Questions We Are Often Asked:

What is the temperament like on the Cane Corsos?
If socialized properly from puppy hood, they are a people loving breed.  Bonding close to his family he is content to stay close to home with his pack.  They are friendly with people and quite "wiggly".  Our Corsos meet guest with a smile and wiggle.  We do not have to put up our dogs when guest visit.  But, if this breed is not raised with lots of socialization, they can be shy and fearful. 

Are they  good dog for protection?
Most trainers will tell you that unless a dog is trained to protect, don't count on it.   I do believe that the Corso bonds so close to his family that if someone were being harmed, somebody else would have a lot of dog to deal with.  They are a very discerning breed that seem to know when to become wary. 

How are they with children?
Most of the people we have placed puppies with have small children.  We have never received a bad report.  Children seem to have a  very lickable quality and they are easily knocked down.    I have also seen pictures of  Corsos sporting hats, scarves, necklaces, and even dresses!!!   A very tolerating animal, but you should never leave a child unattended with any animal.

Is the Corso aggressive towards other dogs?
There is no black and white answer for this question.  They are a large dominant dog, but with proper socialization and training they do get along with strange dogs.   Especially the case if put in such a mix on a regular basis.  Unaltered males will not get along with other males.  Females usually get along fine with each other  and with strange dogs if raised doing so. 

Are they easy to train?
They are very intelligent and willing to please.  Training a Corso is a joy, they are so quick to learn.  The down side is, they can be dominant.  The Corso will almost always be the most dominant dog in a group.  When raised with older dogs, by the time he/she reaches maturity, the Corso will be the alpha.  This can also be true with his/her human family.  They will try to be the pack leader over you.  This requires a strong voice and strong will.  It is mandatory that you and your Corso take at least 2 obedience courses together.  This breed is not for a quiet and mild natured  person.  It is also not for the first time dog owner.

Are there any health concerns?
Hip Dysplasia is as common in this breed as it is in other large breeds.  Increase your chances of not having your dog come down with it , by purchasing the dog from parents that did not have it. 
Cherry Eye occurs in this Italian Mastiff just like it does in other Mastiff breeds.   It is an infection of the third eyelid, which will form a small red bubble in the inner corner of the eye.  This can be corrected by having it removed or tacked down.   Usually a $150 procedure.  These are the two most common problems, but like any breed, just about anything can happen.

How much exercise do they require?
A 30 minute walk/play in the morning and about 45 minutes in the evenings.  They have great endurance and are great to accompany you on a jog or hike.  They are very good house dogs, without the clumsiness of most big breeds.

What is the difference in the Cane Corsos in America and Italy?
Essentially there is little to no difference. There are bad breeders in both countries. There is speculation about the Corsos being defiled by other breeds in both countries.  We have visited numerous kennels in the US and in Italy.  We have attended many big shows in the U.S. and  a very large Corso show in Italy in 1999.  The dogs have the same temperaments, same qualities, same  health problems, same colors, and the same gossip "issues".  There was as much bickering in Italy as there is in the U.S..
Remember:  The Corso has been a farm dog for centuries, breeding 2 dogs for there working ability, NOT LOOKS.  It has only been in the past 15 years that looks has taken the front seat.  Do you want a dog because it is in accordance with diagrams on a piece of  paper or do you want proper temperament, health, and athletic ability?  

Questions about procedures at StoneCroft....

How long have you been breeding the Cane Corso?  We purchased our first Corso, Gus, in 1996.  We have since visited many breeders on the East Coast, as well as, in Italy.  We have acquired a wealth of information on the breed, as well as, books and videos.

Do you have a health guarantee?
Yes, we guarantee our puppies to be free of crippling hip dysplasia and congenital health defects for their first 24 months. Just as a buyer wants some reassurance, the seller does too.  Our guarantee is only good if you meet the requirements.  One is that the puppy is fed a dog food specially formulated for large breed puppies for their first year.   Another one is that we require that the puppy receive two training courses before a year old. A copy of the contract can be sent to you for further review.

Are the puppies ears cropped? 
No, we do not do ear cropping except on puppies we keep for our breeding program.   Whether or not you choose to do it is up to you.  Even show dogs are not required to have them cropped.  If you do decide to crop, most Veterinarians will not know a Cane Corso.  It is best to print out the page about ear cropping from the Cane Corso Coalition website.    Link to Ear Cropping Page

Is the tail docked and are the dewclaws removed?
Yes, the tail is docked a few days after birth.  The dewclaws on the back legs are removed if present.

Does the puppy receive any shots before shipment?
Yes, the pups receive a immunization shot at 6 weeks old.  Most are in their new homes for the second and third shots which are given at 9 weeks and 12 weeks. 

How are your dogs registered?
We register with AKCFSS (American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service) or with FCPR (Federation Cynagloque Puerto Rico).  All of our Corsos have Italian paperwork, which is recognized through the Puerto Rico registry.

What is the most important factor you breed for?
We do not strive to produce just one factor of the breed, rather the whole dog , all at once.  Dogs with bad temperaments or health issues do not stay in our program.   We are constantly improving upon good looks, good hips, and good athletic ability.  Good temperament is always the top priority.

What type of training do you do?
Our dogs have basic obedience training.   They really enjoy it.  We raise all of our litters with equipment similar to that found on a agility course.  By 12 weeks, they think nothing of walking across the a teeter-totter. 

Are your dogs Champions?
Some of our dogs have received a Championship in the conformation ring.   We learned early that making a dog a Champion doesn't really carry much merit.  Nearly any Corso can be championed after attending enough shows, regardless of their looks or temperament.  Just because a dog has a Championship doesn't make it a well rounded good specimen.  Temperament and health need to be given just as much consideration as their looks. Competing in the Conformation ring can be fun.  A lot of practice goes into preparing for the competition. Some handlers have developed a real art to making a dog look good in the ring.   Champion titles are often acquired because of the skill of a handler, so don't bank on those Ch. initials being an indicator for a superior dog.  Several of our dogs, and the offspring they have produced, are champions, but we would like to stress to you this should not be used as an indicator for a dogs worth.
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Click on this link to read more of the Breed Description

Photos of our dogs 

Email me at stonecroft@peoplepc.com

Misty Barker
804-443-1776