Before you get a Cane Corso puppy you should know they are giant powerhouses that take work. But if you put in the time and effort required to train, love, and respect these dogs you will get back tenfold.
Before getting a Cane Corso there are some key things you should know about this breed. By nature, they are loyal, protective, powerful, loving, and territorial dogs. But they also require a lot of attention and maintenance compared to other breeds.
All dog breeds require time and attention from their owners but something about Cane Corsos made me want to put a list together on things to know before getting one.
What Kind of Dog Is the Cane Corso?
Before we jump into the 10 things to know before getting a Cane Corso, let’s talk about what kind of dog they actually are.
The Cane Corso is an ancient breed of Italian Mastiff who were used for hunting, guarding, and war. Naturally, these dogs were bred to work and to be by their owner’s side to protect them and their family. This history and instinct is still prominent in Cane Corsos today. When you get a Cane Corso you aren’t getting yourself a dog, you are getting a powerhouse of working energy that comes with intense guarding instincts.
They have a deep desire to work for you and keep you safe. Combined with their natural strength and power, these dogs are immense until you get to know them. On the inside, they’re big lovebugs that crave connection with their humans. Now that we have a general understanding of what a Cane Corso is, let’s dig deeper into what you need to know before adding one to your family.
10 Things You Must Know Before Getting a Cane Corso
1.They Require a Confident Owner
If there is one thing I want you to take away from this list, it’s this. Do not get a Cane Corso unless you are sure about your ability to be a confident owner. These dogs want to please you but will naturally test their owner to make sure they run the pack.
Since Cane Corsos are such a powerful breed, you need to be able to own that power and gain their respect as the leader of the household.
If you have never owned a large dominant dog before, asking yourself if a Cane Corso is right for you is a great place to start. You do not need to be aggressive or cruel to own a Cane Corso but you do need to be firm and consistent with your rules and boundaries.
2.Early Socialization Is Key
A poorly-socialized Cane Corso is scary to think about. Because these dogs were bred to guard, they have big intimidating stares and booming voices. Without proper socialization at a young age, they can become reactive and suspicious of things they don’t know.
The window for socializing your puppy correctly is small so you need to act quickly. When I say socialization I mean exposing your puppy to everything — different people, dogs, sights, and sounds.
Get out there and show your Cane Corso puppy the world! The more experience and positive interactions they have when they are young, the more well-rounded your dog will grow to be.
3.Training Needs to Start Right Away
Along with socialization, training your new Cane Corso puppy needs to start the day you bring them home. If you wait until they are older to train your dog, you may find yourself with behavioral issues you can’t correct.
The later you start training your dog, the stronger their bad habits become. Since Cane Corsos are so strong and large, you don’t want your dog developing bad habits that could cause you harm.
Teaching your pup the basics like sit, stay, come, and leave it should start as early as day one. Cane Corsos are smart dogs and love to please when given the proper respect from their owner.
Positive reinforcement is key to any dog training. You should always reward your Cane Corso when they behave well or follow your commands. Food rewards are my favorite way to keep my dog’s brain engaged.
-
Loyalty Is King With Cane Corsos
The Cane Corso is one of the most loyal dogs I have ever had the privilege of owning. Not only are they loyal, but they bond with their families forever. Once your Cane Corso picks you as their pack leader, you have their love for life.
Training your dog to be loyal can be achieved by running your household with confidence and consistency. Cane Corsos may be naturally loyal breeds but they will test you as the owner.
Since these dogs are loyal and protective of their families, they can be wary of strangers. Do not mistake caution for aggression. Your Cane Corso is not naturally aggressive towards people or other dogs.
However, if you fail to train your dog not to react to strangers, then you may encounter problems. Every time you meet new people or bring someone into your home, supervise your dog.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Supervising your dog around visitors will ensure everyone stays safe and can help prevent future aggression.
-
Cane Corsos NEED Exercise
While Cane Corsos are muscular dogs, they’re not dogs to lounge around all day. These dogs need at least an hour of physical activity every day to stay happy and out of trouble.
If you work long hours or don’t want to spend your days jogging with Fido, a Cane Corso might not be the right dog for you. Though they don’t need hours of exercise a day, they still need more than your average pup.
Cane Corsos can be destructive when they don’t get enough exercise. A tired Cane Corso is a happy Cane Corso and will behave much better throughout the day.
-
They Drool A Lot
This may sound minor compared to the other things on this list, but trust me when I say your walls will hate you if you get a Cane Corso. These dogs drool everywhere! After they eat, drink, play — you name it.
Cane Corsos have incredibly loose skin around their mouth, which means drool strings will be going EVERYWHERE. If your dog is going to be living with you, make sure you can live with their drool too.
-
Mental Stimulation Is Important
Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation is important for your Cane Corso. These dogs are intelligent and require a job to do.
If you don’t keep your dog’s brain occupied, they will entertain themselves. And let me tell you from experience, it won’t be pretty.
Your couch will get chewed, your favorite shoes will be destroyed, and you’ll wish you never got a dog. Don’t leave your Cane Corso alone for long periods of time without giving them a puzzle toy or activity.
Brain games are also an excellent way to keep your dog’s mind occupied. Tease them with training and throw a few commands their way during each play session.
Just make sure your dog is mentally stimulated, or you’ll regret it.
-
They Are Not Apartment Dogs
Due to their high energy level and exercise requirement, Cane Corsos are not ideal for living in apartments. You should always have a backyard for your Cane Corso to run around and play.
These dogs need space to thrive, and if they’re cooped up inside all day, you’re going to have one unhappy dog on your hands. Plus, the reality is they’re too big for most apartments.
The minimum fencing recommendation for a Cane Corso is 6 feet. If they can fit their head through your fence, trust me, they will!
-
Research Health Concerns
Like any large dog, Cane Corsos have health concerns that you as a pet owner should be aware of. Hip dysplasia, eye abnormalities, and bloat are some of the most common.
Breeders will often screen their puppies for these conditions before selling them to you. However, it is still smart to know and look out for these symptoms.
These conditions can be prevented with proper diet and care, so always set your Cane Corso up for success by giving them the best you can.
Expect vet bills to be costly with your new dog. Investing in pet insurance is always a good idea when owning any dog.
-
Breed Restrictions & Insurance
Depending on where you live, Cane Corsos can be restricted in some areas. Be sure to check your local laws and restrictions before buying your puppy.
Not only that, but many insurance policies will not cover you if you own what they consider a “threatening dog.” Again, check with your insurance provider before getting your new dog to ensure you’re not stuck choosing between them.
FAQ
Are Cane Corsos Good Family Dogs?
Cane Corsos can be great family dogs when properly trained. They are extremely loyal and loving with their families. Kids are no problem for Cane Corsos, but always supervise interactions with young children.
Do Cane Corsos Attack Other Dogs?
A poorly trained Cane Corso can attack other dogs. If you socialize your dog and consistently work on their training, aggression towards other dogs isn’t likely.
However, every dog has a tolerance. You will know your dog best, so teach them how to interact with other dogs and what you expect from them.
Conclusion
The Cane Corso is such an amazing dog breed and I love sharing everything I can about them with others. These dogs are giant teddy bears that love nothing more than to make you proud. They are strong, loyal, protective dogs that require an owner who can match that strength. Owning any dog is a big commitment, and your new canine companion will depend on you to give them everything they need.
If you feel that your heart is telling you to get a Cane Corso, please do your research and prepare for their arrival. These dogs are wonderful with the correct attention and love.
Save pin for later
- How to Build a DIY Dog Gate for Stairs and Doorways - April 8, 2026
- 8 DIY Dog Treat Recipes Your Furry Bestie Will Beg For - April 8, 2026
- How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Dog Run in Your Backyard - April 8, 2026