How much should I pay for a Cane Corso puppy?

Keeping any dog is an expense you need to prepare for well before getting one. The wonderful blue eyes, droopy ears, and soft fur of Cane Corso puppies make them among the cutest puppies you could have as your best friend.

Used as a bodyguard-dog for centuries, the domesticated Cane Corso is faithful, obedient, and a very protective dog. This guide will acquaint you with expenses like the cost of purchasing one, adoption fees, grooming expenses, and health and food expenses.

Generally speaking, a Cane Corso puppy costs between $700-$3000, depending on breed, age, and other factors. Taking care of the puppy costs around $200 a month, with annual expenses ranging from around $2000-$2500 annually.

Most Cane Corso puppies under the age of 6 months will likely cost you around $1500-$2000. However, if the puppy is from pedigree parents, prices can soar to upwards of $5000. On average, expect to pay between $700 for slightly older and hybrid puppies, and around $1500 for others.

Cane Corso bloodline and breeder credentials

You may see the terminology "show dog" or "championship line" when a breeder describes their dogs. A well-known Cane Corso pedigree will result in a higher price. Breeders will also likely charge higher prices for coordinating the sale of the dog to you. The price will also include the expenses the breeder has already incurred in caring for the dog till the age it’s being sold.

Trained/untrained Dogs

Another factor to consider is whether or not the Cane Corso pup you are getting is litter-trained, and if it can follow basic commands like “sit”. If the breeder you are getting the dog from has already trained the puppy, then the price might increase a little.

Cane Corso adoption, registration, and documentation

If you aren’t buying the dog, and are instead adopting or rescuing it, many services across the US will require you to pay some amount for documentation/licenses, which is called an "adoption fee". This Cane Corso adoption fee is an average of around $300-$350. It may seem strange to pay an adoption fee to a shelter, but without these fees, few of them would be able to operate and stay afloat.

Cane Corso medical expenses

When you adopt a new dog or purchase from a breeder, they should always be up to date on their vaccines up until that point. But oftentimes the dog will be due for its next round of vaccines right away, especially if you get your puppy around 8 weeks old. Even if your puppy has already had a general health check with your breeder or shelter it is always a good idea to immediately get a general health check with your local veterinarian. In addition to the health benefits, this will give your veterinarian and Cane Corso an opportunity to meet and socialize while in the puppy phase- leading to a better relationship over time, and less fear of the vet in general. Here are some immediate medical costs you can budget for your cane corso puppy:

• Next round of vaccines

• Flea protection, heartworm, anti-tick

• General health check

• Microchip (optional)

Most expensive Cane Corso coat and variations

Cane Corso puppies are characterized by their beautiful coat and markings, and the demand (and price) correlates with how rare the coat is. Certain kennels/breeders may specialize in a certain coat type, which drives the price up.  Black and grey are the most common cane corso colors, but here are the more rare and expensive cane corso colors:

Brindle Cane Corso

Fawn Cane Corso

Cost of cane corso food and diet

A young Cane Corso on an average dry food Purina diet can still cost around $50 a month. If you feed your dog fresh food or get more top-of-the-line dog food, you can expect this number to easily hit $150/month. Keep in mind that these estimates don’t account for treats, chewies, and other food expenses to keep your Cane Corso entertained. And remember, a cane corso can go through bones much faster than your average dog breed!

If you are interested in a Cane Corso puppy, understand that this a serious breed that needs exercise, early socialization, and discipline from a leader they respect. View our Cane Corso dogopedia page to learn more about this amazing breed and to inquire about available puppies.