If you find Cane Corso intimidating, you are wrong! Despite their massive size, these gentle giants are loyal, hard-working, and affectionate. Their lineage goes back to ancient Roman times; this working dog has the demeanor of a professional bodyguard, which is also its trademark. It is hard to imagine that Cane Corso puppies with sweet squishy faces, wrinkly bodies, and floppy ears grow to be large, powerful dogs that thrive in human companionship.
So are you ready to bring more than 100 pounds of happiness into your home? Before getting a pet home, it is crucial to understand its care and expenses. To save you from drowning in hours of research, we’ve created a comprehensive, accessible guide to help you know the Cane Corso better and adore their giant faces more and more.
Is Cane Corso Banned in India?
Importing Cane Corso for breeding or other commercial purposes has been banned by the Indian Government. They are allowed to be imported only for the defense and police force.
Yes, it means the Cane Corso is banned in India, but the Indian Government has issued a ban on breeding Cane Corsos in the country. This means you won’t be able to find purebred Cane Corsos in India, but you may ding crossbreeds or mixes from reputable breeders.
Is the Cane Corso dog dangerous?
Cane Corsos have a possessive, territorial, and guarding nature, making them aggressive. They need proper training and socialization from their early years to make them more friendly towards strangers and other animals.
Can the Cane Corso dog survive in India?
Yes, Cane Corso has high heat tolerance. It can survive in India without any discomfort or health problems. However, they require large space and can be aggressive, which should be considered before opting for them.
How Much Does the Cane Corso Dog Cost in India
Cane Corso is not a common breed in India, which makes its average price range between INR 60,000 to INR 80,000. The price of this breed can be affected by location, breeder, availability, color, and much more.
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of Cane Corso Dog in India
Cane Corso Age: Buying a puppy vs. an old dog
Buying a Cane Corso puppy gives you a chance to raise your puppy into the well-behaved, obedient, and friendly adult you want. But it comes at the cost of years of training, feeding, medical care, socialization, and lots of patience to deal with their tantrums or challenging moments.
Buying an adult, on the other hand, saves you the time of training as they are already well-raised and trained into obedient pets. However, they need medical care for the diseases that come with aging. They can also have well-set habits like stubbornness which can be tough to modify in adulthood. Adults cost less than puppies because they are considered less attractive due to their shorter lifespan.
Adopting a Cane Corso vs. Buying
Adopting from a shelter home necessitates extensive research and constant contact with the shelter to learn about the pup’s availability. There may be times when the dog is not healthy or is adopted by other parents before you, so you must be patient and calm. Even if a Cane Corso is less expensive, remember that these puppies come from a traumatized background and will grow and mix with your family at their own pace.
Buying from reputable breeders entails researching and shortlisting Cane Corso breeders in your area. You must confirm the breeder’s credibility and ensure the puppy’s health. Buying is more expensive than adopting.
Breeder Factor
Buying a Cane Corso from Puppy Mills (Please don’t go with this option)
Puppy mills, as the name suggests, are where dogs are bred in large mills under small cages and lack sanitary conditions, veterinary care, and nutrition by unlicensed breeders aiming to make profits by selling these poor puppies.
Puppy mill owners use low prices, false claims, and certificates to lure people into their scams. The best way to catch them red-handed is to ask for a meeting with the puppy and its mother, their medical and registration records, and the vet’s contact details, which will make the owners hesitate and try to bargain for a lower price. It would help if you were cautious of false documents and did not go with the sale until you were delighted.
Buying a Cane Corso from Pet Shops
If you wish to buy your Cane Corso from pet shops, it is essential to understand that window shopping for your dog is not as easy as it looks. You have to get in touch with the pet shop’s breeder from whom they were brought and ask for the breeder’s license, vet details, medical records, and certificates to ensure that the breeder is licensed and the puppy is healthy.
We are not suggesting that all pet shops are in touch with unlawful breeders. However, it is essential not to trust the claims until you get the documents to support them, preventing you from getting scammed.
Buying a Cane Corso from Middleman or Brokers
To make the process of getting in touch with good breeders, you can skip hours of research by hiring an intermediary like a broker to help you directly contact the breeder. They charge 10% to 20% commission for their services, which increases their puppy’s initial price, making it expensive.
However, it doesn’t mean you can blindly trust the breeder; you will need to verify the breeder’s credibility by asking for certificates and medical records of both the puppy and its parents.
Buying a Cane Corso from Reputable breeders
Reputable breeders don’t run for profits but want a safe home and a responsible owner for their puppy. They answer all your questions, arrange a meeting with the parents and the litter before the sale and provide certificates and warranties. Buying from such breeders costs more but is worth the price if you take home a healthy puppy.
Reputable breeders stay in contact after the sale to ensure the puppy is healthy. They might even take them back if they believe you are not a responsible owner.
Questions to Ask A Breeder
We’ve listed some questions that can be helpful when contacting a breeder to certify its credibility and the puppy’s health.
- Do you practice with a license?
- How long have you been in this profession? What can you tell me about the breed?
- Are the parents healthy? Do they have a history of hereditary or any other major diseases?
- Has the puppy been vaccinated?
- Are the parents and the puppy registered with KCI?
- Do you provide a warranty after the sale?
- How can I contact you after the deal in case of any problems or queries?
Gender
- Male Cane Corso is more aggressive and can be intimidating due to its vast size. But they face few health problems and can be more territorial and dominant than females.
- Female Cane Corsos are less dominant and aggressive but can be emotionally disturbed and moody. They are relatively easier to train than males.
The males cost more than females due to their colossal stature and protective nature. After reading about the differences, we hope that deciding between the two genders doesn’t look like a big dilemma. We suggest you opt for the gender that suits your family’s needs and whose needs you can fulfill accordingly.
Size
It is incredible how big Cane Corsos can get; a three-month male puppy weighs between 35-40lbs, and females weigh between 30-37lbs, and they both stand at 14-17 inches. They take one year to reach their full potential height, and some take up to two years to get their total weight. An adult Male Cane Corso stands at 25-27.5 inches weighing between 99-110 lbs, and females stand at 23.6-26 inches weighing between 85-99 lbs.
Knowing the ideal size of the puppy/adult is essential to ensure they are healthy and well-grown. Males cost more compared to females due to their bigger intimidating size.
Mix Breed or Purebred
A purebred Cane Corso will have both parents from the same breed, as opposed to a mixed breed, which is produced when a Cane Corso crosses with another species to produce variants. Purebreds are more expensive than mixed breeds because they have less hereditary problems and live longer lives. It does not preclude you from choosing a mixed breed; we recommend purchasing a healthy puppy, whether purebred or mixed.
Bloodline
There are two types of Cane Corsos with two distinct bloodlines. Traditional Cane Corso are dogs descended from the Italian Corsos brought to the US in the 1980s. They are the old Italian bloodline of the breed, having a more oversized frame and muscular body.
Non- traditional Cane Corso are dogs developed using other famous dog breeds, giving them wider varieties regarding temperament and physical traits. They have a skinner structure but are more agile than traditional ones. A standard Cane Corso costs more than a non-traditional one due to its original bloodline and greater stature.
Coat Colours and Markings
Choosing the color of your Cane Corso will be a confusing ride due to the large variety of colors they come in. Black, gray, fawn, red, chestnut brindle, and chocolate are just some of the colors of this breed.
Suppose you wish to buy standard colors like black, which are common and readily available. In that case, it will cost you less than purchasing a rare color like chocolate or Isabella. It will cost you more due to their high demand.
Location
The location decides the availability and demand of Cane Corso. Suppose you belong to metropolitan cities like Mumbai or Delhi, where demand and availability are both high. In that case, they tend to cost more compared to remote areas having less need.
Due to added shipping or travel fares, buying a Cane Corso from a different state or city will cost more.
Certification and Warranties
It is crucial to buy a healthy Cane Corso from licensed breeders giving you all the certificates and warranties to ensure that the puppy is healthy and well-bred. Purchasing a well-certified pup will cost you more than buying from breeders who can’t support their claims and are willing to sell at low prices.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of owning a Cane Corso
Dog Food Factor
Cane Corsos will need a nutrient-rich diet to support their massive size and exercise regimen. Their diet should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, ground bones, healthy fats, and vegetables packed with essential minerals and vitamins. It would help if you were cautious of not overfeeding them as they are known to pile on the pounds.
Home Food vs. Purchased Food
Cane Corsos can thrive on homemade and commercial food as long as they meet their nutritional needs and stay healthy. You can feed them bread, milk, yogurt, fruits, meat, fish, cheese, and vegetables in homemade food that is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and free of chemicals. Commercial food, on the other hand, ranges from INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 per box, but you must thoroughly research the brand, ingredients, types, and varieties to determine which will best suit your dog. It would be beneficial to visit and discuss various ingredients with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog has no allergic reactions or digestive problems in the future. Your monthly food expenses could range between INR 6,000 and 8,000.
Portion Size and Frequency
Cane Corsos are large working dogs that need adequate food throughout the day without facing digestive issues or problems like obesity. We’ve mentioned one below to help you stick to a strict feeding chart with the correct nutrition for your pup.
| Age | Minimum Cups Per Day | Maximum Cups Per Day | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 months | 2 ⅓ cups | 3 ¼ cups | 4 times |
| 6-8 months | 3 ⅓ cups | 5 ½ cups | 3 times |
| 9-11 months | 4 ½ cups | 6 cups | 2 times |
| 12-24 months | 6 ½ cups | 9 ⅓ cups | 2 times |
Remember that this is a roughly estimated chart; your puppy’s nutritional needs can differ according to weight, age, and gender. We recommend taking your dog to the vet to get a specific feeding chart after assessing its nutritional needs.
Fun Facts of Owning a Cane Corso
- Cane Corso comes from Latin, meaning “Bodyguard dog” or “Robust dog.”
- Cane Corso has appeared in several movies like Sessomatto, Once a Blue Moon, and Save the Date. Also, Ramsay’s deadly hunting dogs in Games of Thrones were these massive giants.
- The AKC (American Kennel Club) has recognized only four breeds with the word ‘majestic’ in their breed standards, and Cane Corso is one of them.
- Cane Corso was also used for entertainment in ancient Rome, like pit fights with bulls, tigers, and lions, and even in some gladiator battles.
- Their majestic stature has been captured by various artists like Bartolomeo Pinelli and Andrea Mantegna in several paintings.
Vet Factor
Cane Corso is generally healthy but susceptible to various health problems like hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, eyelid abnormalities, and Demodex mange. Their large, deep-chested chest makes them prone to bloating and life-threatening stomach conditions.
They will need regular vet checkups, medications, and various medical procedures to keep them healthy throughout their lifetime.
Vaccination Cost
Vaccinations introduce weak forms of specific viruses in dogs to strengthen their immune systems. They will need frequent vaccinations against diseases to keep them healthy and prevent future problems.
We’ve mentioned a rough vaccination schedule for you below.
| Age | Vaccinations |
|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Paraonfluenza, Bordetella |
| 10-12 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Coronavirus, Paraonfluenza, Bordetella, Leptospirosis |
| 12-14 weeks | Rabies |
| 14-16 weeks | Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Coronavirus, Paraonfluenza, Leptospirosis |
| 12-16 months | Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Coronavirus, Paraonfluenza, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Rabies |
| 1-2 years | Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, Coronoavirus, Paraonfluenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella |
Vaccinations in India can cost between INR 500 to INR 2,000. We recommend contacting your vet for a vaccination schedule that suits your dog and its needs.
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Neutering removes reproductive organs in males and prevents prostate cancer; spaying removes a female’s uterus and ovaries and prevents ovarian cancer. Other than this, these surgeries have health benefits like a longer lifespan; it also helps you avoid dealing with females’ monthly health cycles and males’ urine spaying.
It is essential to understand that these surgeries shouldn’t be tried at home and should be performed by professionals only. A neutering/spaying surgery can cost between INR 7,000-10,000 in India.
Deworming Cost
To prevent severe diseases like diarrhea, Deworming is crucial to remove harmful worms like tapeworms and hookworms from your pet’s body. Deworming can be done at home using deworming tablets or syrup, which costs between INR 150 to INR 300. We’ve mentioned a deworming schedule for your convenience below.
| Age | Frequency of Deworming |
|---|---|
| Birth to 3 months | Every 2 weeks |
| 3 months to 6 months | Every month |
| 6 months above | Every 3 months |
Get in touch with a vet before administering your pet deworming medicines to prevent future problems.
Preventive Medications Cost
When raising a dog, prevention is always better than cure. Minor injuries, ticks, fleas, and infections can occur anywhere in the house or while playing outside. Going to the vet for minor injuries is inconvenient and costly; we recommend treating your pup at home with the medications listed below.
- Minor injuries, such as scratches and bleeding, are treated with antiseptic spray, cotton, and bandages.
- Tick and flea powder- used to keep your pup’s coat healthy by removing pests and preventing diseases.
- Ear drops relieve irritation, redness, and inflammation in the ears, leading to ear infections if left untreated.
All this can cost between INR 1,000 to 1,500. We don’t recommend not taking your pet to the vet during significant accidents or injuries untreatable at home.
Housing and Confinement Cost
Providing your pup with a personal space not only helps set boundaries but also gives them comfort. We recommend crates for puppies as they are easy to carry during travel or transport, help control bowel movements, and can be used for crate training.
Cane Corsos adults are enormous dogs and will do best with dog beds that are spacious and cozy. Crates cost up to INR 3,000, whereas big dog beds range between INR 1,000 to INR 3,000.
Accessories Cost
Collar and Leash vs. Training Harness
Walking your dog can be a wonderful way to connect with them and nature while keeping both of you healthy, but you will need the proper equipment. Giving the owner control over their pup’s movements, a collar and leash help prevent jumping, losing grip, and attacks on strangers. However, it strains your dog’s neck, potentially leading to severe neck injuries in the future.
On the other hand, a training harness provides control, does not put your dog at risk of neck injuries, and can also be used for training sessions. Choose the one that makes walking easy and convenient for you and your dog. A collar and leash should be purchased to save money; they cost between INR 1,000 and INR 2,000, and a training harness costs between INR 1,500 and INR 2,000.
Toys Cost
Toys are the ideal solution to prevent your Cane Corso from getting frustrated or aggressive during idle hours. Toys provide comfort, stimulate physical and mental abilities, and pamper and engage your pup. It’s up to you to decide how many toys you want your dog to have but check the size, comfort, and durability of the toys before buying them. A toy can cost between INR 500 to 1,500, but prices can differ for various types like dental, chew, or squishy toys.
Grooming Cost
Cane Corso’s grooming needs are minimal due to its short coat, which is double-layered. The undercoat’s length varies on the climate, and he sheds throughout the year but mainly during the spring. Below are some points to help you groom your Cane Corso at home.
- Proper baths using dog shampoo and conditioner should be given every 4-7 weeks.
- It will help if you brush its coat with a top-quality brush and its teeth using a dog dental kit at least 2-3 times a week.
- It would be best to clean their mouth and nose daily with a soft cloth.
- You will need dog clippers to trim your nails every two weeks.
All the grooming equipment will cost up to INR 2,000 and will require consistency and patience to stick your dog to a grooming schedule. You can take them to a professional groomer if you don’t wish to take the responsibility of grooming them yourselves. Professional grooming sessions cost INR 500 to 2,500 per session.
Walker Cost
Cane Corso needs an optimum amount of daily exercise, some of which is achieved through daily walks to provide physical and mental stimulation. You can walk your pup using a training harness or collar and leash, take frequent breaks and instead of taking one long walk, go between different time intervals. But some owners can’t take the time to walk due to hectic schedules, which can be resolved by hiring dog walker services in your area. The prices can vary depending on the number of hours, but it generally costs between INR 3,000 to INR 4,500 per month.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Cane Corsos were bred as working dogs and needed daily exercise for mental stimulation. They need a firm owner to set the rules, lead, and stick to exercise regimens consistently. We don’t recommend being aggressive or dominant to establish control, as it can lead to aggressive tendencies in your pup. You can train your puppy at home by forming a consistent training routine, taking breaks between sessions, and using positive reinforcements to accelerate learning.
However, training and socialization are tedious and require consistent effort and time. You can hire training professionals if you can’t train your pup; a training professional will charge between INR 1,000-2,500 per session.
Treat Cost
Buying treats for your pup is a recurring cost, and it is up to you to decide how many treats you wish to buy. Treats are a good nutrition source and help in training and modifying behaviors. Since your dog can be allergic to some treats, we recommend being cautious and discussing with the vet which brand and type of treats are good in nutritional value.
You can also feed your pup homemade treats like pieces of raw meat or their favorite veggies but prevent overfeeding. Your monthly treatment costs can vary depending on the boxes you buy; the average cost can be between INR 500 to INR 2,500.
Insurance Cost
Pet insurance is like buying a safeguard for your pup to save you from extreme expenses in cases of unexpected accidents or injuries. These policies cover medical damages, third-party liabilities, and other situations like the loss or theft of your pet. You need to read the terms and conditions, damages covered, and the per month/year fees for the policy before buying one to decide which one suits you and your pup the best. It generally costs up to INR 2,000, but prices differ for different companies.
Travel Cost
Traveling with your dog is one of the best experiences in life. But once you become dog parents, there are no days off; you will need to feed, walk, and brush your pup on the trip. You will also need to find dog-friendly hotels and adhere to all the norms of airplanes to ensure a safe journey.
It costs up to INR 20,000 for domestic flights and ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 for International flights. However, the distance traveled, your dog’s weight, and airlines can affect the prices. Since it’s not cost-friendly to travel with your pet every time, we recommend leaving them with daycares when you can’t take them with you.
Daycare Cost
Daycares provide a safe environment for your pup in contact with other dogs to keep them engaged while you are away. Since Cane Corsos shouldn’t be left alone for long hours, we suggest you let daycares take care of your furry friend. Generally, it costs between INR 500 to INR 2,000. However, prices can differ according to the services offered, like grooming, walking, and the number of hours/days your pup will stay there.
Registration Cost
Kennel Club of India (KCI) has made registering your pet mandatory in India. You will need medical records like vaccination slips and other documents for offline registration. The registration fee charged varies according to the parents, as mentioned below.
- If both parents are KCI registered, it costs INR 500 for members and INR 400 for nonmembers.
- If one or both parents are KCI registered or imported from another club, it costs INR 500 for members and INR 400 for nonmembers.
- If your pup’s parents are unknown, it costs INR 1,000 for members and INR 800 for nonmembers.
Miscellaneous
You will need a name tag, water, food bowl, puppy pee pads, poop cleaner, measuring cups, and winter clothes to raise your Cane Corso comfortably. All these pieces of equipment and accessories will cost up to INR 2,000.
Hidden and Related Costs of Cane Corso Puppy Ownership
We’ve talked about the initial cost of owning a Cane Corso. However, there are additional costs to consider before purchasing this lovely dog.
Cane Corsos are a large breed to care for. They will present various challenges to dog owners throughout their lives, which can be difficult. We urge you to be patient with your dog; they will love you even more if you love them. They will become your perfect dog sooner or later if you are patient with proper training and socialization.
Essential Things to Consider Before Buying a Cane Corso
- Aggressive- Cane Corsos have a history of hunting and guarding livestock, making them territorial, dominant, and bold. But it can be minimized using training and socialization in the early years.
- Balanced Exercise- They want flat exercise sessions that are enough to keep them healthy and active and not too much that it affects their joints and ligaments. Balancing their exercise can be challenging for first-time dog owners.
- Socialization- They need regular socialization so they don’t see everyone as a threat due to their protective nature, which can lead to defensive attacks or biting.
- Dominant- They are quick learners and intelligent. However, their dominant nature can make training challenging. They are strong-willed and might try to take control if not taught to respect the owner and training.
Benefits of Bringing a Cane Corso Puppy To Home
Cane Corso is a fantastic four-legged addition to your family; some reasons why they will be the perfect balls of joy for your home are mentioned below.
- The instinct to protect- Cane Corso is a tremendous guarding dog; they are protective of their family members and will become the best watchdog for your home.
- Calm and Quiet- They might seem intimidating due to their vast size, but they are clear, relaxed, and quiet as they grow outdoors and indoors.
- Easy to Groom- Their occasional shedding is the only grooming need. They also need low grooming, which is cost-friendly and easily manageable at home.
FAQs
Is Cane Corso a good choice for first-time owners?
Cane Corso is not the best choice for first-time dog owners as they are powerful, strong, and highly active. They need a firm leader who can guide them without being cruel, regular exercise, socialization, and much patience.
Do Cane Corso snore or drool?
Cane Corso might be a calm dog, but they drool, snore and grunt, which means you will have to take care of the mess and listen to excessive sounds. We recommend cleaning their mouth with a clean cloth and giving them separate spaces to reduce sounds in the house.
What is Cane Corso’s lifespan?
Cane Corsos live up to 9-12 years, but with the proper nutrition and lifestyle, they can live longer than 12 years.
Can Cane Corso be left alone for long hours?
They might seem solid and massive on the outside, but Cane Corso needs company and cannot be left alone for long hours. They can become frustrated, disheartened, and sad if left isolated.
Summing it Up
Cane Corso is misunderstood to be intimidating due to its large stature. However, from the inside, they make lovable pets that will love your whole family, they might take more space, but they make up for it with a big cuddle and lots of love.
We hope this article helped you understand the breed more, and now you are one step closer to deciding on bringing this adorable giant home.