How to Adopt a Cane Corso in California

The cane corso, translating to bodyguard dog in Latin, is a mastiff-type Italian breed that has been utilized for various purposes throughout the centuries these dogs have existed. Today, they are known for their guarding capabilities and intimidating appearance, which also serve as a great deterrent against intruders.

However, the cane corso isn’t just a guard dog – these dogs are also affectionate, gentle with children, and calm-tempered around their loved ones. Coupled with these traits, cane corsos make excellent dogs for families looking for a guardian, with many families in California wanting to get a cane corso through adoption.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about adopting a cane corso in California. We will also cover the cane corso’s entire characteristics to help prospective owners set realistic expectations about what it is like to have a cane corso in California. Read on to get your ultimate guide to adopting and having a cane corso in California.

What Are Cane Corsos Like?

Cane corsos are among the best guard dogs, thanks to their physical capabilities and intelligent minds. They are fierce guardians who keep an alert eye over their surroundings. If anything suspicious happens around them, a cane corso is always quick to let the owner know. Considering all these traits, having a cane corso is like having a professional security guard that not only deters threats with their presence but is also ready to act when needed.

While these are the primary traits that attract many to this breed, their affectionate side and calm temperament around family members make cane corsos even more appealing. This adds to the popularity of the cane corso, but all owners must be prepared to have a dog as dominant and powerful as the cane corso.

Here’s more on the cane corso’s characteristics to help you determine if this guardian dog breed is the right dog to adopt in California for you.

What Is a Cane Corso’s Temperament? Cane corsos aren’t a guardian dog that uses sheer power and loud barking to intimidate. These dogs are observant and act only when it is absolutely necessary. This is thanks to the intelligence of this breed that enables these dogs to distinguish an actual threat from something silly. Added to their intelligence, the cane corso’s eagerness to learn also makes them fairly easy to train. The cane corso might appear bulky, but they are quite athletic dogs that require daily physical exercise to stay fit and happy. When out and about with the owner, a well-socialized cane corso will also enjoy meeting with friendly dogs, though some cane corsos might display same-sex aggression. Given that all these temperament traits can vary, it is essential for owners in California to assess the personality of the dog they intend to adopt before finalizing their decision.

How Active Are Cane Corsos? As mentioned, cane corsos are active dogs that require daily exercise to benefit their health. Casual walks, playing games like fetch in a fenced-in, safe area, hiking, and swimming are great ways to provide the exercise a cane corso needs. However, owners must be mindful of California’s heat, especially in summer months, as cane corsos are prone to overheating. Since these dogs are also intelligent, cane corsos also have a high need for mental stimulation. Training, exploring new places, interactive games, and dog puzzles are some of the best ways to satisfy a cane corso’s mind. Considering their guarding instincts, which must be balanced, training is a particularly efficient way to meet two of their essential needs at the same time. With all these, it is safe to say that the cane corso isn’t for people who are looking for a low-energy guard dog. Dog Training with Dog Academy

---

What Size Are Cane Corsos?

Cane corsos are large dogs that stand between 23 and 28 inches tall at the withers, with males typically being bigger. As for their weight, it must be proportionate to the height, according to the cane corso breed standards. Therefore, an overly muscular or lean body type is undesirable.

Nonetheless, cane corsos are big dogs that require an appropriate living space. They aren’t the best dogs for apartment living. A house with a yard is the most optimal living arrangement for a cane corso. Plus, a yard can satisfy their guarding instincts by giving them a territory to patrol. However, always provide a shaded area for your cane corso out in the yard to ensure California’s hot temperature doesn’t become a problem.

What Are a Cane Corso’s Grooming Needs?

Cane corsos surely have high needs for socialization and training, but they have minimal care needs as far as grooming is concerned. The short, smooth coat of this dog breed only requires weekly brushing using a rubber grooming mitt to remove dead hair. They are low-shedding but aren’t like a poodle or bichon frise – cane corsos shed enough to trigger allergic reactions.

Cane corsos, like all dogs, also require basic grooming, including nail trimming, ear cleaning, dental care, paw care, and tick prevention. Ear cleaning is particularly important with cane corsos with cropped ears, as dirt and debris can lead to infections. Although these dogs don’t require a lot of grooming, you can take them to a professional groomer for baths, de-shedding, and basic grooming needs.

However, start professional grooming when your cane corso is a puppy to ensure they get used to being handled. If adopting an adult cane corso, you should be prepared to put in a lot of work if they’ve never been to a dog grooming salon. Therefore, California owners adopting a cane corso should also be prepared to meet their dog’s entire grooming needs. Learn everything about dog grooming from our General Canine Grooming Course.

What Are Common Cane Corso Health Issues?

Cane corsos, like all dog breeds, suffer from certain health conditions. Many of the health problems associated with this breed are orthopedic conditions due to their large size. This includes elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, joint problems, and luxating patella. Cane corsos can also inherit dental, skeletal, retinal atrophy, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

During the adoption process, it is critical to learn everything about the cane corso’s health to prepare for the future. Taking your cane corso to regular vet check-ups also plays an important role in identifying any potential health problems and beginning treatment early. With many well-equipped animal hospitals and veterinary clinics in California, you will have access to some of the best healthcare for your cane corso.

What Is a Cane Corso’s Lifespan?

Cane corsos have an average lifespan of nine to 12 years, which is pretty average considering their size. However, the above health problems can significantly reduce the lifespan or the life quality of a cane corso. As responsible dog owners, it is essential to provide the best care possible to our dogs and regularly check their health to ensure their well-being.

Are Cane Corsos Good With Other Animals or Kids?

Cane corsos are generally friendly towards other dogs in the family. As long as the cane corso you bring home is well-socialized and other dogs don’t constantly challenge their presence, everyone should get along well.

As for other pets, like cats, it comes down to individual temperament. While some cane corsos have an extremely high prey drive, others don’t even flinch after spotting a small animal running around. Once again, assess the cane corso’s temperament before adopting to make the right choice.

Perhaps one of the highly regarded traits of the cane corso as a family guardian is how gentle and patient they are around kids. They naturally have a soft spot for children and make great companions for families with kids overall. However, their size and energy levels mean that an adult’s supervision is a must.

Are Cane Corsos Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

The cane corso isn’t an ideal choice for first-time dog parents due to its large size, temperament, and needs. These dogs require immense socialization and guidance from an experienced owner who can be firm and consistent with training to help their dogs develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Although many experts believe that most dog breeds that aren’t a good choice for first-time dog parents can be ideal with enough commitment and preparation, the cane corso isn’t one of them. These dogs are simply too much for novice owners to handle. Therefore, it is best for first-time dog parents in California wanting to adopt a cane corso to look for another breed.

How Do You Adopt a Cane Corso in California?

Adopting a cane corso starts with finding a suitable dog that you can go and meet to ensure the dog you later bring home is a good match for your lifestyle. Start finding cane corsos in California on Dog Academy’s adoption page and browse different dogs to find a suitable cane corso up for adoption. You can also contact local shelters, rescue organizations, and adoption centers, and inquire about cane corsos for adoption.

After finding a dog that seems like a good match, schedule a meet-and-greet session to assess their personality. An in-person meetup with the cane corso is also a great way to ask questions about the dog to learn more about their health, background, and temperament. Following this, you can make a decision and begin the adoption process.

Depending on where you’re adopting the cane corso from, whether an individual or an organization, you will need to submit an application that asks you about your experience, living arrangements, work, income, and household. There may also be specific questions based on the dog’s individual care needs, as well as house visits.

If the organization or the foster dog parent considers you a good fit, you will pay the adoption fees, sign the relevant paperwork, and bring your newly adopted cane corso to your California home.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cane Corso in California?

The adoption fees for a cane corso in California range between $250 and $750. If adopting a puppy or a young teenager, expect to pay a higher adoption fee compared to adults or seniors. Some organizations may also waive adoption fees for older dogs and dogs with health issues requiring special care.

How Should I Train a Cane Corso?

Training a cane corso must be firm, consistent, and rewarding. Although cane corsos are very hardy dogs, they don’t take any form of punishment or harsh corrections during training lightly. Always follow positive reinforcement training and keep training consistent to get the most out of your cane corso’s trainability.

If you’re not experienced with dog training or in need of materials to give training a structure, utilize Dog Academy’s online courses on basic obedience training, puppy training, fixing behavioral issues, preparing your home for your adopted dog, and much more. All the courses are developed by AKC-certified dog trainers in an easy-to-follow, digestible way to enable training anywhere, anytime.

Find the Right Cane Corso in California for You

We’ve gone over everything you need to know on how to adopt a cane corso in California and the characteristics of this breed to help prospective owners make an informed decision.

While knowing if the cane corso is a suitable dog breed for you is essential, finding the right cane corso in California is even more important. All dogs have individual personalities and unique needs that require a deep understanding before adopting.

Never adopt a dog you see online without meeting them in person and assessing their personality and individual care needs. Although this extra step might lengthen the time it takes to adopt a cane corso, it is the surest way to guarantee you bring the right dog to your California home.