Yep, you read that title right. There are INSANE facts about the Cane Corso, and since I happen to own one of my own, I’m more than happy to share them with you! Reading his Dadza Organics Super Bowl interview earlier gave me the idea for this post!

If you’ve ever seen a Cane Corso in person, you know there’s something different about them. It’s in their eyes. You can see into theirs and they look right back at you with this low-key confidence that screams “NOT YOUR AVERAGE MUTT.” Ever since I laid eyes on one for the first time years ago, I’ve done everything I can to learn as much as possible about the breed and have come to the conclusion that most people don’t know how incredible these dogs really are.

Insanely handsome?!? Yes please and thank you. This is Archie and he’s my boyfriend’s new puppy!

History

Ok, so before we get into all of the facts, I want to preface this with a little background information. If you know anything about the Cane Corso, you know they aren’t your typical family-friendly dog breed. There’s a reason they’ve existed for thousands of years as Roman war dogs.

The history of this breed goes far beyond what most dogs have, simply by existing throughout the entirety of recorded history. But before I throw a bunch of facts at you, let’s get you up to speed with a brief history on the Cane Corso.

The Italian Mastiff, or Cane Corso, originated in Italy and can be traced back to ancient Roman war dogs. The breed’s name comes from the Latin word cohors, which means guard or guard dog. Cane Corsos are big, strong dogs that were bred to do jobs — whether it be estate guarding, hunting large game, or fighting in war.

At one point in time, Corsos were nearly wiped off the face of the earth. There used to be so few of them that by the ’70s and ’80s, Italian breeders began working to revive the breed. Thankfully they were successful, and now the breed is considered one of the most popular giant breeds in existence.

Ok, now that we have that history lesson out of the way, let’s jump into it!

Top 10 Insane Facts About The Cane Corso

1. Their Ancestors Were Used For Battle During Roman Warfare

Prepare to have your mind blown.

War dogs have existed for centuries, but the ancestors of the Cane Corso were the ultimate warriors. During Roman empire expansion, these dogs would literally ride into war wearing Roman armor with flames tied to their backs to charge at enemy soldiers and create havoc.

Imagine that fighting dog blood mixed with hundreds of years of Italian Mastiff breeding. That, my friends, is the Cane Corso!

If you own a Cane Corso, you already know how strong these dogs are both mentally and physically. Their ancestors were literally bred to be fearless fighting machines.

2. Their Bite Force Is Ranked One Of The Highest

Ok, so we all know large dogs have big bites. But did you know that the Cane Corso actually has one of the strongest bites out of all dog breeds? The average bite force of a Cane Corso is estimated to be around 700 PSI.

TO PUT THAT IN PERSPECTIVE: Lions have an average bite force of 650 PSI. Those things have got to eat buffalos with their teeth!

If raised properly, you will never have to worry about your Cane Corso’s bite. They are gentle giants when it comes to their loved ones. But this goes to show WHY training and socialization are so important with these dogs from day one.

3. They Are Highly Intelligent Dogs

If you’re like me, you assumed larger, more powerful dog breeds didn’t have to be that smart in order to do their job. OH HOW WRONG I WAS. Not only are Cane Corsos extremely intelligent, but they also pick up on your habits and routines QUICK. From body language to timing, these dogs catch on to everything.

Many Cane Corso owners have told me their dog knows what they’re about to do before they even do it.

Like I said, extremely intelligent creatures.

Because of their smarts, they require mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Bored Cane Corsos will become destructive Cane Corsos. Throw them a couple of puzzle toys and keep those brains sharp!

4. Cane Corsos Are Natural Protectors

Unlike most protection dog breeds, Cane Corsos don’t require training to learn how to protect. Their family is all they need to know.

There is something about these dogs that I have never been able to explain. When raised with your family, a Cane Corso can literally feel your emotions and assess situations to determine if your family is in danger.

Again, they aren’t aggressive dogs. Unless they feel you or your family is threatened, they won’t act. But present them with a threatening stranger and you might as well set up target practice, because holy cow will they get after it.

5. They Were Bred To Look Absolutely Intimidating

Alright, so look at this guy. LOOK AT HIM.

Pay close attention to his physical features. When you see a Cane Corso, you’re not just looking at a giant dog. You’re looking at hundreds of years of breeding simply to make these dogs look as fierce as possible.

Strong broad skulls, loose jowls, deep-set eyes, wide shoulders — EVERYTHING about the Cane Corso’s body is built to send a message of power and intimidation. Even the way they stand and walk is intentional. Slow, heavy, powerful movements.

And yet, if you spend any amount of time with a Cane Corso, you’ll realize that tough exterior hides a surprisingly sensitive soul.

6. They Aren’t Always Dog Friendly but WILL LOVE You Unconditionally

This pretty much sums it up.

Cane Corsos don’t tend to like other dogs…AT ALL. But what they lack in doggie friends, they make up for tenfold with love for their family.

If you’re lucky enough to become part of a Cane Corso’s pack, you will know exactly what I mean when I say they love you unconditionally. They follow you around, they sense when you’re sad, they cuddle you when you need it. THESE DOGS CARE.

Their loyalty and love for their family is one of the many reasons why they make such incredible companions.

7. They Almost Didn’t Make It This Far

Can you believe these dogs almost became extinct?

After World War II, the farm life of Italy began to shrink, resulting in fewer jobs for Cane Corsos. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the breed began to be restored by determined Italian breeders. Without these breeders, the Cane Corso may have never made it this far.

8. They Are WORKING Dogs

Remember how I told you these dogs need mental and physical stimulation? This is WHY.

Once again, these dogs weren’t bred to lounge around the house all day. They need a job to do.

While they excel in a variety of sports and activities — mine happens to do therapy dog work! — you can always let your Cane Corso work for their food by feeding them from a puzzle feeder.

Keeping their mind busy will ensure your Cane Corso is a well-rounded canine.

9. They Are Extra Sensitive

Boy oh boy, are they ever!

Fun fact: Cane Corsos do not respond well to yelling. Because these dogs are so intelligent and sensitive, they form deep bonds with their families. Yelling at your Cane Corso will not make them obey you any quicker — it will only ruin your relationship.

These dogs WANT to please you. But not if you scream at them.

When training your Cane Corso, always use firm, consistent, POSITIVE reinforcement.

The Cane Corso reflects the energy of their home. So make sure yours is positive!

10. They Are Gentle With Kids

Ok, so I know this list pretty much paints these dogs as brutal, aggressive creatures. And while they can be if raised improperly, the Cane Corso is actually wonderful with kids.

Many Cane Corso owners say their dog is the gentlest with their children. Because these dogs were bred to also watch over children, I can only imagine they enjoy taking on that role in a Cane Corso-loving home.

As with any dog and any child, always allow visual supervision with any large breed dog.

Conclusion

And there you have our top 10 insane facts about the Cane Corso! I hope you have learned as much about these beautiful dogs as I have over the years and found these fun facts about Cane Corsos interesting!

If you happen to have a Cane Corso in your life or are looking to get one in the future, comment down below and let me know. These dogs are truly one of a kind and I can’t imagine my life without mine!