Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)

**Hussy** · 15-07-2016, 17:11

Hi Guys

Does anyone have any experience with the Cane Corso / Italian Mastiff breed? I've read some stories that they are good, strong, agile guard dogs who are also good with kids at home. Does anyone have experience with them?
I am looking for a strong guard dog for home and have a 2 year old boy who will be involved with the dog from early on. I do not have the time for a working dog like a GSD unfortunately and even though I love the breed I wont be able to give it the time and exercise they require.

Regards

**SSP** · 15-07-2016, 17:36

A Cane Corso or a Dogo Argetino is going to be as much work as any other working breed.

They require just as much exercise too.

They are nice dogs but I have heard some horror stories about hip problems presenting early - like at 6 months which require physio and hydro therapy.

**FantomBadger** · 15-07-2016, 17:46

I have considered one at a stage, but my research ultimately lead to a Rottweiler.

There are not a lot of breeders out there, but I have communicated with Tsavu Kennels and they were helpful and friendly. They are in Fochville however, but I'm sure they would not mind you arranging a visit to the kennels and checking the breed out yourself.

**Hussy** · 15-07-2016, 21:45

Originally Posted by SSP

A Cane Corso or a Dogo Argetino is going to be as much work as any other working breed.

They require just as much exercise too.

They are nice dogs but I have heard some horror stories about hip problems presenting early - like at 6 months which require physio and hydro therapy.

What other big strong breed should I then look at? Bull mastiff perhaps?

**Hussy** · 15-07-2016, 21:45

Originally Posted by FantomBadger

I have considered one at a stage, but my research ultimately lead to a Rottweiler.

There are not a lot of breeders out there, but I have communicated with Tsavu Kennels and they were helpful and friendly. They are in Fochville however, but I'm sure they would not mind you arranging a visit to the kennels and checking the breed out yourself.

My only fear with the rottweiler is around the kids.
Thanks I will give them a shout

**CZ Fan** · 15-07-2016, 22:22

Originally Posted by Hussy

What other big strong breed should I then look at? Bull mastiff perhaps?

Boerboel, best dog IMPO

but they also need lots of attention and exercise

**Captain Hook** · 15-07-2016, 23:25

Originally Posted by Hussy

What other big strong breed should I then look at? Bull mastiff perhaps?

I've had 5. Amazing dogs, especially with kids. But they break your heart when they pass on.

**Meteor** · 16-07-2016, 00:06

Originally Posted by Hussy

My only fear with the rottweiler is around the kids.
Thanks I will give them a shout

Rottweilers are perhaps the smartest dogs out of the mentioned breeds in this thread. They can be big (80+kg), loyal and good with kids.

I have noticed that one of the breeds mentioned here likes to pick a sole leader in the household and keep other family members "in line". Two of them, from different 'good' owners, bit me unprovoked.
I do not approve of that unless you live alone. If you do some research the breed will become obvious.

**SSP** · 16-07-2016, 06:30

Originally Posted by Hussy

What other big strong breed should I then look at? Bull mastiff perhaps?

You say you want a guard dog on the one hand but don't have time for the training and exercise of one on the other.

All large dogs need exercise. The more they get the better their conditioning and their health. For instance, we have a great 80kg Rottweiler at our club. Looks intimidating but cannot run 25m without getting gassed.

If you want a dog to do a job, like guarding, then regardless of breed it is by definition a working dog.

All dogs need and deserve to be trained to a greater or lesser extent, including pets, as it is important for their development, socialization and to develop a bond with their handlers.

The latter is what drives a dog to protect.

**Hussy** · 16-07-2016, 07:45

Originally Posted by SSP

You say you want a guard dog on the one hand but don't have time for the training and exercise of one on the other.

All large dogs need exercise. The more they get the better their conditioning and their health. For instance, we have a great 80kg Rottweiler at our club. Looks intimidating but cannot run 25m without getting gassed.

If you want a dog to do a job, like guarding, then regardless of breed it is by definition a working dog.

All dogs need and deserve to be trained to a greater or lesser extent, including pets, as it is important for their development, socialization and to develop a bond with their handlers.

The latter is what drives a dog to protect.

Training is a given. But a what I can't promise is a 40 min run everyday.
But like u rightly say, the bond and socialising is what will drive the dog to protect