The breed Cane Corso is a working dog pedigree recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Its athletic build and firm coat that comes in various colors are charismatic. However, some may find them intimidating.
Today, we’re here to get to know Blue Cane Corso. Is it a myth, or is it a natural kind of this majestic breed?
Table of Contents
What Is A Blue Cane Corso?
Cane Corso dogs originated in Italy. Their primary purpose is companionship and guarding. This breed has a wide range of colors people can choose from when looking for a pet.
For this particular type of dog, you’ll see it most commonly in the color black. If you’re looking for a Cane Corso rarest color, one of those will be blue.
When it comes to the Cane Corso, many believe that a blue coat is just a myth. Nonetheless, there are still some histories that can explain where this belief originated.
Do Blue Cane Corsos Exist?
When it comes to dog coats, some develop color dilution of the more common coat shades. This is due to a recessive mutation in the dog’s melanophilin (MLPH) gene. This gene is hereditary, but not every offspring develops this kind of color.
However, as a carrier, they can produce a dog with light colors over time. If two affected dogs were bred together, there is a bigger chance of getting a diluted-colored pup.
Blue Cane Corso, also known as Formentino Cane Corso, has a light black pigmented coat that appears grey. Blue is a more common name used for these pups, but you’re looking at a grey Cane Corso with a slightly different shade of coat.
However, one thing to consider is that Cane Corsos with dilute coat colors are more vulnerable to various diseases and skin problems like Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) and more.
History of Blue Cane Corso
Blue Cane Corsos, like a regular Cane Corso, has a lineage that you can trace back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Dogs during that time are called molosser dogs, which are known for their large size and strength.
They are primarily used for shepherding and as guard dogs. The other popular breeds at the time, alongside Cane Corsos, are the bully and mastiff breeds.
Ancient Cane Corsos are enormous. Their sizes today are nothing compared to their ancestors. They almost went extinct during the 1960s but were successfully brought back around the 80s. After developing a safer breeding process, the breed resurfaced back to the spotlight and became a popular family pet.
Cane Corsos are currently in the 30th spot out of 200 breeds recognized in “The Most Popular Dog Breeds.” The list is provided by the AKC.
What Does It Look Like?
Cane Corso is a large dog breed. They are related to mastiffs but with a thinner and more muscular appearance. When looking at one, you’ll notice that their head has a square shape with short floppy ears.
This breed’s blue coat is rare, like Formentino and brindle, because they usually exist in a solid black coat. Their fur is firm and short, which sometimes makes them look like they are shining under the sun. Their body also has some saggy skin and muscles, depending on which area they are located.
Size
Cane Corsos are muscular and large. Their weight ranges from around 90 to 120 pounds, depending on their height. Males can grow to 25 to 27.5 inches, while females grow for 23.5 to 26 inches.
Eye Color
Their almond-shaped eyes often come in darker colors. However, this case might be different for the ones with light coat colors and brindles.
Other colors of Cane Corsos include:
- Black
Black is the most common color for Cane Corsos and also the one most buyers sought after. It is produced by eumelanin, a pigment natural in their cells. Their features also include a black nose and a brown set of eyes.
The solid black color gives a sense of the strength of the power that will intimidate anyone they come across.
- Black brindle
Black brindle is a color also recognized by the FCI and the AKC. Their tiger-like stripes all over their body identify them. They mostly have a brown or red base color.
Aside from that, black brindles also have the longest life expectancy compared to the other breed’s other colors, which is 10.3 years.
- Grey
Grey Cane Corsos have diluted-colored coats. This is also the color most breeders and dog enthusiasts refer to as blue, thus developing the Blue Cane Corso’s name.
- Grey brindle
What makes this color different from grey is the brown base color on their coats. They also have blue or grey stripes throughout their bodies. The blotchy patterns make them just as appealing as the other colors.
- Fawn
Fawn cane Corsos have cream to tan coat colors. They look like red Cane Corsos, but Fawns have a distinct gray or black mask that does not go around their eye area.
- Red
Red Cane Corsos have their coat color from the pigment pheomelanin. They also have a mask, but theirs cover their whole face up to their eyes.
- Chestnut brindle
Chestnut brindle Cane Corsos is also a rare color for the breed. Their coat has a brown or red base with saturated reddish-brown stripes.
Do Colors Really Matter?
The color of a Cane Corso has a significant role in their health. There is not enough proof yet that coat colors affect a dog’s behavior, but you can learn many things from them. Scientific evidence suggests that the coat’s shade is a manifestation of underlying congenital problems.
A university in Sydney conducted a study about this claim in Labrador Retrievers. They prove that dogs with a lighter color caused by dilution and recessive genes are at risk of various diseases and have a shorter lifespan.
This is why color is an important thing to consider more than beauty. You might end with several visits to the vet if you happen to purchase or adopt a dog with poor health conditions.
Life Expectancy
Cane Corsos typically live for as long as 10 to 12 years. This is a long time for larger breeds, given that the dog is receiving a regular vet checkup alongside high-quality foods and vitamins.
Price
The average cost of a puppy ranges from $900 to $3,000. Its lineage is also a significant factor when it comes to the price. Dogs with superior lineage start at $2,500 and are purchased for as high as $8,500.
If you choose to adopt, the cost is around $350 to $550. This already includes vaccination and registration certificates.
Food And Nutritional Requirements
The amount of food you should give to the dog depends on their age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism. The recommended amount of food consumed a day for an adult Cane Corso ranges from 4 to 5 cups.
Always check if they are receiving a proper amount of dog food by observing weight changes and activity. Food quality is also essential, especially for active dogs that love heavy training.
You can always add fruits, vegetables, and vitamin supplements prescribed by veterinarians. This will give them strength for the day and build an immunity to fight viruses and diseases.
Temperament And Behavior
Despite their menacing appeal, Cane Corsos are the sweetest when it comes to their owners. Most of them may have a vigorous temperament that makes them confident enough to challenge everyone, but don’t be afraid if you want one as a family pet.
If you want a docile Cane Corso, it’s better to start training them at an early age. You can get them to be comfortable with other people through socialization and a regular walk in the neighborhood.
The Cane Corso is an intelligent breed. They know how to impose boundaries and dominate the household.
Start at an early age to incorporate rules within the house and include every family member in implementing them. This way, you are creating a positive and safer environment for everyone. You can always start with the basics like “sit” and build it with positive reinforcement.
Exercise, Training, And Physical Activities
Working dogs are active breeds and need plenty of time playing outside to keep up with their energy level. It would be best to take them on a walk for at least a mile in the morning and evening every day. If your pup likes running, you can ride a bicycle or a skateboard to let them enjoy the jog with you.
When it comes to puppies, make sure not to overwork them. Their overall body is not yet fully developed, and they might acquire bone and muscle-related problems if engaged in heavy activity.
At the age of 18 months, you can start to add walking into their routines to burn off their energy. Remember to increase the exercises to prevent problems gradually.
For their mental stimulation, incorporate a job into their lifestyle. As working dogs, it’s better to give them something to do in their everyday lives. One example is engaging them in herding livestock if you own one, training, sports, and more. A 20-minute per day activity is enough to stimulate their minds.
One thing to remember when owning a Cane Corso is to never let them run loose. They might become aggressive with other dogs, animals, and people if they are stressed and unfamiliar with the location.
Grooming
The coat of a Cane Corso is short and firm with a light base. Despite their short fur, they shed twice a year, so it would be best to have a powerful vacuum to suck up all of their sheddings.
They can bathe daily, but make sure to start adjusting them to it at an early age. A Cane Corso puppy can only be washed at least once a week, and teach them the command “Bathe” until they become comfortable with it. You can also add toys for a more enjoyable routine.
It is also essential to brush their teeth three times weekly to avoid the buildup of tar. Choose a gentle toothbrush and toothpaste that also promotes gum health.
When it comes to nail trimming, you can do it twice a month. If you are afraid that you might accidentally clip the blood vessels under their toenails, then it is best to allow the professionals to pick up the situation. Improper trimming may cause bleeding, which will make your dog more afraid of it than before.
If you can, bring them to a professional groomer at least once a month to accommodate all of their grooming needs. You should always check if there are signs of infection throughout their bodies every time you groom them yourself. This will prevent the development of potential health conditions that might come in the way.
Health Issues
As big and active dogs, Cane Corsos are generally healthy. However, this doesn’t make them immune to various diseases. Take note that not every dog can acquire the following health conditions, but it’s better to understand them if you happen to encounter one.
The diseases Cane Corsos are prone to are:
- Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common condition where a dog’s hip socket has an abnormal formation. In most cases, this causes arthritis and lameness. The cause of this condition is mostly by environmental factors, but the trait is genetic.
- Demodectic Mange
This condition is brought by a parasite called Demodex Canis. It lives in a dog’s hair follicles and brings irritation to the skin.
- Gastric Tension/bloating
There are many causes of bloating when it comes to dogs, including overeating, gas and fluid buildup in the stomach and intestines, and twists. This can be painful if the case is severe. You can try home remedies, but it’s always best to bring the concerned dog to the nearest vet clinic for proper treatment.
- Skin problems
Dogs with diluted-colored coats such as the Blue Cane Corso are vulnerable to many skin conditions. They are more likely to develop contact allergies, skin cancer, and more.
Is Blue Cane Corso A Good Family Dog?
In general, Cane Corsos make a great family dog. Whatever the color is, they are sweet creatures always ready to protect and love their respective families.
Follow all of the precautions of owning a Cane Corso because large dogs can be a lot of work. Despite that, there’s no reason to not love this majestic dog breed.
Leave a Reply