How Much Does a Cane Corso Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

Cane Corso price and expenses how much does a Cane Corso cost

Are you curious to know how much a Cane Corso costs? Due to their enormous size and demanding needs, the price of owning one of these marvelous breeds is far from affordable. 

Moreover, you should know that the expenses don’t end with the basics like food and treats. You need to think about other dog necessities and the recurring costs of maintaining a Cane Corso.

If you plan to buy a Cane Corso puppy, you have come to the right place. This guide will not only help you manage your pet finances but also help you understand what it takes to be a responsible Cane Corso owner. 

The Average Cost of a Cane Corso Puppy

Average Cost of a Cane Corso Puppy

The Cane Corso puppy price ranges between $1,500 and $2,500 when bought from reputable breeders. However, if you wish to care for top-quality Cane Corsos, expect the cost to go as high as $8,500.

The general price of a Cane Corso is not cheap, but it is on par with other guard dogs. This is expected because breeds like this have a lot to offer. 

However, they also require a lot from their dog owner in terms of everyday needs.

Adopting a Cane Corso is not something to be taken for granted. These powerful dogs offer protection and loyalty. In return, you will need to supply their needs and attend to their demands.

READ NEXT: Cane Corso Colors: All Colors Explained (With Pictures)

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Cane Corso Puppy

Breeders consider a lot of factors when setting the price for their Cane Corso puppies. While some find their pricing outrageous, you will soon find out why the average cost is pricey as it is.

To help you out, here are the top factors that contribute to the Cane Corso’s price: 

  • Age: If you wish to raise a Cane Corso beginning from its puppy stages, don’t be surprised if you end up with a depleted wallet. Younger puppies are usually more expensive than older ones. This is because there is a higher demand for them.
  • Size: A dog’s size can play a role in determining its price. Larger Cane Corso puppies tend to be pricier than the smaller ones in the litter. Many people prefer larger Cane Corso puppies since they are usually healthier than runts.
  • Training Received: Not all dogs are easy to train, but Cane Corsos are highly intelligent and willing to learn. Having said that, many breeders add the cost of early training sessions to their Cane Corso puppy price. 
  • Health Guarantees: Cane Corsos are generally healthy dogs. However, since they are large dogs, they can encounter problems such as hip dysplasia. Health guarantees ensure that your purchased puppy will not develop such conditions. This can eventually add more to the overall Cane Corso price.
  • Breeder’s Reputation: The overall reputation of the breeder can affect the Cane Corso price because it reflects the quality of their breeding practices. Furthermore, if your breeder has a positive reputation, you can ensure that they sell only high-quality puppies.
  • Bloodline: Puppies with AKC Champion bloodline are worth a premium price. A champion Cane Corso has at least one of their parents or grandparents as a champion of the AKC. They are worth a lot more because only the dogs with stellar genetics become champions, adding at least $1,500 to the overall cost. 

If you really wish to care for this powerful canine, you should know that the color and gender can either increase or lower the Cane Corso’s price. 

Some colors are very rare, like liver or straw. Only a tiny percentage of Cane Corsos exhibit these colors because they mostly rely on regressive genes.

Meanwhile, while there is not much notable difference in price between male and female Cane Corsos, some note that males grow larger than female Cane Corso dogs. 

READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Cane Corso: Which Is Better?

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cane Corso From a Rescue? 

Whether you choose to adopt a puppy or adult Cane Corso, you should expect to spend about $200 to $600. This cost covers all the medical care expenses of the pooches while waiting for their forever homes. 

Additionally, Cane Corso rescue groups charge adoption fees to help feed the animals with water and quality food. Staff also take adult and senior dogs on walks to ensure they are physically active within the duration of their stay.

If you wish to adopt instead of contacting a Cane Corso breeder, you should make sure that you are financially capable. 

Although the adoption fees are relatively low, you should already know by now that caring for Cane Corsos is highly costly. 

Another factor you should consider is your housing situation. If you live in an apartment, you should check in with your landowner first. 

Initial Cost of Cane Corso Ownership

Cane Corso initial costs

After discussing the Cane Corso puppy price, let’s find out what other expenses you need to cover to maintain and care for them. These expenses are concerned with feeding them and keeping them safe and healthy.

Listed below are the initial costs of owning a Cane Corso: 

  • Food and Treats: You will need to ensure that you feed them moderate-calorie dog food. Cane Corso puppies will only need between 1 and 2 ¾ cups of dog food per day. And, since you will be training your dog, you should also stock up with delicious treats. Overall, this will cost you around $100 to $120.
  • Food and Water Bowls: Since they are giant dog breeds, expect your Cane Corso to drink and eat a lot. One good material choice is stainless steel. In the end, the bowls can give you a cost range of $15 to $35.
  • Bed: Even if you have a Cane Corso puppy, consider buying a large bed since they will eventually grow as large dogs within months. The price for a large bed is usually between $50 and $200.
  • Crate: Crates are essential for dogs that need to be house trained. Big dogs will significantly benefit from crate training because it offers a quiet and safe place away from the loud outside environment. Depending on the size and durability, this can cost you between $60 and $500.
  • Leash and Collar: When owning a Cane Corso, you should be used to going on walks and other adventures. The price for a good quality leash and collar ranges from $15 to $50.
  • Toys: Toys are needed by all canines, regardless of the breed. For Cane Corsos, you will need to focus on getting toys that will stimulate them mentally. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 for such toys. 
  • Grooming Essentials: The good news is that the cost for grooming is not that hefty. Since they have short coats, try finding quality bristle brushes and short hair de-shedding tools. Overall, this brings the price by an additional $40 to $180 for grooming essentials. 
  • Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Your Cane Corso puppy should be dewormed as early as 2 to 3 weeks old. Flea prevention medication, on the other hand, does not necessarily need a prescription from your vet. Moreover, you don’t need to give it to your pet religiously. Both deworming and flea and tick medication add around $50 to $200 to the overall initial price.
  • Initial Vet Visits: Vet visits will help give you an idea of your Cane Corso’s overall health condition. This will provide you with a better understanding of how to support your puppy’s development and growth. In general, this can cost you between $100 and $300.
  • Initial Vaccine Shots: Before giving your pup a vaccine, you should first talk to your veterinarian. This is because not all shots are suitable for your canine. Core vaccinations bring an additional expense of $75 to $200 to the Cane Corso’s initial costs.
  • Neutering and Spaying: These procedures have a lot of benefits, like reducing health issues and improving behavioral cycles. Of course, you will need to seek advice from your vet first. This will bring you an expense between $50 and $500. 
  • Dog License: Acquiring a dog license is important to ensure that your puppy is registered with a national canine registry. This is especially helpful when your Cane Corso gets lost. To acquire one, you will need to pay around $10 to $20. 
  • Microchip: Cane Corsos are very adventurous and active dogs. Having them microchipped will help you in the unfortunate event that they get lost or stolen. This will give you an average cost of $40 to $60.
  • Miscellaneous Supplies: Besides the previously mentioned necessities, you will also need other dog supplies to help you raise a Cane Corso. This includes poop bags, clothes, and more. All the needed supplies require you to pay an average range of about $15 to $30.

Here is a breakdown of the initial costs when owning a Cane Corso:

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$100 – $120
Food and Water Bowls$15 – $35
Bed$50 – $200
Crate$60 – $500
Leashes and Collars$15 – $50
Toys$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$40 – $180
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$50 – $200
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $300
Initial Vaccine Shots$75 – $200
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Dog License$10 – $20
Microchip$40 – $60
Miscellaneous Supplies$15 – $30
Total Initial Cost$650 – $2,445

From the detailed list, we can say that caring for a Cane Corso is not an easy task. Therefore, you should find the best food, supplies, and medications to maintain a healthy Cane Corso. 

If you want to know more about how to properly care for a Cane Corso, watch this video: 

You MUST Know This Before Getting a Cane Corso Puppy

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Annual Cost of Owning a Cane Corso

Cane Corso yearly and monthly costs

Once you bring home your Cane Corso, you will still need to pay for recurring expenses. Knowing where you need to spend your money will help you with budgeting. 

Yearly costs will include training, medical care, and overall wellness costs. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the annual expenses of owning a Cane Corso:

Type of ExpenseYearly Estimate
Food and Treats$900 – $1,200
Toys$30 – $150
Bed and Crate$240 – $500
Leashes and Collars$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$200 – $500
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$150 – $250
Routine Veterinary Care$200 – $400
Pet Insurance$800 – $1,500
Vaccinations$80 – $250
Miscellaneous Supplies$30 – $50
Yearly Total$2,660 – $4,850
Average Monthly Cost$222 – $404

As an owner, you will need to pay a lot of attention to your puppy’s health and growth. As seen in the list above, the bulk of the total average price is spent on pet health insurance, which is between $800 and $1,500.

Having one for your Cane Corso will save you from the expensive vet bills that may come when your dog gets sick. Furthermore, having pet health insurance increases the chance of receiving early diagnosis and treatment for illnesses.

To avoid the development of serious health conditions, you also need to allot a budget for routine veterinary care. This usually sums up to $200 to $400 a year.

Aside from these expected expenses, you will eventually have to spend between $200 and $500 for grooming essentials. 

This includes brushes, combs, dental supplies, shampoos, and pet grooming services for dogs that average about $40 to $75.

The yearly estimates above merely serve as the standard guide for those looking for insight on the Cane Corso price. Therefore, you may find yourself spending more money depending on your dog’s needs. 

READ NEXT: Cane Corso Lifespan: How Long Do Cane Corsos Live?

Other Potential Expenses 

Everything mentioned in the previous section is the standard for caring for a Cane Corso. Depending on the circumstances and priorities, you may need to incur additional costs.

Other possible expenses for a Cane Corso include the following:

  • Training Programs: Training this dog breed is a must, but enrolling them in training programs is optional. Training costs will largely depend on the dog’s age and their behavior towards training. Depending on the trainer, this expense will let you pay between $100 and $200 per class.
  • Emergency Treatment: Cane Corsos can be prone to some health conditions and injuries that may require immediate medical attention. An emergency trip to the vet may cost you around $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the needed treatment. 
  • Dog Daycare: Although they do not appear quite friendly, the Cane Corso is actually very social. With proper training and engagement, they can be friendly to strangers. One way to make them open up to other pups is through daycares. For full days in the daycare, this will bring you an expense of between $12 and $38. 
  • Professional Dog Grooming Services: While the grooming requirements of the Cane Corso breed are minimal, nothing is wrong with having your dog professionally groomed. This will help keep their coats short throughout the year. Depending on the specific services you want for your pooch, the cost can run between $30 and $90. 
  • Dog Walking Services: A guard dog like the Cane Corso should not be kept inside the home. When schedules are hectic, you can choose to contact a reliable dog walker. Hiring dog walkers will add $20 to $40 per hour to your expenses. 

For new dog owners, it will take a little time to understand the optional cost estimates. However, it will be easier for you to get accustomed to the prices as you raise a Cane Corso.

Places to Find Cane Corso Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Four Cane Corso puppies for sale and adoption 1

All fur parents need to take the time to find reputable Cane Corso breeders since they know what is best for the animals, so they can give you valuable advice for raising them. 

Searching for a Cane Corso is not that easy compared to the other breeds. To make it easier for you, here is a list of reputable breeders you can trust:

  • Corinthian Corsos – This breeder is proud to be the first Westminster Cane Corso Best In Breed Winner in 2011. They have set up a meticulous system to ensure that all the pups will end up with responsible owners and loving homes. 
  • Dal Cielo Cane Corso – Breeding dogs for over 30 years, Dal Cielo Cane Corso is a California-based organization that breeds only healthy pups. They are known to take part in the American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit program.
  • La Faccia Cane Corso – Another reputable Cane Corso breeder worth mentioning is La Faccia Cane Corso. Located in New York, this is a small hobby breeder known to raise their canines with utter care and compassion. 

Aside from the mentioned organizations, you can also take a look at our list of the best Cane Corso Breeders for more resources. 

RELATED: 10 Best Cane Corso Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!

Furthermore, if you wish to adopt a dog instead, here is a list of reliable rescue centers for Cane Corsos:

  • Cane Corso Rescue, Inc. – If you are determined to provide a forever home for a Cane Corso, you can trust Cane Corso Rescue, Inc. Their rescue program also focuses on the well-being of their rescued dogs and the ease of transaction for future adopters.
  • Red Rock Canyon Cane Corso – Located in Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon Cane Corso helps abandoned Cane Corsos find new homes. They are also breeders part of the AKC Breeder of Merit program. 
  • Must Love Corsos Rescue – This community has a team of dedicated volunteers passionate about locating and caring for Cane Corsos. They are a non-profit organization that operates from donations from other kind-hearted dog lovers. 

Before looking into these websites, make sure you check out our comprehensive dog adoption guide if you want to nail your adoption application.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved

Money-Saving Tips for Cane Corso Owners 

If you are someone who is fit and willing to care for a Cane Corso but is on a tight budget, do not worry. Finances should not be the major concern that can stop you from bringing this big dog into your loving home. 

That said, here are some top strategies for aspiring Cane Corso owners looking to save money effectively:

  • Make their toys. Instead of purchasing toys from pet stores, you can make them at home to save on costs. You can follow different DIY tutorials online and create toys from materials you already have.
  • Groom them at home. Since Cane Corsos do not need particular and meticulous grooming, caring for their coat at home is enough. Remember that this dog breed needs regular baths and brushing to keep their coats healthy.
  • Start training them young. If you are not adopting a senior Cane Corso, then you should start obedience training immediately. This will help you reduce costs for pricey training programs.
  • Feed your dog high-quality food. Hospital bills can get really expensive. If you want to save yourself from financial burden, you should invest in healthy food. Feeding them high-quality food will keep them healthy, saving you from frequent vet consultations.
  • Give them a lot of physical activity. Besides the healthy food, keep your Cane Corso healthy by giving them enough exercise. Regular walks, playtimes, and other activities will all be significantly beneficial for you both. 

These money-saving tips are here to help you care for your dog while cutting down on hefty expenses. This is not to say that you should deprive your canine of good health, care, attention, and fun. 

READ NEXT: 15 Cane Corso Mixes: Your Powerful And Muscular Mate

Final Thoughts

Cane Corsos are one of the most powerful and intelligent breeds. Most of them appear very intimidating but they are actually very calm and even-tempered.

Like other giant breeds, bringing them into your home and raising them can be costly. Besides the financial responsibility, you will also need to cover other important grounds that contribute to their well-being.

You need to make sure they are physically active enough, well-trained, and have good behavior. 

Because of these responsibilities, you should definitely assess whether the cost and traits of a Cane Corso match your budget and preference.

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