Updated Aug 30, 2022
According to the known history of Cane Corsos, they thrived well in the Roman Empire. Later, also in Italy, Cane Corsos were used for farming, protection and hunting. This was mainly in Sicily, but also further down south in Italy. These regions can deliver a wider range of weather conditions.
Historically, then, the weather Cane Corsos have encountered has been hot, humid, moderate, cold, or even snowy. It seems like the Cane Corso dog breed could adapt to pretty much any weather.
But it is not quite that simple, as we shall see…
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Today’s typical Cane Corso is not really an outside dog. They are prone to overheating in conditions of high heat or humidity. Cane Corsos are not well-equipped to handle extreme cold either. They do have a double coat, which helps, but they are short-haired, which limits their natural protection from the cold.
Cane Corsos can handle a range of conditions of moderate heat or cold, but should not be expected to stay outside all day long in the hot sun, cold weather, or snow.
This article will give you some advice on how to help your Cane Corso deal with the different types of weather they might encounter.
How Do Cane Corsos Do In Hot Weather
The Cane Corso breed is what is known as branchycephalic. Which simply means that they have a short muzzle, sometimes called flat-faced. Breeding in recent years has tended to accentuate this, as other breeds — such as the boxer — were introduced to the mix.
This has been done to reduce unwanted breed characteristics, such as aggression and prey drive, in the attempt to produce a dog more suitable for family circumstances.
The short muzzle can make breathing more difficult, and cause a lower air intake, which can affect the Cane Corso’s ability to deal with hot weather. In fact, the Cane Corso really only has two ways to deal with hot weather — panting or drooling. Wet lips help dissipate heat.
They do also lose heat through their feet. Putting their feet in cool water will help, in much the same way a cool wristband can help a human.
If your Cane Corso can take a dip in the pool, this will help keep them cool as well, but make sure they're monitored to prevent drowning.
This is not a matter to dismiss! One of our dogs fell in the pool some while back and was lucky to survive. He was perfectly able to swim, of course, but didn’t know, or recognize the steps as a way out. He was found by our daughter after an unknown time, paddling round and round the pool, close to exhaustion.
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Do Cane Corsos Like Heat?
The Cane Corso has a short coat, which means their bodies can easily release heat. This is one of the reasons why they do better in hot weather than other breeds that have heavy coats or long hair. They also pant to help cool them down. Like all dogs, Cane Corsos should be kept out of direct sunlight and given plenty of water on hot days. One important thing to remember is to watch out for sunburn.
Cane Corso puppies are even more prone to sunburn than older dogs because their skin hasn't finished developing yet and has a higher chance of being damaged by the sun's ultraviolet rays.
When we moved to the tropics, one of our dogs slowly developed a completely different (darker) nose color. His skin darkened, just as ours does. And he was just as prone to sunburn as we are.
Do Cane Corsos Overheat?
Yes! The heat can be dangerous for any breed of dog, even if they are used to the weather. They can easily overheat and get sick or die, so it's important to take measures to keep them cool.
One of our dogs was overcome by heat exhaustion — and we didn’t notice until he had keeled over. We were out on a walk and he was quite exhausted and unable to move. We had to move him on a blanket, get him in the car, and get him home. Once we had him home, we used wet towels and blankets to cool him down.
He soon recovered. But the moral of the story is that heat exhaustion can hit quickly. Now that we know, we would always be alert for signs. Hopefully this will help you to avoid what was a worrying incident
How Do Cane Corsos Manage Humid Weather?
Humidity can be just as dangerous as heat for a Cane Corso. Their coats trap the humidity and make it harder for them to cool down, so you'll need to take extra steps to help them when the humidity is high.
Make sure they are well hydrated and that your yard or outside area has some cool shade. You might also want to consider a cooling vest for your dog on very hot days.
Keeping Your Cane Corso Cool
There are many ways that you can keep your Cane Corso cool, even during the hottest weather. Some easy tips are to:
You can also buy cooling mats, beds, and clothes to help your dog stay cool.
Can Cane Corsos Handle Cold Weather
Cane Corsos are not as well adapted to cold weather as they are to hot weather. Their short coats don't provide much insulation from the cold, so they can get chilly easily. However, if they are born and raised in cold areas, they naturally develop a thicker coat to adapt to the weather.
But they still cannot handle extremely cold weather. Make sure they have a warm place to sleep and plenty of food when the temperature drops.
Can Your Cane Corso Get Used To Cold Weather?
Yes, over time your Cane Corso can get used to cold weather. It is the nature of all animals to adapt. But you should never leave them outside for extended periods when the temperature is below freezing.
When Is It Too Cold for a Cane Corso?
It's typically too cold for a Cane Corso when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this can vary depending on the individual dog's tolerance for the cold.
In general, if it’s too cold for you, it will be too cold for your Cane Corso.
Risk of Hypothermia
Just like with people, hypothermia is a risk for dogs in cold weather. This happens when their body temperature falls too low and can be life-threatening.
Signs of hypothermia in dogs include shivering and lethargy. 90% of these cases can be prevented by taking some simple precautions.
Do Cane Corsos Like Snow
Cane Corsos are likely to be fascinated by the sight of snow. They will often play outside with it and roll around. They might even try to eat some of it. However, it is not the best idea to let them play in it for too long, because it can be detrimental to their health. If they do go out in the snow, you need to make sure they are kept warm afterward.
Can a Cane Corso Live Outside?
No. Unless you live in an extremely mild climate where the temperature rarely dips below freezing, it is not safe to leave your Cane Corso outside. Their thin coats are not enough to protect them from the cold weather and their health can easily suffer from extreme temperatures.
Cold Weather Safety Measures
When the weather starts to get cold, there are a few things you can do to make sure your Cane Corso stays safe and healthy. Make sure they have a warm place to sleep, plenty of food and water, and regular vet checkups to make sure they are not developing any health problems from the cold weather.
How To Keep A Cane Corso Warm
There are many ways to keep your Cane Corso warm in cold weather. Some easy tips are to:
Should Your Cane Corso Wear A Coat In Cold Weather
Yes! It is a good idea for your Cane Corso to wear a coat in cold weather. Not only does it keep them warm, they also look great.
How To Buy the Best Dog Coat For Your Cane Corso
There are a few tips you can keep in mind when buying a coat for your Cane Corso:
Conclusion
The Cane Corso is an ancient breed of dog that was originally used to guard Italian farms. They were bred for their strength, size, and resilience in all weather conditions. According to the AKC, their short double coats make them a good fit for all moderate climates.
While they can adapt to living in colder weather, it is not recommended to leave them outside for long periods. They prefer to be inside with their families where they can keep warm and safe. With their history of guarding Italian farms, the Cane Corso is a perfect dog for moderately cold weather climates.
As we have said elsewhere, today’s Cane Corso has been somewhat changed, from what his ancestors were. The biggest requirement today is for a family dog, and most breeders have steered their dogs in that direction.
There are breeders who specialize in producing working dogs, and some who try to keep very traditional breed characteristics. But, in general, today’s Cane Corso is likely to be a little less hardy than his forebears.
Cane Corsos are not well-adapted to extreme cold weather, but with some preparation, you can keep them safe and healthy during moderate winter weather which is not too extreme. You can also buy them a coat to keep them warm. Remember that it is never safe to leave your dog outside in extremely cold weather.
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