You are probably thinking about the pros and cons of getting a Cane Corso. They are loving and loyal dogs who enjoy putting themselves in an active environment. These big dogs are protective but still love a good amount of socialization.
One of the things that you might consider is if the people around you are allergic to dogs. Cane Corsos have short double coats that shed regularly though not as excessive as other dog breeds. Unfortunately, they’re not hypoallergenic, so they can still affect allergic people.
This breed is relatively low maintenance as far as grooming is concerned. Some breeds would need frequent brushing to cope with their continuous shedding. Because Cane Corsos shed less, brushing their coats at least twice a week is usually enough.
Do Cane Corsos Have Hair or Fur?
Hair and fur are similar with a minor difference. Hair is usually thinner, finer, and smoother than fur because fur is thicker and coarse. Though it’s not instantly obvious, Cane Corsos belong on the fur camp since their coats are thick and coarse.
Dog breeds like Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire terrier have hair. Though their coats look thick, those strands are thinner and only appear thick because of fluffiness. Cane Corsos on the other hand, have shorter coats but the strands are thicker and rougher.
Looks are sometimes deceiving because Cane Corsos are double-coated dogs. But due to the short length of their fur, you can mistake them for single-coated dogs. It’s not very obvious at first. The good news is they don’t shed that much but still need regular brushing to get rid of loose strands.
It’s sometimes confusing because hair and fur are very similar to each other, and it’s true for the most part. Fur is the term commonly used for canines’ hair with a few exceptions because some breeds have finer coats. When it comes to a Cane Corso, the coat it has is made up of short and thick fur.
What Kind of Fur Do Cane Corsos Have?
Cane Corsos have short and stiff fur strands that make up their coats. The colors of their fur are usually black, grey, fawn, and red. They shed twice a year to cool their bodies down as preparation for the warmer months.
Since Cane Corsos are double-coated, they are covered with the top coat and undercoat. They shed a good portion of their undercoat during warm seasons to cope with the heat. Their fur may not be smooth but it is waterproof, and they don’t shed constantly. That means less time and expenses for grooming because their coats can keep them clean enough.
Cane Corsos don’t have the smooth and silky texture of other dog breeds’ coats. But it shouldn’t deter you from befriending one especially if you are already experienced with dogs. Their fur is short and thick and doesn’t fall off easily, so that makes them low-maintenance to some degree.
How Long Will My Cane Corso Fur Grow?
Your Cane Corso’s fur length is somewhere around 0.33 to 0.50 inches (8.5 to 12.7 mm). That’s about a third or a half of an inch, and if the fur grows up to an inch, it’s already long — in the average Cane Corsos’ fur length, at least.
It’s not normal for a Cane Corso to have long hair or fur. If you spotted one with long fur, it’s probably due to crossbreeding or some genetic anomaly. A Cane Corso is expected to have short fur despite being a double-coated dog.
If your Cane Corso’s hair grows to about an inch long, he could get some trimming done. But as far as grooming is concerned, he would need fewer trips to a groomer than other breeds. It’s an advantage compared to other breeds, but keep in mind that he’s not hypoallergenic.
The length of his fur could grow up to half an inch on average. His fur could even grow up to an inch long but it’s less likely. Don’t forget to brush his coat twice a week to remove trapped dirt and lose strands of fur.
What Type of Coat Does a Cane Corso Have?
Cane Corsos have short double coats that don’t look obvious at first glance. They’re going to shed twice a year as a way of coping and cooling their bodies down during the blazing seasons. Some minor shedding may occur here and there but a little bit of brushing will do the trick.
Compared to other double-coated dogs, their coats look less fluffy but thick enough to protect them from the cold. The bonus is those thick strands are waterproof so grooming is an easier task. When it comes to coat colors, they come in black, grey, fawn, and sometimes, red.
As double-coated furry friends, Cane Corsos are rocking both the top coat and the undercoat. The top coat is more visible because the fur strands of the undercoat are hiding beneath it. They would shed some portions of the undercoat for breathability and comfort while the weather is hot.
Other double-coated dogs do shed more and as a result, need more time and attention for grooming. The advantage that Cane Corsos have compared to others is they don’t shed a lot. Of course, they still need good grooming but it’s less expensive and not very time-consuming.
Does a Cane Corso Have a Double Coat?
Cane Corsos do have double coats that include both the top coat and undercoat. Due to the short length and appearance of their fur, you won’t notice it right away. But give a closer look and you’d see that their coats are made up of two layers of fur.
The top layer is what you call the top coat and it’s the one you instantly see when looking at a Cane Corso. The undercoat is the thin layer that you can find underneath the top coat. It’s the layer that sheds and gets thinner when the temperature is starting to rise.
The undercoat will start to grow back once the punishing heat is over, and it prepares them for the cold. Their double coats provide the protection that clothes give to humans. The coats get thicker when it’s cold and get thinner when it’s hot.
Their double coats have an amazing job to do so they’re not there for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes. Because your Cane Corso will have two major sheds in a year, get a grooming kit ready for those occasions. It’s still good to brush his coat once in a while even when he’s not shedding a lot.
The good old brush doesn’t only remove dirt and loose hair from his magnificent coat. It also stimulates the oil glands and follicles to keep his coat shiny and strong. Brushing will also make him more calm or relaxed because it’s like a massage that feels good and strengthens your bond.
Do Cane Corsos Have an Undercoat?
Though it’s not instantly noticeable, Cane Corsos are dogs who have double-layered coats. Their double coats have an undercoat that can adapt to the changing seasons and temperatures. They have their undercoats hidden beneath the top coat.
When the warmer season is approaching and the temperature goes higher, the undercoat would shed a portion of fur. That’s the time to give more attention to grooming that involves brushing. This is to remove dirt, foreign objects, or loose strands of hair and keep his coat healthy and shiny.
Once the blaze of summer lets up, a Cane Corso’s undercoat fur will start growing back. If you live in a place with a brutal winter season, his undercoat could grow longer or thicker. The undercoat is going to give him some warmth and protection from the cold temperature that winter brings.
Your Cane Corso’s coat is not very high maintenance compared to other double-coated dog breeds. But you should still consider your family or housemates’ health condition before letting your Cane Corso near them. Because his short double-coat still contains allergens that can trigger unpleasant allergic reactions.
When Do Cane Corsos Get Their Full Coat?
Cane Corsos are born with softer fur and it’s sometimes referred to as the puppy coat. A puppy is going to shed its puppy coat at about 4 to 6 months of age and from there, the full coat will start growing. It’ll take some months or even a year for the top coat to fully grow while the undercoat grows and sheds as seasons change.
At one year of age, your Cane Corso should already have his full coat. He’s going to be a low to moderate shedder every time the warm season arrives so give him a good brushing when he sheds. The undercoat is usually the one responsible for the shedding and it grows back to prepare for the colder months.
If your Cane Corso is shedding continuously, it is not normal. A few mild shedding here and there are not alarming, but if it’s persistent, seek medical help. Cane Corsos with healthy coats only shed up to two times a year, so constant shedding is somewhat concerning.
Even double-coated dog breeds like the Cane Corsos are born with single coats so there’s no reason to worry. Your Cane Corso puppy will shed his single puppy coat when he reaches the age of 4 to 6 months. During that period, his double coat will start growing and he’ll get his full coat in one year.
Can You Be Allergic to Cane Corsos?
Cane Corsos are not hypoallergenic dogs. If you have a history of allergies, this breed can still give allergic reactions despite its low shedding rate. The most common cause of adverse reactions is dander. Dander is a type of protein present in a dog’s fur that can trigger allergies.
Symptoms of allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and coughing. In more serious cases, there is also chest pain and breathing difficulties. If you are highly sensitive to allergens and prone to serious reactions, it’s better to limit your contact with Cane Corsos. Or any dog breed for that matter.
You can try taking over-the-counter antihistamine medications to minimize the symptoms. People who have asthma are advised not to get near dogs because dander can trigger coughing and chest pain. If you have an asthmatic family member or friend, limit the chances of contact as much as possible.
Cane Corsos are not hypoallergenic dogs so you should always consider your general health before buying or adopting one. There are dog breeds that qualify as hypoallergenic dogs that have a lesser risk of triggering allergic reactions. But that doesn’t mean there are zero allergens in them. Always protect everyone’s safety to avoid any kind of health risk.
How Bad Do Cane Corsos Shed?
Cane Corsos are light to moderate shedders. They don’t shed as much as Pembroke Corgis and German Shepherds do. A Cane Corso’s coat is not very thick in comparison to most double-coated dogs.
Two major sheddings will occur in a year as a way of coping with warmer temperatures. Mild shedding will happen in between the two main sheds but it will not constantly happen. But it’s still important to give your Cane Corso a good brushing once or twice a week so you can prevent the accumulation of dirt and dead hair/fur on his coat.
Your Cane Corso’s coat is pretty low maintenance. You don’t have to spend a lot of time and money on grooming because his coat is well-keratinized. A keratinized coat is a shiny and healthy coat that your Cane Corso must have.
If he’s well-groomed and healthy, his coat can take care of itself. It’s even better and beneficial if you help him by brushing him once or twice a week. Cane Corsos are not constant shedders and if you’ve got one that sheds a lot, seek professional help. Excessive shedding is not normal for this breed and it’s possibly caused by a health issue.
Do Cane Corso Puppies Shed a Lot?
If adult Cane Corsos don’t shed a lot, puppies would even shed less than them. Before the age of 4 to 6 months, Cane Corso puppies are only protected by a single coat. By the time they reach the said age, they’re going to shed the puppy coat and start growing their full coat.
The shedding of the puppy coat is not too obvious because it’s thinner and lighter. The coats of Cane Corsos are short enough so the shedding is barely noticeable. They do shed, though not as much as the puppies and adults from another breed.
Despite the minimal shedding of your Cane Corso, you should still keep your home clean. Having a broom and a vacuum cleaner are very helpful in preventing the short strands from floating around. Before doing this though, see to it that your Cane Corso has been thoroughly brushed. You wouldn’t want to brush him after cleaning the house because loose fur may scatter again.
Cane Corso puppies don’t shed a lot so there’s no need to press the panic button just yet. Once he reaches adulthood, he’s going to shed more but only in a light to moderate fashion. If he starts shedding more than usual, you should consult your vet about this concern.
When Do Cane Corsos Shed?
Cane Corsos would shed twice a year. They’re going to shed a good amount of fur from their undercoat at the beginning of spring and fall. When the summer is really hot, they might shed a bit more to keep up with the heat.
Shedding is a dog’s coping mechanism to season and temperature changes. Your Cane Corso would start growing some fur back when the temperature starts dropping. The coat is not for aesthetic purposes at all. It’s very useful in keeping a dog warm or cool depending on the weather.
Some mild shedding can still happen in between seasons, so don’t forget about brushing his coat. Brushing your Cane Corso’s coat twice a week is enough to keep it healthy and shiny. He’s going to shed twice a year and usually during spring and fall. Summer heat can also make him shed a bit more to keep him cool.
You can try taking him to a groomer for extra care and cleaning. Groomers have a great selection of tools and products that make your dog look cleaner and more elegant. Though brushing and bathing him at home are usually enough, some additional help won’t hurt.
How Often Do Cane Corsos Shed?
Shedding will happen twice a year in Cane Corsos and some mild shedding in between two major shedding seasons. The major ones happen during spring and fall. At times, shedding can also occur in the summer. Since Cane Corsos’ coats are not very thick and fluffy, the shedding is very manageable.
Your Cane Corso will shed to give way for some air and keep his body temperature normal. Don’t fret about his shedding unless it comes to a point of losing too much fur than usual. If that is the case, go and contact your vet immediately to get the condition treated.
Once the temperature starts going down, the lost fur will start growing back. This will give him some protection from the cold. Sadly, he can’t have the thick coat of a Tibetan Mastiff or a Siberian Husky, so he’s more vulnerable to the cold.
The advantage of having thinner coats than other double-coated dogs is grooming is not much of a hassle. With a few brushing and bathing sessions here and there, your Cane Corso would look great. The mess is minimal but please don’t hesitate to ask for additional help from a pro groomer for a more complete cleanup.
Your Cane Corso will shed twice a year without making a big mess. The seasons for shedding are spring, summer, or fall. Winter is the time when he’ll need to grow and thicken up his coat a little bit.
Do Cane Corsos Get a Winter Coat?
Cane Corsos can somehow handle the cold temperature but they are more suited for warm weather. Though it’s not always noticeable because of their short fur, their coats get slightly thicker during winter. That gives them a thinner winter coat compared to breeds that also have winter coats.
If you’re planning for a short trip outdoors with your Cane Corso during winter, protect him from frostbite. Do this by putting on an extra layer of clothing like thick socks, boots, and a thick sweater. The said items will not only protect him from frostbite but from hypothermia as well.
Your Cane Corso can tolerate the cold, but due to his thinner coat, his tolerance is lower. He won’t be able to handle it as thick-coated dog breeds do but that’s okay. Adding some clothing can protect him from the dangerous conditions that the cold can bring.
When it’s freezing outside, it’s better to just stay indoors and turn the heater on if you have one at home. Make his bed thick and comfortable so he can sleep without worrying about the shivering cold. Prepare warm meals to keep his stomach in good condition as it copes with the temperature. Some exercise is also good for blood circulation.
Your Cane Corso grows a winter coat for the cold season. But his coat can only give limited protection in comparison with the thicker double coats of other dogs. Don’t leave him out in the cold. Let him in where his body temperature is better regulated.
Why Is My Cane Corso Shedding So Much?
Parasites such as fleas, lice, and mites can make your Cane Corso shed or lose a portion of his fur. The said parasites can ruin a good coat because they suck out blood and other nutrients that keep a dog’s coat strong and shiny.
Hairless patches may appear if you leave the excessive shedding untreated. Infections caused by bacteria and fungi can also do the same thing. With proper grooming and a clean home, you can stop the infections or an infestation from ruining his coat.
Another possible cause for too much shedding or fur loss is an allergy to specific foods. Foods that contain gluten, GMOs, and other additives/preservatives can trigger the rapid loss of fur. Though considered safe in small amounts, dogs are generally allergic to soy, dairy, and wheat.
Check the contents of commercial products before including them in your Cane Corso’s diet. You can also ask your vet about the safe commercial foods that your dog can consume. If you want to prepare a meal for him at home, avoid spices, additives, and too much oil. Boiling and steaming are preferable cooking methods to frying.
When a dog is stressed, its body releases epinephrine or commonly known as adrenaline. When this happens, some hair loss could follow so you must get any stressors out of your Cane Corso’s way. Don’t expose him to very loud noises as they’re the most common stressors for dogs.
Parasites, infections, and food allergies are the usual causes of excessive shedding. You can deal with this issue by keeping your dog and his surroundings clean and following a healthy diet. If the shedding keeps on going despite your best efforts, seek medical help from a professional. There must be an underlying health concern that results in persistent shedding.
How Do I Stop My Cane Corso From Shedding
It’s very important to focus on prevention first. Don’t wait for your Cane Corso to shed and lose a lot of furs before you take action. There are different ways to keep the shedding within normal limits.
The keys to a healthy coat are proper diet and grooming. Regular brushing and occasional baths will protect his shiny coat from parasites, bacteria, and fungi. When it comes to food and grooming products, avoid the ingredients that can irritate his skin.
Food items that contain soy, dairy, and gluten can make him itch and scratch. Too much scratching leads to wounding, infection, and hair loss. Pick the foods that don’t contain a lot of additives or spices that can trigger allergic reactions.
For grooming products, avoid regular soaps and shampoos that contain strong and harmful chemicals for dog use. Choose the ones that are specially formulated for dog grooming. Essential oils and high glycerin content are harmful if not used with care.
If the excessive shedding has begun, your Cane Corso might need to use medicated soap. Before buying one, consult your vet first to know what product is safe and effective for the condition. You can also get some help from a professional groomer who has experience with dogs that suffer from hair loss.
Aside from diet and grooming, keep your surroundings sanitized without using harsh ingredients. Because dogs are prone to licking the floor, it’s better to clean it with a safer solution. Water mixed with vinegar and baking soda is a great alternative disinfectant.
Keeping your home clean will stop the growth of parasites, bacteria, and fungi. Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of dust and fallen hair that can cause itchiness. Don’t forget about brushing his coat regularly.
If you’re not sure about what products to use, consult a professional. Aside from giving you the safer methods, he/she would also check your Cane Corso’s overall health condition. Supplements can also help in keeping the coat strong and shiny.
If there is some stress involved, avoid any stress-inducing situations or places. A Cane Corso needs stimulation to get by, so take him to places where he can exercise without too much distraction. It won’t be a problem if he is well trained and socialized because crowds and noises won’t faze him that much.
