Cane Corso Price: How Much is an Italian Mastiff Puppy?

Last Updated on April 19, 2023

Also known as the Italian Mastiff, the Cane Corso breed is a powerful intimidating-looking dog. They make formidable guard dogs, but surprisingly they can also make magnificent companions for your family. They are also commonly used in law enforcement work.

Although not for first-time pet owners, this large, stubborn dog needs a firm, strong owner that can provide him with a confident leadership style.

If you think you’re up for the challenge, you may be wondering just how much it costs to buy a Cane Corso Italiano and precisely what expenses you can expect during your dog’s life.

We will examine all of this in the article below, so keep reading.

How Much Does a Cane Corso Cost?

The most expensive cost of owning a Cane Corso is the initial purchase price. Pedigree Corsos can be pretty expensive, primarily if they have been bred as working dogs or for law enforcement purposes.

You can expect to pay between $1000 and $4000 for a purebred Cane Corso puppy from a reputable breeder.

What is the average price of a Cane Corso puppy?

The average price of a Cane Corso puppy from a reputable breeder is around $1500. The most significant factor that will influence the price of your puppy is its genetics, and dogs from champion bloodlines can cost significantly more than this.

Cane Corsos with award-winning genetics have been known to fetch as much as $9000.

Meet some adorable four week old Cane Corso puppies here:

How much is a full-grown Cane Corso Italiano?

It will be less expensive to purchase a fully-grown Cane Corso Italiano than a puppy, as older dogs are always in less demand. You may struggle to find a purebred adult Cane Corso for sale. 

However, you might be lucky enough to find one looking for a home at a shelter, in which case, you’ll only pay around $300 to $550 for your dog. However, these dogs are more likely to be mixed than purebred Corsos.

Should you buy an Italian Mastiff puppy or an older dog?

Rescuing an older Cane Corso Italiano from a shelter can be a gratifying experience as you will be providing a dog in need with a new home.

This is also one of the cheapest ways of getting one of these dogs, but rescue Cane Corsos can come with problems. 

Older Corsos can have health issues that can be expensive to treat. If they weren’t appropriately trained as puppies, they could also exhibit some behavioral problems that you may struggle with.

You will likely have to work harder with a rescued Cane Corso than a young puppy from a breeder. 

Are small Italian Mastiffs more expensive than large ones?

The Cane Corso comes in one standard size. While smaller dogs can be easier to take care of, pet owners who love this breed typically want a large, intimidating-looking dog, so small Cane Corsos are unlikely to be more expensive than bigger ones.

What Does a Cane Corso Cost Through Reputable Breeders?

Purebred Cane Corsos from reputable breeders are expensive.

These dogs can cost between $1000 and $4000; however, when you buy a Corso puppy from a good breeder, they should come with health certificates that certify the dog is free from any genetic conditions. 

This can make your Cane Corso cheaper in the long run, as these severe health issues can be expensive to treat later on in life.

How to find a reputable breeder and avoid puppy mills

The AKC (American Kennel Club) website will be able to provide a list of breeders who specialize in Cane Corsos in your area. 

To determine an acceptable pairing, people who are committed to breeding with ethical standards give background information about their dogs’ pedigrees, temperaments, and even the grandparents of their puppy. 

In a puppy mill, puppies are bought at low prices from backyard breeders. Their health inspections are not typically performed as thoroughly as in reputable breeders.

Although this may seem inexpensive, you could spend a lot of money and time. 

Because puppies from puppy mills are not dewormed or vaccinated, unethical breeders do not provide proper health care to their puppies; they could develop health problems immediately after birth.

Adoption Fee for a Rescue Corso

If you’re looking for a Cane Corso to adopt, you should look for one at a Cane Corso-specific rescue center near you.

Unfortunately, these dogs might have had no formal training or could have experienced a traumatic upbringing which can affect their temperament. 

You’ll likely have to spend lots of extra effort and money on training these dogs, but the initial purchase price will be a lot less, costing only between $300 and $550, and you could save a dog from euthanasia. 

Factors Affecting the Price of a Cane Corso Puppy

As you have read, the price of the Cane Corso can vary significantly. Breeder reputation, your dog’s genetics, his size and age, and even his coat color and markings can influence the price of a Cane Corso puppy. 

1. Bloodline and Breeder’s Reputation

Among the most critical factors that influence the price of your Cane Corso are its genetics and parentage. Corso puppies from champion bloodlines will inevitably be more expensive.

AKC-registered Corso dogs and those from breeders with awards behind their names will also earn higher prices.

2. Registration papers/pedigree

Cane Corso dogs that come with registration papers from the AKC will be more expensive to buy from breeders.

The AKC certifies that enrolled puppies meet strict breed standards, and they may be more expensive than those not registered with the AKC. These dogs can be bred or entered into shows.

How much is a Corso worth without papers?

There can be a significant difference between Cane Corso dogs with papers and those without.

A Corso without papers might be around $1,500; however, dogs with papers cost upwards of $2,000, so the difference is quite significant. 

Dogs without papers will not be able to be entered into shows or bred, but these are still purebred dogs that make great companions and watchdogs. 

3. Health screenings and medical expenses

Thankfully, the Cane Corso breed is quite a muscular breed that doesn’t have many health problems.

However, as with all large dog breeds, they can be susceptible to developing Elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, joint problems, and arthritis. Eye abnormalities can also be common in this breed.

That said, reputable breeders will be able to provide health checks for their Corso puppies that show they are free of any genetic diseases.

As these health certifications require quite a lot of money to perform, they will increase the price of the dog, but the initial expense is worth it for the money and heartache you’ll save at the end of the day.

4. Age

As mentioned previously, an older dog will be cheaper than a younger one. The younger a puppy, the more expensive he will be but be cautious of breeders who sell puppies under two months old.

As puppies depend on their mothers for warmth and nutrition, they should stay with their mothers for at least the first eight weeks of their lives.

5. Gender

Male Cane Corsos are generally more sought after than female dogs as they are larger and typically come with fewer health concerns.

Male Corsi can cost between $1500 and $2500, while female Corsi will cost between $1500 and $2300. The ratio of males to females in the specific litter you’re looking at will also affect the final price of the puppies.

6. Coat Color and Markings

Cane Corsos have a short coat that’s easy to groom and doesn’t need regular brushing or trips to the parlor. The coat comes in various solid colors, with fawn and chestnut the cheapest and most common varieties. 

Brindle and Black Corso dogs will cost slightly more, netting around $2000 a puppy, while the most expensive coat color for the Cane Corso breed is gray. Gray Cane Corsos will cost upwards of $3000. 

Read more:  The Different Colors & Markings of a Corso Dog

7. Others

Your Cane Corso’s cost may be affected by several other factors.

These variables can include the breeder’s area, interest in the puppies from other buyers in your area, transporting costs, and any added extras that your breeder has included, for example, beginning puppy training or microchipping your dog.

Initial and Long-Term Costs of Italian Mastiff Ownership

The initial cost of Cane Corso ownership includes the price of buying your puppy, but you also need to think about all the supplies you need for your new companion.

You could be looking at spending between $10 and $40 on bowls, $20 to $70 on a leash, collar, and tag, and $30 to $110 on a dog bed. 

In the first year, you’ll also have a range of one-off medical expenses as there are various vaccinations that you will need to get for your new dog, and you’ll also need to get him spayed or neutered.

It will cost you around $65 to $170 per vet visit and $200 to $500 to get your dog fixed.

Having a Cane Corso is costly, and you could spend more than $1000 a year on your dog.

Several things will make you burn through cash during your pet’s life, including everything from vet expenses to training, pet hotels or boarding charges, canine walkers, and pet insurance, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

1. Veterinary Expenses

Your Cane Corso will rack up quite a few medical expenses every year of his life.

Heartworm prevention medication can be between $75 and $120, flea prevention medication can also be between $100 and $125, vaccinations for leptospirosis cost between $15 and $25, and influenza vaccinations $70 and $90. 

You’ll also want to pay for Lyme vaccinations if you live near the woods or spend a lot of time outdoors with your Corso, costing between $60 and $80 for both doses.

And that’s not even to mention the cost of seeing your vet for your pet’s annual vaccinations and deworming or any unexpected medical expenses that could occur.

One of the most common health conditions with Cane Corsos is hip or elbow dysplasia. You can avoid this illness by buying a puppy from a reputable breeder that has performed the necessary checks on your dog.

If you need to treat this condition, you could be looking at the expense of up to $13000.

Eye problems, like entropion, ectropion, and cataracts, can also be expensive to treat, needing regular medication or even surgery.

This can cost between $500 and $1500. Big dogs like the Cane Corso are also susceptible to Gastric Dilatation Volvulus or bloat, which requires immediate surgery that can be between $1,500 and $3,000.

Sometimes, the Cane Corso can also suffer from heart illnesses, such as cardiomyopathy and heartworm, which need to be treated through medications and surgery and can cost between $500 and $1500 or even more.

2. Feeding Expenses

Cane Corsos are big dogs that eat a lot, and they need a high-quality diet that can sustain their muscular bodies and high energy levels.

Although puppies don’t eat the exact quantities as adult dogs, they need specially formulated food for growing dogs that support their development, which can be expensive. 

Puppy food for your Cane Corso can cost you between $300 and $600 in the first year of your dog’s life, while in subsequent years, you could be looking at spending between $200 and $650 on your dog’s food alone. 

2. Dog Grooming Fees

Cane Corsos have short hair and thus don’t need regular trips to the groomer. Brushing your dog once a week and bathing him only when very dirty will suffice.

However, you may need to take your dog into the parlor to get his nails clipped and teeth cleaned. This can cost between $40 and $55 a visit.

3. Pet Insurance Coverage

It’s recommended to invest in pet insurance for your Cane Corso to help you cover any of its unexpected medical expenses.

Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can get plans that cover unforeseen accidents only or more comprehensive cover that includes regular vet visits and common illnesses. 

A basic plan for your Corso will cost about $190 per year, while more comprehensive pet insurance could set you back at about $560 annually.

4. Environmental Maintenance

Cane Corsos like to spend a lot of time outdoors and thus need ample space to roam, although they don’t necessarily need expensive dog crates and kennels as they are quite a hardy breed. 

As big dogs, though, they produce large poops, and you’ll need to invest in a poop scoop and bags to pick up after your pup.

You might also want some stain and odor remover for your home. These costs will amount to a maximum of $30 a month.

5. Entertainment Expenses

Cane Corsos can be a dangerous breed if they’re bored. They also have strong, powerful jaws that can chew through toys. You’ll want to invest in high-quality dog toys.

These can be pretty expensive, costing between $50 and $100 apiece but will save you money in the long run.

6. Pet Supplies

There are various supplies you should buy for your new Cane Corso. These can incorporate your doggy’s bed, a lead, collar, ID tag, food and water bowls, and even a first aid kit in case of emergencies.

While you can expect to spend upwards of $500 initially for these supplies, you won’t need to buy them every year of your dog’s life.

Additional Expenses that Come with Owning this Breed

Other than the above costs, there are a couple of different things that will cost money to provide a good life for your Cane Corso.

This incorporates doggy preparing training, which can cost somewhere in the range of $30 and $80 per group lesson, a permit that makes it legitimate to own a canine in certain states and is priced somewhere in the range of $10 and $20 per year, and pet walking and boarding charges which can cost somewhere in the range of $15 and $85 every day.

Average Monthly Expenses

As you can see, there are various things that you need to pay for every month of your Cane Corso’s life, with the initial expenses and your dog’s food probably being the most expensive.

If you budget between $100 and $300 per month for your dog, you should be able to provide him with adequate care and nutrition.

First-Year Expenses

The first year of owning a Cane Corso is the most expensive as you’ll need to buy all your supplies, take your dog for his puppy vaccinations, and of course, budget for the purchase price of your puppy.

Besides the cost of your dog, you could be looking at upwards of $2000 in the first year alone. 

Lifetime Expenses

Cane Corsos have a lifespan of between ten and twelve years. You should expect to pay at least $24,000 on your dog; however, if your dog suffers from health problems or you regularly use expensive facilities like doggie daycare, these costs could run upwards of $80,000.

Are Corsos more expensive than other dog breeds?

Cane Corsos are quite a desirable dog to own and thus more expensive than other similar dog breeds such as Presa Canario, which is around $1000 to $2500.

Corsos are also huge dogs, making them quite pricy in terms of initial puppy expenses and long-term care.

Conclusion: Should You Buy a Cane Corso Dog?

The Cane Corso breed can look scary, and this startling appearance makes them such impressive watchdogs. Yet, these dogs are also beloved family companions. 

If you feel like you’re a strong enough owner to handle these dominant dogs and can afford all of the expenses mentioned above, then the Cane Corso breed can make an excellent addition to your home. 

Just be sure to get your dog from a trustworthy breeder who has done all the necessary health checks on your Corso puppy so you don’t incur unnecessary medical expenses later in life.

Do you have a Cane Corso dog? We would love to learn all about him in the comments below.

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