The Cane Corso is a relatively new breed here in Australia and has already had it's share of exploitation from breeders trying to profit on them.

This breed is a noble breed with a history second to none and needs experienced breeders that know how to consistently improve the quality of dogs in their program. It is not a breed for the NOVICE breeder.

The internet is already littered with pictures of poor examples of this breed bred here and Over Seas. Fact is this breed is at it's best when bred 100% true to the breed standard. This is not a massive breed nor is it a sloppy breed. It is a breed that is renowned for it's agility for its size and it's nice clean movement. This is a mastiff like no other so breeders trying to make them something they are not should be steered clear from.

Try to choose a breeder that has been breeding Quality Pedigree dogs for at least 10 years. When you think you have found a good solid breeder ask for their credentials as a breeder. A credible breeder will have no problem showing you their past acheivements in their breeds. They will also be open with you and freely answer any questions you may have.

If you are serious about having one of these magnificent dogs as part of your family you must carefully screen the breeders credentials.

Here are some guidelines to help you find a reputable breeder:

• How long has the breeder been involved with the Cane Corso?  Is the breeder a reistered member of the ANKC?
• Is the breeder actively involved in conformation showing or working (obedience, agility, etc.) his/her dogs in competitions?
• Does the breeder know the standard that he/she is breeding to?  Do his/her dogs/pups look like other Cane Corsos you have seen?  Does he/she seem knowledgeable about the pedigrees of the dogs that he/she is breeding?  What is the breeder actually breeding for?
• Does the breeder seem to have a genuine love for the breed?  Is the breeder interested in placing the dog in a good home?  Is the breeder asking you questions about the home you would provide?
• Is the breeder willing to answer your questions?  Does the breeder openly discuss health problems that affect the Cane Corso?  If the breeder tells you that there are no health problems within the breed or his/her lines, find another breeder!
• Will the breeder answer your questions about temperament?  Does he/she ask you about the experience you have had with dominant breeds?  The Corso is not like a Golden or Labrador Retriever and isn’t suited for everyone.
• What is the breeder’s policy on pet quality puppies? Remember there is NO such thing as a litter that good that all the pups are Show/Breeding quality. Fact is if your very lucky you may get 2 or 3 outstanding dogs suitable to move forward with. This is not to say the rest are bad and fact is only a trained eye can spot the difference between Pet Quality and Breeding/Show Quality.
• Does the breeder offer any health guarantees, including puppy replacement information & spay/neuter requirements?
• Have you visited the breeders kennel?  Do the dogs look healthy and well cared for?  Is the kennel clean?  Try to visit any breeder you are interested in, if at all possible.
• Is the breeder over-breeding?  How many litters out of each female does the breeder have each year?  Females should not be bred every heat cycle.
• Have you seen the mother of the litter?  Having both parents on premises should not always be expected.  A breeder should be breeding to a dog that complements his female, not just putting two dogs together that he/she happens to own.   Did you see pictures of the sire?  Ask why the breeder bred those two specific dogs together.  Is the breeder keeping a puppy out of the litter?
• If the breeder has puppies for sale: Have they been immunised?  Wormed?  Micro chipped? Properly socialized? Are they being ANKC registered? Are the tails docked and if so why as it is illegal in Australia and usually done to hide faults? If the puppies are old enough, spend some time with them.  Are they confident or fearful?  Are they having normal bowel movements or diarrhea? Do they appear healthy?  At what age is the breeder willing to let the puppies go home?  Eight weeks should be the youngest, and if shipping, Over seas twelve weeks of age.
• How many puppies in the litter are pet-quality versus show-quality?  If the breeder states that they are all show quality, seriously question that!  Does the breeder seem to know why he/she is classifying some as pet & some as show?  Can he/she point out the differences to you on the puppies and explain how it relates to the breed standard?
• If buying a dog on the Main ANKC register are there contracts you are expected to sign? Will the dog be truly yours or will you be forced to Co-own? Remember everyone is easy to get along with untill they have your money and your signature on a contract.
• Are the breeder’s puppy purchase prices comparable to other breeders? Most Cane Corso fall into a similar price range. Beware of bargains! Don’t ever buy from a pet store!
• Does the breeder offer support after you have taken the puppy home?  Does he/she offer to help you with ideas on training and socialization?  Trust your instincts.  Buy from somebody that you feel you can trust because you will hopefully maintain a relationship with your breeder.  If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.  Move on. 

Most of all BEWARE of the terms Protecting our Blood lines/Pedigree/Breed, if being asked to sign a contract. Most breeders in every breed use these terms when all they really want is the ultimate say on what you do with your dog.
This is the time to do some real research and like with any contract before signing get a lawyer to read it so you don't get any nasty surprises at a later date...

You are better off waiting for an exceptional specimen to become available with an honourable breeder rather than buying something that will never reach the expectations you may have.

PLEASE NOTE: Health, Temperament and Structure should be at the top of your list when selecting a puppy. Colour is merely cosmetic and should be low on the list when choosing a new family member.