The Ultimutt Cane Corso Handbook

Introduction and history Quirks of a Cane Corso Health Conditions Cane Corso can be prone to Cane Corso exercise Cane Corso grooming Cane Corso diet Why we Recommend Fresh for a Cane Corso

Explore the power and loyalty of the Cane Corso. Learn about their exercise, grooming, and health requirements to care for this majestic guardian breed.

Introduction and History

The Cane Corso is a powerful and imposing Italian breed known for its loyal and protective nature. Originally bred in Italy, this muscular dog was traditionally used to guard property, manage livestock, and even assist in hunting. The name Cane Corso reflects its historic role as a guardian of home and family.

Though often perceived as intimidating due to their size and build, Cane Corsos are deeply affectionate with those they trust. Over time, their sharp intelligence and impressive strength have made them a popular choice not only as working dogs but also as devoted family companions.

Quirks of a Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are a unique blend of physical strength and emotional sensitivity. Naturally wary of strangers, they form intense bonds with their family and are particularly loyal to their main caregiver. Their protective instincts are strong—they are quick to detect threats and respond with calm confidence, making them exceptional watchdogs.

These dogs are intelligent and thrive with structure, but they can also be independent thinkers. Training a Cane Corso requires patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement. They respond best to training that challenges both their minds and bodies. Early socialisation is crucial to help them interact respectfully with other animals and unfamiliar people.

Despite their tough exterior, Cane Corsos are gentle with their families and enjoy being close to them—whether lounging at home or engaging in playtime with the children. Their affectionate, family-oriented nature makes them surprisingly soft-hearted companions.

Health Conditions Cane Corso can be prone to

Like many large breeds, Cane Corsos are susceptible to a number of health concerns:

Hip Dysplasia: A common condition in larger breeds, this affects the proper development of the hip joint and can lead to pain and restricted movement. Regular exercise and weight management are vital to reduce strain on their joints.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia but affecting the front legs, elbow dysplasia can cause discomfort and lameness. Consistent weight control and appropriate physical activity help manage the condition.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Due to their deep chest, Cane Corsos are at risk of this serious and potentially fatal condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. To reduce the risk, avoid heavy exercise after meals and divide their food into smaller, more frequent portions.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye disorder that causes gradual vision loss. Routine eye exams are essential to detect early signs and provide supportive care.

Cane Corso exercise

Cane Corsos are highly energetic and require a good amount of daily exercise to remain both physically and mentally fit. At least 60 to 90 minutes of activity each day is ideal, including brisk walks, jogs, or vigorous play in a secure, enclosed space.

In addition to physical exercise, Cane Corsos need mental stimulation. They excel in dog sports like obedience and agility, and they enjoy activities that tap into their natural guarding and tracking instincts. Brain games, scent work, and training routines are excellent outlets for their intelligence.

Having a “job” to do—whether it’s learning commands, patrolling the garden, or helping with family routines—keeps a Cane Corso content. Without regular engagement, they can become bored and may resort to destructive behaviour.

Cane Corso grooming

The Cane Corso’s short, dense coat is low-maintenance but benefits from weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. They shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes.

Routine grooming should also include ear cleaning, regular nail trims, and proper dental care. Their ears should be checked weekly to avoid infections, and brushing their teeth a few times a week will help prevent gum disease.

Baths should only be given when necessary, as overbathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.

Cane Corso diet

A Cane Corso’s diet should support their size and active lifestyle. High-quality fresh dog food is best, as it contains the right balance of nutrients for joint health and muscle maintenance.

Portion control is crucial to avoid obesity, which can place additional strain on joints and contribute to other health issues. The exact feeding amount will depend on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Look for food rich in protein, healthy fats, and fortified with joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine.

Provide access to fresh, clean water at all times, and limit treats to maintain a healthy weight.

Why we recommend fresh for a Cane Corso

Highly processed kibble can really exacerbate the conditions Cane Corsos are more susceptible to. A dog fed on a fresh food diet will live on average 32 months longer than a dog fed a dry diet (read more about this on our blog). That’s why a fresh Tuggs diet, gently cooked to lock in the nutrition, pre-portioned and tailor-made is a no-brainer for your pooch.

Promote better digestion for your Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are pretty good at digesting a whole load of things (more so than us humans!) but that’s not to say they can digest anything. The human-grade ingredients we include in Tuggs is highly digestible and helps your Cane Corso thrive in so many ways: providing the protein for growth (particularly muscle growth), a strong heart, and of course, nice and firm poops. With ingredients your Cane Corso can digest, their poop will be less volumous and less stinky. Makes picking them up slightly less tedious!

Improve dental hygiene for your Cane Corso

Dried pellets are definitely not the answer to clean teeth (or fresh breath). In fact, due to its ultra-processed nature, kibble is more prone to getting stuck in your pup’s teeth, contributing to decay and plaque build-up. Unsurprisingly, a fresh-food diet contributes far less to this. Moreover, the fresh ingredients contribute to a stronger overall immune system, ready to fight off any bacterial infections in the mouth or beyond.

Maintain healthy joints for your Cane Corso

Cane Corsos can be prone to issues with their joints. Fortunately, a lean body condition will lessen the chances of issues manifesting - easily achievable on a Tuggs diet. Our salmon oil in each recipe has loads of Omega-3 fatty acids, the first port of call for any doggy looking to improve arthritis and reduce inflammation. Even if kibble did contain some of these healthy fats, the ultra-processed nature of the food makes it harder for your Cane Corso to absorb the goodness. Furthermore, the fats can go off given kibble has such a long shelf life. Fresh food is, well, fresh. The ingredients land on your doorstep with all their goodness ready to nourish your beloved.

Maintain a healthy weight for your Cane Corso

Our algorithm will sort a tailor-made diet for your Cane Corso, with clear portioning, and can be adapted as your pooch grows from a puppy into a lean adult. An overweight Cane Corso will be at a far increased risk of various conditions including arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. Fresh food with no dodgy ingredients is a pretty easy way to stay on top of the weight issue!

Discover More About Tuggs

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