New Canadian Forum Member has a question for CC owners

[Jim Lahey]

Hi all, I live in Ontario and have just purchased a very large property.  I joined this forum looking to learn about the breed so that I can make an informed decision.  Apologies if I am posting this question on the wrong subforum but I didnt see one for just general questions about the breed....

Here is my situation and related questions.  If you all could help me out by telling me about your experiences with the breed I would really appreciate it.  Thanks. 

Why I want the dog:  I am looking for a dog that will deter any people that have bad intentions that approach my property.  The area is a big plot and I have concerns with my GF being home alone.  At the same time, I want a dog that has an easy and stable temperament that will be friendly to me, my family, and my friends.  I am not looking for a mean dog that will be aggressive all the time - personally I think the presence and bark of a CC will be enough to deter home invaders.  Do any CC owners in Ontario have any fears about the BSL legislation relative to their dog? 

My concerns:  I have a 2 year old 12 lbs Boston Terrier.  I would like the dogs to get along.  I would also hope that a CC would get along with my friends dogs (mostly labs and retrievers).  I would like to bring this dog to dog parks, day care, and obedience classes and be confident that the dog will behave and not act violently or in a manner that makes others uncomfortable.  This part of the equation is absolutely crucial. 

So my question is, is this the breed for me based on what I wrote that I am looking for?  If anyone can give feedback on this, particularly owners that have other smaller dogs in the house with their CC, that would be great.  Of course all of my questions above are based on the fact that I will do the utmost in classes with the dog, and with properly socializing it.  Thanks!

[Ewa]

The answer to your questions is not black and white.  A lot depends on the individual Corso and the bloodlines it comes from.   Neutering will to some extent tone down aggression toward other males but it will not prevent an alpha dog from expressing its dominance.   Dominance may be a problem in day care or dog parks.  You will have a large dog that is capable of inflicting damage without even trying.  What happens if your Corso is challenged by a Jack Russell in a dog park?   If he grabs the other dog in any way, you face an unpleasant confrontation with the owner.   Some Corsos will tolerate a small dog challenging them but others won't.  The damage however will be to the small dog.  Ditto for doggie care.  Even without BSL, the large dog is usually blamed when there is a dog fight, even if he did not start it.

Corsos are guard dogs but you cannot expect this feature in a puppy.  It usually develops around the age two at maturity.   Again, a lot depends on the individual Corso, how it's raised and how much time you put into socializing and training.   As a puppy, your Corso will get along with other dogs but this often changes at maturity and there are no guarantees he will continue to play in a friendly way with other dogs, even dogs he has known his whole life. 

Owning a Corso you have a greater responsibility to "read" your dog and prevent incidents with people, dogs, livestock than you would with a Lab or Golden.   Corsos are more defensive than breeds like Dobies or Malinois that go off instantaneously, but when they move it's with total determination.     

[Jim Lahey]

I understand that it depends on the dog.  I am looking for rules for this breed and not exceptions or qualities of dogs that are born out of poor breeding or supervision.  I should have added that our dog park is segregated for big dogs in one area and small ones in another.  The breeder I am talking to is solid and I believe that I will get a good pedigree.  All pups are temperament tested.  Thanks!

[Donna Hiebert]

Hi Jim,

Have you been to the breeder's kennel and met their dogs?  It's good that the breeder does temperament testing.

I had similar questions to yours.  I agree that it is a much greater responsibility to own a Cane Corso than many other breeds.  This is why the breed is not suitable for first time dog owners.

[Jim Lahey]

No I havent been yet.  I am trying to line that up right now actually and get over to the kennel.  FWIW, this is going to be my third dog but my first dog of this size.  I am very excited to raise a dog like this.  I have been doing research for about three months and think that I am prepared to raise this breed. 

[Sarka]

I own 2 boston terriers- one 8,5 years girl Pikachu- she is the boss female from all and 6 years old male Raichu. They are the best friends whit all our CC. Also we own cats and horses and our dogs are whit them everz dazs in contact.
If you know littel be about how to rases the dogs, CC is no dificult race, is very social and very easy for training.

Boston terrier is more "dificult" then CC...

[Fireland Cane Corso]

I had my Corsos with my Shiba Inu before the Shiba passed. The little 12# Shiba ran the house and all the dogs in it!

Good Luck with your decision.

[Jim Lahey]

I own 2 boston terriers- one 8,5 years girl Pikachu- she is the boss female from all and 6 years old male Raichu. They are the best friends whit all our CC. Also we own cats and horses and our dogs are whit them everz dazs in contact.
If you know littel be about how to rases the dogs, CC is no dificult race, is very social and very easy for training.

Boston terrier is more "dificult" then CC...

Sarka, thanks for your response. You are right, even though Bostons are small creatures, my girl was very difficult to raise at times.  She had major issues with separation anxiety and I had to do a lot to socialize her to minimize this.  It was a lot of work but I was dedicated (I love my BT more than I can explain) and now I have a PERFECT adult Boston girl   

I will do no less for a future CC.