Group 2 · Pinschers & molossoids
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, athletic Italian mastiff, traditionally used as a guard and protection dog. It is loyal and balanced with an experienced owner, but needs early socialisation and clear leadership.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Cane Corso by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 3 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 2 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- BEST1: c.73C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Dental-skeletal-retinal anomaly (DSRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- MIA3: c.3822+3_3822+4del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Shoulder dysplasia (SD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray
Recommended examinations (2)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Cane Corso, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Canine multifocal retinopathy 1 (CMR1), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Dental-skeletal-retinal anomaly (DSRA), Elbow dysplasia (ED), Hip dysplasia (HD) and Shoulder dysplasia (SD). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Cane Corso needs solid walks every day and enjoys working together, such as obedience or tracking. Its short coat is easy to look after with a weekly brush.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Cane Corso is a powerful dog with a strong guarding instinct. It is gentle with its family but often reserved with strangers, which makes early and broad socialisation important. Given its strength, it belongs with an experienced owner who leads calmly and consistently. Bear in mind the space and costs of a large dog, and ask for the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
