🐕‍🦺 X-Large · Italy

Cane Corso: Size, Weight & Temperament

A powerful Italian guard and protection dog with pronounced territorial behavior, needing consistent leadership and intensive socialization.

! Experienced only
Cane Corso dog breed portrait
Photo: Canarian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male45–50 kg
Weight female40–45 kg
Shoulder height60–68 cm
Size classX-Large (over 45 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 22 months
Life expectancy9–12 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginItaly
ClassificationFCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 2.1 Mastiff-type Dogs
Temperament & character

The Cane Corso is a confident, watchful mastiff-type dog with a strong protective instinct toward family and territory. He is loyal and calm with his handler but naturally distrustful of strangers. Without consistent leadership, his protective drive can intensify undesirably.

Exercise & stimulation

Exercise and engagement needs are high; daily extensive walks and mental stimulation, for example through obedience or protection-dog sports, are necessary. Under-stimulation can show up as heightened guarding and territorial behavior.

Grooming

The short, dense coat is low-maintenance and needs only occasional brushing. The real effort lies in consistent training and socialization, not coat care.

Suitable for beginners?

Because of the pronounced protective and territorial behavior, the Cane Corso is considered a breed for experienced dog owners, not beginners. Early, thorough socialization and consistent training are essential.

Health & common problems

Reported conditions include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eyelid abnormalities such as ectropion or entropion favored by the head shape. The deep chest also carries a risk of gastric torsion.

Good with: Experienced owners, protection-dog sport enthusiasts

Is your Cane Corso at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.