Is a Cane Corso Right for You?

The Cane Corso is a powerful, intelligent, and loyal working breed. They are devoted companions but require knowledgeable, committed ownership.

Before proceeding, consider the following carefully:

What a Cane Corso Requires:

Consistent Leadership & Training
Cane Corso's thrive with calm, confident, and consistent leadership. They are intelligent and capable of independent thinking. Structured training must begin early and continued throughout life. Establishing a relationship with a reputable trainer from the outset is strongly recommended. Professional training can be costly — prospective owners should budget accordingly. ICCGB have a list of recommended trainers if you are struggling to find one please contact one of the team.

Regular Physical & Mental Exercise
This is an athletic working breed. Daily exercise, structured training sessions, enrichment activities, and purposeful engagement are essential. A Cane Corso should never live a sedentary lifestyle.

Early & Ongoing Socialisation
Responsible breeders begin socialisation early. Owners must continue structured exposure to people, environments, and appropriate animals to develop a stable, confident adult.

Experienced Ownership
This breed is best suited to individuals familiar with large working or guardian breeds who understand canine behaviour and are prepared to invest time and effort into proper development.

Financial Commitment
Owning a Cane Corso is expensive.

• Quality puppies typically cost around £2,000.
• Insurance commonly ranges from £70–£110 per month.
• Surgical procedures for giant breeds can exceed £3,000–£5,000.
• Feeding high-quality nutrition for a Cane Corso is a significant ongoing expense.

Attempting to purchase a “cheap” puppy often results in far greater financial and emotional cost later. Proper health testing, ethical breeding, and correct early development require investment.

Why Choose an ICCGB Accredited Breeder?

The ICCGB Accredited Breeder Scheme exists to safeguard the future of the breed and protect puppy buyers.

ICCGB Accredited Breeders must:

• Adhere to the ICCGB Code of Ethics.
• Health test breeding stock appropriately.
• Prioritise stable temperament and correct breed type.
• Raise puppies in clean, enriched home environments.
• Provide transparent documentation.
• Offer lifetime breeder support.
• Never sell through dealers, third parties, or pet shops.

Choosing an ICCGB Accredited Breeder significantly reduces the risk of unethical breeding practices and gives buyers peace of mind.

Check the Paperwork

A reputable breeder will provide a verifiable pedigree from recognised organisations such as:

• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
• International Cane Corso Federation (ICCF)
• Italian Cane Corso Club of Great Britain (ICCGB)

Exported dogs may also hold registration from:

• American Kennel Club (AKC)
• United Kennel Club (UKC)

Be cautious — some online services allow fabricated pedigrees. Always verify legitimacy. If unsure, contact the ICCGB for guidance.

A responsible breeder will also require a written contract, typically including a clause that the dog must be returned to them if you can no longer keep it. This ensures lifelong responsibility for the dog’s welfare.

Parent Health Testing

The health of the parents directly impacts the future health of the puppy.

Minimum recommended testing should include:

Hip & Elbow Scoring
Certification through recognised systems such as FCI, BVA, or equivalent international scoring bodies.

Statements such as “we’ve never had a problem” are not a substitute for formal testing.

DSRA Genetic Testing
Degenerative Retinal Atrophy (DSRA) must be screened to prevent producing affected puppies.

Additional Recommended Testing

Cardiac (heart) screening

Eye examinations

Patella evaluation

OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans) assessment

Comprehensive DNA screening (e.g., Embark)

Health certificates should be presented openly and willingly. Transparency is non-negotiable.

Assess the Parent Dogs

A responsible breeder will proudly show you:

• Photos and videos of both parents.
• Evidence of temperament.
• Documentation supporting the breeding objective.

Breeding goals matter:

Show Prospects
Participation in conformation events, including ICCGB shows.

Working Dogs
Evidence of protection training, working titles, or documented working ability.

Sport Dogs
Proof of competition participation or training achievements.

Companion Dogs
Clear evidence of stable, social, family-appropriate temperaments.

The breeding purpose should align with your goals.

Appropriate Puppy Socialisation

Puppies should be raised in a structured, enriched environment. They should experience:

• Household noises
• Human handling
• Age-appropriate environmental exposure
• Early neurological stimulation (where appropriate)

Ask breeders how they prepare puppies for life beyond their home.

Red Flags to Watch For

“Protective” as a Selling Point

Overt reactivity is not protection. A well-bred Cane Corso should be stable, discerning, and trainable — not indiscriminately reactive. Dogs exhibiting unstable temperaments should not be bred.

Colour-Focused Breeding

Be cautious of breeders prioritising coat colour over health and temperament. “Rare” or non-standard colours (such as merle) are not recognised within the breed standard and may indicate irresponsible breeding.

“Champion Bloodlines” Marketing

Titles in distant generations are not proof of quality. Focus on the actual parents.

Grand Claims About Origin

Romanticised origin stories do not replace health testing, correct structure, and verified temperament.

“Clean Bloodlines”

Epilepsy exists within the breed and cannot currently be genetically tested. Be wary of breeders claiming exclusive “clean” lines while disparaging others. Responsible breeders discuss risk management honestly and transparently.

Selling Littermates

A responsible breeder will not sell littermates together or offer discounted “package deals.” Littermate syndrome is a serious and well-documented behavioural risk. The ICCGB strongly advises against bringing home littermates.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a Cane Corso puppy requires diligence and objectivity. Focus on:

• Verified pedigrees.
• Comprehensive health testing.
• Stable temperament.
• Ethical breeding practices.
• Transparency and lifelong support.

The breeder’s programme and the quality of their dogs should speak for themselves.

A Cane Corso is a powerful, devoted, long-term companion. Investing time in selecting the right breeder — particularly through the ICCGB Accredited Breeder Scheme — will significantly influence the health, stability, and success of your future dog.

For further guidance or to enquire about ICCGB Accredited Breeders, prospective owners are encouraged to contact the Italian Cane Corso Club of Great Britain directly.