What Characteristics Does A Cane Corso Have?
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Adult weight: 85 – 100 lbs.
Adult height: 30 – 35 in.
Origin – Italy
Owning a Cane Corso can be a rewarding experience. However, before bringing one of these magnificent dogs into your home, it's essential to understand the financial commitment involved. This comprehensive guide will break down the costs associated with owning a Cane Corso in 2024, covering everything from the initial purchase price to ongoing expenses and potential health concerns.
What Is The Price Of A Cane Corso?
The cost of acquiring a Cane Corso varies depending on whether you choose to buy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue organization.
Buying from a Breeder
The price of a Cane Corso puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $900 to $2,000. Several factors can influence the price:
Lineage: Puppies with champion bloodlines or exceptional pedigrees often command higher prices.
Coat Color: Rare coat colors like blue or white can significantly increase the price, sometimes exceeding $3,500.
Breeder Reputation: Well-established breeders with a history of producing healthy and well-tempered dogs may charge more.
Location: Prices can vary depending on the breeder's location and the demand for Cane Corsos in that area.
Adopting a Cane Corso
Adopting a Cane Corso from a rescue organization is a more affordable option, typically costing around $300. This fee usually covers initial vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and sometimes microchipping. Adoption not only saves you money but also gives a deserving dog a loving home. If you do decide to adopt your Cane Corso, take a look at our dog adoption checklist as you prepare to bring home your new puppy.
What Are The Monthly Costs of Owning A Cane Corso?
Owning a Cane Corso entails ongoing expenses beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee.
Food and Diet
Cane Corsos are large dogs with hearty appetites. They require a high-quality diet to maintain their health and energy levels. Expect to spend around $80-$100 per month on dog food, depending on the brand and type of kibble.
Grooming
Regular grooming is essential to keep your Cane Corso's coat healthy and minimize shedding. While you can groom them at home with a brush, nail clippers, and dental care kit, some owners prefer professional grooming, which can cost $40-$50 per session.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care is crucial for your Cane Corso's well-being. Annual checkups, vaccinations, and preventive medications for parasites can range from $500 to $700 per year. Additionally, Cane Corsos are prone to specific health issues that may require further veterinary attention:
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: These joint conditions can cause pain, lameness, and require expensive treatment options like surgery.
Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach twists and requires emergency surgery.
Eye Issues: Cane Corsos are prone to various eye problems, including cherry eye and entropion, which may necessitate surgical intervention.
Skin Allergies: These can cause itching, redness, and infections, requiring medication and special shampoos.
What Are The One-Time Costs of Owning A Cane Corso?
Initial Costs
When you first bring your Cane Corso home, you'll need to invest in essential supplies:
Crate and Bedding: A sturdy crate and comfortable bedding are essential for housetraining and providing a safe space for your dog.
Food and Water Bowls: Choose durable, appropriately sized bowls for your Cane Corso.
Leash and Collar: Invest in a strong leash and collar suitable for a large breed.
Toys and Chews: Cane Corsos are powerful chewers and need durable dog toys to keep them entertained.
These initial supplies can cost between $500 and $550.
Vaccinations and Microchipping
Vaccinating your Cane Corso against common diseases is crucial for their health. Core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, rabies) and optional vaccines (parainfluenza, Lyme disease, leptospirosis) can cost $250-$300 in total. Microchipping, a permanent form of identification, costs $50-$70.
What Are The Lifetime Cane Corso Expenses?
Considering all expenses, including initial costs, ongoing care, and potential health issues, the lifetime cost of owning a Cane Corso can range from $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Investing in pet insurance can help mitigate unexpected veterinary expenses and ensure your Cane Corso receives the best possible care throughout their life.
Expert Insights From Spot
According to Spot's internal data, the claims most often submitted for Cane Corsos are preventative care claims for heartworm and flea medications, fecal worm screens, and heartworm tests. Spot has received over 398 claims from pet parents of Cane Corsos for heartworm and flea medications, 198 claims for fecal worm screens, and 163 claims for heartworm tests. The most expensive claims were for heartworm tests, with an average cost over $400. If you do decide to add a Cane Corso to your family, we hope this information will help give you an understanding of the kinds of veterinary services this breed may need during their life.
Is a Cane Corso a Good Family Dog?
Cane Corsos can be excellent family dogs when properly trained and socialized. They are loyal, protective, and affectionate with their families. However, due to their size and strength, they may not be suitable for households with very young children or inexperienced dog owners.
What is the Rarest Cane Corso Color?
Straw is the rarest Cane Corso color. These dogs, often called "magnificent cream" or "white Corsos," are highly sought-after for their unique coat color.
Expert Insights from Spot
When reviewing the most common claims submitted for Cane Corsos, one of our data analysts noticed an interesting trend: the average cost of a claim for a Cane Corso is 25% higher than the average claim price submitted to Spot. Here are a few of the most common conditions seen in Cane Corsos and their average costs for treatment:
Allergies - $283
Cherry eye - $987
Diarrhea or vomiting - $423
Ear infections - $372
Lameness - $730
While not all Cane Corsos will develop these conditions during their lifetimes, pet parents should be aware of these potential health issues and take their pets to the vet regularly to help ensure the long-term health of their Cane Corsos.
How Can Spot Pet Insurance Help?
Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages, from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with Spot Pet Insurance to learn more!
Key Takeaways
Owning a Cane Corso is a rewarding experience, but it's essential to be prepared for the financial commitment. By understanding the various costs involved and planning accordingly, you can ensure your Cane Corso receives the best possible care and enjoys a long, happy life with your family.
