Cane Corsos For Beginners

19 Frequently Asked Questions Answered

by Ken Alden


This Cane Corsos for beginners page is perfect for newbie owners as it answers to most frequently asked questions new owners might have. Canes are an intelligent breed native to Italy and is an excellent choice for the right owner.

Cane Corsos For Beginners...Some Brief Facts

  • Cane Corsos are strong, protective, and loyal dogs
  • Canes can also be very stubborn
  • Exercise them regularly to prevent boredom and destruction
  • They fare best in homes with plenty of space
  • Also in homes with no young children nor same sex or small dogs

Read on to learn more about this gorgeous and protective breed. We’ll break down and answer some of the most commonly-asked questions by prospective beginner Cane Corso owners so you can decide if the breed is right for you.

Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Cane Corso? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.

Cane Corsos for beginners

Are Cane Corsos Affectionate?

Despite their intimidating appearance, Cane Corsos are fiercely loyal and affectionate towards the humans they love. Although they do take time to develop bonds with humans, they’re incredibly loving and devoted once they become close with their owners.

Keep in mind, though, that these dogs don’t warm up to strangers quickly. They can be standoffish and aloof towards people they don’t know, and you’ll need to be patient with them as they slowly form their relationship with you. Over time, however, your Cane Corso will become a warm and loving companion as long as you don’t smother them with too much affection. cane corsos for beginners

Additionally, Cane Corsos aren’t very emotionally needy. Compared to more friendly and outgoing dogs like Golden Retrievers, they’re far more subdued with their displays of affection.

Are Cane Corsos Considered an Aggressive Breed?

Your Cane Corso’s aggression level will largely depend on how you raise them. They’re assertive and can develop aggressive tendencies if not trained and socialized correctly. Consistent training early on is crucial to tempering this breed’s headstrong nature.

If you live in a household with babies or young children, you might want to consider a gentler breed. Cane Corsos require patience and restraint and aren’t very receptive to loud, rambunctious children poking and prodding at them.

At first glance, this breed appears intimidating and even frightening to some, but if socialized from a young age, they can be very well-mannered.


Pro-tip: Cane Corso anxiety, aggression, destructive chewing, jumping up, fearfulness, and other behaviors can be controlled with the right training program.

Here’s a great course that addresses these issues along with many other dog training basics: Check it out now!

Are Cane Corsos Easy To Train?

Because Cane Corsos are such an intelligent breed, they’re also highly trainable. However, training should start as early as possible while your Cane Corso is still a puppy due to its stubborn nature

If you begin training your Cane Corso by the time they reach ten weeks of age, you shouldn’t have any issues. However, if you wait until they’re older and have become more headstrong, they may resist your attempts to train them.

Are Cane Corsos Energetic?

Cane Corsos have a moderately high energy level and need to be kept busy to prevent them from becoming destructive. It helps to combine enrichment activities with training to keep your dog entertained and active.

Although they aren’t very playful and don’t do particularly well with young children, Cane Corsos require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Are Cane Corsos Family Dogs?

Depending on your family size and age of the members of your household, Cane Corsos can be excellent family dogs. They’re incredibly loyal and protective towards the people they love and enjoy outdoor activities like camping or hiking with their owners.

Keep in mind that this breed fares best with older children who have the restraint and patience to handle them appropriately. Cane Corsos aren’t well-suited to young children or babies or overly loud and chaotic households.

Keep in mind too that their sheer size makes them a bit of a hazard to young children.

cane corso image


We felt this was an important enough topic to write a whole article about. Read this Are Cane Corsos Good Family Dogs?


Are Cane Corsos Good Apartment Dogs?

You shouldn’t get a Cane Corso if you intend to keep them restrained to an apartment. This breed requires adequate room to run and explore, as they quickly become restless and frustrated in small spaces.

If you’re set on keeping a Cane Corso in an apartment, be prepared to take them out several times a day for exercise to keep them in good physical shape and prevent them from destroying your apartment out of boredom.

Are Cane Corsos Good for First-Time Owners?

When it comes to Cane Corsos for beginners if you’re a first-time owner, it’s important to do plenty of research before bringing a Cane Corso home. They require frequent exercise and strict training to thrive, and their stubborn personalities can be overwhelming for some new dog owners.

You need to be sure that you’re equipped to deal with this dog’s big personality and size in addition to their specific care needs. If you’re a first-time owner and want something a bit simpler to care for, it may be best to avoid purchasing a Cane Corso.

Pro-tip: Cane Corso's (and their owners) love dog crates…and for good reasons. Crates keep dogs from mischief while you're away, are perfect for house training, for traveling by car, and provide the dog a place to de-stress. Check out the best Mastiff crates on Amazon.com now.

Are Cane Corsos Good in Cold Weather?

Although they’re relatively well-suited to warmer temperatures, Cane Corsos don’t do well in cold weather due to their short coats. Their short, dense, coarse coats grow a thick undercoat during the winter, but it isn’t enough to withstand frigid climates.

cane corso mastiff image


Just how suitable are Cane Corsos to the heat or cold? If you're living in a hot or cold climate (or moving to one) for your dogs sake read this before leaving him outside.


Are Cane Corsos Good Protection Dogs?

Cane Corsos have been bred primarily for protection, and their intimidating appearance suits them well as a guard dog. With proper training, your Cane Corso will be an intensely loyal guardian and fearsome protector for your home and family.

Although their temperaments are generally mellow, Cane Corsos will jump to action if the humans they love are in danger. If protection is something you want from your dog, look no further than this breed. cane corsos for beginners

cane corso laying down vector


Just how good are Cane Corsos at being guard or protection dogs? Or are they just 4 legged softies?

Are Cane Corsos Good Running Dogs?

While they’re reasonably mellow dogs with a moderate energy level, Cane Corsos need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This breed is ideal for an owner who enjoys running and being outdoors in general.

Taking your Corso out for a run each day will keep them entertained and fit and ensure they don’t become bored at home.

cane corso puppy vector


Are Canes considered to be good running or hiking dogs?
How's their endurance? Do they even like jogging or hiking?

Are Cane Corsos Good Service Dogs?

Because of their stubborn and overly protective nature, Cane Corsos don’t make good service dogs. While they’re highly trainable, they’re also highly perceptive to their owners’ emotions and are too sensitive to double as a service dog.

For service and emotional support dogs, breeds that are more adaptable and eager to please fare much better than the headstrong Cane Corso.

Are Cane Corsos Good Swimmers?

Cane Corsos greatly enjoy swimming as part of their exercise routine. Again, since they require plenty of activity to stay fit and happy, any kind of outdoor activity like swimming, hiking, or running is great for these dogs.

If you enjoy swimming, bringing your Cane Corso along with you can be a lot of fun and highly enriching for both you and your dog.

Are Cane Corsos Good With Babies?

It isn’t a good idea to have your Cane Corso interact with babies or small children, as they don’t have as much patience as other more child-friendly breeds. Since they are pretty stubborn and mellow in temperament, they don’t enjoy being stressed out by children who don’t know how to handle them respectfully.

If you have children in your home, keep in mind that Cane Corsos do best with mature children around ten years or older who won’t upset or stress them out with rough handling or loud, sudden noises.

gray cane corso mastiff


Just how good are Cane Corsos around kids and babies? Do Canes need to always be monitored? Might they snap unexpectedly? Are they loving to kids or aloof?


Are Cane Corsos Good With Cats?

Surprisingly, Cane Corsos can be great companions to cats. Thanks to their more laid-back personality, they get along well with cats, especially if they’re well-socialized from a young age.

While they might not do well with more rambunctious cats or kittens, these dogs generally enjoy or at least tolerate cats in their living space.

Are Cane Corsos Good With Small Dogs?

Since smaller dogs tend to be more high-energy, Cane Corsos don’t particularly enjoy being around them. However, if you socialize your dogs together early on, you might find that your Cane Corso actually gets along well with your small dog.

This can vary significantly depending on the breed, as not all small dogs are the same. Generally, though, Cane Corsos aren’t well-suited to dealing with them.

Are Cane Corsos Hard To Potty Train?

As long as you start potty training as early as possible and stay diligent in your training, your Cane Corso shouldn’t have any issues. After all, they are highly intelligent and trainable, provided you’re willing to work with their occasionally stubborn personalities.

Are Cane Corsos Smart Dogs?

This breed is known to be very smart and can learn to perform complex tasks through training. Thanks to their high intelligence, they also make excellent guard dogs. If you’re looking for a dog with a sharp wit who learns quickly from its surroundings, the Cane Corso is a perfect choice.

Are Cane Corsos Strong?

Just by looking at the Cane Corso, their immense strength is readily apparent. This breed is very muscular, strong, and athletic. They can reach up to 120 pounds and have a wide stance and a substantial frame.

This breed’s strength comes in handy for performing complex tasks, and they enjoy serving their owners with their powerful bodies.

Do Cane Corsos Do Well With Other Dogs?

If you plan on introducing your Cane Corso to other dogs in your home, it’s important to do so as early as possible in your new dog’s life to ensure proper socialization. This breed can be very protective and can sometimes become jealous of other dogs, especially those of the same sex.

Be aware that aggression is often an issue when Cane Corsos interact with other dogs, as their stubbornness can make them very competitive. These dogs do best with mellower breeds that won’t compete with them for attention, but they can still do well with various other breeds if introduced and integrated properly.

Cane Corsos For Beginners...Final Thoughts

Overall, Cane Corsos are loyal protectors and highly active and intelligent. However, they can be challenging to train because of their stubborn nature, so be sure to start training your dog as early as possible. If you can handle this dog’s prominent personality, huge size, and intimidating appearance, they can be very loving and rewarding companions.


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About Author


About the Author...

Ken Alden, a dedicated Mastiff owner for over eight years, is acclaimed for his expertise in care, grooming, and training. Read more About Me and my dog Shadow.

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