Q: Why is the Cane Corso a dangerous dog breed?
Why do people think that they are a dangerous dog breed? I can say it isn't because of their large size because look at the St. Bernard and the Bull Mastiff they both are nice dogs. But why do people label the Cane Corso as a mean and dangerous dog?
Photo Credit: Steve-©-foto/Flickr CC
Answers and Views:
Answer by Elizam
I have a Cane Corso he is a pup. Very smart and obedient, no real training but my 4 yr old daughter is capable of giving commands and him carrying them out. The breed is gorgeous and if you find the right breeder very family and children friendly. It truly depends on the owner in EVERY case. If you love animals it’s very possible to own and love one without worry. The only issue is the strength, he doesn’t know his and still not even a year but he protects home fully without causing harm. Very obedient, protective, and wonderful animal…love Xero to death.
Answer by Shanna
I think nearly any breed that has a strong prey/working drive, Cane Corsos, Pitbulls, Dobies, Rotties, etc., could be labeled as POTENTIALLY dangerous, but only really in the wrong hands. Provided the owner knows what they are doing then any breed is going to be wonderful.
I am the first one to defend these breeds, but I am also the first one to say that not everyone should own them. It takes the right kind of owner to properly handle any dog with a strong working, prey or fighting drive to keep it a good canine citizen. Any dog can be mean, but let's face it, you don't hear of too many out of control, aggressive Beagles. There are certain breeds that just about anyone can handle and there are breeds that only experienced people should have and Cane Corsos are ones that should only be owned by experienced handlers.
I do not feel that any dog is inherently dangerous, only made so by improper handling, but some breeds are more dangerous with improper handling than others.
Answer by EL
I have a Cane Corso, and yes, they are protective …which I love because no one is in a rush to enter my home without being a resident. Not to mention that for at least an hour a day he is my 13 and 14-year-olds protector, and he does a fine job. He is my second one and I am impressed with this breed. You just have to stay on top of him because where you show weakness or fear not being the Master, he will take over and show his dominance. AND FOR THE RECORD…. I DONT SOCIALISE MY DOG. I NEED HIM TO BE GENTLE FOR HIS FAMILY ONLY. I am a strong believer that if my dog cannot watch my house when we are gone from the bad guys, THEN I DONT WANT HIM. No harsh treatment he is apart of my family, like my son…… LOVE HIM
Answer by Maria
Just saw my neighbor get her ass kicked and drug around (spread eagle face on the ground!) by her Italian Mastiff. No, this dog is not for everyone that has one. Impulsive? I’d say sure: very strong, very fast and very impulsive. Couldn’t tell you what on earth set the dog off…maybe a rabbit or a gate closing?
I will skip the kisses or any notion of my ignorance but recent observation suggests a highly capable + strong-handed owner is required for such a beast.
Answer by Kelly C
I'm a little concerned about the thumbs down being given to people who are accurately answering the question. The Cane Corso while not an inherently dangerous dog is an inherently independent, loyal and headstrong dog. These dogs NEED a very firm and dedicated owner to properly handle them. These dogs are the kind of dog that can easily take over the leadership role and become dominance aggressive. So while the Cane Corso may not be dangerous in the hands of a capable and responsible owner they could easily become dangerous in the hands of an ignorant or irresponsible person.
The same goes for most large, independent and strong breeds.. these dogs crave strong leadership... without it, they can become difficult and even dangerous dogs simply because nature left unchecked will run its course. It's in a dog's nature to attack and guard against intruders, it's in a dog's nature to react physically to any threat or perceived challenge. When in the hands of people who know how to deal with that any dog will be fine, it's when they land in the wrong hands that problems arise.
Don't miss:
Now for example look at a Newfoundland dog, this is a dog with a different nature altogether. You could put a Newf in just about anyone's hands and they would be hard pressed to screw things up. Because Newfs simply are not the same powerful, independent type of dog.
There are dogs and there are dogs…. I have 3 and I can say with utter confidence that my female would not be able to become a dangerous dog no matter who had raised her, it's just not her nature, my 2 males on the other hand and in particular my youngest I could tell you that if they had ended up in the wrong hands they could easily become dangerous dogs. Not because they are just "dangerous" but because they have the potential to be if they were not trained as they are. As it stands they are great, gentle and loving dogs… but they are also dominant, independent and headstrong dogs... I could see them in the wrong hands not turning out nearly as good as they did in my hands.
That is why I stand by the statement "There are no bad dogs only bad owners".. because most dogs have the potential to be good dogs, in the right hands, just like most dogs have the potential to turn into bad dogs in the wrong hands.
Answer by Ceci
I totally agree, no bad dogs, just bad owners. I had two male Corsos, both sweet and loving. Prior to having the male Corsos I raised two German Shepards and one OE Bulldog, I did my research on Corsos before getting, reading everything I could.
Then in December of 2014 I got two female OE Bulldog puppies, then in May 2015 I got two female Cane Corso puppies (I know four puppies, WHAT was I thinking!!) Both my female Corsos are loving, intelligent and listen to Mama, one is 110 lbs and the other 90 lbs, they respect the leader of the pack. My larger Corsos is the biggest baby, some would think that she would be dominant or aggressive, she lays down and shows you her belly for loving. The smaller OE Bulldog became aggressive towards my larger Corso, the Bulldog would attack her for no reason, I tried training the Bulldog but she kept just lunging at my Corso, about once a week (the Bulldog was wonderful with her sister and the other Corso, strangers, and children….go figure.)
All the while my larger Corso got stitches in her paw and had been attacked by the Bulldog numerous times, she never fought back. After about three months of this trying all kinds of training methods, I had to re-home the Bulldog :-(. So now our pack consists of two Corsos, one OE Bulldog, Mom (the pack leader) and Dad (who is also very consistent with training and rules of the house.)
Cane Corso is not a dangerous dog breed. It's just that strong-willed dogs are not for everyone, do your research before purchasing any dog. People who do not do their research, do not have time to train, do not have time to groom (all three love me giving them a bath!! They gladly get in the tub, we do a bath then a relaxing brushing which we refer to spa day.), do not have time to exercise, do not have time to give love should never purchase any dog.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Terasa says
I have 2 cane corseo’s and 2 pit bulls … they are all big mushes they love affection and play time and they are very friendly to anyone that comes to visit. It is all about how you raise them. My dogs are wonderful with children I have 3 kids at home and they couldn’t be happier! You do have to be the pack leader though these dogs are not for everyone because it takes dominance and strength to train them. I reward them with hugs and cuddle time treats and toys to chew and play with. They are happy when they are part of the family. Being that I have 4 they do each require individual attention as well and group time. Love them and they will love and respect you unconditionally.. I especially love coming home from work and them running to greet me! It’s the best feeling in the world. My husband and kids don’t even do that! Lol
Jim Olson says
I have a Cane Corso, she is so loving, protective and she sleeps with me. I do agree on the strength. Maple pulls me when I take her for a walk, she will pull me but I’m okay with it. She is learning to stay with me, she does like to run, I have taken her for a run were Maple and I get our exercise. She is a very sweet dog. I love Maple to death; she is the love of my life. Maple is at my side all the time at home, I have a mental illness. Maple is my emotional support dog, when I got Maple on Thursday, December 16, 2021, I was so happy, and she still makes me very happy. It took me a long time to find her, Maple and I found each other. I love her with all of my heart.
RussianDog says
Thank you for your nice comment.
John says
I totally agree. I also have a mental illness, PTSD. My Moo-Moo, a rat terrier, knows when I’m upset. Even when she can’t see me. I repair cars in detached garage. If I’m in trouble, she lets my fiance know. I know this is about Cane Corsos. I don’t have one yet, but I’m hoping to add one to our family.
Teresa says
I read in one remark ” in the wrong hands.” That goes for people too. It’s my belief that kindness and manners, and respect are taught. As well as violence, racism, vanity and much more. There are no bad dogs or bad kids. We reap what we show. Be kind, gentle and respectful, help one another. ” The Golden Rule.” My best to everyone
Oh I want to add I’ve had pits my whole life without incident. Love your puppies, and your kids….🙏😉😀🦋🌻
Rodney says
I have a cran croso had to be put in the hospital because she bleeding and had lost a lot of blood they can’t seem to find out what going on they’re doing test now have any one had this problem with their dog no snakebites would like find out what others think and if anyone had this problem
RussianDog says
Sorry to hear that. We understand your feelings. There are many causes of bleeding, only the vets can find and stop it. Hopefully, your dog will be ok.
Danny says
I had a cane corso and feal they are one of the best dog breads for protection. They love there family to death and will die protecting them. They do need some one with leader ship and experience cause they do test there owners and can be stubborn some times. They like to be close to there owners so they dont wonder off like other breads do. They are wonderful and gentle with children. There size is intimidating to people so keeping them on a leach is a good idea even tho they dont run off. My buddy past away from cancer and no other dog breed will replace him. He was never dangerous to others. NEVER.
Jeanette says
My Cane Corso Dante’ is only four months old. He is already very protective of me and his property. We went through a rough few days as he once again decided he will be pack leader. I made him eat after me, sleep below me, earn treats and loved him through it.
These are very smart and wonderful dogs. They are not good for beginning dog owners. These dogs need structure and look to you for guidance. Not a couch potato dog at all.