Cane Corso behavior is important because the Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog with a big personality. The natural behavior tendencies of a dog like this are very important, because a powerful dog can obviously be dangerous if he does not behave well.
Though they are often mistaken for being aggressive, Cane Corsos are actually very loving and devoted dogs. With proper training and socialization, they can be great family pets.
Here are some things to know about Cane Corso behavior.
Cane Corso History And Nature
The Cane Corso was originally bred in Italy. These dogs are known for their strength, loyalty, and protective nature. They have a strong working heritage. It's important to understand the Cane Corso history and nature, because:
- it has a large impact on the behavior you can expect
- what you can expect is not necessarily what you think!
Let's dig a bit deeper and see why...
A lot is made of the Cane Corso bred going all the way back to ancient Rome, where they were bred and used as war dogs. Although this is true, and it's a great story, it's not the whole story.
The fact is the Cane Corso breed very nearly became disappeared altogether. It was rescued from the brink of extinction by a group of enthusiasts in Italy in the 1970s.
From these new pioneers of the breed, up until the present, the Cane Corso has been selectively bred by different breeders, for different reasons, different motives, and different markets.
So it's not really appropriate to dub the Cane Corso a 'Roman Dog Of War'. It's true, it's in his history, but it's a long way back and a lot has happened since then.
Today's Cane Corso is likely to be a very different dog from his war-trained ancestors. He has moved from the battlefield to the farm, and now to the family living room. And all along the way, breeders have continued to emphasize the traits required by the current market of the time.
So the Cane Corso today will be a softer dog than his forbears. He retains some of the protective nature that has been bred into him over centuries, but he has become a family dog at heart.
Cane Corsos are intelligent and trainable, they are protective and loyal, but they can also be somewhat headstrong and stubborn. Early socialization and training is essential to help them become well-rounded dogs.
GRAB YOUR FREE COPY NOW!
FREE! 10-Part Video Series
*** Plus PDF ***
Great for new owners
and useful for all of us!
CaneCorsoDogOwner is reader-supported. If you use our links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We do not accept money for editorial or reviews.
Most Popular Articles
Cane Corso Behavior With Strangers
The Cane Corso is loyal and affectionate to his family, but can be aloof and suspicious with strangers. Because Cane Corsos need firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age, they are probably not a good choice for first-time dog owners.
Once they bond with their family, they are devoted and loving, but they are likely to remain aloof with strangers, and this will probably increase as they outgrow their puppy playfulness and grow to full maturity
The fact that they are natural guardians, and they may be wary of strangers, is one of the main reasons why it is so important to socialize them early, and teach them how to properly interact with other people and animals.
With proper care and training, the Cane Corso can make a loyal and loving companion, and they can learn to be comfortable around other people and animals.
Cane Corso Behavior With Children
The Cane Corso's imposing appearance can make them seem intimidating to some. However, they are actually very gentle and loving dogs that make great family pets.
They are especially good with children, as they are patient and tolerant of kids' rowdy behavior.
Cane Corsos are also very protective of their family, and will do anything to keep them safe. This makes them excellent guard dogs, but is another reason why they need the training and socialization mentioned above — so that they are better able to understand various circumstances they might encounter. This enables them to behave appropriately without becoming too aggressive.
The Cane Corso is an excellent breed for families with children. They are gentle, loving, and protective of their family members. Including other animals, once they are recognized as family members — Cane Corsos typically do well with other pets in the home. The Cane Corso is an ideal family pet.
You can read more about this here:
Are Cane Corsos Good With Kids? (Essential Info)
Cane Corso Behavior With Cats
Cane Corsos are gentle giants that can live well with cats. They may not be naturally inclined to be around cats, however with the proper training and socialization they can get along just fine.
It's important to remember that Cane Corso's have historically been bred as hunting and working dogs, so their natural instinct is to chase smaller animals.
So, it is important to introduce your Cane Corso to cats slowly and carefully, in case the Corso initially sees the cat as prey.
With that being said, it’s perfectly possible to have them get along with your cats — our Cane Corsos and our cats live together perfectly well. In fact our male Cane Corso and one of our cats are really good friends.
The best way to socialize your Cane Corso with cats is to introduce them when they are puppies.
Allow the puppy to sniff and explore the cat, but always supervise the interactions. As your Cane Corso grows, continue to provide positive experiences with your cats so that they learn to see cats as friends, not food.
Start by having your Cane Corso on a leash around the cat and gradually introduce them to each other. Cane Corsos will naturally take their lead from their owner — so your cat eventually becomes his cat. With a bit of time and patience, your Cane Corso will learn to coexist with your feline friend.
To summarize, while the Cane Corso is not typically aggressive, their territorial nature means they may need some guidance in order to do well with other animals in the home, particularly smaller pets such as cats.
You can find more information here:
Can Cane Corsos Live With Cats? Facts And Pictures
Cane Corso Behavior With Other Dogs
The Cane Corso’s hunting heritage, guarding instincts and territorial nature means you need to keep an eye on first interactions with other dogs in your house — just like we discussed with cats above. But the Cane Corso can get along well with other dogs, once they have realized that they are all family.
If you are considering adding a Cane Corso to your family, it is important to decide exactly how you will manage their first interactions with your existing pets.
We have a full article here:
Can Cane Corsos Live With Other Dogs? (Explained)
Cane Corso Behavior With Their Owners
Cane Corso are incredibly loyal dogs who bond deeply with their owners.
They are known to be very protective of their family and home, and will guard against any perceived threats.
While they can be aloof with strangers, they are devoted and affectionate with those they know and love.
Cane Corso require proper socialization and training to prevent them from becoming overly suspicious or aggressive. With the right owner, they make wonderful, loving companions.
Cane Corso Barking
Cane Corso barking can be quite a nuisance to neighbors if the dog is not trained properly. The Cane Corso is considered a giant breed of dog and can be very loud when it barks.
It is important to train your Cane Corso to bark only when necessary and to keep the barking to a minimum. There are many ways to train your dog to bark less. We have an article about this here: How To Stop Your Cane Corso From Barking
If you are having persistent trouble, consider consulting with a professional trainer.
Cane Corso Discipline
With any large and powerful dog, the consequences of bad behavior can be significant. So obedience training is a must.
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, but some owners report that they can also be stubborn.
In terms of discipline, Cane Corsos need a firm, consistent hand and plenty of positive reinforcement. Because they are naturally loyal, protective and keen to please their owner, the Cane Corso will be a loving, devoted companion, with the right environment,
Summary
In conclusion, the Cane Corso temperament is calm and stable. These dogs are intelligent, devoted to their owner, and can learn quickly. It's important to begin your Cane Corso training early. Cane Corso puppies need lots of socialization to help them learn and be comfortable around people and other dogs. Cane Corso dogs are smart, affectionate, and loyal dogs that make good family pets.
Top page: Cane Corso Temperament