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How Strong Is a Cane Corso’s Bite Force? Facts, Safety Concerns & FAQ

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By Nicole Cosgrove

brindle cane corso

The Cane Corso is a large and powerful breed of dog, originally bred in Southern Italy for guarding livestock and property. It is known for its muscular build, strong jaws, and intimidating presence. They also have one of the strongest bite forces of any dog breed. But just how strong is a Cane Corso’s bite force?

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Bite Force Tests

In order to measure the strength of a Cane Corso’s bite, several tests have been conducted. Scientists have used K9 Bite Bars and Digital Bite Meters to measure the bite force of different breeds. These devices measure the force applied by the dogs’ bites.

Results

The results showed that the Cane Corso had the second highest bite force of all the breeds tested, with around 700 PSI (pounds per square inch). This was only surpassed by the Kangal, which has a bite force of around 740 PSI. In comparison, humans typically have a bite force of just 120-160 PSI.

For practical comparison, the bite force of a Cane Corso is enough to easily penetrate leather or fabric and can cause serious injury if used improperly. It is also powerful enough to break bones, such as when it was used by police officers in the capture of a dangerous criminal in New York City in 2017. That’s a powerful chomp!

To compare this with other animals in the animal kingdom, the bite force of a Cane Corso is more powerful than that of both lions and tigers, which have been measured at around 300 PSI. That makes the Cane Corso one tough canine! Their bite force is comparable to the wolverines that have a bite force that can reach up to 600-700 PSI. Bears, however, still reign supreme with a bite force of around 1,000 PSI.

male cane corso standing
Image by: Sbolotova, Shutterstock

The Bite Force of Other Breeds

How does the Cane Corso’s bite force compare to other dogs? Some small dogs can be just as powerful as their larger counterpart, especially due to their small size. For example, Chihuahuas were found to have an average bite force of between 100 and 180 PSI, while Pit Bulls showed an impressive 235 PSI. Here are the bite forces of some common dog breeds and how they compare to a Cane Corso and a human:

Cane Corso 700 PSI
Doberman Pinscher 600 PSI
Bullmastiff 550 PSI
Rottweiler 328 PSI
American Staffordshire Terrier 328 PSI
American Bulldog 305 PSI
German Shepherd 238 PSI
Pit Bull 235 PSI
Boxer 230 PSI
Chihuahua 100-180 PSI
Human 120-160 PSI

Safety Concerns

While the Cane Corso is an incredibly strong breed, it should never be used as a guard dog or attack animal. It is important to remember that these dogs are inherently friendly and loving creatures, but their strength and size can make them dangerous if not properly trained or handled by experienced owners. Responsible owners should always take the necessary steps to ensure that their Cane Corso is well-trained, socialized, and supervised when interacting with other people or animals.

About the Cane Corso

Almost sold? Let’s learn more about this impressive breed.

  • Size: The Cane Corso is a large breed, typically weighing 80-120 pounds and standing 25-27 inches tall.
  • Temperament: This powerful breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. While it can be aloof with strangers, the Cane Corso bonds closely with its family and loves to play games.
  • Health: The Cane Corso is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other joint issues. It’s important to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
  • Exercise Needs: The Cane Corso is a highly active breed and needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy. It’s recommended that they get at least an hour of physical activity per day.
  • Intelligence: The Cane Corso is an intelligent breed and can be easily trained. They are eager to please their owners and bond closely with them.
  • Grooming Needs: The Cane Corso has a short, thick coat that requires minimal grooming. They should be brushed once or twice a week to remove any dead hair and bathed as needed.
  • Good With Children and Pets: The Cane Corso is known for its gentle and protective nature, making it a great family pet. They can get along well with children but should always be supervised when interacting with them as they may become too excited or boisterous due to their size and strength. They can also get along with other pets if properly socialized from an early age.
  • Special Characteristics: The Cane Corso is a courageous and protective breed that makes an excellent guard dog. They are also known for their impressive bite force, which is one of the strongest among domestic dogs.

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Famous Cane Corsos from History, Movies, and TV

There are several famous Cane Corso dogs throughout history and pop culture. Notable examples are Tito from the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer

  • Dozer from the TV show What’s Happening
  • Raffa, from the film The Call of the Wild
  • Hooch, from the 1989 film Turner & Hooch
  • Loretta, from the Netflix series Ozark
  • Buddy Cianci, former mayor of Providence Rhode Island and beloved Cane Corso owner
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Cane Corso FAQs

Where does the Cane Corso originate?

The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian breed, believed to have originated from the Roman Molossus. It was used as a guard dog and hunting companion for centuries before becoming popular in North America in the late 1990s.

cute cane corso puppy lying outdoor
Image Credit: Sbolotova, Shutterstock

How much exercise does the Cane Corso need?

The Cane Corso needs at least an hour of exercise per day to stay healthy. This can include walks, runs, hikes, or playing fetch in the yard.


How much does a Cane Corso eat?

The Cane Corso will typically eat around 4-5 cups of high-quality kibble per day, split into two meals. The amount may vary depending on the individual dog’s size and activity level.


How much does a Cane Corso cost?

The cost of a Cane Corso varies depending on the breeder and location but typically falls between $1,000 and $2,500.


What is the average life expectancy of a Cane Corso?

The average life expectancy of a Cane Corso is 10-12 years.


Does the Cane Corso shed?

Yes, the Cane Corso does shed and will require regular brushing to keep their coat looking its best.


Is the breed hypoallergenic?

No, the Cane Corso is not hypoallergenic. They may produce more dander than some other breeds and may not be ideal for those with allergies.

cane corso sitting on grass
Image Credit: Hoika Mikhail, Shutterstock

Is the Cane Corsos dangerous?

No, Cane Corsos are not typically dangerous. With proper socialization and training, they can be well-behaved and loyal family pets.


Is the Cane Corso good with other dogs?

Yes, when properly socialized they can get along with other dogs. It’s important to introduce them slowly and in a controlled setting to ensure that they get along.


Is the Cane Corsos good with cats?

Yes, with proper socialization and training, the Cane Corso can learn to live peacefully with cats.


Can Cane Corsos be left alone for long periods of time?

No, Cane Corsos are not recommended to be left alone for long periods of time. They are social animals and need lots of attention and love from their family.

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Conclusion

Thanks to its alertness, courage and loyalty, the Cane Corso makes a great addition to any family. With proper training, socialization and exercise, this breed can certainly make a wonderful addition to your home! Some people may be hesitant about owning a Cane Corso, but with the right guidance and care, they can become loyal and devoted members of the family. They may require a bit more exercise than other breeds, but their intelligence and loyalty make them worth their extra effort. So, if you are thinking about getting a Cane Corso, they make great dogs. But be aware that they do have one powerful bite!

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Featured Image Credit: Stivog, Shutterstock

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