Cane Corso is a type of mastiff breed that is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are known for being relatively cold tolerant, and able to deal with cold temperatures better than the majority of other breeds. This is likely due to their origins in Italy, where they were used as working dogs in the mountains.
But, it's hard to know what's the right thing to do when it comes to our dog's health and well-being, especially when it comes to extreme weather conditions.
Most people assume that if their dog is a "bigger breed" then they must be able to handle cold weather better. This isn't always the case. Many larger breeds of dogs can be very susceptible to the cold because of their thin coat of fur.
In this blog, we'll explore how the Cane Corso breed fares in cold weather, what precautions you should take if you own one, and some tips for keeping your dog safe and comfortable in winter weather.
When the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), an old breeder's rule says you should bring your dog inside. Cane Corsos are exceedingly tough and strong, but they aren't "geared" for really cold conditions.
Your Cane Corso can stay warm inside a properly insulated dog home even when the outside temperature is in the 20s°F, but more on dog houses later.
You should always bring your dogs inside during the winter if you reside in a cold or icy area, such as close to the US/Canadian border.
In short, Cane Corsos can tolerate a variety of moderate heat and cold circumstances, but they shouldn't be left outside all day in the heat, cold, or snow. The Cane Corso of today is not truly an outdoor dog. When the temperature is high or the humidity is high, they are prone to overheating.
Extreme cold is very difficult for Cane Corsos to handle. They do have a double coat, which is beneficial, but their short hair hinders their ability to naturally defend themselves from the cold.
As we said, Cane Corsos are not "natural" cold weather dogs. They don't have the same kind of fur coats as Huskies or Samoyeds. But, they are still working dogs and were bred to be tough.
So, while they aren't ideal for spending long periods outside in the cold, compared to other breeds, they can endure the cold.
If you do have to take your Cane Corso outside in the cold, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Dress them appropriately: They'll probably need a coat if it's cold enough for you. There are a variety of dog coats on the market that can help keep your Cane Corso warm. Look for one that covers their chest and belly, as these are the areas most susceptible to the cold.
Limit their time outside: If you don't have to take them out for a long walk, don't. The shorter the time they spend outside, the better.
Keep an eye on them: Pay close attention to your Cane Corso when they're outside. If they start to shiver or seem uncomfortable, bring them back inside.
Keep Inside:
Keep your dog inside as much as possible, you should only let them go outside for potty breaks if they need to go outside.
Plenty of Water:
Provide plenty of water and food, as dogs tend to burn more calories in cold weather keeping themselves warm.
Don't shave your dog's fur:
It may seem like a good idea to shave your Cane Corso's fur down to keep them cooler in the summer, but this can be harmful to their health. Their coat protects them from both the heat and the cold, so shaving it down leaves them vulnerable.
If you must shave your dog, make sure to only shave the areas that don't grow back such as the tummy, and never shave their coat down to the skin.
Keep Their Bed Warm:
Investing in a good insulated blanket or bed will keep your dog warm at night.
Dog Houses:
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, then it must have a warm, dry place to shelter from the cold and rain. Make sure the dog house is big enough for them to stand up and turn around in, but not so big that it's difficult to keep warm.
Fill the dog house with straw or another insulating material, such as a pet-safe heating pad, to make sure they're extra cozy.
While Cane Corsos can handle the cold better than some other breeds, there are still some health concerns to be aware of when living in a cold climate.
Frostbite: Frostbite is a serious concern in cold weather, and it can happen quickly. Watch for signs of frostbite, such as pale or blue skin, coldness to the touch, and stiffness. If you think your dog may have frostbite, warm them up slowly and seek veterinary attention immediately.
Hypothermia: Hypothermia is another serious concern in cold weather. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, weakness, lethargy, and confusion.
Dry Skin: Cold weather can cause your dog's skin to become dry and cracked. Keep an eye on their skin and apply a pet-safe moisturizer if necessary.
There are many different types of weather conditions Cane Corsos can tolerate, which makes them great indoor dogs. While they may be able to handle short stints in extreme cold or heat, it's not recommended to leave them outside for an extended time.
Make sure you provide your Cane Corso with a comfortable place inside your home where they can stay cool and warm during the extremes of temperature!
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog in the cold weather, please reach out to us in the comment section below. We will try our best to answer your questions!