The Cane Corso temperament is confident, protective, bold, alert and loyal. These fit hunting and herding dogs descend from old Roman Molosser. Their name comes from Cane de Corso, an old term for dogs used in rural activities, herding cattle and swine. Cane Corso temperament made them ideal for guarding property, livestock and families as well as in war. The Cane Corso is a large, powerful, intelligent, active, and headstrong dog. They love their family, but do not typically show affection. They want to be near you, but are not fond of petting and cuddles. Cane Corsos are big, so interactions between small children and these dogs must be supervised. Today we’ll look at what your can expect from your Cane Corso’s temperament from puppyhood through adolescence to adulthood. We will share tips for getting the most out of their personality and helping their behavior to fit in with your family and lifestyle.
- Working Cane Corso temperament traits
- Common Cane Corso temperament
- Cane Corso temperament and training
- Is the Cane Corso temperament ever friendly?
- Are Cane Corso dogs aggressive?
- Do Cane Corso like other dogs?
Cane Corso dogs are also known as Italian Mastiffs, Cane Corso Italiano or Cane Di Macellaio.
Natural Working Cane Corso Temperament
Since Cane Corsos were bred and trained to watch over humans, they display various traits that are typical of guard dogs. This means that they are highly aware and cautious around unfamiliar faces. They also have assertive, self-assured, and determined personalities.
They are territorial dogs, known to be tough and diligent workers. Roman war dogs, after all, are their forefathers. In the southern regions of Italy, they were often used to hunt wild pigs and other sizable game.
Hunting wasn’t the only thing the Cane Corso was used for. They also lived on farms, where they served as guard dogs not only for the owners and their family but also for livestock. Guarding is a natural instinct of this breed. Today, they are often used as guard dogs. Tracking is another typical modern duty for Cane Corsos.
Typical Cane Corso Temperament
Aficionados of the Cane Corso find them to be wonderful with members of their immediate family. Also, they’re great watchdogs. But proper training is imperative. This breed can make a stable and reliable companion. However, the Cane Corso is naturally possessive, territorial and distrustful of strangers.
Cane Corsos are very sensitive to even the slightest signs of danger, disruption, or distress in the household. It would be a bad idea for anyone to challenge a Cane Corso or threaten to harm them or their owner in any way.
The size of the Cane Corso does not keep them from being highly energetic and active dogs that thrive on regular exercise. However, they do not need extensive exercise like other high energy dogs. They get a lot of their exercise from patrolling their home and yard, which comes naturally for them.
Are Cane Corsos Easy To Train?
The Cane Corso is an intelligent and willing breed. They are usually eager to please their owner, which in return makes them quite trainable. Nevertheless, Cane Corsos need positive reinforcement training.
Do not use punishment based techniques, as you will come into conflict with your dog. The consistency part of this training is the most important, so the positive behavior becomes natural.
Are Cane Corsos Friendly?
The Cane Corso is very loyal companion. All they want is to please their owner. Their temperament has been bred into them over thousands of years. There is evidence that these dogs were often responsible for babysitting young children in the residential courtyards in Ancient Rome. These dogs adore children of all ages and play with a natural awareness of their size.
A Cane Corso can be highly suspicious of new people, and aggressive behavior should never be encouraged. This type of behavior can still carry on even after years of training. It’s unnecessary and not recommended to opt for protection training.
This is also a quiet breed that typically barks only when there is a reason to. When a Cane Corso becomes alarmed or senses trouble, it transforms from a friendly pet into a protective and potentially dangerous animal. However, when an owner takes the much-needed time and care to train this breed, they can grow up to be protective, loving, trustworthy companions.
Does the Cane Corso Temperament Include Aggression?
Some studies attribute some aggression to the Cane Corso. An aggressive dog, no matter the size, may lunge at, bite, or even attack another person or dog. Their guarding history makes the Cane Corso temperament more likely to include aggression than some other breeds where this trait wasn’t selected for.
It is upsetting to see a Cane Corso, or any dog for that matter, act aggressively. And if your dog starts to act out, it is imperative to find the cause. To combat this type of behavior, socialize them. Put them in different situations where they can interact with other people and dogs with your supervision.
Socializing the Cane Corso Temperament
Socialization is an absolute requirement to promote a correct temperament. Unfortunately, a lot of people are breeding or raising these dogs in irresponsible ways. As a result, Cane Corsos among other dogs can have unstable or aggressive temperaments that can potentially be dangerous.
Do Cane Corsos Like Other Dogs?
Cane Corso puppies should be friendly with unfamiliar animals. With proper socialization, puppies can become more comfortable around new dogs as they mature.
A few ways you can train them to be more social is by taking them for long walks around your neighborhood or park. As time goes on, they should grow more comfortable with new places and people. You can also take them to one-on-one play dates with another dog.
It is recommended to do this when they are on a leash until they are friendly and playful towards each other. Keep doing this until they became more sociable and behaved around other people and dogs. Another great way of social training is to take them to a doggie kindergarten class. These are controlled environments with other dogs, making them safe places to socialize.
You will be there with other pet owners and dogs who are trying to achieve the same goal: to make their dog more sociable and friendly. If this interests you, visit your local vet so they can recommend a perfect fit for you and your Cane Corso.
Are Cane Corsos Good Family Pets?
The Cane Corso can be a loving and devoted companion that wants nothing more than to please its owner. They are also known to be great guard dogs with a sharp sense of alertness. However, since they are a large sized dog, they do not make the best dog for families with small children.
Furthermore, they also come with a lot of health issues, making them unpredictable and somewhat expensive to own.
Do you have a history with this breed? Let us know about it in the comments!
More About Cane Corso Personality and Appearance
- Naming your Cane Corso puppy
- Cane Corso Colors
- Feeding your Cane Corso
- Cane Corso Dog Breed: Information, Pictures, And Video
References and Further Reading
- Naming your puppy
- Choosing the right puppy food
- Lorella Notari “A survey of behavioral characteristics of pure-bred dogs in Italy,” Applied Animal Behavior Science, 2007.
- Sabina Di Donato “Cane Corso attack,” Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2006.
- Seksel, Kersti. “Preventing Behavior Problems in Puppies and Kittens,” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2008.
- Kutsumi. “Importance of Puppy Training for Future Behavior of the Dog,” Journal of Veterinary Medical Science. 2013.
- Joanne A.M. van der Borg et al, Evaluation of behavior testing for human directed aggression in dogs, Applied Animal Behavior Science,
amy ansel says
i would appreciate anyone sharing the food/diet they are feeding CC’s and their scehdule in that regard// we just adopted a pup and he’s so loving and somewhat already obedient at 2mos old!
Isobella Maria says
Hi interested to know if they can live with cats?
Chad R says
I have a 6 year old Corso (Hercules). Brought him home at 10 weeks old and had older teens teens at home. At around 4 months old sent him to doggie boot camp for 3 weeks because knowing he would be big he had to know how to behave. Picked him up and while I wouldn’t say bullet proof he does behave. He is like having another kid. Hilariously pouts when he is told no, loves the family, always wants my attention and now with 2 grandsons (4 & 2) is patient and calm with them but they were also taught how to interact with him. Yeah he may bump into them on occasion because I don’t think they realize how big they are (145lbs) but it’s not intentional. Heck we have a table he knocks over all the time when he turns around. I take him to Lowe’s, Tractor Supply, etc and that is where the aloofness they are known for comes out. He could care less about other people or animals. If I stop to let someone pet him he literally walks away from them like whatever. If you come to our home and we act fine he will come see you for a minute then walk off. I have had dogs my entire life (mostly large breeds) and a Corso’s personality and gentleness is AWESOME. I had a Wiemerainer growing up that was my favorite dog and if you asked me to choose Grey or Hercules I could not. I would recommend a Corso but not for a first dog as they are head strong and not if you can’t put in the time to properly train and socialize them.
One last note on their guarding instinct. He only barks if something is around, will lay between my wife and any one at the house other than me, and when he goes outside the very first thing he does is literally walk the entire perimeter of the 1/2 acre fence to make sure everything is A-OK. It’s pretty cool to see him do that.
Laura says
We have three, two were rescues and one we bought as a puppy. All of them are excellent with all our children and their friends. They are great with small babies and teenagers wrestling in the living room.
I will say that as long as all the family children are good, the dogs are good. We live in the middle of nowhere on a lot of land. A stranger came up to our house with aggressive behavior to one of our teenagers, he was home alone. Although our dogs did not attack, their stance and behavior was enough to make the aggressive stranger leave.
We have rescued and owned many breeds over the last 30 years, this breed hands down is the most pleasing and loyal to their family. And although they may not like strangers all that much, as long as the owner is good with them, the dogs are as well. I have never felt like they would not listen to me.
Personally we feel this is our forever breed, we think they amazingly great dogs.
Yours truly,
A Corso owner
Susan Kairys-Courech says
Thank you for this honest share.
I am considering this breed.
Kylie says
I’m not sure where the not good family pets and don’t show emotion parts apply to cane corso’s. That could not be farther from the truth. I have three small children and they are gentle and loving with them. Yes they can be protective, however generally that is what someone is looking for when they get a cane; loyal around people they know and wary around others.
Laura says
Completely agree, best dogs we have ever had around all our children( of all ages for that matter).
Rocco61 says
I have my cane corso for 4 years and nothing further from the truth that he definitely wants affection and always wants to be petted (loves it). He is great around little children – in fact my grand daughter is always with him and she is only 2 years old. He is very loyal to his family and once a stranger comes close he senses if they are trust worthy – he will either want to be petted by them or will growl. Love this bred – and easy to train.
Kamika says
We have a 6 month old female CC. This breed is wicked smart. We also have a 5 year old huge lab and I must admit that the Cane Corso is smarter.
She is very intuitive, if I can say that about a dog. Training is fairly easy, although she is a bit headstrong.
We have been socializing her since the day we got her, taking her to all the stores that allow dogs (Lowe’s and Home Depot are GREAT), Bass Pro Shops are also amazing, the dog park, just everywhere. Loves, loves, loves kids, oh my!
Whoever said this breed is not food driven must be mistaken. She would eat us out of the house if we’d allow her. 🙂
She is playful, however this is a serious breed. CCs WILL test you and push your buttons. You have to be the leader or else the dog will run the show. They’ll do everything to please, therefore positive reinforcement works great. I noticed that a stern stare is quite enough to deter her from an unwanted behavior. Maybe it is just my pup. I don’t even have to make a sound, I just give her the “mom look”, I stare her down and she quickly lays down and looks away.
Barks only when necessary. Very alert. Training is imperative. The dogs really pick up on the family vibe. Great, serious dog for a responsible, seasoned owner. Not for first timers.
Melissa says
I have a BIG GIRL, 125lbs of Cane Corso! She’s the SWEETEST and most loving dog ever, I have a 4,6,and 7 year old kids and they treat her like a giant pillow and she absolutely loves it. She’s super social with dogs of all sizes! I walk her almost 8km every morning, I may have to drag her out of bed but she does walk primarily off leash. She was easy to train, but I’ve learned to be patient and to wait for her to respond when I give commands it takes a long time to move that kind of weight! Amazing breed and she’s been unbelievable with kids, my house is a circus of children coming and going and she loves all the kids and them her! We get so many compliments from people saying how they never been comfortable around big dogs until they met her! We love our big Dolly!
Susan Kairys-Courech says
Love this story. Thank you
Sam says
My wife and I have 2 Cane Corsi in our house. 4 yr old 100 lb female, and a 2 yr old 135 lb male. Both a sweet, gentle, love playing with our grandkids. get along with our border collie, and love meeting new people that we invite into the house. Neither likes strangers walking across our front yard and will bark, etc. Both would like to be allowed to chase a cat, though I haven’t given them permission, so I have no idea what they would do if they caught one. Most likely get scratched and run away! They are trained NOT to leave our front yard without permission and I am able to walk them and the border collie all over the neighborhood, off leash in a heel position. If a cat or squirrel runs past, they no not to chase it and not to break their heel position. Overall I’m delighted with their temperament/tolerance of the grandkids, and training them has been okay. Harder than working with GSDs or Collies, but not impossibly hard. just takes them a bit longer and a few more repetitions.
Tom says
I would say Congratulations with the level of obedience and predictability your Corsi have achieved. You must have skill and experience training.
Sandy Samra says
I have a cane corso he’s 18 months right now and he is an amazing, loving dog! We had him when he was just a baby, I have a big family so he is good with everyone be it older grandparents to my younger cousins, he gets along with everyone, he may look dangerous from his large muscular appearance but he really is a big softie and wouldn’t harm anyone.
When I do take him for walks he does show his guarding Instinct and if a stranger does approach us for a chat or just to say hello then my dog does look back at my reaction to see if I’m smiling and he’ll stand in front of me as they approach, as long as the stranger approaches calmly and I speak in a cheerful tone then he understands that everything is okay and he becomes more accepting.
Honestly I’ve been reading up on a few negative stories about cane corsos and I must say I strongly disagree that they are aggressive breeds and so on, I’ve seen many cane corsos and they are the most gentle, loving and loyal dogs I’ve come across and I’ve had an Alsatian and Rottweiler in the past, so anyone considering this breed I highly recommend if you’re willing to put in good amount of exercise, you like being active and love spending time with your dog because mine loves to cuddle follow us around the house and always brings us joy!
Ken Martin says
My neighbor has a 18 month old Cane Corso. They will tell everyone who will listen how loving he is, great with kids and all that. Cute pictures of him all over social media. He has charged into my yard multiple times attempting to attack my two female Belgian Malinois. He chased my wife into her car and into the house. He went after me and my daughter at the school bus stop. But the owner said don’t worry, he is a big baby, and it is just a phase in his growing up. We are expecting the worse when he matures. But the owners say no, he is just a big baby.
Mia says
Sounds like irresistible dog owners NOT the breed!
Paul says
Completely agree with Mia. The owners need to establish clear boundaries with their corso. I adopted mine when she was 4.5yro, she was awesome with the family. But has taken many years of socializing and reinforcement to become trust worthy with visitors or off lease in an unfenced yard. These traits must be consistently trained and reinforced when they’re young and periodically over the years.
Shannon says
Oh that’s a tragedy waiting to happen! Please keep pepper spray with you and warn you neighbors that you will press charges if the dog harms any of you. Not ok
Gary says
Blame that on a inexperienced owner. Not taking the time an commitment to train properly.
Gary Bishop says
that being said be very careful try to steer clear of the dog. All the good things said are true but canes cN be very dangerous
Audrey says
I am in awe of this breed I have has Rotties, Dobies, and current have Yorkies. I still love this breed and some day will have one love watching everyone Cane Corso. Keep up the good work with rescuing these babies from mean people
Shannon O says
I have a traditional Italian corso. I found him running down the road scared to death I watched him get hit by a car, it took me an hour to catch him. It was clear they cropped his tail with a blunt pair of scissors or sull knife, he had what looked like cigarette burns hal way healed all over his under belly and private parts, ha huge gash which was a clean stab and cut most likely as vet said done by a human and his ear tips were burned severely. Next day to the vet and he said this dog was clearly abused terribly and if anyone comes looking for him to bring to vet immediately as he would make sure no one would hurt him again and he has ways to stop previous owners from obtaining dog. next 2 days to a very large horse show for socialization as he was at the time a highly anxious mess and a very good friend of mine breeds shows and was at one point on board of cane corso association of america tol me to bring into large crowds so we could see if he had any agression issues. to come home and see lost dog ads all over social media. I called and was told he was a rescue from out of state being fostered and got out of the house. They announced on ad he is a very aggressive 4 month old dog and not to approach.. I found that suspicious as a 4 month old puppy (even the ever untrusting corso) was highly aggressive. I told them in the vicinity I saw him and if I seen him again I would try to catch him (i was very suspicious of the woman that was the “foster mom) I asked if when they caught him would he be brought back to same home and if they would be taking further measures to keep him enclosed as I have had several corsos in my time she replied with vulgarity and I hung up. That’s when i absolutely knew in my heart he was going to stay with me and i was ready to protect him with everything in me. I had a dog trainer that works with military and police dogs as well as dogs that are aggressive and unattainable by normal standards, he advised me to give him the room to become a dog if possible and patience A LOT OF IT! We never really disciplined him or reprimanded him for much, he took to my grandmother immediately and a year later to my mother. Finally after 4 to 5 years of saving and being a constant in his life he is completely my best friend and I am his. He is fiercely protective but not aggressive. He is going on 6 years in february and continues to get better and better. I introduced an american bully puppy about 2 years ago she was also sort of a rescue I bought to keep her out of being a bait dog. She rescued him. She gave him confidence none of us could. He has become more of a “dog” and less anxious and more of a people person. He loves kids as long as they give them their palm up and not reaching for his head. He is funny he is loyal and this particular corso of mine has THE BIGGEST HEART I have ever known in any dog i have ever known. I will always have a corso, particularly a rescue if it will allow… I have learned now more than ever you dont own a corso they own you…. you and everything else is theirs…. I wouldnt have it any other way. I know I did the right thing as he was meant to be with me…
Sandy Savanna says
Man that’s awsome. I’ve had pit bulls for the last 35 years. All of my family is from Italy and I’ve heard about the bread for years. My son and I have been researching the corso and would love to have one.
Elizabeth Balcomb says
This is a very accurate sum up of these magnificent creatures. I have a boy who is 14 months old. He was incredibly ditzy and unpredictable over his fear imprinting periods. They take a lot of time and effort to socialise. It is imperative that this happens every day and that the other dogs they meet are well socialized and friendly. They definitely cannot be left alone at home. This could result in a very anxious and unhappy dog. They love big families. He really loves children. Even little ones and ones previously Unknown to him, unlike adults. He responds very well yo positive training techniques and on the occasions I have been impatient he literally crumbles.