Cane Corso - Advice before I adopt / Breeder Suggestions / Introduction

[Vantage]

@blackshadow Thanks for the very thorough response! So a couple of things here; you have a very solid point, as much as I would love to have a solid black or blue pup, I would much rather have a pup that would be a better fit for my family and I. I have expanded my search for a breeder to the States as well (But will also continue searching Canada), and would prefer to find the closest (RESPONSIBLE**) breeder, thus having a shorter flight for the pup if shipping is the only option I find. I do see you (Black Shadow) as a possible option, however I do not want to jump on the first breeder I find as a possibility. I will continue to do research, read up on your some more (and possible talk some more), as well as other possible breeders. Once I have made a decision, I would be glad to fill out a puppy application and do further specific-talks!I did look into BeachCaste K9, unfortunately they are 6+ hours away from me. However I will possible exchange emails or phone calls and see if they can also provide me with more information, as well another highly reputable training closer to my area (also greatly experienced with Molosser breeds) for when I do get my pup!As long as the microchip contains BOTH parties information I would have no problem with that! One thing I am having trouble coming to terms with is Neuter Vs. Co-Own. I can completely understand any responsible, great breeder, wanting to protect their breed and line of pups, thus asking respective owners to neuter their pets. However I am really, how should I put this, on the edge - when it comes to neutering my pup. (My male Yorkie is also intact. I once had a lady approach me on the street while walking him, and ask me to use him as a stud, I said absolutely not. (Umm, A, I don't know you. B, I'm not interested.) She offered me one pup out of the respective littler, but I had no interest in such activities.) However there are quite a few things that worry me with a co-ownership. I would be fine if it was "I must contact you and have your agreement and signature, if I was to consider breeding my pup", as I have no interest in doing so. But I would not want the breeder to contact me and say, "hi I want to breed the stud I sold you, we need to take possession of him from x amount of time. Will you ship him back to us, or meet us half way so we can take him from you." Just as I have no problem signing "that the breeder can take the puppy if there are obvious signs of neglect" as well (my favourite entrepreneur, Mr. McMahon would put it) "No chance in H3!!"...I would ever neglect any animal. Or that I would return the pup to the breeder if I was going to surrender him, as once again "No chance in H3!!".... that I would surrender a pup once I welcomed him to my family.So I take it, this would have to be discussed and clearly outlined in the contract with the prospective breeder. Or I would have to come to terms with neuter him once he is older. One of the two.

 

[Vantage]

Again with these walls . And I put much effort into making readable, topic oriented paragraphs! Sometimes < br > (without spaces) works, sometimes it does not lol.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Shipping is usually not a huge issue. Air Canada will no long transport the breed so all those being flown in will have to com in on West Jet which might come down on places you would get a pup from. Also if shipping in from the US they have to be in a reinforced crate so there is an increased cost if flying in from the US. I agree with not settling on the first breeder you come across, and actually have nothing I can offer you and don't know when I will. We have a waiting list usually started for our litters before we breed them as we don't breed often, typically when we plan to keep something back for us. You however are more than welcome to ask any questions you have and I will help with whatever I can. If you build a relationship with a breeder then there might be aspects of their contract they are willing to talk about or work with you on but for those that they don't have a deep relationship with it would likely stay with those conditions as they are to protect the pup, breeder and owner so that everyone know what is expected from the start. While there are shady breeders there are also shady owners that think nothing of saying one thing and doing another and breeders get burned too by owners that don't honestly care for the breed

 

[TWW]

Think Hiraeth and BlackShadowCaneCorso covered about every thing.
The only thing I would add is I can not stress how much health testing matters and finding a breeder who has a goal for his or her line.
As a long time Mastiff owner, I've seen the bad side of those just breeding just for money or without a purpose in mind.
Mastiffs and mastiff breeds are some of the noblest breeds you will ever find, but they must come with temperament and healthy.

 

[Vantage]

It seems as though there should not be any surprises for me! I've looked through countless number of sites, and the "is this the right breed for me" section on them (always names a little differently), and have yes to say "no" to any fact listed, on any of the sites. I'm confident I know what I am getting into. Now to find a trustworthy breeder!There are a couple more I have been looking at;Liliani Cane Corso (Local) [Breed looks good! But I'm not sure about the "working" aspect of it]http://www.avituscanecorso.com (Long-Dist.)Bodyguard Cane Corso | Available Puppies and Upcoming Litters Classes (Long-Dist.) [But looks promising] ...I'd make the drive out if necessary.Can anyone say anything about the above breeders? Or can anyone recommend any other places I should check out? Although the search continues!Also, a side question, does anyone else have a Corso that has not been spayed/neutered? Or has your pup had this done? ...I do not really see any plus to having a male Corso neutered? (Other than the decrease, in very low chance of cancer?) And to protect the breeder...

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

It seems as though there should not be any surprises for me! I've looked through countless number of sites, and the "is this the right breed for me" section on them (always names a little differently), and have yes to say "no" to any fact listed, on any of the sites. I'm confident I know what I am getting into. Now to find a trustworthy breeder!There are a couple more I have been looking at;Liliani Cane Corso (Local) [Breed looks good! But I'm not sure about the "working" aspect of it]http://www.avituscanecorso.com (Long-Dist.)Bodyguard Cane Corso | Available Puppies and Upcoming Litters Classes (Long-Dist.) [But looks promising] ...I'd make the drive out if necessary.Can anyone say anything about the above breeders? Or can anyone recommend any other places I should check out? Although the search continues!Also, a side question, does anyone else have a Corso that has not been spayed/neutered? Or has your pup had this done? ...I do not really see any plus to having a male Corso neutered? (Other than the decrease, in very low chance of cancer?) And to protect the breeder...

Liliani I would ask for health testing and ask to see the results on the parents do not take anyone's word. Also ask about health problems and temperament issues and if they have had any. Avitus is a close friend and was on the forum but can't get on last time I checked. Bodyguard tends to breed dogs that work from lines that people look at in the breed for working. I don't know their history for health testing but you can find their working titles on the IPO sites for the breed.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Liliani I would ask for health testing and ask to see the results on the parents do not take anyone's word. Also ask about health problems and temperament issues and if they have had any. Avitus is a close friend and was on the forum but can't get on last time I checked. Bodyguard tends to breed dogs that work from lines that people look at in the breed for working. I don't know their history for health testing but you can find their working titles on the IPO sites for the breed.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

Our dogs are intact but obviously for a reason. We co-own a few dogs that remain intact but with an understanding in our contract that details the responsibility of the dog being intact.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

 

[Vantage]

Thanks for the tips BlackShadow.

I always ask a couple of questions, being; are certificates available for OFA, CERF, Registration. If they have had any temperament testing done. If their pups are prone to any other medical problems. If the pups are raised in the breeders home or an outdoor kennel? Whether they let the buyer choose their pup, or if they match the pup with the owner and what they are looking for. What type of socialization is done. And then just other misc. questions to get to know a breeder a little better and how they operate.

The the below; if you would like a little laugh, while at the same time shaking your head is dismay.

Its surprising difficult to find a reputable breeder that has a planned litter. I know I can easily go on Kijiji and get a pup in a day or two (Which I would never do), but it is absolutely appalling how some of these people are.... I mean, I saw an ad that looked like a breeder....so I went against everything I say, and decided to call them to get some information (to see if it was in fact a real breeder or just some backyard breeder). The individual was selling "Cane" Corsos (Not Kah-Neh Corsos), had not idea what OFA or CERF was, but assured me parents were on site. They described the colour of the pups as "Gun-Metal-Grey" (uhmmm WHAT? ..lol). Said they come dewormed and tails docked, and no mention of any vet shots. It really saddens me how easy it is to get a Cane Corso from money hunger "breeders", who in my opinion should not be breeding the pups if that is the way they are operating. On the plus side there was no spay/neuter contract lol! (Ugh I don't care, I would not get my baby from there! Or kijiji.)

 

[Vantage]

My biggest concern with neutering, is that it almost always seems to change the temperament of the pup. They don't have that same energy, drive, and excitement they did prior to having it done. Now this is from my experience, and others I have talked to (other breed owners as well).

 

[Boxergirl]

Totally not on the subject but I had to comment that my daughter went to vet tech school with a young woman that moved here from Italy with her husband. All of her family is still there and they have owned Corsos (Corsi?) all of their lives. She still has trouble speaking the English language sometimes. She insists that she doesn't know a single person in Italy that says Kah-Neh. They all say cane. I just thought that was odd.

 

[tmricciuto]

I had my EM girls spayed and it didn't affect their temperament at all my high prey girl is still crazy and my low drive girl is still lazy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Thanks for the tips BlackShadow. I always ask a couple of questions, being; are certificates available for OFA, CERF, Registration. If they have had any temperament testing done. If their pups are prone to any other medical problems. If the pups are raised in the breeders home or an outdoor kennel? Whether they let the buyer choose their pup, or if they match the pup with the owner and what they are looking for. What type of socialization is done. And then just other misc. questions to get to know a breeder a little better and how they operate. The the below; if you would like a little laugh, while at the same time shaking your head is dismay. Its surprising difficult to find a reputable breeder that has a planned litter. I know I can easily go on Kijiji and get a pup in a day or two (Which I would never do), but it is absolutely appalling how some of these people are.... I mean, I saw an ad that looked like a breeder....so I went against everything I say, and decided to call them to get some information (to see if it was in fact a real breeder or just some backyard breeder). The individual was selling "Cane" Corsos (Not Kah-Neh Corsos), had not idea what OFA or CERF was, but assured me parents were on site. They described the colour of the pups as "Gun-Metal-Grey" (uhmmm WHAT? ..lol). Said they come dewormed and tails docked, and no mention of any vet shots. It really saddens me how easy it is to get a Cane Corso from money hunger "breeders", who in my opinion should not be breeding the pups if that is the way they are operating. On the plus side there was no spay/neuter contract lol! (Ugh I don't care, I would not get my baby from there! Or kijiji.)

As far as registration the breed can not be registered with CKC (beware if a breeder says they are), they can be registered with AKC or CFC (this is the only legal corso registration in Canada). It is very easy to get a corso, it is not so easy to get a "well-bred" corso

 

[Vantage]

As far as registration the breed can not be registered with CKC (beware if a breeder says they are), they can be registered with AKC or CFC (this is the only legal corso registration in Canada). It is very easy to get a corso, it is not so easy to get a "well-bred" corso

Haha, I feel you! I wish there were more responsible breeders around!

Oh! That is interesting, could you clarify why this is? (No CKC?) And thanks for pointing that out. Glad I came here, been getting lots of help and good information!

Cane Corso Of Troy was one I was considering, however... upon contacting them and asking for OFA certificates/Hip Scores, the response I received was, that their latest litter was from X-named Dam and X-named Sire, who were featured in a movie and have strong muzzles, and thick bones, and great temperament. Additionally their site does say "Puppy pricing: the price varies depending on quality and color. Contact us for prices of a certain pup! All pups are either FCI, CKC or ICCF registered." ...Yeah they are looking less and less promising the more I dig." They did have their pups featured on Canada AM and daily Planet, but imo. that does not mean much other than, that they had "A" nice pup or two, and good publicity. Their instagram has a fairly large following and the pups do look nice, but I need proof of health, not to hear that it is good.

A seven,eight,nine hour drive isn't exactly easy, but it might have to come down to that! I'll keep looking though!

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Haha, I feel you! I wish there were more responsible breeders around! Oh! That is interesting, could you clarify why this is? (No CKC?) And thanks for pointing that out. Glad I came here, been getting lots of help and good information! Cane Corso Of Troy was one I was considering, however... upon contacting them and asking for OFA certificates/Hip Scores, the response I received was, that their latest litter was from X-named Dam and X-named Sire, who were featured in a movie and have strong muzzles, and thick bones, and great temperament. Additionally their site does say "Puppy pricing: the price varies depending on quality and color. Contact us for prices of a certain pup! All pups are either FCI, CKC or ICCF registered." ...Yeah they are looking less and less promising the more I dig." They did have their pups featured on Canada AM and daily Planet, but imo. that does not mean much other than, that they had "A" nice pup or two, and good publicity. Their instagram has a fairly large following and the pups do look nice, but I need proof of health, not to hear that it is good. A seven,eight,nine hour drive isn't exactly easy, but it might have to come down to that! I'll keep looking though!

Sure, the breed is in limbo with the CKC (largely in part to too much ego between Agri-Canada and CKC so now we suffer) Here is the quick and dirty version... The breed was recognized with the CKC several years ago (15 or so I think now) but as there were factions in the breed even then one group petition the CKC to allow them to split the breed and make another breed. CKC said enough with the fighting and pulled the recognition until they could get their ducks in a row. They did but at that point Agri-Canada realized that CKC was in violation of part of the requirements (in Canada you can only have one legal registry for the breed and it is controlled by Agri-Canada) and until they complied no new breeds would be accepted in the CKC. So despite us having been let in before, when they yanked it we ended up in limbo, so we now have a listed breed status... which mean you can pay $50 for a Misc# that will allow you to compete in CKC events but you can not register a litter that way and these are not registration papers.

 

[Vantage]

Ahh thanks for clarifying, makes sense. It is a shame they were not able to ratify the whole thing.

I also just took into account buying a pup that is 3500 will end up costing 4550 due to currency exchange . And here I was ready to make a six hour drive lol. It is also unfortunate the breeder a couple hours away from me claimed to be so good, yet were unable to confirm any OFA/CERF info with me. Oh well, I will keep searching.... I may how to extend my time-frame to a couple months later (possibly longer) as I am not going to settle for just any breeder/pup.
I am in talks with someone else around here that says their pups are in the 80/90th percentile for hips, as well has won a couple awards for rare breed dog, iccf champ, molosser breed. (they are willing to show certificates and such to confirm this.) They have not done any obedience, protection or schutzhund however. I'm wondering if that may play a role in their temperament, and my ability to compete in such activities with my pup? I am also waiting for more information from your (blackshadows) friend. They did acknowledge receiving my email, but said they were real busy and would get back to me. (Good communication, and shows me a greater level of responsibility, rather than leaving me hanging -wondering if they received my message or not.)

My mom was just telling me the other day, one of her friends (a bulldog owner) recently spent a couple thousand at the vet for a couple misc. health issues. That is costly, but money aside, I'd hate to see my pup struggle health wise! So I'll wait until I can get a pup from a proven, good health line, to reduce any risks and worries.

In the meantime, I continue to scroll through these forums, as well as do more research on health/food/taking care and obedience and training for the Cane Corso breed.

 

[Vantage]

I have come across one breeder that, from my initial look over seems like a good breeder. Only down-side is that they are a 14 hour drive away ... It is doable but not the easiest. They do offer shipping but I would have to strongly, strongly consider before I would do that. Some things I really like about this breeder is that they do have italian lines, ofa hip testing in the 90th percentile, upon weening pup off their mom - they begin a raw diet, and give Nuvet immune system supplements. They require the buyers to continue with raw diet and Nuvet supplements in order to uphold their 2year-health-guarantee. They also require the buyer to send pics of their pups for the first two years, four times a year (front and sides). As well as any other pics the buyer would like to send. Additionally they do not require spay/neuter contracts due to ongoing research/studies saying it may not be the best thing for pups, unless the owner wishes to do so. *AWESOME*(Thus pet quality pups are given with no requirement to spay or neuter but on limited registration.) If you want show/quality pets you get full registration or wish to breed they will allow you to, only after you have gone through health testing, ofa / cerf/ thyroid / heart etc. (and no mixing breeds. plus the other pup must have these tests done as well) Their prices are reasonable, up to $2500for pick up litter, slightly less for not-pick-of-litter..not bad at all! And they give you a bunch of material to read/learn to help train and feed the pup. All looks great! ..Although like I said before, it is a consideration, I will continue to research on their reputation/ talk with them, as well as look for other breeders as well.

Once I have shortened my list of possible breeders, that I believe are responsible and caring, and a good match for me, I will ask you guys for specific information/opinions on them. ..and although it may cost a little more to buy a USA pup due to currency exchange rates, I may have come off indecisive on my previous post, I have not ruled out getting a pup for the States.

 

[Vantage]

I also seem to have a growing interest in conformation and obedience shows. More so obedience than conformation, but it is something I can learn more about! The more I read about them, the more interested I become in possibly participating in one. I may be going to check out a CKC obedience show coming up next month in my area. And there is going to be a conformation show in a couple months. This is something I may like to do with my pup when I get him, so I have much more researching ahead of me .

As well, this may be something I should look up/post in the health forums, but are you guys using joint supplements with your Corsi? (Don't need to answer that necessarily, I'll check out the health forum more first )

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I have come across one breeder that, from my initial look over seems like a good breeder. Only down-side is that they are a 14 hour drive away ... It is doable but not the easiest. They do offer shipping but I would have to strongly, strongly consider before I would do that. Some things I really like about this breeder is that they do have italian lines, ofa hip testing in the 90th percentile, upon weening pup off their mom - they begin a raw diet, and give Nuvet immune system supplements. They require the buyers to continue with raw diet and Nuvet supplements in order to uphold their 2year-health-guarantee. They also require the buyer to send pics of their pups for the first two years, four times a year (front and sides). As well as any other pics the buyer would like to send. Additionally they do not require spay/neuter contracts due to ongoing research/studies saying it may not be the best thing for pups, unless the owner wishes to do so. *AWESOME*(Thus pet quality pups are given with no requirement to spay or neuter but on limited registration.) If you want show/quality pets you get full registration or wish to breed they will allow you to, only after you have gone through health testing, ofa / cerf/ thyroid / heart etc. (and no mixing breeds. plus the other pup must have these tests done as well) Their prices are reasonable, up to $2500for pick up litter, slightly less for not-pick-of-litter..not bad at all! And they give you a bunch of material to read/learn to help train and feed the pup. All looks great! ..Although like I said before, it is a consideration, I will continue to research on their reputation/ talk with them, as well as look for other breeders as well. Once I have shortened my list of possible breeders, that I believe are responsible and caring, and a good match for me, I will ask you guys for specific information/opinions on them. ..and although it may cost a little more to buy a USA pup due to currency exchange rates, I may have come off indecisive on my previous post, I have not ruled out getting a pup for the States.

I am hoping upon hope that this isn't the kennel I think it is, as it seems vastly similar to what they have toted in the past. OFA testing is not Percentiles that would be PennHip and I would ask to see the reports and make sure they are for the dogs they are breeding and not ones they no longer have. OFA gives, Excellent, Good, Fair, etc type grading in regards to hips. I am always cautious of breeders that don't require spay/neuters of most people. It is one thing to take it on a case by case basis based on the family in questions but most are not people that should have dogs left intact as they aren't willing to put the effort into ensuring that their dogs are contained and under control to prevent unwanted litters/breedings.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I also seem to have a growing interest in conformation and obedience shows. More so obedience than conformation, but it is something I can learn more about! The more I read about them, the more interested I become in possibly participating in one. I may be going to check out a CKC obedience show coming up next month in my area. And there is going to be a conformation show in a couple months. This is something I may like to do with my pup when I get him, so I have much more researching ahead of me . As well, this may be something I should look up/post in the health forums, but are you guys using joint supplements with your Corsi? (Don't need to answer that necessarily, I'll check out the health forum more first )

I have at least one friend showing at a show I think in ON in April, possibly a friend with his female as well that might be there and there is another male from a kennel that is being shown quite a bit right now as well but not sure if he is going to be out in April as I think he is going to the big ICCF show in OH in May. I can shoot you the link to the show dog info if you like so you can keep an eye out on where the shows are going to be and if you check judging schedules a week or so in advance you will know if there will be any corso there or not. If you are feeding a quality kibble, then outside of joint supplements and likely some omegas you shouldn't really need to give anything. If you are feeding raw you need to make sure you are giving a good supplement to make sure the pup/dog is getting all nutritional supplements required.

 

[Vantage]

Thanks Black Shadow, I pm'd you .

I didn't bother posting breeder name for the post above, I'm still iffy on them.