Cane Corso
Price range: $1,500-$3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, cardiac and digestive issues
Additional expenses: Training (obedience and possibly dog sports), fenced yard
A large dog, the Cane Corso (pronounced KAH-neh-KOR-soh) stands 23 to 28 inches tall; its weight is proportionate to its height, meaning this breed may weigh 110 pounds or more. It’s a short-haired dog with a double coat that sheds all year and requires weekly grooming to remove dead hair.
With origins in ancient Greece, it is related to the Neapolitan Mastiff. The breed originally served as warriors, guardians, boar hunters and farm dogs. These dogs have a thick coat that is waterproof and rarely sheds. They need to be given a job and daily exercise or they will find their own activities to invest their time in (which are unlikely to be popular with their owner). They are protective, calm, sociable and assertive; firmness and consistent training is required to live in harmony with this breed.