Cane Corso Characteristics
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 2025, covering everything from the initial purchase price to ongoing expenses and potential health concerns.
How Much is 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: $1,00 - $4,500
The price of a Cane Corso puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $1,000 to $4,5002. 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.
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. Here are regional estimates for what you may expect to pay for a Cane Corso in the Western, Midwestern, Southern, and Northeastern United States2:
Western US: $1,500 to $4,500
Midwestern US: $1,000 to $3,000
Southern US: $1,200 and $3,500
Northeastern US: $1,500 to $4,000
Adopting a Cane Corso: $100 - $600
Adopting a Cane Corso from a rescue organization is a more affordable option, typically costing around $100 - $6001. 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: $40 - $100
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 $40-$1004 per month on dog food, depending on the brand and type of kibble.
Grooming: up to $50
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 dog parents prefer professional grooming, which can cost up to $504 per session.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care is crucial for your Cane Corso's well-being. Annual checkups, vaccinations, and preventive medications can help your pet stay healthy as they age. Additionally, Cane Corsos are prone to specific health issues that may require further veterinary attention:
Hip Dysplasia: These joint conditions can cause pain, lameness, and require expensive treatment options like surgery. Treatment typically costs $1,700 - $4,5006.
Eye Issues: Cane Corsos are prone to various eye problems, including cherry eye and entropion, which may necessitate surgical intervention. Treatment for cherry eye can cost between $300 - $1,9006.
Skin Allergies: These can cause itching, redness, and infections, requiring medication and special shampoos. Demodectic mange can be treated with medication and immunotherapy, costing between $300 and $11006.
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 $100 and $1,0006.
Vaccinations and Microchipping Costs for Cane Corsos
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 $100 - $2504 each. Microchipping, a permanent form of identification, costs $60-$805.
What is The Lifetime Cost of Caring for a Cane Corso?
Considering all expenses, including initial costs, ongoing care, and potential health issues, the lifetime cost of owning a Cane Corso can range from $10,000 to $20,0003. Pet insurance can help cover unexpected veterinary expenses and ensure your Cane Corso receives the best possible care throughout their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Cane Corso stronger than a pitbull? While both are powerful and muscular dogs, a Cane Corso is a Mastiff-type breed, originating from Italy and historically used for guarding and hunting. "Pitbull" is a general term often used to refer to several breeds, primarily the American Pit Bull Terrier. Cane Corsos are generally larger and have a significantly stronger bite force.
Are Cane Corsos good pets? Cane Corsos can be excellent pets for experienced dog owners—they are loyal, protective, and intelligent, but require consistent training, socialization, and strong leadership. Their size and guarding instincts make them best suited for homes with space and structure.
What is the typical price range for a Cane Corso from a reputable breeder? The typical price range for a Cane Corso from a reputable breeder is $1,000 to $4,5002, depending on location, bloodline, and the breeder’s standards of care.
What factors can cause the price of a Cane Corso to exceed $4,000? Prices can exceed $4,000 for Cane Corsos with champion bloodlines, show-quality traits, advanced health certifications, or when purchased from elite breeders with a strong reputation.
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
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.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog insurance can help provide financial assistance for covered veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
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.
If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.
Cosgrove, Nicole. “Cane Corso Price: How Much Do They Cost in 2025? – Dogster.” Dogster, 7 Jan. 2025, www.dogster.com/lifestyle/cane-corso-price.
Divina, Arlene. “Cost of a Cane Corso Puppy by US Region [2024].” IHeartDogs.com, 3 Jan. 2024, iheartdogs.com/cost-of-a-cane-corso-puppy-by-us-region/.
Frankel, Lindsay. “Cost of Owning a Cane Corso (2025) | Insurify.” Insurify, 3 Oct. 2024, insurify.com/pet-insurance/knowledge/how-much-is-a-cane-corso/.
Moyal, Michelle, and DVM. “How Much Do Dog Vaccinations Cost?” Daily Paws, 13 May 2024, www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-costs/dog-vaccinations-cost.
Rowe, Olivia. “How Much Does a Cane Corso Cost?” The Dog People by Rover.com, 15 Mar. 2024, www.rover.com/blog/cane-corso-price-guide/.
*2025 Spot Pet Insurance Services, LLC. claims data.
