Should I Breed my Cane Corso?

The Cane Corso Coalition does not believe it is the duty or right of every Cane Corso owner to produce a litter of puppies from his or her dog or bitch. It is never okay to intentionally breed a "pet quality" puppy. Even when breeding two dogs of the highest quality, the majority of puppies produced will most likely be "pet quality" and should be sold accordingly. Breeding from less than the best can result in serious structural flaws, health and temperament problems.

Thousands upon thousands of dogs are euthanized every year. This horrible fact is the product of irresponsible breeders and irresponsible owners. Responsible breeders are very knowledgeable about their breed and strive to learn more for the love of the breed. They understand the importance of a balance of conformation, health & temperament. They know the importance of selective breeding. They don't just throw two dogs together to make puppies. They will know their breed's pedigrees and the history behind those pedigrees.

They never breed dogs because it "will be a good experience for the children to witness". They never breed because "the female needs to experience motherhood or she will not lead a happy life". They never breed dogs for the sole purpose of getting a "return on their investment".

There are few good reasons to breed. The following circumstances should be met before you decide to breed:

1) You have 2 quality, healthy, stable tempered, registered dogs of the same breed that adhere closely to that breed standard. (*note: "show" quality puppies do not necessarily grow up to be show quality adults.)

2) Both dogs have been cleared of all genetic health problems associated with that breed. Two beautiful dogs are worthless if they need to be euthanized at a young age because of health problems and will, in all likelihood, pass these problems on to their offspring.

3) Both dogs adhere to the breed's temperament standard. Two beautiful dogs are useless if they don't make good companions.

4) You are willing and prepared to be responsible for the entire litter of puppies throughout their lives.

5) You are not doing this for profit. The health & safety of the litter is your main concern and you are willing to lose money to provide proper veterinarian care if necessary.

6) You have a lot of time on your hands. Finding a proper home for your pups is a long process that will include many hours of telephone interviews, strangers in and out of your house, follow up support and the possibility of having to take the pup/dog back if the owners can no longer care for it.

7) You are willing to say "no" to prospective owners that are unsuitable for this breed or aren't willing to provide the level of care that owning a dog requires.

8) You are willing to spend the time caring for the pups and their mom, including socialization; feeding, cleaning and hours of lost sleep while the pups are young and learning to nurse.

9) You are ready to deal with any complications that may occur with your female's pregnancy and provide the necessary supplementation and veterinarian care.

10) You can be with your bitch during delivery - which may occur at any time in the night or day.

11) You are able to care for any pups that may need extra nourishment if your bitch has problems producing milk or rejects her puppies. This is a full time job and may require you to take a 4-week leave of absence from your current employment. Will your boss be that understanding.

12) You are willing to replace the pup or refund the owners money should the pup/dog be diagnosed with any hereditary problems.

If you have met these standards, you might be ready to breed. If not, please get your dog spayed or neutered. It is easy to get caught up in the "money making" philosophy of dog breeding. If you care about all those dogs being put to death at shelters all over the world, you will not allow the temptation of a few dollars in profit to sway your integrity.

Please remember that a registered dog is not the same as a dog that should be bred. Many registered dogs, even "show quality" sold dogs, do not meet (or come close to) their breed's standard. Hopefully, if you have such a dog, the breeder was responsible enough to sell that dog with limited registration and a strict spay/neuter contract. If not, you should take responsibility and alter your dog so it does not have the chance to reproduce and contribute to animal population.

Please remember that these are living creatures that we are talking about. They should not be thought of as a way to make a quick buck. Dogs are loyal, loving, wonderful companions and at the very least we should treat them with the love, care and respect they deserve.

Breed Info