It’s a common misconception that all dogs are adorable. Some of them might be very massive and scary! The Cane Corso is an example of such a dog.
They are a regal, intelligent, and hardworking canine breed with boundless enthusiasm for life. It may weigh more than 100 pounds and has a height of around 2.25 feet. Many folks feel threatened by this enormous canine.
These watchful giants make excellent security dogs since they are ever vigilant against potential dangers. They need to have something to do all the time since boredom leads to bad behavior in dogs.
As large dogs, Cane Corsos may be hazardous if they aren’t socialized and trained correctly from an early age. However, are Cane Corsos naturally hostile? Is it true that Cane Corsos are a deadly breed of dog?
Well, I guess we’ll find out!
What Are Cane Corsos?
Do Cane Corsos tend to be aggressive? You must get further information on the breed.
Cane Corsos are huge canines that are classified as Molossus or Molossers. The Mastiff is a member of the same canine family.
These canines have been designated as “canine bodyguards” by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They might be a challenge for a first-time dog owner due to their versatility, loyalty, and stubbornness.
Their short, double coat comes in a variety of colors. However, they still need care since they aren’t hypoallergenic.
These canines have high requirements for physical and mental activity. They are champions in dock diving, dog agility, dog protection, dog sport, dog tracking, and dog obedience. Even at a cursory examination, it’s obvious why that is the case. These canines are the epitome of majesty.
These puppies, like many other huge dogs, don’t live very long. Actually, the average lifespan is somewhere between 10 and 12 years.
The origin of Cane Corsos is a mystery
The Cane Corso is an ancient breed that was originally documented in ancient Greece. The Mastiff type of large, stocky guard dog is said to have originated in Greece. These canines may be traced back to the origins of contemporary-day Neapolitan Mastiffs and Cane Corsos.
The original purpose of the Cane Corso breed was as war dogs, so it’s understandable that many modern dog owners question whether Cane Corsos tend to be violent. Brave and reckless, these hounds would rush enemy lines while carrying boiling oil in buckets on their backs.
These dogs eventually settled in Italy, where they were well-suited for a variety of “civilian” occupations, including hunting boar, herding cattle, farming, and property guarding.
Cane Corsos almost fell extinct as other, smaller dog breeds gained popularity over time. The breed almost died out until a dedicated group of Italian breeders brought it back to life in the 1970s. That’s why people started calling it a “Italian Mastiff” as well.
With the formation of the Society of Cane Corso Lovers (also known as The Society Amorati Cane Corso) in 1983, the Cane Corso once again became a popular dog breed, despite its negative image.
Is there any basis to this rumor? Is it true that Cane Corsos are aggressive, or is it simply a common misconception?
Cane Corsos are not permitted where?
If you can believe it, there are several dog breeds that are illegal to own in some countries and states. Boxers, Rottweilers, Bulldogs, Pitbulls, and Mastiffs are only few examples of the breeds considered to be among the most dangerous in the United States.
Due to a small number of well-publicized incidents, the Cane Corso has gained a reputation for being one of the most dangerous dog breeds, second only to Pitbulls. As a result, Cane Corso ownership has been outlawed or severely restricted in several nations and jurisdictions in the United States.
The most up-to-date 2020 reports list many other states in addition to Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and others as having anti-Cane Corso legislation on the books.
The importation, breeding, or ownership (or all of the above!) of this dog breed is prohibited in many European nations. These countries include Germany, England, Ireland, and France.
In addition to being outlawed in many Canadian municipalities, Cane Corsos are also subject to stringent regulations in Singapore, as are owners of other dog breeds that match the ‘aggressive dog’ stereotype.
Make sure you’re in compliance with any regulations in your area before bringing home a Cane Corso. Owning a Cane Corso dog might result in a hefty fine, which is something you’d want to avoid at all costs. Worse still, you don’t want to endanger your dog’s life by breaking the regulations.
Should You Expect An Aggressive Cane Corso?
Ear clipping in Cane Corsos is common because many people value the breed for its threatening look. But is aggression in Cane Corsos only a physical feature, or are they naturally aggressive?
Because of their possessive, territorial, and guarding tendencies, Cane Corsos are often considered dangerous pets. They have a cold disposition toward both human and canine strangers. However, with proper early training and socialization, they may develop into sociable adults.
Being such enormous canines, they might be difficult to manage if they weren’t trained correctly as puppies. Because of this, it’s crucial to know whether or not Cane Corsos are aggressive canines. or is there a method to force them to act appropriately?
We’re going to go into this matter more.
Cane Corso Temperament
Dogs of the Cane Corso breed are known for being aggressive, yet they really make great companions for the home. Cane Corso owners say that their dogs are amiable and calm around their loved ones.
You can only do this, though, if you start teaching your Cane Corso puppy from an early age. These puppies are very protective of their territory and are wary of outsiders. They are perceptive and quick to react to any kind of disruption, discomfort, or threat.
Cane Corsos, in particular, should be among the last breeds of dog you confront since they are so protective of their people. This makes them excellent guard dogs.
They are smart and confident, and they keep a close eye on their environment, wary of any potential threats. You must keep them actively engaged in stimulating activities at all times.
Some misbehavior is to be expected if these canines are left bored for too long. If you don’t let this happen and show them constructive ways to channel their energy, you’ll have the healthiest, happiest dog imaginable.
Are Cane Corsos Easy To Train?
Fortunately, Cane Corsos are the kind of dog that would do everything to make their owners happy. The combination of this and their high intellect makes them a breeze to train.
Naturally, it is much simpler to start while they are still pups. When your Cane Corso is older, he may have already developed some bad habits if you don’t do anything. Once this occurs, it may be too late to educate him to alter his behavior.
You should do all you can to introduce your young Cane Corso puppy to new people and environments, since early socialization is crucial. This will help him adjust to his new surroundings and not see everyone as a potential danger.
Being firm and consistent is essential during training. You need to establish yourself as the dominant figure, so that people know they must pay attention to you. Cane Corsos have a strong desire to assume the role of pack leader and must be discouraged from developing this perception.
A well-behaved dog may be achieved via consistent and positive reinforcement. It’s possible to train them out of most bad habits by constantly showering them with praise and goodies.
Likewise, you should put a halt to any hostile conduct the instant you observe it, however doing so effectively requires intelligence and skill.
Your Cane Corso dog doesn’t deserve your harsh treatment. Neither yelling at them nor punishing them physically is acceptable. They won’t become less violent because of this; rather, they’ll get disoriented and unable to regulate their behavior.
They may become even more violent as a consequence. Your Cane Corso might turn out to be a fantastic pet if you take the time to teach him or her correctly.
Get the assistance of a qualified dog trainer right away. This is crucial if you’re a novice at raising powerful, huge canines that need a stern approach. In fact, it is strongly advised that owners of potentially hazardous dog breeds invest in formal obedience training.
Are Cane Corsos Aggressive To Humans?
The Cane Corso is a guard dog. They won’t be friendly to newcomers until you teach them to be. They will also be very loyal to their master and will do whatever it takes to defend them.
As a result, unsocialized canines may pose a threat to people.
Even though a Cane Corso would never harm a member of its own family, it could bite someone who comes too near to it on a walk or in the home. They’ll be convinced that everyone is out to get them, and they’ll react accordingly.
That’s why it’s so crucial to introduce your puppy to new people and environments early on. Your new Cane Corso puppy won’t take long to learn that not everyone poses a danger, but they won’t get that message without training.
Before exposing your Cane Corso to unfamiliar people, particularly young children, thorough socialization is vital.
Are Cane Corso Aggressive Toward Kids?
Cane Corsos, in theory, aren’t any more aggressive with children than they would be with any other person. Quite the opposite, they may be wonderful friends for your children since they will always look out for them.
Cane Corsos, particularly females, are said to form stronger bonds with children than with adults.
It goes without saying that socialization is crucial, particularly if you want to introduce a large dog to a household with little children.
Despite how well-trained your Cane Corso may be, he or she should not be around very small children.
These canines are big and powerful, and could easily knock a toddler down with one of their many leaps or plays. During rough play, they might injure or even bite at them.
In addition, it’s important that your children know how to act around canines. Children often disturb animals by prodding them, pulling their ears or touching their faces or private parts.
Even the most placid dog may get agitated by this, and with a large dog like a Cane Corso, things might soon become hazardous.
Are Cane Corsos Aggressive To Other Dogs?
If socialized properly from an early age, Cane Corsos may get along OK with other dogs. In contrast, they tend to be hostile toward canines of the same sex.
Prevention of territorial behaviour on walks or at the dog park requires early socialization with other dogs and pets. Territorial aggression is possible if you haven’t educated your Cane Corso that not all dogs pose a danger, since this breed has been described several times as being particularly prone to it.
Because of their innate tendency to hunt small animals, this type of dog may struggle to get along with other pets, including cats and rabbits. Those who have never had a dog before should not bring a Cane Corso into their home.
You should also use caution if introducing a Cane Corso to a new dog, as they may display hostile behavior toward the newcomer.
Are Cane Corsos Dangerous?
Whether you wanted to know if Cane Corsos are aggressive, you now know the answer. You may be concerned about the level of risk posed by such aggressive conduct.
The Cane Corso, like any other dog breed, doesn’t seem to be hostile at first glance. Still, in the proper (or rather wrong) circumstances, it may prove to be rather harmful.
Dog hostility might develop in your Cane Corso if you don’t exercise and socialize them regularly.
These are big canines that many find intimidating. Most people, though, see them as just royal. You may always count on complete peace of mind while strolling the neighborhood with your Cane Corso.
Without proper socialization or treatment, dogs of this size and power pose a significant threat to humans and other animals.
This may be a problem not only for the Cane Corso’s owner but also for the neighbors’ pets and humans. Biting from these dogs may result in serious injuries or even death.
Cane Corso owners need to be conscious of their dogs’ strength and temperament, and they should make an effort to socialize their dogs. You should start socializing them with other people and animals as soon as possible since they are naturally wary of strangers.
What Causes Aggression In Cane Corsos?
Cane Corsos, by comparison to other dog breeds, tend to be more aggressive. But they wouldn’t just do something like that for no reason. Aggression is something they will only do if they think it is the appropriate response.
Have you ever questioned whether or not Cane Corsos are always aggressive? Thankfully, this is not the situation. But this won’t help much if you don’t know how to identify the root reasons of canine aggressiveness.
The likelihood of aggressive behavior increases if you possess a young Cane Corso that has not yet been trained or socialized. Aggressive behavior might include snarling, a stiff body posture, and even an attempt to bite.
It’s irritating for any dog owner, but it may be particularly so for someone attempting to show that his risky breed dog is really just as lovable as any other pet.
You shouldn’t freak out if your dog starts being aggressive. Instead, attempt to figure out what’s up with your dog by seeing a dog behaviorist.
The most typical triggers for aggressiveness in Cane Corsos are as follows:
Fear
Even Cane Corsos have valid fears, despite what you may have heard. Fear is the primary motivator for aggressive behavior in all dog breeds, including Cane Corsos.
Behaviors based on fear are often the result of inadequate socialization, maltreatment by a prior owner, or a negative encounter with other people, dogs, or objects.
When dogs are scared, they often act aggressively because they feel they need to protect themselves.
This is one of the reasons you should always acquire your Cane Corso puppy from a reliable breeder. If you know the people who reared your dog, you may be certain that they gave it a good home and sufficient care when they were young.
While there are many positive aspects to adopting a pet, it may be challenging to take in a dog of a hazardous breed since many shelter dogs have been mistreated and have a higher fear reaction and are thus more prone to attack.
Possessive or territorial feelings
The Cane Corso is a very sentimental dog. They are so devoted to the things they love that they will go to extreme measures to defend them, whether it’s their favorite chew toy, their food, a piece of furniture, or even a person.
Cane Corsos are naturally protective of the people and animals they love, and if not properly socialized and taught, they may become violent if other animals or humans get too near to their possessions.
Training your Cane Corso well and teaching him to share is essential to prevent bites from occurring due to this sort of hostility.
Aggression in Social Situations
Although dogs are gregarious by nature, they have a definite social hierarchy when living in packs. Each dog in the pack must show deference to the pack leader. An alpha dog gets to select his own bed, sleeping area, and partner.
If a subordinate member of the pack attempts to upset this hierarchy, the alpha dog may resort to more forceful methods of ‘correction.’ Depending on the severity of the situation, this may lead to snarling or even snapping.
Cane Corso dogs are dominant and ambitious. Aggression might emerge if your Corso puppy challenges your authority.
Protectiveness
For hundreds of years, Cane Corsos have served as trusted watchdogs and protectors. The dogs’ job is to keep the rest of the pack safe, including their masters. While this may seem helpful at first, it really has the potential to lead to some harmful actions.
Without proper training, a dog may not be able to tell the difference between an invader and a welcome visitor.
Frustration
If a dog doesn’t receive what he wants, he will get upset. Your canine companion may develop a condition known as “redirected aggressiveness” as a consequence of this.
Cane Corsos can appear like kings and queens, but they have the temperament of pampered puppies. If you don’t train them to obey your orders, they may turn hostile if you refuse to satisfy their demands.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the most frequent mental health problem in dogs, just as it is in people.
Most fearful canines have a history of mistreatment from former owners. On the other hand, some canines experience stress when major life changes occur, such as when they undergo a relocation or welcome a new family member into the home.
If your usually mild-mannered Cane Corso has taken a turn for the worst, it may be time to reevaluate his living conditions. If you have, he will likely need more time to adjust.
Pain
Pain causes agitation in many dogs. When someone is in pain, all they want is for the pain to go away, so they act out emotionally.
As an added caution, your dog may get agitated or even bite if you touch the area of its body that is hurting. This isn’t an act of malice on his part. The only way he knows to tell you to stop touching him is by doing this.
It’s important to take your Cane Corso to the vet if you’ve seen a sudden shift in his behavior and you can’t pinpoint why. This way, the doctor can rule out any potentially painful medical disorders. This is particularly true if limping, tiredness, heavy breathing, or other signs of health problems accompany the aggressive behavior.
Cane Corso Aggression Signs
I need to know whether Cane Corsos are aggressive. In the event that this is an issue for your dog, you’ll want to learn how to identify undesirable habits in dogs.
It’s easy to mistake a little breed’s aggressive behavior for a charming one. However, when a Cane Corso isn’t in the mood, it’s likely to let you know.
Aggression manifests itself in a variety of ways in dogs, each specific to the underlying cause of the behavior. Although not all canines have the same mannerisms, there are several universal cues that may be recognized instantly.
Staring, snarling, snapping and growling, standing erect, excessive barking, and holding his tail high are all symptoms that your dog may be dominating. In contrast, a dog that is fearful would display submissive body language such a bowed head, tucked tail, and avoidance of eye contact.
When your Cane Corso encounters another dog, if he gives the other dog the “dog look,” postures, lunges, his ears perk up, his hackles go up, and his fangs show, the other dog should back off because your Cane Corso is ready to fight.
The line between play and violence must be drawn. A dog’s barking and growling might be the result of playful behavior. His body language indicates whether or not he is comfortable, and if it isn’t, he is likely on guard and ready to strike.
Humming is often seen as an aggressive gesture. An occasional hump from your dog is perfectly normal, but if it’s a regular occurrence, it may be a sign that your dog is trying to assert his authority over other canines. It’s inevitable that this will result in violence.
A dog that shows signs of injury, such as a limp, whining, or slumped posture, or one who snaps when you touch a specific part of his body, is probably not hostile. Get him checked out by the vet to either confirm or disprove this theory.
How To Prevent Dog Aggression
Other than dog training, there are several things you can do to prevent unwanted behavior in your Cane Corso. Here are some things you can try out:
Primitive Interactions
A well-behaved pup is the product of early and consistent socialization. In fact, the time just prior to your dog being 16 weeks old is crucial for your Cane Corso. During this stage, if you keep your puppy confined to the house or in the kennel for too long, he may develop a fear of strangers and new environments.
Introducing your dog to other dogs and people in the wild may be adequate socialization for many young canines. On the other hand, Cane Corsos have special needs and need more attention than other breeds.
As long as it is safe, they should start socializing with other dogs before they have had their first round of vaccinations. This is another reason to avoid irresponsible puppy mills and only get a Cane Corso from a reputable breeder who will not miss this formative phase.
Initiate Obedience Exercises Immediately
When you bring home your new Cane Corso, you should immediately start teaching him. Do not put off being firm with him till he is older because he is adorable and you cannot bear to be harsh.
Cane Corsos, especially as adults, may be difficult to manage even for experts. You should start teaching him the fundamentals as soon as feasible.
Instruct Bite Restraint Skills
Even if your Cane Corso was socialized as a puppy, teaching him to refrain from biting is crucial when you’re around big dogs.
While socializing with their mothers and litter mates, most pups develop bite inhibition. It’s not enough, however; he also has to learn biting inhibition.
The most effective strategy for teaching bite inhibition is a matter of considerable debate. Some experts advise making a loud scream the instant your puppy’s fangs contact your skin. If the puppy bites, some people recommend “scruffing” him.
The easiest technique to teach him that biting is unacceptable behavior is to tell him “No!” and then put an end to play for a little period.
Your dog should be taught, using any technique you choose, that it is never, ever, ever appropriate to use its teeth in play. All of them include making it clear to him that biting will result in the loss of his plaything.
Send the message that you’re in charge
A Cane Corso is one of the most observant breeds of dog. They will mimic you in an effort to prove their worth to the group. It’s crucial that you establish your dominance over him.
You may show him who’s boss by giving him instructions like “sit” before feeding him, “wait” at the door before letting him out, and “lay down” or “sit” while you work.
You may show him who is in control by rewarding him for obeying you with the things he desires. Don’t use coercion, but do commend his positive behavior.
Keep Socializing Him Through Adulthood
When it comes to socializing a dog breed with a history of being used as a weapon, like the Cane Corso, normal walks are not enough. This is particularly true with untrained canine pups.
If you just got a new puppy, he’s probably going to be timid the first time you take him outdoors. Do not worry too much about the duration of this timidity. But you need to constantly expose him to new people and environments.
You may find several reasonably priced brands of your dog’s preferred treats on Amazon, so you can always have a bag on hand. You should reward him every time he meets a new person or dog and he doesn’t react aggressively.
Your Cane Corso will like making new friends once he realizes that doing so means receiving rewards, such as treats.
Stop Aggression The Moment It Starts
Sadly, there is nothing you can do to prevent your dog’s violent behavior once he reaches adulthood. Now is the time for action.
Minor temperamental issues are often the first step toward aggressive conduct. Your puppy may greet guests with a snarl or a hard gaze. You can’t rule out the possibility of a few endearing barks from him when your mom arrives to visit.
These seemingly little actions might really progress to far more serious levels over time. The situation is expected to worsen further over time.
If you can keep him from doing these little things as he gets older, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
Don’t Encourage Aggression
Some dog owners may find humor in their pet’s cranky or unpredictably emotional demeanor. Some people, however, choose to get a vicious canine in the hopes that it would deter potential intruders from approaching their home. Neither option is preferable.
The Cane Corso has a protective instinct and makes an excellent watchdog. The dogs of this breed were designed to patrol and protect their territory. They don’t need to learn to be cautious or overprotective. All of this will be second nature to them.
A serious issue might arise if you reward their barking or provoke their growling. When your Cane Corso develops an overwhelming amount of aggression, it’s time to find a new home.
So, Are Cane Corsos Aggressive?
The Cane Corso is a dog that may be violent if you don’t take the time to teach it correctly.
Despite this, they may be quite devoted to their owners and make ideal family dogs. In order to get the most out of your dog, it is recommended that you hire a professional dog trainer.
This magnificent breed requires a great deal of skill and patience from its owner, so if you’re new to dog ownership, it’s probably best to start with something easier.
However, if you’re a seasoned pet parent, you’ll likely do an excellent job of bringing up a wonderful companion dog. This is particularly true if you’ve worked with rescue dogs, dogs with special needs, or other pets that might be challenging to train.
Choosing a dog breed that may be too much for you to manage is not worth the potential rewards.
Pick a pet that can adapt to your home and your routine. This is the best method to ensure the long-term health and happiness of your dog.