Cane Corso Breeding Guide: Italian Mastiff Health, Genetics & Guardian Temperament

Critical Breed Statistics

Cane Corso: Italian mastiff breed, pronounced "KAH-nay KOR-so". Males: 99-110 lbs, 25-27.5 inches. Females: 88-99 lbs, 23.5-26 inches. Life expectancy: 9-12 years. Average litter size: 6-12 puppies (large litters common). Ancient Roman war dog descendant, nearly extinct in 1970s, now popular guardian breed.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia affects approximately 25% of Cane Corsos. Large breed with rapid growth increases risk. OFA or PennHIP testing MANDATORY for all breeding stock. Breeding dogs should have "Good" or "Excellent" ratings. "Fair" acceptable with exceptional pedigree. Never breed dogs with "Mild" dysplasia or worse. Early signs: bunny hopping, difficulty rising, reduced activity. Prevention: proper nutrition during growth, maintain lean body condition, avoid over-exercise in puppies.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Life-threatening emergency affecting deep-chested breeds like Cane Corsos. Can kill within hours. Risk factors: eating too fast, exercising after meals, stress, single large meals. Prevention: feed 2-3 smaller meals daily, no exercise 1 hour before/after eating, elevated feeding discouraged (increases risk), consider prophylactic gastropexy during spay/neuter. Signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, drooling. IMMEDIATE veterinary attention required.

Cherry Eye

Prolapsed third eyelid gland common in Cane Corsos. Genetic predisposition. Usually appears before 2 years of age. Requires surgical correction (tacking, not removal). Removal causes dry eye later in life. Can affect one or both eyes. Dogs with cherry eye shouldn't be bred. Check parents and siblings for history. Other eye issues: entropion (15% incidence), ectropion (10% incidence).

Eyelid Abnormalities (Entropion/Ectropion)

Entropion (eyelids roll inward): 15% incidence in Cane Corsos. Causes corneal damage and pain. Ectropion (eyelids roll outward): 10% incidence. Causes chronic eye infections. Both conditions hereditary. Require surgical correction. Dogs with eyelid abnormalities should NOT be bred. Annual CERF/OFA eye exams mandatory. Select for proper eye shape and placement.

Working Temperament & Guardian Instincts

Cane Corsos are true working guardians requiring proper temperament. Natural suspicion of strangers is breed characteristic. NOT a breed for inexperienced owners. Temperament testing essential before breeding. Look for: confident but not aggressive, stable and predictable, appropriate wariness without fear, good recovery from startling stimuli. Poor temperaments create dangerous dogs. Never breed fear-aggressive or overly sharp dogs. Early socialization (3-14 weeks) critical for balanced adults.

Elbow Dysplasia

Affects 15-20% of Cane Corsos. Three types: fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dissecans, ununited anconeal process. OFA elbow screening mandatory. Only breed dogs with normal elbows. Can cause severe lameness by 18 months. Surgery may be required but doesn't restore full function. Check entire family history - highly hereditary.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Heart muscle disease causing chamber enlargement and poor pumping. Higher incidence in Cane Corsos than many breeds. Symptoms: exercise intolerance, coughing, fainting, sudden death. Testing: echocardiogram recommended at 2, 4, and 6 years. 24-hour Holter monitor for arrhythmia detection. Dogs with DCM or significant arrhythmias shouldn't be bred. Can develop late in life - retest older breeding dogs.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy documented in breed. Usually appears between 1-5 years. Hereditary component suspected. Dogs with epilepsy should NEVER be bred. Siblings of affected dogs require careful evaluation. Management requires lifelong medication. Can be triggered by stress. Quality of life varies with seizure control.

Italian Mastiff Heritage

Descended from Roman war dogs (Canis Pugnax). Used for hunting large game (boar, bear). Estate guardians in rural Italy. Nearly extinct after WWII. Saved by Dr. Paolo Breber in 1973. Name means "bodyguard dog" in Italian. FCI recognition 1996, AKC recognition 2010. Working breed requiring job/purpose. Strong prey drive toward small animals.

Breeding Age & Requirements

Males: 2 years minimum (after health testing), optimal 2-8 years. Females: 2 years minimum, retire by 6-7 years. Maximum 3-4 litters lifetime. Skip at least one heat cycle between litters. Large litters (6-12 puppies) physically demanding. C-section rate: 15-20%. Natural breeding usually possible. Temperament maturity by 3 years - evaluate before breeding.

Size Considerations

Giant breed with significant size variation. Males 88-110+ lbs common, some reach 120+ lbs. Females typically 20% smaller than males. Oversized dogs prone to more health issues. Breed for moderate size within standard. Rapid growth requires careful nutrition management. Adult weight reached by 18-24 months. Avoid breeding extremes in size.

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