The Cane Corso breed embodies natural grace and beauty, in addition, the animal is unconditionally devoted to its owner.
Information about Molossian breeds comes from ancient history, which also mentions the affection and loyalty of these dogs to people.
Italian Cane Corsos are considered the most ancient of the Molossians.
To choose a dog of this breed, you need to find out more information about the animal, its weight parameters, height and character traits.
Adult dog weight
Cane Corso is a rather large dog. Traditionally, males are slightly larger than females.
So, if we talk about the height at the withers of dogs, then their parameters will be as follows:
- height of males – 64-68 cm;
- height of females is 60-64 cm.
Accordingly, there is a difference in weight, which is approximately 5-10 kg.
A male dog has a body weight of 45-50 kg, and sometimes more. Female – 40-45 kg.
If the readings are lower, it means something is wrong with your pet; it would be a good idea to take him to the veterinarian.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“Males can reach a weight of 42 kg and above, females from 38 to 45 kg. But a dog's weight alone cannot be an indicator of health. It is worth paying attention to your pet’s coat, its activity, appetite, etc. We also need to take into account the fact that dogs can gain weight in the winter and lose it in the summer.”
Puppies 1-4 weeks old
Puppies are born weighing approximately 350 to 700 grams . (data from tables of the average animal) .
They grow quickly and already on the 15th day, that is, after two weeks, they weigh 1200-1500 grams. The weight of a monthly Cane Corso is already approaching 4-6 kg.
At 30-45 days, the puppy’s growth reaches 25 cm.
Such indicators will be important for purebred Cane Corsos that are being prepared for various exhibitions.
For example, if a show dog exceeds the standards in weight and height, then his points will be reduced.
Read about breed standards here.
It’s not difficult to develop a chart for a dog’s height and weight if you know who the puppy’s parents are..
Puppies up to two weeks old
Newborn babies are still very tiny. They are born weighing 300–700 g. In the first 2 weeks, the puppy has only physiological needs: eating, sleeping. Now he is completely dependent on his mother.
Similar article: Tips from a dog handler on raising and training a Cane Corso
On the 12th day, the baby’s eyes open, but his vision is still very poor. By the end of the second week, the puppy develops hearing - this is manifested by the fact that he already reacts to sharp sounds. The baby is already standing steadily on his paws.
Weight and height from 1 to 12 months
First
Puppies are actively exploring the world. Become more mobile .
At this age, it is already possible to determine the character of the pet; some become restless and inquisitive, while other puppies, on the contrary, are lazy.
During this period they weigh 6-8 kg . The height of a one-month-old puppy is within 25 cm.
Second
During this period, you can gradually wean the puppy away from its mother and siblings.
The baby's curiosity increases, he needs to stick his nose everywhere.
The weight of a 2-month-old Cane Corso is about 9 kg, height is 32 cm.
Third
At this age, learning ability increases.
In addition to remembering its name, the puppy can master simple commands for action.
A dog at three months already weighs a lot, it’s about 13.5 kg.
Height reaches 42 cm at the withers.
Fourth
During this period, the dog tries to dominate, begins to growl and even bite during the game.
Cane Corso already weighs from 16 to 18.5 kg, grows up to 47 cm.
Fifth-sixth
During this period, the animal is already approaching an adult dog; it is worth continuing to train the breed. The cables show signs of sexual activity. At this age, the dog reaches a weight of 22-29 kg and a height of 55-56.5 cm.
IMPORTANT!
In the first five months, the puppy rapidly gains weight and height. In 4 months, the Cane Corso's height at the withers doubles, and its weight almost triples.
Seventh
A dog at this age asserts itself and sometimes shows its character and stubbornness. Sometimes the commands that the Cane Corso previously carried out willingly, he refuses to carry out.
The weight of a 7-month-old puppy already reaches 25 kg and above, and the height remains within 57-58 cm.
Eighth
At this age, dogs become timid. The once familiar street noise can frighten them.
It is worth being patient and waiting out this period without particularly punishing the Cane Corso.
The weight is already approaching the level of an adult, and this is in the range of 33-40 kg, the dog’s height is 59-62 cm.
Raising a Cane Corso puppy
The character of the Cane Corso is calm, this breed is balanced and loyal.
She quickly gets used to her owners, is always ready to stand up for them, but at the same time she is suspicious of strangers.
For years, this dog has played the role of a protector, so it has highly developed protective instincts.
When not with “their own”, the puppy will be tense and distrustful, and from an early age, as in the case of Shorthaired Pointer puppies , it is important to suppress possible outbursts of aggression and anger towards strangers.
King Cane Corso
There are several basic rules in raising the Cane Corso breed that every owner should remember:
- More communication. Even a guard dog should not be in constant isolation, otherwise it will either be afraid of strangers and dogs, or unreasonably express its anger. The more you walk your dog in crowded places and introduce him to other pets and people, the more socially oriented the puppy will become. This in turn guarantees the development of a balanced character and calmer, but not cowardly, behavior.
Avoid unfamiliar dogs, especially if they are not raised the way you would like. Cane Corso puppies love to imitate other pets, and can quickly adopt the habits of an ill-mannered dog in the park
- Distribution of roles in the family. It is important to teach a puppy from childhood not to growl, not to bite, even playfully, household members, and not to bark at guests. These basics of education are the basis of the character of an adult dog. Both Cane Corso puppies and adult pets are very friendly towards children and tolerate their pranks, but it is important that children do not tease the puppies, especially with their hands. Biting a 5-6 month old puppy is perceived as a game, but it will be difficult to wean an older dog off.
- Unwanted acquaintances. Avoid unfamiliar dogs, especially if they are not raised the way you would like. Cane Corso puppies love to imitate other pets, and can quickly adopt the habits of an untrained dog in the park. This does not mean that you need to isolate the puppy from communication, but it will not be a bad idea to keep an eye on who she communicates with.
Cane Corso puppies should not be kept in constant isolation, otherwise they will either be afraid of strangers and dogs, or express their anger unreasonably
- Rules. It is important to teach your puppy from an early age what is and is not allowed. If you indulge him and allow him everything, by the age of 1.5-2 years he will feel like the main one in the “pack”-family, and it will be very difficult to wean him from chewing furniture, or satisfying his physical needs anywhere. It is important that the Cane Corso puppy is raised in a spacious, well-ventilated area, given enough time, especially during walks, and given adequate food. Favorable living conditions will greatly simplify the training and education of your pet.
Experts recommend running with dogs in deep snow and letting them swim in ponds in warm weather - these exercises train muscles well.
To what age do they grow?
After a dog reaches puberty, its growth and development do not stop.
Indicators may change up to 3 years.
After this period, the Cane Corso can be called an adult animal.
If you keep a dog for yourself and do not try to send it to various exhibitions, then if you have a good appetite and healthy appearance, it is not necessary to constantly weigh your pet.
Vaccinations for puppies
The first vaccination is given to the puppy at the age of 5-6 months; the pet must be given anthelmintic drugs a week before.
2-3 weeks after this, revaccination is carried out, and after the same interval - the third vaccination.
Each vaccination requires deworming.
After this course of three vaccinations, the dog needs to be vaccinated once a year, 11 months after the previous one.
Long walks are contraindicated for Cane Corso puppies up to 4 months of age, as they get tired very quickly and have difficulty regulating their own body temperature. You can increase physical activity from 5-6 months
At an early age, the puppy’s immunity has not yet strengthened, so you can take him outside only two weeks after the second vaccination.
Important! You should not vaccinate a pregnant or nursing dog, or a sick pet.
What influences development?
The effect on a puppy's height and weight will depend on different factors at each stage of the dog's life..
So, after birth, the baby feeds on mother’s milk, right now his body must receive all the nutritional vitamins and microelements that will become the basis for the dog’s further development. They will affect the height and weight of the newborn.
Accordingly, the mother will need adequate feeding. Subsequently, the puppy switches to adult food, which will play a fundamental role in the proper development of the dog, both physically and mentally.
This breed has weak joints and ligaments, so during the period of active growth, which is 9–12 months, it is worth making sure that the puppy does not overeat and does not gain more weight than normal.
NOTE!
If the Cane Corso is in good condition, when palpating the body, it is necessary to feel the ribs. But at the same time they should not stick out.
If you use ready-made dry dog food, it will be easier for you to control your pet’s weight gain and growth. If you have any doubts about feeding your dog, you should consult your veterinarian.
In between meals, it is not forbidden to give your pet a little treat, for example, low-fat cheese.
Bowls are placed on a hill at the height of the dog’s elbow. As it grows, the height of the hill also changes.
After a meal, you should not disturb the dog; he should lie down to digest the food he has eaten . If you actively walk your puppy after eating, a stomach volvulus may occur.
Not only proper feeding of a Cane Corso up to 1.5 years old can affect the dog’s weight and height. Physical activity is also important.
The frequency of walks should be as follows:
- for small puppies, walks should be frequent but short so that the baby does not get tired quickly;
- Gradually, the frequency of walking is reduced and the time increases.
- from 6 months, the Cane Corso puppy walks for 20-30 minutes;
- Long walks are taken before meals.
It is necessary to avoid injuries, dose the gaming load, and use vitamin and mineral supplements. All this affects the height and weight of the Cane Corso.
In order to promptly identify problems in the dog’s body, you need to thoroughly examine your pet every day for rashes, allergies or fever..
Height and weight standard
Height and weight are the most important indicators of how well a dog is developing. They are different for males and females. Below is a weight and height table showing the standards for Cane Corso puppies:
We recommend the article: How to choose and name a Cane Corso puppy
| Age, month | Height, cm | Weight, kg | ||
| For a male | For the bitch | For a male | For the bitch | |
| 2 | 44 | 32 | 9 | 8,8 |
| 3 | 49 | 42 | 13,5 | 12,5 |
| 4 | 56 | 47 | 16,5 | 18 |
| 5 | 62 | 55 | 24,5 | 22,5 |
| 6 | 64 | 57 | 31,5 | 28 |
| 7 | 65 | 58 | 37,5 | 33,5 |
| 8 | 65,5 | 59 | 40 | 36 |
| 9 | 66 | 59,5 | 42 | 38 |
| 10 | 66 | 60 | 44 | 40 |
| 11 | 67 | 61 | 45,5 | 41,5 |
| 12 | 67 | 63 | 47,5 | 43 |
| 24 | 68 | 64 | 50 | 45 |
It is worth noting that all values are conditional. A deviation of 2–3 cm in height is allowed. The permissible difference in Cane Corso weight by month depends on the age of the puppy and is individual. If the dog does not look thin or well-fed, then there is no need to measure its weight, everything is fine with it.
What to do if your weight is below normal
An underweight dog indicates health problems. The first thing the owner must do is get his pet’s blood and urine tested.
CAREFULLY!
The most common cause of Cane Corso underweight can be worms.
Perhaps deworming was carried out incorrectly, the wrong drug was selected or the timing of the drug was administered.
If helminthic infestation was not detected, then the cause should be sought in a chronic or inflammatory process in the body.
For a dog of this breed, the problem may be related to the liver or intestinal tract . A veterinarian will help solve all these problems.
Another reason for a puppy’s weight loss is improperly selected food. Everything is not as harmless as it seems.
These circumstances may not have the best effect on the animal’s liver, since such foods contain a lot of protein, which negatively affects the puppy’s growing body..
The young liver is not able to process large amounts of protein, resulting in hepatitis and hepatosis.
Some unscrupulous manufacturers produce low-quality food or put synthetic additives in it that cause addiction in the animal.
As a result, food allergies and liver damage develop.
In this case, you should urgently change the dog’s diet and show your pet to a veterinarian to diagnose the dog’s liver and other internal organs..
Obesity in an animal
Obesity is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat as a result of metabolic disorders in the dog's body.
The reasons for this condition are as follows:
- Overfeeding.
- Dietary disorder.
- Insufficient physical activity.
- Hormonal disorders.
Pet treatment
If obesity has developed due to a hormonal imbalance, then it is almost impossible to cure Cane Corso disease.
If the dog is obese as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, a special diet low in carbohydrates and fats is developed.
It is recommended to gradually increase physical activity, lengthen walks, and play outdoor games with the animal..
A sudden transition to physical activity can undermine the Cane Corso's cardiac activity. In extreme cases, medications are prescribed to reduce appetite.
To prevent Cane Corso obesity, you need to monitor the dog’s diet and walk it more often..
Physical exercise
Long walks are contraindicated for Cane Corso puppies up to 4 months of age, as they get tired very quickly and have difficulty regulating their own body temperature.
In frosty or rainy weather, you need to constantly monitor the baby’s coat and condition while walking, and at the first signs that the pet is cold, you need to take him home.
Hypothermia threatens colds, rheumatism and other diseases.
From 5-6 months you need to gradually increase physical activity for the puppy.
You need to walk the dog for at least an hour a day, during which time it should trot, jump, and walk in a zigzag area (this exercise is very useful for paws and ligaments).
It is important to offer the puppy different exercises, for example, lifting toys above his head and spinning them so that the dog watches, turning his head, or turning his whole body around.
This warm-up is useful for the paws, withers, and back. Experts also recommend running with dogs in deep snow and letting them swim in ponds in warm weather.
To make friends with a Cane Corso puppy, you need to be both a mentor and a friend for him.
