  • Homes with frequent guests

Daily Exercise Requirements

Morning Walk35-45 min
Evening Walk35-45 min
Training & Mental Work20-30 min

Tailstart Tip: Avoid high-intensity activity in warm weather.

Cost of Owning a Cane Corso

Initial Purchase Cost

From breeders in India₹45,000 - ₹1,80,000

Cost varies based on lineage, import bloodlines, and breeder ethics.

Monthly Expenses

Food
Basic: ₹4,500Premium: ₹7,500
4,500
7,500
Veterinary Care
Basic: ₹2,000Premium: ₹4,000
2,000
4,000
Grooming & Maintenance
Basic: ₹1,200Premium: ₹2,500
1,200
2,500
Total Monthly Investment₹7,700 - ₹14,000

Large size and training costs should be budgeted.

Food & Nutrition

Ideal Nutrition Balance

Protein38%
Healthy Fats25%
Carbohydrates32%
Fiber & Vitamins5%

Feeding Guidelines

Puppies (2-12 months)

3 meals/day, 650-850g total

Adults (1-6 years)

2 meals/day, 900-1200g total

Seniors (6+ years)

2 meals/day, 800-1000g total

Best Food Options in India

  • Royal Canin Giant
  • Farmina N&D
  • Orijen
  • Balanced home-cooked diet

Foods to Avoid

Chocolate
Onions & garlic
Cooked bones
Excess salt
Spicy food

Health & Lifespan

Expected Lifespan

Relatively healthy mastiff breed when responsibly bred.

Indian climate note: Heat stress must be actively managed.

Common Health Conditions

Hip Dysplasia

Joint disorder common in large breeds

High Risk

Prevention: Weight control and joint supplements

Bloat (GDV)

Life-threatening stomach torsion

Medium Risk

Prevention: Small meals, rest after feeding

Heat Exhaustion

Overheating due to mass and climate

High Risk

Prevention: Shade, ventilation, timing of exercise

Recommended Vet Care Schedule

Puppies: Vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
Adults: Annual health check
Seniors: Bi-annual checkups
Deworming: Every 3 months
Flea/tick prevention: Monthly

Daily Care Routine

Grooming Requirements

Regular Tasks

Brushing2-3x/week

Short coat, low grooming effort.

BathingEvery 6-8 weeks

Use mild shampoo only.

Nail TrimmingEvery 3-4 weeks

Large nails require regular care.

Professional Grooming

Every 8 weeks

Full grooming session with professional

Services include:

Bath, nail trim, hygiene cleaning

Tailstart Grooming: Handling strength and experience required.

Exercise Routine

70-90 min

Total daily exercise

2 walks

Per day minimum

Moderate

Running, swimming, fetch

Ideal Activities

Structured walks
Obedience drills
Controlled play

Training & Mental Stimulation

Why Training is Essential

Power and dominance require strict obedience training.

Basic Commands (3-6 months)

  • Sit
  • Stay
  • Heel
  • Recall

Mental Stimulation Ideas

  • Advanced obedience
  • Scent tracking

Training Tip

Consistent leadership and positive reinforcement are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trusted by 100+ pet parents

Give Your Cane Corso the Best Care

Professional grooming, dog training, and dog walking—all at your doorstep. Tailstart makes it easy to keep your Cane Corso healthy and happy in Indian conditions.

Similar Breeds You Might Like

Explore other friendly, active breeds perfect for Indian families