How Long Do Cane Corsos Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
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The Cane Corso is a majestic animal with ancestors that date back to the time of the Romans, but many people worry that their large size can shorten their lifespan and wonder how long these dogs live. The average lifespan of a Cane Corso is about 10 years, but keep reading as we look at several factors that can lengthen or shorten it. We discuss nutrition, exercise, the environment, and more to help you be better informed.
What’s the Average Lifespan of a Cane Corso?
The average lifespan of a Cane Corso is 8–10 years, but that can vary significantly based on several factors. One is that each pet is an individual, and like humans, some will live much longer or die sooner than expected for what seems to be no other reason than luck.
Why Do Some Cane Corsos Live Longer Than Others?
1. Nutrition
Heavy dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than lightweight dogs, and the Cane Corso is quite heavy, with an average weight of more than 100 pounds. Therefore, it can be a good idea to pay special attention to their diet and exercise. Your Cane Corso should eat dog food that contains a high-quality protein, like chicken, turkey, or salmon, as the first ingredient. Brands with real fruits and vegetables, omega fats, and probiotics are also good choices. Choose the appropriate type if your dog is a puppy, adult, or senior, and follow the portioning instructions carefully to ensure that you don’t overfeed your pet. When giving treats to your dog, be sure the calories are less than 10% of your pet’s total daily calories.
2. Environment and Conditions
The environment in which your pet lives can impact their lifespan. The pollution of a city can result in more health problems than the fresh, clean air of the country. A happy household is also important, as is the amount of exercise that your dog gets. The American Kennel Club¹ recommends giving your Cane Corso plenty of exercise to help keep their weight down and avoid health problems. Your pet should take a brisk walk or jog for at least 1 mile every morning and every evening to stay healthy. The Cane Corso is a working dog that requires physical stimulation or can gain weight and even start misbehaving.
3. Enclosure Size/Living Quarters/Housing
If your Cane Corso spends most of their time outdoors, ensure that they can get out of the hot sunlight or rain and snow. The chill of rain and snow can lead to your dog contracting a cold, compromising their health and shortening their lifespan if it happens too often. Too much sunlight can overheat the dog, leading to serious health problems, and the ultraviolet rays can burn their nose and ears, leading to sun poisoning. Providing your pet with an indoor crate can also help them feel more comfortable and give them a sense of belonging.
4. Size
Large dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than small dogs, and the Cane Corso is a big breed, often standing 28 inches tall at the shoulders. They can even be taller than most people if on their hind legs. If your pet is much larger than average, they can be more at risk of a shorter lifespan.
5. Sex
Male and female Cani Corsi have the same life expectancy. However, the male is larger and heavier, so they are more susceptible to size-related health problems that might shorten their lifespan. Leaving your female Cane Corso unspayed can also lead to health problems later in life, including cancer.
6. Genes
Your pet’s parents significantly impact the health of your pet. Many health problems are genetic and might be transmitted to your pet, shortening their lifespan. Fortunately, ethical breeders use selective breeding techniques to help reduce the likelihood of your pet experiencing problems.
7. Breeding History
Many health problems result from genetics, so learning about your pet’s ancestry can give you important clues about what can happen in their life. You can be more watchful of any symptoms accompanying those diseases so you can act faster if you spot them. It can also be helpful to research any breeder whom you’re considering purchasing your dog from to ensure that they take steps to breed healthy dogs and avoid using dogs with health problems to create offspring.
8. Healthcare
Whether your pet sees the vet regularly can have a huge impact on the lifespan of your dog. Regular checkups can help doctors detect problems early so there is a better chance that these can be fixed.
The 4 Life Stages of a Cane Corso
1. Embryonic Stage
The female Cane Corso will be pregnant for about 9 weeks before giving birth to a new puppy. After about week six, you will want to modify her diet to provide more nutrients, and you can tell when she is ready to give birth¹ because her rectal temperature will fall below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Puppy
The female Cane Corso reaches maturity faster than the male and will remain a puppy for about 2 years, while the male can take up to 3. During this stage, it’s important to socialize your new dog with family members and other pets so they can form a strong bond and be more friendly in general. It’s also essential to set up feeding, training, and grooming routines during this stage.
3. Adult
Adult Cane Corsos are large dogs that need quite a bit of exercise, and an owner should expect to walk them at least 2 miles per day to keep them healthy and happy. This breed likes to have a job to do and requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
4. Senior
Unfortunately, your Cane Corso will likely start to face health problems when they become a senior, like hip dysplasia¹ and idiopathic epilepsy, which are common in this breed. You will also want to consult with your vet and revise your dog’s diet and exercise routines to help keep them healthy.
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How to Tell Your Cane Corso’s Age
You can get an idea about how old a Cane Corso is by looking at their size. If they are 30–40 pounds, they’re likely still a baby, no more than 3 months old. If they’re 50–70 pounds, they’re likely to be around 6 months old, while an 80–100-pound dog is likely to be about 1 year old. Once the dog reaches 2 years old, they will likely be 90–120 pounds, which is as large as they are likely to get.
Conclusion
The Cane Corso has an average lifespan of 10–12 years, but that can vary widely from dog to dog. Making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight can help extend their life. The Cane Corso is a working dog that requires frequent long walks and enjoys running and swimming. Eating right is crucial for maintaining the proper weight, and taking your pet to the vet often can help alert you to any problems sooner, making treating them easier.
See also:
- How Long Do Poodles Live? Average Lifespan Data & Care Guide
- Will High Protein Dog Food Cause Diarrhea? Vet-Approved Precautions & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: EKATERINA SOLODILOVA, Shutterstock
