Mikey J: How good of a guard dog is a Cane Corso?
Will my Cane Corso protect me? Is a Cane Corso a good guard and protection dog compared to say, a Doberman or Rotty?
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Answers and Views:
Answer by Ray Ray
My father bred Cane Corsos they are good guard dogs you just have to put the time into it. It's not born to be a guard dog but when you train them they are the BEST Guard/Protect/Family/Play Dog ever.
Answer by GIL
I own a kennel and breed nothing but Cane Corsos here in Texas. I have 4 females and 1 male imported from Sicily. I always tell people unfamiliar with this breed that all my canes are family to me and spend lots of time with me. This breed needs socialization around other dogs at a young age. Don't just throw them in a kennel for a few years then act stupid when your dog bites people or kills other people's dogs. This is a very large breed with a lot of power and the ability to do serious bodily injury to humans. It is not a breed for a novice owner or people who do not have the time or inclination to train these animals.
I love Canes, they have the heart of a lion and will fight to the death with no hesitation to protect their family but please consider if you can really take care of a large animal and can truly make the commitment to raising one correctly... If you can you will have the greatest dog breed anywhere in my humble opinion or if you cant you will doom the dog to euthanasia and yourself to heartbreak.
Answer by Mike
The Cane Corso is a very fierce dog when it feels it’s owners and family are threatened. I am a proud owner of one. They are very loyal and loving at the same time. However be advised, early training and development are needed so they know their place in the family. They can be stubborn and want to dominate if they are allowed to be. Anyone who is interested in this breed should not be a novice in dog handling and care.
Answer by Bob
My daughter has two males the older one was not socialized, the younger one was. The older one has mauled two men protecting my daughter and has bit 4 or 5 other men. The younger one she has had no problem s with around people. So trust me from experience with this breed, it is a must that you socialize them when they are young or you might be raising a ticking time bomb.
Outside of my daughter and her boyfriend, I am the only person that can watch him because I have been in his life since he was a baby and I sleep, eat and love these dogs with my life. For they are my family and my babies, it don’t get me wrong if you are not educated about this breed you should not own them. Socialization is the key at birth.
Answer by Mitchell gaffney
Depends on the type of Corso, generally, as a breed, they’re good guard, NOT PROTECTION dogs. When you get a line not crossed with boxers over time, one of the old school original working lines from Italy itself where I live like my boy Loki, they’re worlds apart. Not bashing people's pets, but these dogs have essentially been diluted in most parts of the world, even in italy to a certain degree. If you know what and who to look for and get a chance to have a traditional Corso line, these dogs are a 12 gauge with a brain.
Socialization is key, protection wise, depends on the line and individual dog, mine comes from a very stable line, has no fear but is not overly aggressive with people. This is how the dogs should be, Not a fight start, 2 legged or 4, but damn sure will finish the job if needs be.
Answer by J.T.
I am a proud owner of three Cane Corsos and I can testify to their abilities of protection. Last summer while my family and I were on vacation, our home was broken into along with two of our neighbors' homes. When my father showed up to feed and let my Corsos out in the morning, he found the back door standing wide open and male Corso was gone. Kong, my male Corso, was found playing with the neighbor's dog in her back yard.
After arriving home a couple of days later, my wife and I checked for any missing belongings, we were happy to find nothing missing except a broom and umbrella which were found out back chewed up next to the rear gate. Upon further investigation, I found a trail of blood from the back door and around the swimming pool to the rear gate, and I can say Kong had no cuts on him.
So, I'm sure you are wondering what training he had and what is his temperament, all I can say is that I treat my Corsos as family pets, this means no special training and Kong is so laid back I can't even get him to play fetch or tug of war. I watch my Corsos very closely around strangers, you must remember as a Cane Corso owner that this is not a Golden Retriever you are handling, these are serious dogs that take serious owners. I hope this helps with your decision. I know after bringing this breed into my home that there is no other dog for me.
Answer by Amber Maslanik
I have a Cane Corso, American bully mix...her name is Maggie. She was the first dog I ever got and she amazes me every day. I had to do extensive research on how to train her because I never knew a puppy could be so destructive or stubborn but with training, she's come a long way. She is VERY protective of me, especially. My fiancé and I will occasionally play fight and if she feels as though we're getting too rough, to her standards lol, she'll intervene by jumping on him and nipping at his lower abdomen. It's never vicious but there's no doubt in my mind that she would take care of business if a situation ever arose. I'd also like to clarify that she's the sweetest gentlest dog I know...dodon't want anyone getting the wrong impression lol. Cane Corsos are AMAZING.
- Is it so necessary to cut the ears of a Cane Corso?
- How long will a 10-month-old Cane Corso continue to grow?
- What is the difference between the American and the Italian Cane Corso?
Answer by Katie
They're good watchdogs but like others have said they're better for families rather than a big yard or such area. If your thinking of getting a Cane Corso I would suggest you do A LOT of research as you would with any breed. Check out some breeders or shelters in your area to see what they have available and such (consider adopting). See if there is a club near you and try to talk to people that have had experience with them.
Go on different websites and read the breed description of course your dog won't be exactly like the standard but it'll give you an outline of what he or she could be like. Remember to use positive reinforcement training because it is the easiest and most effective way of training. Also, don't just treat him like a guard dog, he should be your pet as well and live a nice happy life while protecting you as well. Hope this helps and an early congrats on your new best friend!!! :)
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Mike says
The comment has been moved into the body of this post.
Lisa says
Having personally had both breeds of dogs and loved each dearly, I can honestly saw my Cane Corso might be a better guard dog, but is also a better family dog as well. My Rottie was wonderful as well, just a little more moody and temperamental, even with family and was a purebred dog.
Dutch says
It depends on his breeding, training and his own individual qualities…or lack thereof. The Corn Queso…as I prefer to call it…is the Rottweiler of the new century. Highly overbred & overpriced. Their quality is diminishing faster than that of the now extinct working Rottweiler. IF you somehow stumble on a good one, you'll be in the top 3% of owners.
Jerome c. Gladney says
Great Analysis…..It is my take on where the Breed is going also! Finding a Good Breeder is the essence of the matter!
♪Majestik moose&co says
that depends largely on the breeding behind the dog, and the training put on the dog.
if you get a corso that isn't from working lines, there is a very good chance that all the training in the world won't make it a manstopper, likewise, a dog from proven lines should, with the right training and handling.
though, most dogs can be taught to give a display, even fearbags. they won't follow through on it though. if thats all you want(a dog to bark and growl), you would probably get that. if you want a dog that will engage an attacker, well, search carefully, and look for PROVEN lines, not just kennels that say their dogs will "protect" without any testing.
Artchick says
Even if your dog's temperament is gentle, the look and size will prevent someone from attacking you or breaking in your house, unless the person is insane!!
Key13 says
Really depends on how you want to use him. If its for protection for you, it will be a great choice, if its for a car lott or a area, then rotty or doberman are better. Cane corsos are ment to protect family. Hope I helped.