Cane Corso Cane Corso

Cane Corso

49
Intelligent Loyal Protective Confident

About the Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian mastiff breed whose lineage traces directly to the Roman canis pugnaces — war dogs that accompanied legions into battle. Standing 23.5–27.5 inches tall and weighing 90–120 pounds, the Cane Corso is a large, athletic, and muscular dog that is notably more agile and less bulky than other mastiff breeds. Their short, stiff, double-layered coat comes in black, gray, fawn, red, and brindle — often with a black or gray mask — and requires minimal grooming.

Temperament & Personality

Cane Corsos are intelligent, loyal, and intensely protective — they are working dogs at heart, bred to guard property, livestock, and families with quiet confidence and unwavering vigilance. They bond deeply with their owners and are affectionate and gentle within the family circle, but they are naturally suspicious of strangers and can be assertive with other dogs. This is emphatically not a breed for inexperienced owners — they require firm, consistent leadership and extensive socialization from puppyhood.

Pros

  • Exceptional guardian — their protective instincts are reliable and deeply ingrained
  • More athletic and agile than other mastiff breeds, capable of true working performance
  • Loyal and affectionate with family — surprisingly gentle with children they've been raised with
  • Low-maintenance coat with minimal grooming needs

Cons

  • Requires an experienced, confident owner who can establish and maintain leadership
  • Can be dog-aggressive and territorial without thorough socialization
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, cherry eye, and idiopathic epilepsy
  • Their size and strength can make them dangerous if improperly trained or handled

For the right owner, a Cane Corso is an unparalleled companion and protector — find adoptable Cane Corsos on Puplister.

Cane Corso Quick Facts

Size
88–120 lbs, 24–28 in
Lifespan
9–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Not recommended

Is the Cane Corso right for you?

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Available Cane Corsos

Rocky
Young 2
Rocky
L

Cane Corso / Labrador Retriever

Wag On Inn Rescue · Oakhurst, NJ
Paris
Young 1
Paris
L

Cane Corso

East Valley Animal Care And Control Center · Van Nuys, CA
Ciel
Young 1
Ciel
L

Cane Corso

Augusta Animal Services · Augusta, GA
Eazy
Adult 2
Eazy
M

Cane Corso

East Valley Animal Care And Control Center · Van Nuys, CA
Athena
Young 2
Athena
XL

Cane Corso / Mastiff

Canine Rescue Coalition · Goodyear, AZ
Lexie
Young 2
Lexie
L

Cane Corso

Canine Rescue Coalition · Goodyear, AZ
Sara
Young 1
Sara
L

Cane Corso

Canine Rescue Coalition · Goodyear, AZ
Luanne
Young
Luanne
XL

Cane Corso / Mastiff

Canine Rescue Coalition · Goodyear, AZ

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is known for being intelligent, loyal, protective and confident.
How many Cane Corsos are available for adoption?
There are currently 151 Cane Corsos available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Cane Corso from Puplister?
To adopt a Cane Corso, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.