One cannot deny the fact that severe dog bite attacks and human fatalities by Cane Corsos happen at disproportionately high rates. For example, Cane Corsos were involved in 21 fatal dog attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. However, this statistic in itself does not prove that the breed is inherently dangerous. Rather, it demonstrates that what must be recognized is the presence of genetically-based aggressive tendencies of some individuals. All individuals within the breed should not be stereotyped as dangerous.
Cane Corsos as a breed have been “blacklisted” by insurance carriers and in some municipalities in the United States and in other countries ownership is restricted. Nonetheless, scientific studies have not found support for the effectiveness of Breed Specific Legislation.
Cane Corso’s ranked 60th in popularity based on AKC registrations in 2012. The breed was officially recognized in the miscellaneous class by the AKC in 2010.
The Cane Corso is a muscular, short-haired mastiff type dog. It’s origin dates back to the 15th century in Italy. The name is derived from the Latin “Cohors”, meaning guardian or protector. The breed was developed for protection and hunting. Males weigh between 99-110 lbs. and females between 88-99 lbs. Height is between 23-26 in. at the shoulders. Colors are fawn or bluish gray.
The temperament of the breed has been described as being “very loyal, willing to please, highly intelligent, very trainable, unequaled as a watch and protection dog, terribly brave protector of people, house and property, will not back down from other dogs who try to dominate them.”
People partial to the breed stress that Corsos are not fighting dogs and that individuals have the potential to make trustworthy family pets. From an animal behavior perspective, it’s a no-brainer that adequate socialization and obedience training needs to be instilled at an early age, and owners and family members need to adopt a consistent style of interaction.
Have you ever seen a Cane Corso walking down the street and felt a little intimidated? I get it! With their muscular build and serious expression, these dogs definitely command attention. As someone who’s spent years researching dog breeds, I wanted to dig into the big question: are Cane Corso dogs dangerous, or is this just another case of a misunderstood breed?
The Cane Corso: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the danger factor, let’s get to know this breed a bit better.
The Cane Corso is a large muscular mastiff-type dog originating from Italy. The name actually comes from the Latin “Cohors,” meaning guardian or protector. These pups were historically bred for protection hunting, and guarding property.
Some quick stats
- Males typically weigh between 99-110 lbs
- Females usually weigh between 88-99 lbs
- Height ranges from 23-26 inches at the shoulders
- Common colors include fawn and bluish gray
- They’re known for their short coat and powerful build
According to AKC registrations in 2012, the Cane Corso ranked 60th in popularity. The breed was officially recognized in the AKC’s miscellaneous class in 2010.
The Statistics: Do Numbers Tell the Story?
When discussing whether a breed is dangerous, people often turn to statistics. So let’s look at what the data tells us.
According to some reports, Cane Corsos were involved in 21 fatal dog attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. That’s a concerning number that can’t be ignored.
However I think it’s super important to consider these statistics in context. The number of attacks doesn’t necessarily mean the entire breed is inherently dangerous. Many factors influence these incidents, including
- Training (or lack thereof)
- Socialization history
- Owner responsibility
- Individual dog temperament
- Specific circumstances of the incident
The Cane Corso Temperament: What Are They Really Like?
The temperament of Cane Corsos is often described as loyal, intelligent, and protective. These dogs are:
- Very loyal to their families
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Natural guardians and protectors
- Brave and confident
- Potentially wary of strangers
People who love the breed emphasize that Cane Corsos are not fighting dogs by nature. With proper training and socialization, they can make loving and trustworthy family pets.
One thing worth noting is that Cane Corsos probably have a high pain tolerance, similar to pit bull type dogs. This trait, combined with their strength, means that proper training is absolutely essential.
Why the Dangerous Reputation?
So why do Cane Corsos sometimes get labeled as dangerous? There are several factors that contribute to this perception:
1. Size and Strength
Let’s be honest – these are big, powerful dogs! A full-grown Cane Corso can weigh up to 120 pounds of pure muscle. Their size alone can make them intimidating, even when they’re just being friendly.
2. Protective Instincts
Cane Corsos were bred to guard and protect. These instincts remain strong in the breed today. Without proper training, this protective nature can sometimes manifest as aggression toward perceived threats.
3. High-Profile Incidents
Unfortunately, there have been several high-profile attacks involving Cane Corsos that have made headlines:
- A fatal dog attack on a 4-year-old boy in Brooklyn, New York
- Second-degree murder charges in a fatal Cane Corso attack in Michigan
- A near-fatal dog bite attack in Virginia
- A fatal attack in Italy
- An attack causing serious injury to a 62-year-old woman
- Cane Corsos mauling a teenager in California
- A single Cane Corso killing its 62-year-old owner in California in August 2022
These incidents have undoubtedly contributed to the breed’s reputation as potentially dangerous.
The Reality: It’s Complicated
Now here’s the thing – I don’t think it’s fair or accurate to label an entire breed as “dangerous.” The reality is much more nuanced.
Like humans, dogs are individuals with their own unique personalities and behaviors. While breed tendencies exist, they don’t determine everything about a dog’s temperament.
Some Cane Corsos are gentle giants who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Others might be more aggressive due to poor breeding, lack of socialization, or mistreatment.
Are Breed Restrictions Effective?
Due to concerns about potential danger, Cane Corsos have been “blacklisted” by some insurance carriers. In some municipalities in the United States and other countries, ownership of these dogs is restricted.
However, scientific studies haven’t found support for the effectiveness of Breed Specific Legislation. The Netherlands and Dutch Kennel Club have taken a different approach – they only grant pedigreed certificates to Cane Corsos who have passed a standardized temperament test.
This approach focuses on the individual dog rather than making blanket assumptions about the entire breed.
Responsible Ownership: The Key to Safety
In my opinion, the most important factor in determining whether a Cane Corso is dangerous isn’t the breed itself – it’s the owner.
Responsible ownership includes:
1. Proper Training and Socialization
Cane Corsos require early and consistent training. They need to be socialized with different people, animals, and environments from a young age. This helps them develop into well-adjusted adults.
As one professional trainer noted: “With the rise in popularity of owning Cane Corsos, it is important for owners to understand the breed’s temperament and potential dangers when it comes to other pets. Proper training and socialization are key in preventing any potential issues.”
2. Understanding the Breed
Cane Corsos are not the right dog for everyone. They require owners who understand their needs, strengths, and challenges.
A dog breeder emphasized: “It’s important for potential Cane Corso owners to do their research and understand the breed’s needs and requirements. With the right care and training, they can be great pets.”
3. Consistent Leadership
These dogs need firm, consistent leadership. They respond well to structure and clear boundaries. Without proper guidance, they may try to take on the leadership role themselves, which can lead to behavioral issues.
4. Regular Exercise
Cane Corsos are high-energy dogs that require daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. A tired dog is generally a well-behaved dog!
5. Supervision
Due to their size and strength, Cane Corsos should always be supervised around children and smaller animals, especially if they haven’t been raised with them.
Common Concerns About Cane Corsos
Let’s address some common questions people have about this breed:
Are Cane Corsos dangerous around other pets?
With proper training and socialization, many Cane Corsos can coexist peacefully with other pets. However, their strong prey drive means they may not be suitable for homes with smaller animals unless they’ve been raised with them from puppyhood.
Are Cane Corsos good with children?
Many Cane Corsos are gentle and protective with children, especially those in their own family. However, due to their size and strength, they should always be supervised around kids. Children should also be taught how to respectfully interact with dogs.
Are Cane Corsos aggressive toward strangers?
Cane Corsos are naturally wary of strangers due to their guarding instincts. With proper socialization, they can learn to appropriately assess threats and behave calmly around new people. However, their protective nature means they may never be overly friendly with strangers.
Are Cane Corsos good for first-time dog owners?
Generally, Cane Corsos are not recommended for first-time dog owners. They require experienced handlers who can provide confident leadership, consistent training, and appropriate socialization.
My Take: Are Cane Corsos Dangerous?
So, are Cane Corso dogs dangerous? Here’s my honest take:
Cane Corsos have the potential to be dangerous due to their size, strength, and protective instincts. However, the same could be said for many large dog breeds.
What makes the difference is how these dogs are raised, trained, and managed. A well-bred, properly socialized, and responsibly owned Cane Corso is unlikely to pose a serious danger to its family or community.
As a veterinarian quoted in one source put it: “It’s important for pet owners to not judge a book by its cover when it comes to Cane Corsos. While they may look intimidating, with the right training and care, they can be wonderful pets.”
However, I do think potential owners need to be realistic about the commitment involved. These aren’t “set it and forget it” dogs. They require time, effort, consistency, and knowledge to raise properly.
Should You Get a Cane Corso?
If you’re considering adding a Cane Corso to your family, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have experience with large, strong-willed dog breeds?
- Am I willing to invest time and resources in proper training and socialization?
- Can I provide consistent leadership and structure?
- Do I have enough time and energy to meet this dog’s exercise needs?
- Is my living situation suitable for a large, protective breed?
- Am I prepared to supervise interactions with children and other animals?
- Am I willing to deal with potential breed restrictions from insurance companies or housing providers?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, a Cane Corso might not be the right choice for you.
To wrap things up, I believe that Cane Corsos, like all dogs, should be judged as individuals rather than stereotyped based on their breed. While they have the physical capacity to cause harm, this doesn’t mean they’re inherently dangerous.
What we do know is that Cane Corsos require responsible ownership. They need proper breeding, early socialization, consistent training, and appropriate management to thrive as family companions.
For the right owner – someone who understands the breed, is committed to training, and can provide structure and leadership – a Cane Corso can be a loyal, loving, and trustworthy pet.
But I also think it’s important to be honest: these dogs aren’t for everyone. They require more knowledge, experience, and commitment than many other breeds. And that’s OK! Recognizing this before bringing a Cane Corso home is the first step in responsible ownership.
What do you think? Have you had experience with Cane Corsos? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Dog Bite | Animal Behavior Expert Witness
Richard H. Polsky, Ph.D. CDBC Los Angeles, California
“Bringing the science of animal behavior to attorneys”
Why Cane Corsos Are So DANGEROUS!
FAQ
Are Cane Corsos on the Dangerous dog List?
How aggressive are Cane Corsos?
Cane Corsos are not inherently aggressive, but their strong protective instincts mean they require early and consistent socialization, firm leadership, and experienced handling to prevent excessive aggression and ensure proper behavior. Without proper training and guidance, they can become overly territorial or aggressive, especially with strangers. Factors like pain from undiagnosed health issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, can also trigger aggressive behavior, making regular veterinary care essential.
Is a Cane Corso more dangerous than a pitbull?
A Cane Corso is not inherently more dangerous than a pit bull, but its natural guarding instincts, larger size, and significantly stronger bite force (700 psi vs. pit bull’s 235 psi) mean it has the potential to inflict more severe damage if provoked or aggressive. Both breeds can be loving family companions but require extensive socialization and consistent, responsible training from a young age, as temperament and behavior ultimately depend on training and environment, not breed alone.
What is the #1 most aggressive dog?
While no single dog breed is definitively the “most aggressive,” pit bulls are frequently cited as the most dangerous due to their high involvement in fatal attacks and a history of being bred for fighting. However, factors like poor training, bad ownership, and the tendency to mislabel breeds in statistics also significantly influence aggression. Other breeds often linked to serious incidents include Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and even Chihuahuas, although their reputation for aggression is more about behavioral issues and aggression in smaller dogs.