Formentino Cane Corso: Top Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About This Dog Breed

The Formentino Cane Corso is a rare breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature.

If you’ve ever seen one in person, you’ve probably noticed how closely they resemble Mastiffs, a more familiar breed of dog seen across the world today.

The Formentinos are a very ancient Italian breed of dogs. Their name comes from the Latin word for “gentle” or “kindly.” These dogs are also known for being extremely loyal and are often described as having a “doggie soul”.

When you think of a popular dog breed, the Formentino Cane Corso probably isn’t one that springs to mind. These dogs are now tough to come by but truly fascinating to learn about.

Keep reading to learn more about the Forementino, and see why thousands of us have fallen in love with them!

What Is The Formentino Cane Corso?

The Formentino is an old Italian breed of dog, originally bred to be used as a guard dog, and they were bred to be intelligent, strong, and courageous.

These dogs can weigh anywhere between 30-50 pounds. They usually have long hair coats, and they may have some white on their nose, ears, chest, legs, tail, and feet.

They are generally medium-sized dogs who stand around 20 inches tall at the shoulder. These dogs are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also smart, friendly, and loving dogs.

How Do I Find A Formentino Cane Corso Puppy?

If you’re looking for a puppy, it’s best to start your search early. Most puppies will be available to purchase within the first few weeks after birth.

You’ll find these puppies primarily in Italy, so if you live there, your search for a Formentino will be much easier. If you don’t live in Italy, you might want to consider finding a breeder near where you live.

You can do this by visiting local pet stores or contacting a rescue group.
However, we recommend you really take the time to consider the needs of a Formentino before buying one, especially as a puppy.

Puppies are notoriously difficult to care for regardless of breed, and they’ll require constant care and training.

As Formentinos are naturally high-energy dogs, you can expect this process to be more intense with them.

Take the time to consider your family dynamic, lifestyle, accommodation, and more before buying a Formentino Cane Corso.

Why Are There So Few Of Them Now?

In recent years, the number of Formentinos has decreased significantly. They are considered a rare breed, but fewer people are breeding them than ever before.

There are many reasons why this is happening. One reason is that they are expensive to maintain.

Another reason is that they require extensive training. Although Formentinos can be easier to train as puppies, the process can be much harder if you wait until adulthood.

So if you’re raising a Formentino from a puppy, it’s advised that you enroll it in obedience training classes as soon as possible.

However, even though they are becoming increasingly difficult to find, they remain one of the most impressive breeds out there.

Formentino Cane Corso: Key Characteristics

• Guard Dog: The Formentino Cane Corso has been bred for centuries to be a guard dog. They are intelligent, brave, and protective.
• Devoted: Forementinos are known for being very devoted to their owners.
• Family Pets: They are also known for being good family pets. They make excellent companions for children, and they get along well with cats and other small animals.

Formentino Cane Corso: Physical Attributes

• Height: The height of the Formentino ranges from 15-20 inches.
• Weight: The weight of the Formentino varies depending on the size of the dog. On average, they weigh between 30-50 lbs.
• Color: The color of the Formentino is typically either black, brown, red or cream.
• Coat: The coat of the Formentino can vary greatly. Some dogs have a double coat, while others have a single coat.
• Head: The head of the Formentino Cane Corso is large, and covered in thick fur. Their heads are also rounded, and their eyes are set close together.
• Ears: The ears of the Formentino are long, floppy, and point forward. They are made up of two lobes, which are covered in soft fur.
• Tail: The tail of the Formentino measures about 6-8 inches long and is bushy and tipped with a tuft of hair.
• Teeth: The teeth of the Formentino range from 4-6 incisors and have 2-4 molars.
• Legs: The legs of the Formentino measure approximately 12-14 inches. They are muscular and strong.

Formentino Cane Corso: Temperament

• Friendly: The temperament of the Formentino makes them an ideal companion. They are gentle, affectionate, and playful.
• Playful: Because they are such great playmates, they enjoy playing games like tug-of-war, fetching balls, and chasing toys.
• Affectionate: These dogs love being around their families and are extremely loyal and loving towards their owners.
• Intelligent: The intelligence of the Formentino allows them to learn quickly. They are eager to please, and they respond readily to commands.
• Trainable: They are highly trainable, and they excel at obedience training, but it takes time and patience to train them properly.

Formentino Cane Corso: Health Issues

• Allergies: Allergic reactions are common among the Formentino. If you suspect your dog may be allergic to something, consult your veterinarian right away.
• Dental Problems: Dental problems are another common problem among the Formentino Cane Corso. Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint becomes misaligned. This causes pain and discomfort, as well as arthritis.
• Hernia: A hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall. This happens most often in puppies, but it can happen in older dogs too.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. If your dog has heart problems, he should see his vet immediately.
• Kidney Stones: Dogs who drink lots of water tend to develop kidney stones more frequently than those who don’t.
• Liver Cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis is caused by scarring of the liver. This damages its ability to function normally.
• Neurological Disorders: Neurological disorders occur when there is damage to the nerves that control movement, usually caused by injury or infection.

Formentino Cane Corso: Fun Facts

• The Formentino was originally bred for hunting small game.
• They were first brought to Italy during the 15th century.
• Their name means “little cane cutter” in Italian.
• A male Formentino weighs between 40 and 60 pounds, while a female weighs between 30 and 45 pounds.
• A Formentino’s lifespan is 10 years.
• It is believed that the Formentino originated in Northern Italy.
• It is the only breed native to Europe.
• In ancient times, the Formentino was used for hunting rabbits and hares.
• According to legend, the Formentino is descended from the mastiff.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Formentino Cane Corso Cost?

The cost of getting a Formentino depends on several factors. Some of these factors include:

• Breed: There are many breeds within the Formentino family. Each breed has its own unique characteristics.
• Age: Puppies are much cheaper than adult dogs.
• Size: Smaller dogs are generally less expensive than larger ones.
• Personality: The dog’s personality will affect how much it costs to get them.
• Gender: Male dogs are typically more expensive than females.

Should I Get A Formentino Cane Corso?

If you want a companion animal, then yes! But if you want a pet with a purpose, then no. The Formentino is an excellent working dog, but it is not suitable for everyone.

What Breeds Make The Formentino Cane Corso?

There are three main types of Formentinos:

• Cane Corso: These are large, muscular dogs. They weigh between 50-80 pounds. Their coats come in black, brown, red, tan, white, or any combination thereof.
• Mastino: These are smaller dogs. They weigh between 25-50 pounds. Their coats come mostly in black or brown.
• Maremma Sheepdog: These are medium-sized dogs. They weigh between 35-55 pounds. Their coats come mainly in black, brown, or gray.

The Formentino Cane Corso and the Neopolitan Mastiff both descend from a Roman breed of dog used for hunting.

Do Formentino Cane Corsos Need A Lot Of Exercise?

Yes! They require daily exercise. Formentino’s are working dogs, so they’ll require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Because they’re working dogs, they also love having a job to do.

Although these dogs were originally bred as guard dogs, so their ‘guard dog’ tendencies tend to be the job they revert to, you could try giving your Formentino other jobs such as carrying a bag, picking up laundry, fetching your keys, a lead, and more.

Giving your Formentino a job will give it a sense of purpose and direction in life. This can reduce the risk of behavioral issues and make the training process much smoother for both of you.

It will also encourage increased loyalty and obedience, though these seem to come quite naturally to the Formentino anyway!

Remember: Just like any other dog, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.

Formentino’s will enjoy emotionally enriching activities such as snuffle mats, puzzle toys, kongs, exposure to different textures and noises, and more.

Ask your local pet store or vet for more information if you’re not sure what mental activities to provide a Formentino with.

Final Thoughts

The Formentino Cane Corso is now an extremely rare dog to come by. Cane Corso’s in liver, chocolate, or straw colors are even harder to come by due to the regressive genes required to produce them.

Though they are hard to come by, the Formentino Cane Corso is a fantastic dog full of life, personality, loyalty, and joy.

When given the right stimulation and exercise, they will make a great family pet, but we wouldn’t recommend them for a first-time dog owner.