Breeders Profit from Cane Corsos, and the Dogs Pay With Their Health

Are Cane Corsos prone to health problems? Behind the muscular build of the Cane Corso is a long list of painful health issues caused by human greed. Cane Corsos, like all dogs bought and sold, are exploited from birth to line the pockets of breeders who don’t care if the dogs endure painful conditions.

5 Health Problems a Cane Corso Is Prone to

1. Cane Corsos Are Prone to Crippling Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is common in large dogs like Cane Corsos because their bodies grow so quickly as puppies. This rapid growth can cause the hip joint to loosen, leading to hip dysplasia, arthritis, immobility, and lifelong pain.

2. They Can Go Blind From Eye Disorders

Cane Corsos are at high risk for entropion, a condition in which the eyelids roll inward, causing the lashes to scratch the eye’s surface. Left untreated, it can cause chronic pain and even blindness.

3. Bloat Can Kill a Cane Corso in Hours

Like other deep-chested dogs, Cane Corsos are at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat. Bloat is a deadly emergency in which the stomach twists on itself. Bloat is excruciating and, without immediate surgery, is often fatal.

4. Their Hearts Can Give Out

Cane Corsos are genetically predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that can cause sudden death even in young dogs.

5. Cane Corsos Struggle to Breathe

Cane Corsos are a breathing-impaired breed (BIB) and are more likely to suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome—a disorder that significantly limits a dog’s ability to breathe—than other types of dogs. Going for a walk, chasing a ball, running, and playing—the things that make dogs’ lives joyful and fulfilling—are impossible for many BIB dogs.

The AKC’s ‘Breed Standards’ Encourage the Mutilation of Cane Corsos

In addition to requiring a flattened, brachycephalic face, the American Kennel Club (AKC) “breed standard” for the Cane Corso requires docked tails and allows for cropped ears. These procedures are purely cosmetic and come with the same risks of pain, infection, and complications as any other surgery. Removing these body parts also affects a dog’s ability to communicate clearly with humans and other dogs.

So long as people are buying dogs, greedy breeders will continue to churn out Cane Corso puppies to meet demand, creating more health-issue-prone, mutilated dogs.

Should You Buy a Cane Corso, a Cane Corso Mix, or Any Other Dog?

Buying a Cane Corso or any other dog means a dog in an animal shelter loses a potential family. If you have the time, money, patience, and love to care for an animal for life (which could be for more than 15 years), please adopt one from a shelter.

Did You Buy a Cane Corso Who Suffers From These Ailments?

Many “purebred” dogs become ill, suffer from emotional or psychological disorders, or die prematurely because of traits they were bred to have to meet standards set by the AKC. If you purchased a Cane Corso or a member of another AKC-registered breed who struggles with their health or psychological well-being or who died prematurely, we want to hear from you.