The blue Cane Corso is a beautiful dog, with a protective nature and an intimidating appearance. They are one of the rarest colors, which makes them highly prized by Corso lovers.
Blue Cane Corso Facts
The Cane Corso has ancient origins. They’ve proved useful and faithful canine companions for centuries. They are a large breed, and require an experienced dog owner and plenty of training.
Is the Blue Cane Corso Really Blue?
First, you should know that technically, the blue Cane Corso doesn’t exist, at least according to the AKC. However, this is simply because the blue color is called gray, instead of blue.
Some dog breeds do have an official blue color, which is, of course, gray. Perhaps it’s simply because blue sounds more interesting or exotic than gray.
Why some breeds have a blue color, while the Corso is called gray, is unclear. What we do know is that blue and gray are used interchangeably by most Corso lovers, even though gray is the official term.
The blue Corso actually has the same gene for color as the black Corso. So how do they end up looking so different? Blue Corsos also have a dilute gene, which causes them to appear gray instead of black.
Blue Cane Corso Appearance
Now we know that the blue Cane Corso has a gray colored coat, but there’s more to know about their appearance. The Corso has a large square head, and a broad chest. They are heavily muscled, and have a large bone structure.
This can give them an intimidating look, which certainly adds to their appeal as guard dogs.
They can have a gray or black mask, which shouldn’t extend beyond their eyes. White patches are permitted, but tan points are not. They have a short double coat.
Blue Cane Corso History
The Cane Corso can trace its lineage back to ancient Greece. They are descendants of the Molossus, a breed which is now extinct. The Molossus spawned many other breeds. Today, they are all known as molosser breeds. They include mastifs, bulldogs, and Rottweilers.
The Cane Corso was discovered by the Ancient Romans, who brought the breed back home with them. They fought beside soldiers in the Macedonian War.
After the war was over, they continued to be steady companions to the Romans. They became excellent hunting dogs, helped on the farm, and were excellent guard dogs.
In the 1900s, it was thought the breed went extinct. However, in the 1970s, they were rediscovered in Italy. Corso lovers began working to bring the breed back. The first Cane Corso club was established in 1984. It’s known as the Society Amorati Cane Corso, or Society of Cane Corso Lovers. The group is still active today.
Blue Cane Corso Price
The Blue Cane Corso is the rarest official Corso color, because it’s more difficult to breed than other colors. It’s also unique, which adds to the popularity of the color.
A Cane Corso ranges in price from $800-$6,000, with several factors affecting price. The average price for a registered Cane Corso is $2,100. Blue Cane Corsos are more expensive, at an average of $3,000.
Adults are less expensive than puppies, and are usually between 1 to 3 years old. You can expect to pay $300-$500 less for an adult compared to a puppy. The average price of an adult Corso is $1,600.
Registration also affects price. Unregistered puppies are typically $500 cheaper than their registered counterparts. If you simply want a blue Corso as a companion, registering your puppy isn’t really necessary.
However, you should keep in mind that you assume more risk when purchasing an unregistered puppy.
The last factor that affects price is the Corso’s pedigree. A blue Cane Corso with a prestigious bloodline will cost much more than the average price.
Blue Cane Corso Rarity
The Blue Cane Corso is the rarest official Corso color. The dilute gene causes the black color, produced by eumelanin, to appear gray.
The dilute gene is recessive. This means that a Corso must have two copies of this gene to create the blue color. If two black parents both have a dilute gene, some of the puppies will be gray.
If both parents are gray, the puppies will be gray as well.
Blue Cane Corso Life expectancy
Cane Corsos have a life expectancy of 9-12 years. Solid color Corsos, including the blue Corso, have an average life expectancy of 9 years.
Brindle Corsos have a slightly longer lifespan, with an average of 10 years.
Blue Cane Corso Size and weight
Corsos are a large breed of dog. They are confident and imposing, weighing an average of 100 pounds. Their weight ranges from 90-120 pounds, with females being a little smaller than males.
Males range from 25-28 inches tall, while females are 23-26 inches tall. Their large muscle mass and large bone structure contribute to their weight.
Blue Cane Corso Health
Cane Corsos are considered a healthy breed, but they are a few health conditions that the breed is prone to. In addition, there are a few health issues that are common in blue Cane Corsos.
Some health issues can be identified with genetic testing. This allows reputable breeders to reduce the risk of Cane Corsos having genetic health issues.
Joint Problems
Joint problems are common in all large breeds, including the Cane Corso. The good news is that genetic testing can identify the risk of a Corso developing joint issues.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common joint concerns for Cane Corsos.
Eye Conditions
There are a few eye problems that Cane Corsos can develop. Cherry eye happens when the third eyelid swells. This causes a red mass to form.
Entropion and ectropion are also concerns. They cause the eye to turn inward or outward. These conditions are caused by issues with the ligaments around the eye.
Bloat
Bloat can happen to any dog. However, large breeds, particularly barrel chested breeds, are at the highest risk of developing the condition.
Bloat is caused by gas getting trapped inside the stomach. As food digests, the gas and pressure continue to build. If it’s not treated quickly, the increased pressure can cause the stomach to twist, which can be fatal.
Bloat is still not completely understood. Experts aren’t sure why some dogs develop the condition, while others don’t. It is known that in addition breed size, eating habits play a role. Dogs who gulp their food or eat very quickly are at a higher risk of developing bloat.
Skin Problems
Unfortunately, blue Cane Corsos are at a risk of developing skin problems that aren’t a problem for other colors. This is due to the dilute gene.
Blue Corsos are at a higher risk of developing mange and skin allergies than other colors. They are also at a risk of Color Dilution Alopecia, or CDA, which is caused by the dilute gene.
CDA can cause patches of hair loss or thinning hair. It can also cause flaky or itchy skin, which is uncomfortable for the pooch.
Cane Corsos that have CDA shouldn’t be bred, because the condition is inherited from parent to child.
Blue Cane Corso Behavior/Characteristics
Blue Cane Corsos are majestic, and they can look quite intimidating. However, they are actually gentle creatures, at least with their family.
They are extremely protective, and make excellent guard dogs. In fact, their name means bodyguard in Italian, which is very fitting.
Personality
Cane Corsos are considered excellent dogs for families. They have a protective nature, and they do require plenty of training and socialization.
When raised properly, they get along well with people and other dogs. They are also very tolerant and calm in new situations.
Blue Cane Corso Tempermant
The Cane Corso has a reputation for being aggressive, but its completely undeserved. Unfortunately, some areas or housing developments have rules against owning a Cane Corso, due to their undeserved reputation.
The truth is that they are very loyal and well behaved, despite their protective nature.
As you would expect from a bodyguard, they are alert but calm. Their cool demeanor can turn fierce when necessary, however.
The American Temperament Test is used to measure aggression and other behavioral characteristics. 88% of Cane Corsos pass this test, compared to 85% of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers are considered a very gentle breed, and great with families. This test shows that Corsos are even better behaved!
How to care for a Blue Cane Corso
Caring for a blue Cane Corso does require a lot of work, but it’s certainly worth the effort. Experts recommend that you only get a Cane Corso if you are an experienced dog owner, because they require a firm owner.
Training
Proper training is essential for a blue Cane Corso. Remember, they may start out as adorable puppies, but they grow into large dogs with a strong will.
The good news is they are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them relatively easy.
Training is also important because they are very protective. You must teach them how to react to strangers, and how to identify a threat. If you don’t they will decide for themselves, which can be disastrous.
Socialization
Socialization is also very important for Cane Corsos. Socialization should start early, and continue throughout your Corso’s life. When properly socialized, they do well with other dogs and people.
You can socialize them by having doggie play dates, or visits to the dog park. Remember to introduce them to people and other dogs when socializing.
Mental and Physical Exercise
Corsos require at least 1 hour of exercise each day, and 2 hours is best. A brisk walk or a run are great ways to keep them active.
However, they also need plenty of mental exercise. This can include training, playing games with them, and even obstacle courses. It’s thought that mental exercise expends as much energy, if not more, than physical exercise. Both are very important for a happy and heathy blue Cane Corso.
How do you buy a Blue Cane Corso?
If you want to buy a blue Cane Corso, you have a few options. You can adopt, or purchase a Corso from a breeder. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages.
Adopting a Blue Cane Corso
It’s possible, although unlikely, that you will find a Corso at your local shelter. It’s even more unlikely that you will find a blue Corso.
However, if you’d like to adopt, there is another option. The Cane Corso Resuce, Inc is an organization that specializes in fostering, adopting, and rescuing Cane Corsos. You can reach them at their website, or give them call at 814-68-CORSO.
Purchasing a Blue Cane Corso
If you have your heart set on a blue Cane Corso, or a puppy, your best bet is to purchase one from a breeder. However, it’s important to find a reputable breeder.
First, you’ll need to find a breeder. The best way to find a breeder is to check the Cane Corso Association of America. This Corso club has a directory of breeders.
Another option is to check the AKC website. They have a list of breed clubs, as well as a marketplace.
There are a few clues that a breeder is reliable. The parents or puppies being AKC registered is a good starting point, because breeders who register their dogs typically follow a high standard.
However, if you are simply looking for a companion canine, you may not want a registered Corso.
If you choose an unregistered Corso, be sure to get to know the breeder. A reputable breeder will always focus on health and temperament, before considering color. You should also be wary of a breeder that attempts to sell non-standard colors as rare or exotic.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to visit the Corsos’ home. See how they are cared for, and what their living conditions are. If you are comfortable with the way they are treated, chances are the breeder is ethical.