How Much Does a Cane Corso Cost?

Cane Corso (pronounced Kah-Nay Kor-So) is one of the descendants of the ancient Molosser breed. Corsi (the plural of Corso) have retained many physical characteristics of the Molosser breed. They are strong muscular dogs that fall in the large-breed dog category. At some point around the Second World War, the breed almost reached a point of extinction. Thankfully, it was brought back from the brink, thanks to the efforts of Italian Corsi fanciers.

The large muscular dog makes an excellent guarding companion for farm owners and ranchers. This has increased their popularity as more and more people are looking for giant dog breeds for personal protection. A fully-grown Cane Corso measures almost 28-inches at the withers and weighs up to 100 lb. Their large muscular bodies and faces can be quite intimidating and easily ward off intruders! 

Are you looking to add a Corso to your household? Then do your research well. This breed is banned or has restrictions in several cities and from several states in the USA. This is very unfortunate and not the dog breed’s fault. It is mainly due to people taking in these large dogs without knowing what it entails.

In reality; the Cane Corso can be a fantastic addition to any household as long as they get firm training and regular, early socialization. Just like all guard-dog breeds, you need to keep a check on your Corso’s overly protective nature.

In this guide, we will cover Cane Corso’s price. Starting with the puppy price, we will move on to Corso’s food, training, and medical costs. This will help you plan financially for your buddy!

Here is a summary:

Let us take an in-depth look at these costs:

How Much Does a Cane Corso Puppy Cost?

It is a good idea to research your Cane puppy’s price beforehand. This way you know exactly how much to set aside.

Most reputed Corso breeders charge between $1000 and $3000 for their pups. To find good breeders near you, check out the website of the Cane Corso Association. Some breeders who have puppies from champion stud dogs even charge as much as $8500 for their puppies.

You might find Cane Corso puppies in pet stores too. However, these are often a result of puppy mills, so please avoid shopping from stores. Their prices are often lower: many stores charge just $300-$500 for Corso puppies. Be wary of any seller that is charging so low for this dog breed or offers a ‘buy it now’ online option.

Here are some factors that affect a Cane Corso puppy price:

Colors

Canes are available in black, brindle, fawn, grey, and red coats. Black is the most popular color although brindle chestnut isn’t too far behind. These colors often cost more.

Breeders

The price also varies from breeder to breeder. Some charge as high as $8000 for their pups if they are from show-winning dogs. Reputed breeders have strict rules when it comes to breeding programs. They make their dogs undergo health checks and genetic testing to ensure a healthy litter. This can raise the price of your potential pet.

Shipping

Most top breeders ask potential buyers to make the transportation arrangements for their puppy. If your breeder is located in another state, then expect to pay several hundred dollars on airfare and other transportation costs.

Adopting a Corso

The price of adoption of a Cane Corso will be a lot less than buying one from a breeder. Most shelters charge a small adoption fee of $300-$400. However, finding a purebred Corso will be difficult and there may be a long wait time. Also, shelter dogs often have health issues or behavioral problems. So, although you might save money on the purchase, you might end up paying vet bills or on training costs.

Here is a table showing the price brack for Cane Corso pups:

Basic Supplies for Cane Corso

Once you start planning for your puppy’s arrival, it is a good time to also stock up on some supplies. These will go a long way in making your pet feel more comfortable.

Food and water bowls

Your large puppy will eat 3-4 times a day. For feeding times, you must invest in sturdy, tip-proof, and spill-resistant bowls. Buy bowls made of ceramic, food-grade plastic or stainless steel. Also, place fresh drinking water for your puppy to drink throughout the day. Place some rubber or silicone mats under the bowls to keep the mess minimum. The cost of these basic supplies is around $25 to $40.

Toys

Cane Corsos need very sturdy toys. You can buy toys for aggressive chewers as they will be a lot safer and can reduce the risk of choking on torn bits. Invest in Nylabone, Kong, and sturdy rope toys. Also, buy some dental chews to soothe your Cane’s sensitive gums during teething. Avoid rawhide stuff. The cost of toys and dental chews for large breed dogs is around $20-$50.

Training supplies

During the potty-training phase, you will need a crate, potty pads, clicker (for clicker training), some cleaning supplies, lead and collar, and also pee-deterrent sprays. These will help you house-break your puppy and also teach it basic commands. These will cost another $150-$200 (including the crate and crate pad).

Bed

Your Corso will need a sturdy, chew-proof bed. You can buy one made of ballistic nylon. The price is around $50 to $75.

Grooming tools

Canes do not need much grooming but they need regular baths. You must also clean out their wrinkles and skin folds to prevent fungal skin infections. The cost of basic dog grooming supplies like shampoos, nail clippers, etc. will be between $50 and $80.

The following table shows these costs:

Cane Corso Training Cost

Training is one of the most important investments you will make on your Corso. As mentioned earlier, Corsi need firm handling and training from the very start. Without that, they can get aggressive and could even develop behavioral issues.

Dog training is of different types and they all have varying costs. Here are some options before you:

Online training

This type of dog training is done over Skype, Facetime, etc. It has gained a lot of popularity due to the pandemic. The trainer will observe your dog over video call and then conduct the training by guiding you. It can cost upward of $50 per session depending on things covered.

Board-and-train

Corsi puppies can benefit from board-and-train type of dog training. Your puppy will stay with the trainer and learn basic commands like Come, Heel, etc. along with specialized training, potty training, etc. This type of training can cost upward of $500 per week.

Group classes

We do not recommend this type of training for Corsis as it can be too distracting. Corso pups need firm, private training that group classes may not be able to provide. However, if you simply want your puppy to socialize with other dogs and learn basic manners, then group training could be beneficial. Group class dog training costs around $10 to $40 per class although some may charge on a weekly/per-package basis.

Private/in-person training

In this type, you take your pet to the trainer or s/he comes to your place to train your dog by teaching you the tips and tricks. You can work on specific needs such as aggression training, overcoming fear/anxiety, etc. This training can cost anywhere between $50 and $200 per session. Specialized training for behavioral issues can cost even more.

Here is a summary of dog training costs in the USA:

Cane Corso Food Costs

Canes need a lot of food and most Cane owners will spend almost $100 to $200 per month on food and treats alone.

Once your Corso puppy comes home, it is important to feed it the same food that the breeder was feeding it. This is very important to prevent stomach issues, digestive upsets, and any additional stress on your young pet.

Later, as your Corso settles a bit, you can take it to the vet for reviewing its weight, height, etc. During this visit, your vet might suggest a different type of food and also advise you as to how many times to feed. If you plan to make any dietary changes, please make them gradually.

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind regarding your Corso’s feeding:

• Between 1 and 3 months, your Corso puppy will eat nearly 1 and 2 3/4th cups of food. Divide this into 3-4 meals.
• As your pet transitions into adulthood, you can reduce its food intake to twice daily. 
• Adult Corsis eat about 5 cups of food per day.
• Senior Corsis over 7 years of age will need different food based on their overall health.

As mentioned before, review your Corso’s height and weight from time to time. Your vet can then suggest dietary changes based on age, overall health, and activity levels.

You can choose from dry dog food (kibble) or wet or canned food and even raw food. The choice entirely depends on your budget and your pet’s preferences.

Cane Corso Dog Food Comparison

You have several choices of what to feed your Corso: homemade diet, raw diet, kibble, or wet or canned food.

A raw diet is affordable and known to enhance bone health, immunity, and dental health. However, with raw feeding, you also put your dog at risk of salmonella and other toxins and bacteria. So, always discuss with your vet if a raw or BARF diet is safe for your Corso.

Home-cooked diets are also great but make sure they are balanced. Always consult your vet before feeding homecooked meals to your Corso. Your Corso needs proteins, healthy carbs, and good fats along with vitamins and minerals. So ensure that your homecooked meals will provide all of those micros and macros. You may also want to supplement your dog’s homemade diet with some vet-approved supplements. 

Wet or canned dog food contains more moisture and has a richer flavor and texture. Many dogs prefer this to kibble. However, kibble is more affordable and also lasts longer, so most Corso owners prefer buying large bags of kibble.

Whichever commercial dog food you choose, make sure you read the food label. Look for foods that are natural and contain human-grade or premium natural ingredients. Organic dog foods are also great for dogs although they can be expensive. Make sure the food you select contains meat instead of grains as the first ingredient.

Here are some great choices for your Corso as far as commercial dog food goes:

Cane Corso Medical Costs

Your puppy will need vaccination and worming from around 6 weeks of age. Since most breeders only let their pups go to their potential homes after 8 weeks, the initial vaccinations should be covered by the breeder.

Once your pup is home, you need to schedule a vet visit for the vaccinations and worming. 

Vaccination schedules are universal for all breeds including the Cane Corso. So you can simply follow the same and ensure your buddy is up to date with all the immunization shots.

The following table shows you the name of the vaccine, the age to administer it, as well as the approximate cost. 

Most veterinary practices charge between $30 and $120 for vaccines, worming, and flea prevention.

You can also discuss de-sexing your Corso with your vet and schedule the surgery preferably before your puppy becomes an adult. Desexing surgery can cost between $100 and $400 (spaying is usually more expensive than neutering).

Other medical costs that could arise are as follows:

Common Diseases in Cane Corso dogs

Purebred Corsi dogs from good breeders are generally hardy and healthy. However, some issues may develop as your pet steps into its golden years:

Kidney disease

Kidney disease is common in senior Corsi. If you see your pet drinking more than usual or having many accidents at home, then have it checked by your vet. The long-term management cost of kidney disease in dogs can run into $100-$500 per month.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic issue in Corsi. It can be avoided by not breeding affected dogs. Good breeders run tests and health checks to ensure that the resulting litter will be free from this disease. The surgical cost of treating hip dysplasia is almost $2000 per hip.

Bloat/GDV

Like all large-chested dog breeds, Corsi dogs are at risk of developing gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or bloat. It is a life-threatening condition and the cost of emergency surgery can cost nearly $1000.

Pet Insurance – Does your Cane Corso Need It?

Pet insurance can come in handy as it can help cover many hospital and routine check costs. For most pet owners, the average monthly cost of pet insurance comes to $50 a month. However, you can also find companies that provide basic coverage for as low as $10 a month. Premium plans can charge almost $100 a month.

Being a larger dog breed, the cost of insuring your Cane Corso will be higher than that for a smaller dog breed. This is because of shorter lifespans and also the fact that many larger breeds have more health issues.

Today, there are many top-rated pet insurance companies available for Corso owners to choose from. The following table shows these approximate costs of some of the top-rated companies:

Other Costs Linked with Cane Corso Ownership

Vet and food bills are certainly the largest costs to think of. However, in addition to these you might also spend on the following:

Microchipping

In microchipping, which is a small in-office procedure at a vet’s clinic, the vet inserts a tiny chip inside your dog’s body just under its skin. It is a painless procedure and costs about $50 in most cities. It can greatly enhance your Corso’s safety.

Travel

Also, consider the cost of boarding your Cane Corso when you are away. If you travel often and do not take your pet with you, then boarding costs can add up quickly. Check out the rates of different boarding facilities in your area. Most charge between $50 and $80 per night depending on your area.

Dog walking

Many Cane Corso parents hire dog walkers to walk their muscular dogs. This is a great idea since this breed needs plenty of exercise and activity. Depending on how often you enlist these services, expect to spend at least $100-$300 per month. This is because most pet-walkers charge between $10 and $30 for a walk of around 30-minutes.

Costs associated with home damage

If you live in a rented home, then prepare to pay a deposit for potential damage that is linked with dog ownership. Many landlords take a non-refundable pet fee of around $200 as well. You might also need homeowner insurance to protect you from home damage and also cover medical costs should your pet bite another dog or human.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Cane Corso Cost?

Many dog owners underestimate how expensive owning a Corso can be. They think that the purchase price is the only cost they need to worry about. That isn’t true at all. Your Corso is dependent on you for everything, so you must be prepared for all kinds of expenses

Initial costs and first-year cost

Cane Corsi are large dogs and they are also quite popular. This popularity has increased their purchase price. So you can expect to pay anywhere between $1000 and $3000 for a pup and some owners even charge up to $8500 for puppies from winning dogs. 

Most pups will come with an initial round of immunization shots but you will need to take your pet to the vet to cover other vaccines and booster shots. This combined with spaying/neutering surgery can cost between $75 and $400 depending on where you live. 

You also need some basic supplies like food, treats, dental chews, crate and bed, collar, etc. Expect to pay anywhere between $2000 and $5000 in the first year when you calculate these costs. We are expecting you will buy premium dog food which itself can cost around $200 per month. This may seem like a huge expense but can help you prevent diseases in your pet.

Annual cost

Most Corso owners report spending around $1400 to $3000 per annum on food, medical care, pet insurance, flea and tick prevention, etc. Vet bills can be a major expense as most vets charge $50 and up for routine tests. 

Pet insurance can help offset some of the medical costs so you can cover your pet’s routine/emergency medical expenses. However, many pet insurance companies charge $40 per month to cover your pet. 

Grooming is another expense although this hardy dog breed does not need much of it. A simple bath at a professional groomer can cost $40 but advanced grooming can go up to $75.

The lifetime cost of Corso ownership

On average, Cane Corsi live for 10-12 years. Expect to spend almost $14000 to $20000 over this period. This can increase further if your beloved pet develops a medical issue. However, you can also reduce these costs by changing your style of dog parenting a bit and without compromising your pet’s health and well-being. 

It is wise to consider all these costs of owning and raising your Corso before bringing one home. If you can financially afford these expenses, you will be guaranteed energetic loyalty and affection for up to a decade.