Cane Corsos are an intimidating, large dog breed that many people looking for an excellent guard dog decide to buy. This shouldn’t be a surprise – Cane Corso dogs make some of the best family guardians out there.
After just one glance at these giant dogs, it’s easy to see that this is a dog bred for protection. In fact, they originate from the ancient Rome period, where they were used as war dogs.
Once the wars ended, these dogs remained in Italy, which is why they are also known as the Italian Mastiffs. However, this led to the loss of their purpose, and the Cane Corso breed was quickly brought to the edge of extinction.
Fortunately, a group of breed enthusiasts started breeding these dogs in the 1970s, bringing them back into the spotlight. Still, it wasn’t until the 2010s that this ancient breed was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
However, nothing of this answers the first questions that will pop into the mind of most aspiring Cane Corso owners: How much does a Cane Corso cost?
There is no shame in admitting that the price of a purebred dog can be a determining factor in deciding to purchase a dog from a reputable breeder. In fact, we would argue that understanding the price of dog ownership should be essential for every dog lover.
Without knowing how much does a Cane Corso cost and how much money you’ll spend on keeping your pooch healthy and happy, you can get head over heels into a responsibility you might not be able to fulfill.
As such, we’ll try to explain the expenses that go with owning a Cane Corso and what it takes to be a Cane Corso owner. This can make you decide whether you are the right dog owner for this mighty canine.
Here’s what you need to know:
How Much Does A Cane Corso Cost? Price Chart
Before getting into detail about how much does a Cane Corso cost, we’ll give you a price chart that will give you a basic overview of many costs associated with this dog breed.
It’s important to note that some of these prices are one-time only, while the others, such as dog food, will have to be paid each month or even each week.
Cane Corso Price Chart
| Puppy price | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Dog food | $200 - $650 a year |
| Dog treats | $125 - $700 a year |
| Food & Water Bowls | $10–$40 |
| Leash and collars | $20–$70 |
| Dog Bed | $30–$110 |
| Dog Crate | $50–$165 |
| ID Tag | $5–$20 |
| Pooper Scooper | $10–$30 |
| Plastic Poop Bags | $15–$110 |
| Stain and Odor Removal Spray | $5–$20 |
| Toys | $50–$155 |
| House Training Pads | $15–$45 |
| Dog Brush | $5–$45 |
| First-Aid Kit | $15–$50 |
| Tooth-Brushing Kit | $5–$15 |
| Toenail Clippers | $5–$30 |
| Dog Shampoo | $5–$20 |
How Much Do Cane Corso Puppies Cost?
The first thing that you’ll spend money on is the initial price when buying your Cane Corso puppy. For many people, this is (incorrectly) deemed to be the most important expense – but you’ll see later on why this isn’t the case.
On average, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,500 on your Cane Corso puppy. As you can see, this is an extensive price range. This is because many things can affect the price of Cane Corso.
It’s important to note that this price only goes for a pet quality Cane Corso bought from a reputable breeder. Some backyard breeders and puppy mills sell their dogs for as low as $600. Opposite of that, dogs from champion bloodlines can end up costing you $5,000 or even more!
However, it’s important not to let the price of your Cane Corso be the determining factor when deciding on whether you want to buy this dog or not. Just because a dog is more expensive doesn’t necessarily make him a better dog for you. You need to do the proper research first.
Can Coat Color Affect The Price?
One of the things that can greatly influence how much does a Cane Corso cost is its coat color.
Coat color is one of the traits that determine whether a dog is rare or not. Many dog owners love to have unique dogs that not everyone can have. This is why the price for rare Cane Corso colors can skyrocket.
According to the AKC, Cane Corsos can come in the following colors:
• Black
• Black brindle
• Gray
• Gray brindle
• Fawn
• Red
Chestnut brindle
In general, most Cane Corsos come in black, but you can find them in any of these colors.
If you manage to get your hand on a Cane Corso that doesn’t come in this color, you can expect him to have a reasonably high price range – or a very low one if the color isn’t recognized and is undesirable at the same time.
It’s important to note that there is a reason why some coat colors aren’t recognized by major kennel clubs. The presence of such color can indicate that a dog isn’t purebred or that he is more prone to specific health conditions.
Some of these colors usually include chocolate, white, and merle.
Not just that, but if a dog doesn’t come in a color that is within the breed standard, he might be a crossbreed or a mixed breed dog. For example, a white Cane Corso might, in fact, be a crossbreed of a Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino.
How Much Does A Black Cane Corso Cost?
A black Cane Corso is pretty much within the breed standard. Many dogs come in this color, and you can likely find a black dog at every Cane Corso breeder.
As such, black Cane Corsos aren’t that expensive. They are fairly easy to breed and are rather common. Due to this, you can find them within the standard price range for the Cane Corso breed.
How Much Does A Blue Cane Corso Cost?
Unlike black Cane Corsos, blue Cane Corsos are very rare. This color is a bit more challenging to breed, and while it isn’t recognized by the AKC, the dog’s coat beauty still makes blue Cane Corsos rather desirable.
Because of this, the price of a blue Cane Corso will usually exceed the price of a standard Cane Corso. You can find blue Cane Corsos costing several thousands of dollars.
How Much Does A White Cane Corso Cost?
The price of a white Cane Corso can vary greatly depending on the breeder and the current color popularity.
In general, the white coat color is rather sought-after. However, it isn’t as desirable in Cane Corsos. This is likely due to the presence of Dogo Argentinos, canines that are rather similar to Cane Corsos but are known for their snowy white fur.
Not just that, but the white color in Cane Corsos often indicates the presence of some genetic conditions, such as albinism.
A dog can be white if he is a double merle, which is a dangerous gene combination that usually results in severe health conditions, such as deafness, blindness, and cardiac problems.
Despite this, white Cane Corsos can be very popular. If this is the case, the price of the dog can reach $3,000 – $4,000!
However, white Cane Corsos are often sold at a ‘discounted’ price that can be as low as $800.
Other Factors That Influence The Price
The coat color isn’t the only thing that will affect the price of a Cane Corso. Many other things influence the cost of any dog, and Cane Corsos are not different.
Some of these factors are:
The Breeder’s Reputation
If you decide to buy your Cane Corso from the most reputable breeder in town, you can expect your dog to have a higher price tag.
The name does sell, and reputable breeders who own dogs that have won multiple championships will raise the price of their puppies. This is a routine practice, and it’s nothing to be frowned upon.
On the other hand, new breeders or breeders that haven’t yet made a name out of themselves will usually keep their prices relatively affordable.
Health Testing
Health testing is the main reason why you’d want to buy a dog from a reputable breeder. A responsible Cane Corso breeder will always conduct various health screenings to make sure their breeding stock is healthy.
Health screenings help you get a healthy, high-quality dog. If there are no health tests, there is no guarantee that a dog you’re interested in isn’t prone to many health conditions and disorders, and this likely isn’t something you want.
However, genetic testing will cost breeders money, and they will pay out of their own pocket to do DNA tests on both the parent dogs and the Cane Corso puppies.
To make up for this, they will have to raise their prices.
While this might seem unfair to you, it’s crucial to think about health tests in this way: If a dog hasn’t been health tested and is sold at a lower price because of this, you’ll have to pay thousands later on medical bills in case your pooch does have some genetic health condition.
Not to mention the emotional toll this will have on you! No one wants to see their beloved family pet struggle due to some health problems.
Most reputable breeders will also take each of their puppies to regular vet checks several times before they are at their new home. These visits will cover necessary vaccinations, deworming medicine, often even microchipping!
Each visit to the vet will cost the breeder money that they’ll have to charge you for. However, this is one less worry in the long run.
Bloodline
It’s easy to guess that purebred dogs will cost more than Cane Corso mixes. However, the dog’s bloodline can influence the price just as much as his purebred status.
Dogs are generally sold in two categories: Pet quality and show quality. Show quality Cane Corsos are a prime example of the breed standard. They are a perfect choice if you want to have your dog participate in dog conformation shows.
This isn’t to say that there is anything wrong with pet quality Cane Corsos – quite the opposite. Almost all Cane Corso dogs you can see are of pet quality! Show quality dogs are usually reserved for other breeders.
At the same time, Cane Corsos are not popular dogs at the dog shows. They are usually bought to be watchdogs and guard dogs, and they might not even be suitable for most dog rings.
However, buying a dog with a good pedigree can add to the luxurious feeling, and you’ll get paperwork that proves your doggie is purebred.
If a dog comes from champion bloodlines, his price can be even as high as $10,000! Still, a standard dog owner won’t buy these dogs as he doesn’t have a need for them.
The Time Invested
If we’re talking about reputable breeders, these people invest their heart and soul into breeding the best dogs possible. Raising dogs of any breed takes time, which isn’t an easy task.
A breeder has to begin with early socialization and obedience training before the dog gets into his new home. Dogs learn the fastest when they are young, and the period before they reach three months of age is crucial for their development.
This doesn’t require a dog trainer. A breeder is knowledgeable enough to know how to deal with a puppy of the breed they own. However, dog training takes time, and the breeder has to be dedicated. This also means they’ll charge you for their time.
Paying this additional cost is worth it, as it can lower the price of a professional dog trainer later on. If the breeder misses on potty training or basic commands, this is something you’ll have to take care of on your own.
As Cane Corsos are large and strong dogs, you’ll likely have to ask a professional dog trainer to help you out with this – but more on this a bit later.
Dog’s Age
If you wonder, How much does a Cane Corso cost? You’re probably thinking about a Cane Corso puppy. Not many people will want to give money to an adult dog.
This is the reason why most adult Cane Corsos will be sold at a much lower price compared to Cane Corso puppies.
Most breeders will sell their pups only once they turn eight weeks of age. Some will even wait until their puppies reach their 12th week.
While most reputable Cane Corso breeders will have a large number of their puppies reserved by the time they are ready to go to their forever home, not all dogs are sold right away.
The younger the dog, the higher the price. This is why many breeders will advertise the puppies that haven’t been sold immediately.
This isn’t just for profit. There are many reasons why having a young dog is much more beneficial compared to buying an adult one.
When a dog is an adult, there is not much you can do to impact his behavior. Essential dog training is always done while the puppies are just a few weeks old. Once a dog has grown up, you’ll hardly teach him new tricks. This is why many dog owners would like to have a younger dog.
Of course, there are some benefits to buying an adult dog, such as that you’ll know what his appearance is. Dogs change over time, and you can never be entirely sure how your dog will look once he is fully grown. At the same time, this is something that’s easy to predict in dogs with pedigree.
Area
The area the breeder is located in can highly influence the price of the dog. We’re not talking just about the local standard.
Dogs will always be more expensive in locations where they are more popular. This is something that is quite logical.
Large breeds, such as Cane Corsos, are usually popular in bit more rural areas, where there is a need for excellent guard dogs – and where there is enough space to let these pups with high energy levels roam around. This is why their price might be higher in such locations.
Opposite of that, they are not as popular in large cities, where most people live in their apartments. Breeders who sell most of their dogs in such areas have to keep their prices lower.
Cane Corso Puppies For Sale
If you’re wondering how much does a Cane Corso cost, it’s important to think about where you want to buy your puppy from.
Prices are not the same in all locations. What we’ve listed is just an average price these big dogs have. The price will greatly depend on whether you’re buying your dog from a reputable breeder or a puppy mill or if you’ve chosen to adopt a dog from a shelter.
When looking for Cane Corso puppies, you shouldn’t be intimidated by the price. As we’ve mentioned, what you don’t pay in the initial fee, you might have to pay later on medical bills.
At the same time, you shouldn’t simply opt to buy the most expensive dog out there. A high price tag is not always a sign of quality.
Cane Corso Breeders Cost
If you choose to buy from Cane Corso breeders, you should be aware that not all breeders are the same. In general, there are three types of breeders you can run into:
• Reputable breeders.
• Backyard breeders.
• Puppy mills / commercial breeders.
All three have different breeding practices that will affect the quality of your dog, as well as the price.
This is what they are:
Reputable Breeders
Reputable breeders are breeders with experience. No matter the breed of dog they are producing, their goal is to create high-quality canines that will be healthy and well-behaving.
For responsible breeders, their dogs are their family members. They will treat them with love and respect and will involve lots of time in making sure their pups are well-mannered.
Reputable breeders are the ones that conduct the health test we’ve talked about, and they will always make sure their dogs are as healthy as possible.
Not just that, but they won’t sell their dogs to just about anyone. Before you can learn how much does a Cane Corso cost at a particular breeder, you’ll likely have to undergo an extensive screening process. This will let the breeder know they are giving their dog into good hands.
These breeders care about their Cane Corso dogs even after they go to their new homes. As such, they’ll ask to stay in touch with you, and in return, they’ll always be there to help you with the resources you might need.
They’ll give you all the necessary documentation together with their dogs, such as pedigree papers, medical reports, and even the results of genetic testing conducted by OFA or some other health organization.
As you might’ve guessed, reputable breeders will charge a lot of money for the top quality service they provide you with. The average cost of a Cane Corso puppy bought from a reputable breeder is $1,500 to $2,500.
However, if you decide to buy from an astonishing breeder who sells dogs with the best bloodlines out there, you can expect to pay much more.
Backyard Breeders
It can be challenging to set apart backyard breeders from reputable ones, but we’ll try to explain the differences.
Backyard breeders don’t literally sell dogs in their backyard. They are called this way because they don’t have proper breeding facilities, and they often lack the necessary experience when it comes to breeding these large dogs.
Many times, backyard breeders are simply owners who have refused to fix their dogs, so they often have litters of unwanted puppies they want to profit from.
Most backyard breeders care about their dogs, but they simply lack the expertise that is required to breed dogs properly. They don’t conduct any health tests, and they don’t know how to train their puppies properly.
In fact, many don’t even know who the father of the puppies is. As such, they might sell you a Cane Corso mix breed, such as a crossbreed with Bulldog, Pitbull, or a Rottweiler, telling you the dog is purebred.
Due to all of this, backyard breeders can afford to sell their dogs at much lower prices compared to reputable breeders. Most of their Cane Corsos will cost around $1,000, but you can find them at a more affordable price.
Keep in mind that price shouldn’t be a determining factor in whether you think a breeder is reputable or not. Some backyard breeders can sell their dogs at a higher price, making you think they are respected, but this isn’t always the case. You should always do proper research in advance.
Puppy Mills
Puppy mills, sometimes known as commercial breeders, are locations that profit exclusively from selling dogs. Whether that be Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, or Cane Corso dogs, their only goal is to produce as many puppies in the shortest amount of time possible, so they can sell them and make a profit.
Puppy mills don’t really care about the dogs they’re breeding. They’re looking at them as a way to earn money and nothing less. This is why we would strongly advise against buying from them, even though their prices do seem affordable.
In fact, you can find Cane Corsos being sold for as low as $700 at puppy mills.
While this low price tag might sound tempting, it’s important to note that you have no way of knowing in what condition is the dog you’re buying.
Puppy mills don’t conduct health tests, which is why many of their dogs are carriers for various hereditary health problems.
Also, these pups will be born and raised in inadequate, often dirty environments. They won’t get proper socialization or training, which is why they’re likely to have many behavioral issues, as well.
While this might not be such a massive problem for well-mannered dogs, it is a huge issue when we’re talking about Cane Corsos, dogs known for their bad reputation.
Puppy mills often sell their dogs to pet stores at a discounted price, which is also why you should never buy your dog from a pet shop.
Cane Corso Cost Of Adoption
Instead of buying your Cane Corso, you can also opt to adopt one. Unfortunately, many Cane Corsos end up abandoned by their owners, who didn’t know what they were getting into when they bought this large dog. As a result, many of these royal dogs end up in shelters – or even euthanized.
Adopting a Cane Corso is a noble thing to do. You’ll provide an abandoned dog with a new home and give him a new chance. At the same time, this is the most affordable option out of all. The only thing you’ll have to pay for is the adoption fee, which is usually between $50 and $500.
However, we would like to disclaim one thing: When you adopt a dog, you have no way of knowing his background. We’re not talking just about the medical conditions he might have.
Many abandoned dogs have been abused or lived in an unhealthy environment. This neglect can lead to numerous behavioral problems or even aggression.
Cane Corsos are big dogs that require experienced ones, even when they’re on their best behavior. When you adopt a Cane Corso from a shelter, there is no way of knowing for sure what you’ve gotten yourself into.
You need to make sure you are ready to make this commitment before you decide to adopt a Cane Corso.
Cost Of Owning Cane Corso
Everything we’ve spoken about until now has only been in regards to the initial cost of a Cane Corso. However, this isn’t where the expenses end. You cannot know how much does a Cane Corso cost until you know the monthly expenses you are expected to have.
All pets need certain items to be content, whether that be a bed, a cage, or the food they eat. Not to mention the medical costs that can always occur.
Buying a dog is a commitment that will last as long as your pooch is alive. As the average Cane Corso lifespan is 10 – 12 years, you can have an idea of how long this is.
Below are some expenses you need to take into consideration:
Cane Corso First-Year Costs
The first year is undoubtedly the most expensive one, no matter which dog you decide to get. This is the year during which you’ll have a purchase price, as well as many medical costs that are one-time only.
First off, you’ll have to feed your Cane Corso puppy high-quality puppy food. While puppies eat less than adult dogs, their food contains different nutrients, making it more expensive.
While the cost of feeding a Cane Corso in the subsequent years will be approximately $200-$650 for an adult dog, while your pooch is still a puppy, this cost will be at least $300 for the puppy’s first year, and it can go as high as $600.
As for vet costs, they will also be the most expensive during the first year – unless your dog gets sick and you have to pay for the treatment.
A puppy is expected to have at least three vet visits during his first year. The first one should be scheduled for when the dog is approximately eight weeks old, and the others will go per the agreement you make with your vet.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $65 and $170 per vet visit.
Here are a few more medical expenses you might have while your Cane Corso is still a puppy:
• Heartworm prevention medication, which costs $75-$120.
• Flea prevention medication costs between $100 and $125.
• Leptospirosis vaccination costs $15-$25, but it’s often included in the regular vet visit.
• The influenza vaccination costs $70-$90 for two doses.
• Lyme vaccination costs $60-$80 for both doses.
If you decide to spay or neuter your dog, which the breeder or the local laws might even require, this is another expense you need to consider. This is a routine procedure that usually costs between $200 and $500.
Spaying is, in general, more expensive than neutering, as it’s more invasive. Also, it requires a more extensive rehabilitation process, and you might even have to buy some pain killers.
Fortunately, you might be able to find some low-cost clinics that will spay or neuter dogs for as low as $100.
Cane Corso Medical Costs
After the initial costs, you will still have to take your dog to the clinic for annual vet checkups. These costs will usually be anywhere between $125 and $265. Most of the time, this price includes the standard exam, necessary vaccines, a heartworm test, and extensive bloodwork if your dog is of a certain age.
You might also have to pay for parasite prevention medication. This can cost up to $350 when we’re talking about large dogs.
While some additional costs might occur, this is a general overview of the prices.
Unfortunately, just like any other dog breed, Cane Corsos are prone to many health issues. Treatment for these problems can end up being quite extensive. Some diseases require daily medication, so you must consider this as another recurring cost.
Below are some common health problems Cane Corsos are prone to and the average price of treatment:
• Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common hereditary orthopedic health conditions that can be prevented by buying from sellers who conduct necessary DNA tests. If left untreated, they can lead to arthritis. The estimated cost of treatment is between $500 and $13,000, depending on whether your dog requires only medicine for pain management, which will add to the monthly costs, or if surgery is necessary.
• Eye problems, such as entropion, ectropion, and cataracts, can be treated either with medication or surgery. Ass such, the treatment can vary between $500 and $1,500.
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat) is a health condition that requires emergent surgery. This usually costs between $1,500 and $3,000.
• Heart conditions, such as heartworm or cardiomyopathy usually require both treatment and surgery. As such, the treatment can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500, but sometimes it can end up costing much more.
An excellent way to make sure these costs are at least partially covered is to pay for pet insurance. The exact pet insurance price will vary depending on the program you choose, and most accident-only plans will cost you $190 annually. However, if you’d like to buy a complete plan that covers both accidents and illnesses, you might want to pay approximately $560 per year.
Cane Corso Supply Costs
Your dog will also require some supplies throughout his life. This includes the best dog beds, leashes, and collars, as well as solid toys that can withstand Cane Corso’s strong bite.
Food and water bowls are the first thing you’ll need to buy, as no dog can go without them. We would advise against buying plastic ones, as they are prone to mold and mildew, but this is entirely up to you. A good set of bowls costs between $10 and $40.
While leash and collars are considered affordable expenses, Cane Corsos are strong, mighty dogs that you cannot walk on just about any leash. A good set consisting of a leash and collar will cost between $20 and $70. To buy an ID tag, you’ll pay $5-$20 more.
A large dog bed will cost you $30-$110, depending on the brand and type, and if you’d prefer your dog to sleep in a crate, expect to pay an additional $50-$165.
While a breeder usually starts potty training, you need to know that most puppies will make a mess from time to time until they are entirely trained. In fact, this can also happen to adult dogs, especially if they have some health condition.
To keep these accidents under control, you’ll need house training pads that will cost between $15 and $45 for large dogs. A stain and odor removal spray will help with bad smells, and it costs $5-$20, depending on the brand.
Once you potty train your dog, use a pooper scooper to collect your dog’s poop. It will cost you $10-$30. Of course, you can also use regular poop or nylon bags that can cost $5-$20 per package.
Toys are an essential item for each dog, and Cane Corsos are no different. In fact, they require durable, usually expensive toys, as they are stronger than most other canines. These toys will cost anywhere between $50 and $155.
Don’t forget the costs of dog grooming! A dog brush will usually cost you $5-$45, toenail clippers $5-$30, dog shampoo $5-$20, and a tooth-brushing kit will be somewhat cheaper, ranging from $5 to $15.
You should also have a first-aid kit in case of an emergency. These will usually cost $15-$50, depending on the items they contain.
Cane Corso Additional Costs
Photo from: leon__canecorso
Some costs are not necessarily mandatory, but paying them can help make your pup’s life much more comfortable. Some of them are one-time costs, but most need to be paid monthly.
These include:
• License: In most states, it is required for a Cane Corso to have a permit. Even in states where it isn’t, we’d still advise you to get it. Most licenses cost between $10 and $20, but they can be more expensive depending on your state and whether your pup has been fixed.
• Microchipping: Many breeders will pay for microchipping your dog, as they want to make sure it is known their puppy belongs to someone. Microchips help identify lost dogs, and they are a good thing to have in case of an emergency as they keep your dog in a database. They cost $25-$50.
• Dog grooming: Cane Corsos have short hair that sheds moderately but is easy to maintain with regular brushing and occasional bathing. However, you can still take them to professional groomers who will provide them with some additional care. Most groomer shops will charge $40-$75 per visit, but if you opt for a groomer that will come to your location, you can expect to pay a higher price.
• Dog walking: If you’re too busy to take your pup for a walk regularly, you might consider hiring a professional dog walker. These services usually cost $15-$25 for half an hour long walks. Remember that Cane Corsos are large dogs, and some walkers will charge you more for them.
• Professional trainer: No matter how experienced you are, Cane Corsos usually require a professional trainer. They are known for having a bad temper, and you don’t want to risk doing something wrong. Group training is a more affordable option, and they usually cost between $30 and $80 per class.
However, it is advised to take your Cane Corso to individual lessons because of their attitude. These are a bit more expensive and cost $45 to $120 per hour. Your dog will usually need 5-10 training sessions, but sometimes more will be required.
• Dog boarding services: If you have to go on a trip and are not able to bring your Cane Corso with you, you might pay for dog boarding services. These usually cost $25-$85 a day. Expect them to lean more toward the higher end of the range, due to the Cane Corso size.
Is Cane Corso Worth It?
Now you have a slight idea of how much does a Cane Corso cost to keep. These are not cheap dogs, and you need a lot of money to support them and provide them with the best possible care.
More importantly, Cane Corsos require constant attention, care, and a firm hand. You need to know how to behave around these powerful dogs and keep them under control. If you don’t know how to train your pooch correctly, you are risking a disaster.
At the same time, nothing is more painful than not having the means to help your beloved guard dog. As such, understanding how much does a Cane Corso cost monthly can help you determine whether you are able to take proper care of these amazing dogs.
You’ll also have to think of a good Cane Corso name for your new pet!
If you can afford these dogs, you will be rewarded with a loyal family companion who will love their owners with all their hearts – although he will be wary and defensive when it comes to strangers.
In the end, it is up to you to decide whether a Cane Corso is the right dog for you. There are many other more important factors to consider than just a price.
