Cane Corso

The Cane Corso does well on a high-quality, age-appropriate dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision. Some Corsi are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake and adjust portions if needed. Treats help with training, but too many can lead to obesity, and clean, fresh water should always be available.

How much to feed depends on the food's caloric density and your dog's energy needs, so ask your veterinarian for portion guidance. As a general rule:

• Puppies: three to four meals a day on a regular schedule
• Adults: at least two meals a day

Because the breed is susceptible to bloat and GDV, take a few precautions at feeding time. Feed smaller meals through the day rather than one large meal, skip elevated food bowls, and keep your dog from exercising just before or after eating.

Dogs on a complete, approved diet do not need extra vitamin or mineral supplements. Check with your vet about any weight, diet, or supplement questions, and about which human foods are safe for dogs.

The Cane Corso has a short coat with an undercoat that varies in length with the dog's climate and sheds throughout the year, most heavily during the spring shedding season. Overall, the breed is low-maintenance.

Corsi need only a few baths a year, usually during the spring's high-shedding stretch or when they get dirty. Bathing too often strips the coat of the oils that protect the skin. Brush weekly, and daily during shedding season, with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove. This removes dead hair before it reaches the furniture, clears dirt, and keeps the coat in good shape.

Trim the nails regularly. Overly long nails can be painful and make walking and running harder, so if you hear them clacking on the floor, it is time to trim. Check the ears weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can signal an infection. Avoid over-cleaning healthy ears, since excess moisture from frequent bathing, swimming, or cleaning liquid can encourage bacterial growth.

Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge, and a mild eye-cleaning wipe can help prevent tear staining. Like all dogs, the Cane Corso benefits from toothbrushing two to three times a week to reduce plaque and tartar, and many enjoy dental chews.

Cane Corsos need serious daily exercise. A brisk walk, or better yet a run, of at least a mile in the morning and again in the evening helps sustain their health and muscle tone. They make great companions on long walks, hikes, and bicycle rides, and despite their size, Corsi are known for speed and agility.

This breed was bred to work and is happiest with a job to do. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, a bored Corso can turn to digging, pawing, jumping, and other destructive habits. Many do well in agility, obedience, dock diving, protection sport, and tracking, all of which provide the mental work they need. The breed is not especially toy-oriented, and most have little interest in retrieving.

These are large dogs, so a roomy home with a big yard suits them best, along with a tall, sturdy fence rather than an invisible one. A Cane Corso is not a good fit for apartment living. They also like family close by, ideally in the same room, so consider placing dog beds where you spend the most time.

Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for every dog, but for a breed as big and strong as the Cane Corso they are a must. Many Corsi can be dominant and protective, and good socialization helps them grow into well-mannered adults that accept new people, animals, and situations. Training can start as soon as your puppy comes home.

Corsi are intelligent and eager to please, so they are generally easy to train. Corsi respond better to positive reinforcement than to harsh corrections or a raised voice. Because they can be a little stubborn and inclined to take charge, the breed suits confident, experienced owners. They tend to be reserved, attentive, and fairly quiet.

The breed is typically loyal to family and gentle with children, and usually does well with kids under careful supervision, which makes it a fit for families with older children given its size. Some Corsi do not get along with other dogs and may respond defensively when provoked. Supervise interactions with children and other pets, and teach children how to interact with dogs properly.