Cane Corso Characteristics
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Adult weight: 85 – 100 lbs.
Adult height: 30 – 35 in.
Origin – Italy
Descendant of Roman war dogs, Cane Corso, is a mastiff-type dog breed originating from Italy. Developed initially to guard property and hunt big game, this large dog now plays a perfect role in being an excellent family companion. These muscular, robust, highly energetic dogs can easily get bored if no task is assigned.
They are typically not among the happy and bubbly pets. They are more severe and typically are less interested in making friends outside the family. A firm hand would be needed to pet and train them. Boredom could make them run around the house, bark at strangers, and chew furniture.
Cane Corsos are cousins of the Neapolitan Mastiffs, more like a light version of them. ‘Cane’ is Latin for dog,s and ‘Corso’ comes from ‘Cohors’ or ‘Corsus,’ which is bodyguard or sturdy and robust and Italian. Described as a dog with vigorous temperament, they are very docile and affectionate towards their family. They are also intelligent, but may have a bossy attitude.
What is the price of a Cane Corso?
The price of a Cane Corso will include its buying or adoption price, initial costs, and other expenses that may come up over the lifetime of this dog breed. We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.
Buying: $1000 – $2000
The cost of a Cane Corso with a healthy body and good pedigree could be about $900-$1500 to buy from a breeder. Cane Corso puppy prices can range higher, around $1500-$2000, depending on some factors that can affect the price, like the pet’s age, coat color, and breeder location. A Blue Cane Corso can be priced higher at around $4,000. Similarly, a white Cane Corso that is very much in demand could cost you upwards of $3,500. Adult male dogs will be comparatively cheaper than female puppies in this case. Gray Cane Corso’s can be priced the highest at around $6,000 as compared to the chestnut color coat, which could cost around $1500.
If you are looking for Cane Corso puppies for under $500, adoption could be a great option for you. You can find several reputed and accredited organizations which can help you adopt one. Adopt a pet, Cane Corso Rescue Inc, etc., are a couple of organizations where you can apply for adoption. This could cost you around $300, which generally covers the expenses incurred by the shelter to care for the dog before adoption.
Monthly costs for a Cane Corso
Diets: $80-$100
These are heavy dogs, as both males and females can weigh over 100 pounds. This means that they will need about 5 cups of high-quality, vet-recommended kibble per day which could cost around $80-$100 depending on the type of dog food you choose. You can also add supplements to their diet along with some fruits and vegetables once in a while.
Grooming: $40-$50
Corso dogs have a double-layered coat that sheds throughout the year. Regularly brushing it can help keep the house cleaner and hair-free. If you choose to groom your dog at home, a brush can cost around $20.Also, once-a-month bathing, twice-a-month nail trimming, and ear and teeth cleanings are recommended. Additional supplies to groom your dog can include nail trimmers and a dental cleaning kit. Overall, these items could cost around $20-$30.
Medical Costs: $500-$700
During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.
Like all breeds, Cane Corso’s are at risk for developing health conditions during their lifetimes. Due to their high activity levels, a common condition this breed can experience is hip and elbow dysplasia. Their large, deep chest is also susceptible to bloating, which can sometimes be life-threatening. Other general diseases like ear infections and skin diseases could develop and should be checked regularly. The treatment for these conditions could cost, on average:
Hip or elbow dysplasia - $2500-$3000
Bloating - $2000-$5000
Skin infections - $150-$200
Entertainment costs: $10-$20
To help curb your pet’s boredom, you should make sure that they have enough toys to play with. It is also possible that a toy you got yesterday is in altogether a different shape today because the dog chewed it aggressively. You might want to keep refilling the toy and chewies basket! This cost could range from $10-$20 per month.
One-time costs for a Cane Corso
Initial Costs: $500-$550
Your Corso pup will need an ID tag, crate, carrier, food, and water bowls, a leash or two, collars, and a big bed for its big size. Getting these initial items could cost around $400.
Vaccinations: $250-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that a Cane Corso would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.
There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Cane Corso. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.
Microchipping: $50-$70
The average cost of microchipping is around $50 but may vary from state to state. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks. Spot Pet Insurance highly recommends every pet parent get their pets microchipped, as it can help increase the chances of finding a lost pet.
Lifetime Cane Corso Price
With an initial cost of $2500 for buying the dog, the cost of getting the essentials, and adding other one-time and recurring costs, you could expect to spend around $20,000 in its lifetime. Adoption can help you save some money on the initial cost. Still, pet insurance can help save you money on your pets covered medical expenses throughout their lifetime, especially the costs of treatments for diseases developed as your pet ages.
How can Spot Pet Insurance help?
Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages, from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!
Conclusion
Firstly, a Cane Corso is not a very suitable option for first-time pet owners. Secondly, they would need a big house with access to lawns or parks to walk and run around to help stimulate their physical and mental energy. If this checks your list, then you’re in for a treat. These huge, strong, and sturdy dogs can make you feel loved and protected, which can help make the costs of owning one seem worth it! And anyway, you can worry less about the medical expenses knowing Spot plans can help cover up to 90% of your eligible vet bills. So don’t wait any longer; go and get your Cane Corso home!
Happy Parenting to you, and Lots of Love to your Pup!
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