If you’re anything like me, you have a fondness for dogs that are big enough to be considered small horses. There’s just something about big dogs that I can’t get enough of!
Hi dog moms and dads! My name is Bri, and I’m a dog-obsessed parent to an American Bulldog named Bruce.
Bruce is a 95-pound lap dog who loves to sit on top of me no matter how much it hurts me.
Being a bulldog, one of Bruce’s traits that I’ve had to get used to is how much he sheds. This is something all bulldog breeds are well known for.
However, bullies are not the only ones. There are many large dog breeds that shed a lot, but we love them anyway!
A particular breed that I have recently become interested in is the Cane Corso. As a lover of big dogs, this breed definitely fit the bill.
We have seriously considered bringing one of these big babies home, but first I wanted to know what their shedding habits were like so I wasn’t as surprised as I was with Bruce.
I have learned a lot about the shedding habits of a Cane Corso, which is why I’m sharing it in this shedding guide!
I will cover their coats, shedding, health concerns related to shedding and a few tips and tricks to help manage their shedding.
First, let’s talk a little bit about the history of the breed.
History of the Cane Corso
First off, I have to mention that the plural version of Cane Corso is Cani Corsi. Just a fun fact because it is too fun to say to leave out.
That being said, Cani Corsi (yes I am going to say it a million times now) was bred by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a working dog.
Their name translates in Latin as “bodyguard dog,” which makes sense if you just look at their muscular, intimidating size.
They continued to be great work dogs for farmers throughout the years, and weren’t even brought to America till 1988. They were very recently recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.
Now, they are still considered incredible guard dogs. They’re very loyal, but definitely need to be socialized with other dogs and people so they do not get too over-protective!
What is a Cane Corso’s Coat Like?
The Cane Corso has a short, double coat with an undercoat that helps regulate their body temperature.
Their fur is typically black or dark brown, sometimes brindle, and often have a white patch on their chest.
The fur is soft and wiry, which reminds me a lot of Bruce’s fur!
Do Cane Corso Shed? How Much?
Contrary to what I assumed before researching these dogs and their shedding, they actually don’t shed as much as I thought they would. In fact, the American Kennel Club considers them to be occasional shedders.
To put it into perspective, dogs like the German Shepard and the bulldog are considered frequent shedders. For being a short-haired dog, it’s unique that they don’t shed very much!
That being said, they do shed pretty much year-round but it is extremely manageable. Speaking of the time of the year, let’s talk about when these pups shed.
When do Cane Corso Shed the Most?
Like I said before, the Cane Corso is an occasional shedder that sheds year-round. However, like many dogs, they do shed a bit heavier during the two shedding seasons in a year.
This time of year happens twice – when the weather gets warmer and when the weather gets colder. In the summer, dogs obviously shed those undercoats because they do not need such a thick warm layer.
In the winter, they shed the thin summer fur to make room for that warm undercoat again. There are a couple other factors that will affect when a Cane Corso sheds as well, including:
Stage of life
A Cane Corso puppy will shed less than a full-grown adult Cane Corso. As puppies, they don’t shed as much, and then will shed their puppy fur, much like how humans lose their baby teeth.
Senior dogs also tend to shed more than adult dogs, which can also be said for the Cane Corso.
Diet and exercise
Proper nutrition is crucial to a strong, healthy coat in any dog. This is definitely true in a Cane Corso!
They are very athletic, active dogs so they need the proper nutrients to keep them going. Lack of nutrients can cause their skin and fur to be dry, brittle and unhealthy.
This can cause excess shedding! Exercise also makes a difference.
Healthy dogs should be getting the proper amount of exercise. Overweight and even underweight dogs can have a number of health complications, and can result in problems with skin and fur.
Climate and temperature they live in
A Cane Corso can live happily in many different climates, warm or cold. However, their surroundings can alter their shedding habits.
A Cane Corsi that lives in a colder climate will grow a longer, thicker undercoat than a Cane Corsi that lives in a warmer climate. That being said, those colder weather dogs will shed heavier during shedding season.
Pests and skin conditions
Fleas, ticks, flies and other bugs can cause major headaches for dogs and their owners. These pests can carry diseases that impact how much a dog sheds.
Plus, excessive itching and licking can cause excess shedding! The same can be said for certain skin conditions like mange or allergies, but we’ll talk more about that later.
How to Combat a Cane Corso Shedding
There’s a big difference between maintaining a dog’s shedding and lessening how much they shed. To be clear, it wouldn’t be healthy for your dog to stop them from shedding.
Shedding is a natural trait that they need to do to be happy and healthy! However, with the proper maintenance, you can easily control their shedding.
Regular grooming is important in any dog that sheds. If you brush a Cane Corso at least once a week, it’ll greatly help you control where all that dead fur goes.
We take Bruce outside at least once or twice a week for a good thorough brushing, which helps keep his fur outside instead of on our couch!
Equipment to Help Manage a Cane Corso’s Shedding
Speaking of grooming, there are a couple tools you can use to help you control a Cane Corso’s shedding. As I said earlier, they are moderate shedders, so there’s no need to go too crazy here!
However, dog hair can be a hassle, so I’ll share the tools I use for a heavy shedder. You’ll need a good dog brush, a vacuum, and a lint roller.
Trust me, these items are the Holy Trinity in dog parenting. For brushes, I will never not use a Furminator.
Especially for dogs like the Cane Corso who have a thick undercoat, this brush is amazing. It gets into that undercoat and latches on to all the dead hair without pulling and hurting the dog.
It’s also super easy to clean which is a game changer for me. The next item you want to have is the vacuum. Having dog hair all over the house can be overwhelming!
Lastly, you always need a great lint roller. We really like the Magik Brush because it’s two-sided, and does not have to be replaced!
This brush is reusable so you aren’t using so much plastic. Yay for eco-friendly items!
Are Cani Corsi Hypoallergenic?
Nope. Not even close. But guess what – no dog really is 100% hypoallergenic!
For a dog to be entirely hypoallergenic, they would have to not release any type of allergen. Unless you have a robot dog, that’s physically impossible.
Even if it were possible, a Cane Corso would not even come close. They might not shed as much as some other dog breeds, but they still shed.
They also shed pet dander, which is a huge pet allergen!
Health Reasons for Increased Shedding in the Cane Corso
Like I said before, there can be certain skin and health conditions that cause increased shedding in a Cane Corso. Sometimes it is something simply like allergies that can be treated easily.
However, it can also be an unfortunate sign of something more serious like internal issues and cancer.
It’s always important to keep an eye on your dog’s shedding habits so you know when something has changed!
Final Thoughts: Do Cane Corso Shed?
I will always support bringing home a big dog, and managing a Cane Corso’s shedding is just too easy to say no to!
No matter what, any dog’s shedding is worth the love they bring into your home.
Hope this helps you learn a little more about Cani Corsi shedding. Happy Pup Parenting!