Breeding is a long and lonely road, which frequently results financial losses and heartbreaks. Short term view and a desire to profit, coupled with lack of knowledge about the breed, the different lines and basic anatomy and genetics, often lead breeders to take shortcuts driven by common misperception.

These, below, are some of the breeding practices misperceptions breeders should avoid.

“I own it, therefore I should breed it”

A very common error breeders take is breeding whatever Corsos they own, regardless to the dogs’ quality in appearance, temperament or health. Often, this is driven by the lack of understanding of what a “breeding quality” Corso is, and the belief that “if I own it, it must be high quality, right?”.

In many cases the motivation is financial. Ownership being translated into breeding, especially if the breeder purchased the dog and/or invested money in it. The desire to get a “good return on investment” does not apply to breeding. A breeder is as good as his or her breeding quality and will be judged accordingly.

“It’s a top ranking dog. I should use him as a stud!”

Lack of knowledge about Cane Corso breeding in the broader sense, often pushes breeders to interpret showing success as a cue for quality and compatibility. They fail to understand that the high profile of the dog does not imply that it is the best compatible male for the specific female the wish to breed.

The female conformation and genetics should be the determining factors in selecting a compatible stud. The stud also need to adhere to the same health standards of the female as discussed below.

“My dog looks great, why health test?”

Unfortunately, many Corso breeders do not health test their Corsos. Even worse, some of those who do test, ignore the results at their convenience.

The Corso overall physics and performance is not always an indication for its health. Not all Corsos are symptomatic. In a breed that has about 40% hip dysplastic dogs according to OFA, it is very tempting to ignore tests results in favor of breeding.

Only Corsos that have passed their health tests (see above) should be bred. That imply for both sire and dam. Others should be screen out from the breeding program.

“Show me the money, I’ll give you a puppy!”

Breeding does not end by producing puppies. While selling Corso puppies is easy, finding good homes for them is far more challenging. The Cane Corso is not a breed for everyone. In the right hands, the Corso is a wonderful family companion. In the wrong hands, results can be devastating for both owners and Corsos.

Breeders should take the time to get to know their potential owners, to screen out those who might be better off with a different breed, and to match the character of the puppy with the lifestyle or specific situation of the owners.

Cane Corso breeders need to make sure that the future of their puppies is secured, not just the future of their bank account. This point is critical not just to the owner and the dog, but also to the reputation of the Cane Corso as a breed.

Tips and Future in the Cane Corso

There are no shortcuts in dog breeding and as previously mentioned, it’s a long and lonely road. As a novice breeder what can you do to ease your way?

1. Search and study — About the breed, dogs in general, genetics, health issues, training, canine behavior and anything else that will help you in the future. Do that BEFORE starting breeding. Learn to walk before you run.
2. Find a GOOD mentor — Someone that will be willing to teach and guide you in every aspect of the breed.
3. Strive to high standards in breeding — Do not compromise on health, temperament or pedigree. That is the only way for you to build good reputation.
4. Invest in your Corsos — Show them, work them, train them. Do whatever is needed to make them physically and psychologically healthy. That will reflect in your puppies.
5. Have a vision — A big picture that will guide your breeding and your decision making. Develop your vision AFTER learning about the breed.
6. Be prepared to make mistakes — We all do. But, remember that your Corsos and your owners will be the ones who will pay the price of your mistakes. Do not disregard your responsibility, be accountable and provide support to those who need it.

The Corso is truly an exceptional breed. Breeders should be encouraged to contribute and promote the breed via their program.

We at CaneCorso.ie have put together a comprehensive list of the Top Cane Corso IKC registered breeders in Ireland who have taken the time to research the lineage and import their dogs, to bring fresh blood that will help to enhance and diversify the Cane Corso bloodline throughout Ireland. A breeder’s rank is dictated by the overall strength of their dog’s bloodline. The determining factors are based on breed standard, lineage titles held, health and inbred ratios, not size & aesthetics as only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation, should be used for breeding.