Cane Corsos are an intimidating looking breed—to say the least—and that’s just what they’re meant to be. These muscular giants were bred to be guardians, military dogs, and wild boar hunters. That makes them fiercely loyal to their people and wary of strangers. Cane Corsos take quite a commitment on their owner’s part to ensure that they are properly trained and socialized to help them be as tolerant of strangers as possible. They will also take a financial commitment as well. A Cane Corso price is going to vary depending on many factors, but don’t be surprised to see costs in the quadruple digits ($1,500-$4,000).
Cane Corso Price Breakdown
Depending on where you live, seeing a Cane Corso probably won’t be an everyday experience. With this in mind, you may have to do a little bit of searching to find a reputable breeder, rescue, or shelter where you can get one. And when you do find one, the price of Cane Corso puppies can vary greatly.
Factors Affecting the Cane Corso Price
This variance can be due to things like their pedigree and lineage. Of course, you’ll want to find the healthiest dog that you can, which can increase the price as breeders have had to do their homework and screenings to ensure the parents are as healthy as possible. You may pay more to get a Cane Corso puppy from a reputable breeder or one that lives near you.
Another big factor in how much does a Cane Corso cost will be the color. These dogs come in a few different color shades—black, gray, or fawn are more common colors which may fetch a lower price than those Cane Corsos that are brindle, blue, or straw colored.
Looking at these guidelines, you may be able to find the price of a cane Corso as low as $900 or as high as $5,000.
Price Range for Cane Corso Puppies
Depending on your breeder, you may also have the option of choosing a pet quality or show quality Cane Corso. The difference in these will often be the pedigree and how well a pup lines up with the breed standard. As you can imagine, show quality puppies will be more representative of the breed and will also cost more. Pet quality Cane Corsos aren’t lower tier however, it just means they wouldn’t make it very far on the show circuit. They may have a bite that’s a bit off, their fur may not be quite the right shade, or they just may not have show dog parents. They can still make great pets and will probably cost you a lot less.
Now, there’s also the adoption option, but if you’re looking for a purebred Cane Corso, you may have to wait awhile for one to enter a shelter or rescue. If you are able to adopt one, the cost should be significantly less as most adoption fees will just cover the medical care and boarding that the dog received.
For a show quality Cane Corso, especially one of a rare color, you will probably spend more towards the upper range of $3,000-$4,000. Pet quality pups will hopefully be more in the $1,000 range, and adoptions could cost you just a few hundred dollars.
Costs of Owning a Cane Corso
The total cost of a dog includes much more than just the cost of the puppy or adult that you get. There’s so much more that needs to be factored in.
Initial Cane Corso Costs
Beyond the purchase cost or adoption fee, you’ll also need to get your new Cane Corso pup comfortably set up. There is going to be a long list of puppy supplies including everything from food and water bowls to training treats and toys. This could run you anywhere from $20 to more than a couple hundred depending on what you need and where you get it. Some of these will be continuing expenses as you may need to buy replacement beds, toys, collars, treats, etc.
As part of these initial costs, you’ll also need to factor in the costs for vaccinations and microchipping. How much do puppy shots cost? That’s going to depend on where you are, but look to pay $50 for the basic core vaccines and a little more for any additional vaccines that your vet feels are important. Remember that puppy shots come in a series, so just one isn’t going to do it. Your Cane Corso puppy will need a shot every 3-4 weeks for a total of at least three injections, so take that total and multiply it by three.
Microchipping is another cost that you’ll want to factor into the price of Cane Corso puppies. If you choose to go this route, you’ll pay between $20-$30 for the microchip and implantation. Some chips will also require an ongoing subscription.
Food Costs
Cane Corsos are big dogs, so it should come as no surprise that they eat a lot. Food is an ongoing expense that definitely deserves consideration as it can add up to quite a sum. Of course, this will vary based on which brand you choose. Talk to your vet to determine the best diet for your Cane Corso, but expect to pay $50-$120 or more per month.
Grooming and Maintenance
While Cane Corsos have a short hair coat, it’s not without its needs. These dogs will need regular brushing and bathing. Most of the time, you’ll be able to do this yourself with the purchase of a few brushes and a pet-safe shampoo, but if you choose to enlist a profession’s help, it may cost you $30-$60 or more each appointment.
Healthcare for Cane Corsos
Like any other dog, Cane Corsos should see a vet on a regular schedule of at least once per year. As they get older, that should increase to twice or more per year. These visits are important to keep your pup healthy by providing vaccinations, exams and any testing to help catch issues early on. A routine vet visit may cost anywhere from $50-$200+.
Some of those health issues that your vet will be on the lookout for include hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, eyelid abnormalities, skin issues, and epilepsy.
Cane Corso Training and Socialization
Cane Corsos are loyal and intelligent but they may be wary and potentially aggressive towards strangers without proper socialization. Investing in proper training and classes for socialization is a must to help these dogs be more comfortable around people they don’t know. This can take many forms and can cost nothing or several hundred dollars.
Pet Insurance for Cane Corsos
Another factor in how much does a Cane Corso cost is pet insurance. Purchasing a pet health insurance policy can help cover costs that may pop up unexpectedly. They can also help pay for diagnostics, hospitalization and medications for long-term illnesses.
What pet health insurance plans won’t cover is pre-existing conditions. This means that if your pup ends up with an issue before you have them covered by a health insurance policy, the costs associated with that problem won’t be covered. This makes it important for you to consider pet insurance sooner rather than later. Enrolling your Cane Corso puppy will help ensure that you have your pup covered before something like that can show up. Look to pay anywhere from $15-$80 per month as a premium for these coverages.
For those looking to invest further in their Cane Corso's preventative care, look for an optional wellness program. This isn't insurance, but more of a budgeting tool that reimburses you for routine expenses like annual checkups, vaccinations, and even obedience training.
Cane Corso Living Environment and Compatibility
Most Cane Corso puppies can become loveable and loyal members of your family, but they’re not for everyone. These dogs are intelligent and potentially a little stubborn, meaning they could present a challenge for first-time dog owners. They require lots of socialization and consistent training.
Cane Corsos are also large dogs that will do better if they have some space. Apartment dwelling might not suit them as well as a house with a fenced yard will. You also may have difficulty integrating a Cane Corso into a home with children and other pets. Socialization and training are key to aid in this, but it may increase your overall Cane Corso costs.
Conclusion: What is the Real Price of a Cane Corso?
There are so many factors involved in the total cost of owning a Cane Corso, but no matter how you look at it, dog ownership can be very expensive. It’s not unheard of to spend $20,000 or more over the lifetime of your pup. That’s a big financial undertaking, and a decision not to be taken lightly.
Along with the cost of a Cane Corso, you’ll also want to consider your ability to train and socialize these big dogs, whether or not you have the space for them, and if you currently have other pets or children. Part of your decision-making process should also include purchasing pet insurance that can help decrease the financial burden that owning a Cane Corso can incite. Pet insurance may also help provide you with some peace of mind that you’re doing everything you can to support your new family member.
While owning a Cane Corso might stretch your budget, the endless cuddles, goofy grins, and unwavering loyalty you receive in return are a priceless treasure. Budgeting for their needs and showering them with affection ensures a lifetime of love that only a gentle giant can provide.