The Brindle Cane Corso is a beautiful dog. Like other Cane Corsos, it’s a large dog that is extremely loyal, and moderately active. They are an excellent dog for families, but they do require an experienced dog owner.
Cane Corso essentially translates to bodyguard dog. That’s what these dogs are most known for. They have an impressive calm but intimidating demeanor that makes them perfect for the role.
If you are interested in a Brindle Cane Corso, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this striking canine. Then, you can make an informed decision.
Brindle Cane Corso Facts
The Brindle Cane Corso is very popular. It’s unique appearance and massive size makes it unforgettable, and even intimidating. However, it’s much more of a teddy bear than a grizzly, at least with it’s family.
They are a large breed, and closely related to the Mastiff. In terms of size, they can reach 120 pounds and 28 inches in height. Along with their large body, they are heavily muscled, and have large square heads.
The Corso is a working dog at heart. What they do doesn’t really matter. They can act as a guard dog, or even help out on the farm. What does matter is that they need to be useful to be happy.
History of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso originates from Italy. The Corso, along with the Neopolitan Mastiff, originated from Roman war dogs. It’s thought that they originated from the original mollosians. These huge dogs come from ancient Greece.
Romans brought the dogs back home. Eventually, the dogs aided the Romans during the Macedonian war.
During peacetime, the Cane Corsi found other ways to be useful. They became guard dogs, livestock dogs, and hunters. The breed was thought to have become extinct in the 1900s.
However, in the 1970s, they were rediscovered. Breeders began working to bring these majestic canines back from the brink. In 1983, Italy founded the first club for the breed, Society Amorati Cane Corso (Society of Cane Corso Lovers).
Brindle Coloring
Brindle is one of those colors that can be difficult to define. You probably know a brindle pooch when you see them, but have you ever thought about what makes a brindle dog a brindle?
There are several brindle colors. A black brindle Cane Corso looks like they have a black body with light colored fawn, or brown stripes.
The regular brindle Corso looks like it has a black or brown body with darker or heavier fawn stripes.
A reverse brindle pooch looks like they are fawn colored, with black stripes.
The interesting thing is that all brindle Corsos have red or fawn as their base color, with black stripes. Dogs who appear to have black as their base color simply have so many black stripes, it looks like it’s their base color.
Brindle Cane Corso Price
The average price for Cane Corsos is $800 to $6,000. Brindle Cane Corsos cost around $2,000 on average. However, there are some factors that impact price.
A puppy typically costs more than an adult Cane Corso. Puppies with papers will be the most expensive.
The starting price for a puppy with papers is about $2,100. Brindle Cane Corso puppies will be more expensive. You can expect to pay $2,200 for this. On the other hand, a puppy without papers can be bought for about $1,600, with a brindle Cane Corso coming in at $1,800.
Males are typically a bit more expensive than females. You can expect to pay $100 more for a male, because they have a stronger guarding instinct than females.
Brindle Cane Corso Rarity
A brindle cane Corso is relatively rare. However, this depends on the color of the Corso as well. Blue brindle Corsos are the rarest, because blue is a rare Corso color.
Other brindle colors are more common. However, they are rarer than black, fawn, and red.
Brindle Cane Corso Life expectancy
Surprisingly, Brindle Cane Corsos live longer on average than solid color Corsos. The black brindle Corso has the longest lifespan, at 10.13 years, with other bindles having nearly the same lifespan.
In contrast, solid color Corsos, including black, fawn, and grays, have an average lifespan of 9 years.
Why they live longer isn’t entirely understood. However, it’s theorized that the genes responsible for brindle coloring are linked to the genes responsible for longevity.
Brindle Cane Corso Size and weight
These are stately dogs. They have an aura of elegance and power.
The average Corso weighs about 100 pounds, with weights ranging from 90 to 120 pounds. Males are usually 25-28 inches tall, and females grow to 23 to 26 inches.
They have large bones and are heavily muscled. This allows them to be very athletic and agile, as well as strong. They are excellent hunters. They have a large square head, and a large muzzle that is both long and wide.
Brindle Cane Corso Health
The brindle Cane Corso is the longest lived color for the breed, and they experience less health concerns than other Corsos. Ideally, reputable breeders screen for genetic health conditions, which helps the breed be healthier overall.
Joint Problems
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint problems are a common problem for Brindle Cane Corsos.
Many of these issues can be revealed through genetic testing. Avoiding breeding dogs with joint problems reduces the odds of Cane Corsos developing these issues.
Another problem for the breed, entropion, can’t be identified by genetic testing. This condition causes the dog’s eyes to roll inward. Brindle Cane Corsos are at risk of the condition because they have slack in the ligaments around the eye.
They are also at a high risk of bloat. Bloat is a life threatening condition that causes the stomach to swell and twist. All large breeds and barrel chested breeds are at a higher risk of bloat than other breeds, so it’s not limited to the brindle Cane Corso.
Brindle Cane Corso Behavior/Characteristics
The brindle Cane Corso is reserved and calm. They may even seem a bit aloof. However, they are very loyal and affectionate with their family.
When trained properly, they are amazing family dogs. They do need strong guidance, and plenty of exercise.
Aggression and Tempermant
The brindle Cane Corso has gotten a reputation for being aggressive, but this is rarely the case. They are powerful and assertive dogs. However, they are very gentle with family, and are surprisingly tolerant.
The key is proper training. Corsos will protect what they are taught to guard with their life. If they aren’t taught what to protect, and what’s acceptable, they may decide these things for themselves. This can obviously lead to aggression and destructive behavior.
Corsos do well on the American Temperament Test. In fact, 88% of Corsos pass the test, compared to 85% of Golden Retrievers. They are also calmer in new situations than most breeds, according to the test.
Personality
One of the beautiful things about owning a brindle Cane Corso is that they have individual personalities. Just like humans, no two Corsos will be just alike.
Generally, your brindle Corso should be easy going and relaxed. Some will be more vocal and observant than others. Your Corso may bark at every noise, or not even notice unless they are on high alert.
When they have plenty of exercise and socialization, they are excellent companions. They are extremely protective over their family.
How to care for a Brindle Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are excellent dogs. They are extremely loyal to their family, and they are intelligent. However, they do require previous experience with dogs, and a strong owner.
Keep Them Active
Despite their reserved and calm temperament, exercise is essential for the brindle Cane Corso. They’ll need at least 1 to two hours of exercise each day. They are very agile. In addition to walks, allow them opportunities to run. You can even set up an obstacle course for them. They’ll love the agility and coordination required to navigate it.
They also need mental stimulation. This is just as important as physical exercise. Games like hide and seek, puzzle toys, and agility courses are a few ways to provide mental exercise.
Let Them Work
The brindle Cane Corso needs to work. They are working dogs, and they will not be happy without a job to do.
What the job is will vary greatly based on your lifestyle and needs. They are excellent at tracking, and make wonderful guard dogs.
You may give your Corso the job of guarding the house, or even family members. They can even guard your livestock. Because they are good trackers, they make great hunting dogs.
Remember, the job they are given isn’t that important to them. However, they do need a job to feel like they have a purpose in life.
Training and Socialization
This is absolutely essential. You’ll need to train your pooch as a pup, when they are smaller and more manageable. You can absolutely teach them new tricks as adults, but you must have the initial basic training down when they are puppies.
Socialization is also very important. This includes other dogs, and humans. Arrange puppy play dates. Take them to obedience training. Bring them to the dog park.
Training and socialization should be lifelong for the Corso. Because they have a strong guarding instinct, they need to be taught and reminded that other animals and people are not automatically a threat to the family.
How do you buy a Brindle Cane Corso?
To buy a Cane Corso, you may think the first step is to find a breeder. This is an important step. However, the first step you should take is to be sure you are ready to own a Cane Corso.
Is the Cane Corso For You?
Cane Corsos are incredible dogs, but they are not for everyone. Physically, you’ll need space for them to exercise. This may mean taking them for walks at the dog park, or living in the country. Just remember, they need daily exercise.
You’ll also need to be an experienced dog owner. The truth is, owning a Golden Retriever or Chihuhua won’t teach you how to care for and raise a brindle Cane Corso, but it does give you a starting point.
You’ll also need to be authoritative. These dogs can be very intimidating. They are very loyal and loving, but htye must have a strong owner. This means training them correctly from the beginning, without getting angry or violent.
Finding a Breeder
You’ve decided that a Cane Corso is the dog for you. How do you find one? Finding breeders is easy enough. All you need to do is perform a Google search. Finding a reputable breeder, however, can be more difficult.
It’s best to start by learning about the breeder you are interested in. Read their website. Give them a call or send them an email. From there, ask them if they are involved in a club, like the Cane Corso National Breed Club; CCAA. You should also ask if the dogs are AKC registered.
Before you purchase your pup, you should see where the puppy lives, and how they live. If the dogs are well cared for, all is well.
Priorities
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a brindle Cane Corso, and refusing to get another color pooch. However, you should remember that color is never the first priority, at least for the breeder.
A breeder should be concerned about conforming to the breed standard, health, and temperament. The color of puppies should only be a concern after these criteria are met.
Adopting a Brindle Cane Corso
The other way to find a brindle Cane Corso is to adopt one. Because these dogs are pretty rare, it can be difficult to find one at your local shelter.
You can speak with breeders and the Cane Corso National Breed Club. They may be able to recommend someone who needs to get rid of their Cane Corso. However, be prepared to spend some time searching.