Where to Buy A Cane Corso

There are different categories of breeders and many places to buy a puppy of any breed. This section is to help educate people on these differences and hopefully stop people from keeping unethical, uncaring people from ruining this breed. If people don't buy from them, then they will no longer breed. We, as consumers, keep these people in business and have the power to stop them if we want to!

Puppy Mill:

A place where a lot of dogs are raised, where breeding is done solely for financial gain with no concern for the breed's integrity or future. A puppy mill does not necessarily need to be dirty. The dogs don't have to be kept in poor condition or unhealthy. It does not necessarily have to be a dirty place like you see on 20/20 or the news. It can be a place where a single breed of dog is raised in acceptable conditions, they usually have puppies available all the time. These puppies may not necessarily be on the premises. Many puppy mill type operations only have 2-3 litters a year on their own premises but have others (family, friends, business partners) breeding dogs for them and retain breeding rights on many dogs they have sold. They often put out dogs through other people to hide the amount of litters they sell to ensure they are not labeled a "puppy mill". If you go visit a kennel facility that has large amount of Corsos ask yourself these questions:

1. Can the breeder properly exercise each and every dog on the premise on a daily basis?

2. Can the breeder properly socialize and train with each and every dog on the premises?

3. Do they have adequate housing for the cold weather, hot weather, rain, and snow?

4. Do they have adequate space for each dog?

5. Do they have a lot of property but do not have it accessible to the dogs?

6. Are you able to interact with all the dogs on the premises? If not, why? A stable, well-socialized Cane Corso should never be fearful or aggressive towards strangers. Aloofness is not the same as fearful, shy or aggression, don't let anyone convince that the breed is supposed to be unfriendly or aggressive with strangers. This is not the sign of a protective dog, but poor tempered one and odds are its offspring will inherit that temperament.

Commercial Breeder:

A breeder whose primary motive & existence is for profit. The dogs may be healthy and the kennels may appear to be clean. The dogs may even be screened for genetic diseases. The breeding stock is probably not selected for its resemblance to the standard or for good temperament. Some commercial breeders sell their puppies to pet stores or brokers who sell to pet stores. They have little concern for who they sell their pups to or what happens to them once they leave their premises. Breeding is their main source of income and they rely on the sales of the puppies and dogs to pay their bills so the best interest of the breed cannot be considered if paying their bills is their primary concern! They can be considered similar to a puppy mill the only difference is that they may not have as many dogs on the premises since they are a much smaller type operation.

Broker:

Someone who buys puppies from commercial kennels, puppy mills or backyard breeders and then sells them to pet stores or third party organizations.

Backyard Breeder:

A dog owner whose pet either gets bred by accident or who breeds on purpose for a variety of reasons. This breeder is usually has very little knowledge of the breed standard, genetics, behavior and good breeding practices. They are just throwing two dogs together for the sake of having puppies to sell. A backyard breeder isn't necessarily a bad person, it can be someone like your neighbor, friend or family who just doesn't have the knowledge or dedication or concern for the breed.

Hobby Breeder:

A person who usually only has one breed of dog on the premises, follows a breeding plan in efforts to preserve and protect the breed, produces only a few litters per year and only breeds to better the breed and their breeding program. They raises the puppies with plenty of environmental and human stimuli, has a contract that protects all parties involved (breeder, buyer & dog). They run a small, clean, kennel and screen breeding stock to eliminate all hereditary problems that affect the breed. They work to promote and protect the breed and care that each and every puppy is placed in the best possible home. They do not rely on the sale of puppies to pay their bills.

Pet Store:

Pet stores have been accused of getting their puppies from puppy mills, but this is not always true. Many pet stores get their puppies from commercial breeders, backyard breeders or brokers who are in the business of selling puppies and don't care about providing information that will help buyers make good choices or about putting out healthy puppies. Chances are slim that puppies in pet stores come from dogs that have been tested for the genetic diseases common to their breeds. Many breeders sell to pet stores so interviewing prospective buyers or keeping unsold puppies does not bother them. These breeders place no limits on puppy registrations and usually have poor breeding stock.

Rescue:

Rescue can be a great place to get a dog providing you are fully aware of the pros and cons involved in dealing with a rescue dog. Rescue dogs are usually over a year old. Most rescues don't have puppies available so you will most likely be dealing with an already large dog. The good part is that it is usually old enough to be past the housebreaking stage and chewing phase. They are usually in desperate need o f love and attention and appreciative to anyone who will provide them with it. A reputable rescue will perform a thorough evaluation of the dog and be able to tell you of any behavioral problems they have exhibited and match the dog up with the right home environment. The bad part is that there is no way to know the complete history of most rescue dogs, so many times rescues do their best but cannot foresee how the dog will behave in every situation since little is known of it's history, training, socialization level, etc. If you do decide to adopt from a rescue you should thoroughly check into their history and feel comfortable that they will support you during the transition phase of bringing the rescue dog into your home and also that they follow up on the dog on a regular basis. No reputable rescue will place a breedable dog; all rescue dogs should be spayed/neutered before being placed in their new homes. They should have up to date veterinarian records that should provided to you. The rescue will ask for an adoption fee to help cover the spay/neuter, vaccinations & heartworm testing of the dog. A reputable rescue will NEVER place a dog that has shown any type of aggression or has a bite history.

After reading through the above, we hope you have come to the conclusion that the only right place to get your Corso from is a Hobby Breeder or a reputable Rescue. Buying from any of the other category of breeders is supporting the downfall of the breed. Please research thoroughly before buying your Corso. It could be the difference between 8-10 years of joy or 8-10 years of misery!

Breed Info