So you’ve fallen for those wrinkled faces and gentle giant personalities. Cane Corsos make incredible companions, but getting one from the wrong breeder can turn your dream dog into a nightmare. These powerful Italian mastiffs need careful breeding to maintain their stable temperament and robust health.
Too many people get swept away by cute puppy photos and skip the hard questions. Don’t be one of them. A responsible breeder won’t just sell you a puppy – they’ll grill you just as hard to make sure you’re the right fit. If someone’s eager to take your money without asking about your experience or living situation, that’s your first red flag.
This guide walks you through the exact questions that separate the pros from the profit-seekers. Some might seem obvious, others will surprise you. But each one could save you thousands in vet bills and years of heartache.
Before You Contact Breeders
Take some time to understand what you’re getting into. Cane Corsos aren’t golden retrievers – they’re 100+ pound guardian dogs with strong personalities. Research the breed standard, common health issues, and training requirements. Figure out your budget too, because a quality Cane Corso puppy runs $1,500-$4,000, and that’s just the beginning.
Make a list of potential breeders in your area (and be willing to travel). Check their websites, social media, and any reviews you can find. The best breeders often have waiting lists, so patience pays off.
Health & Medical Questions
1. What health testing have you done on the parents?
Good breeders test for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, and eye problems. Ask to see the actual certificates, not just hear about them. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and PennHIP are the gold standards for joint testing.
2. Can I see the health records for both parents?
Both mom and dad should have clean bills of health. If they won’t show you veterinary records, keep looking. Some breeders might claim the stud dog belongs to someone else – that’s fine, but they should still have his health documentation.
3. What genetic disorders run in your lines?
Honest breeders know their bloodlines inside and out. They’ll tell you about any issues that have popped up, even generations back. If someone claims their dogs “never have problems,” they’re either lying or haven’t bred long enough to know.
4. What kind of health guarantee do you offer?
Most reputable breeders guarantee against major genetic defects for at least two years. Read the fine print carefully. Some guarantees only offer replacement puppies, not refunds or vet bill coverage.
5. Who is your veterinarian, and can I contact them?
A good breeder has an established relationship with a vet who knows their dogs. Don’t be surprised if they want to check with the vet before giving you contact info – that shows they respect privacy.
6. Have any dogs in recent litters developed health problems?
This separates the honest breeders from the rest. Health issues sometimes don’t show up until dogs are older. A breeder who stays in touch with puppy buyers will know if problems develop.
Breeding Program & Ethics Questions
1. Why did you choose to breed these two dogs together?
The answer should go beyond “they’re both pretty.” Good breeders match dogs to improve the breed – maybe the female has excellent hips but could use better rear angulation, while the male excels in that area.
2. How often do you breed your females?
Responsible breeders don’t breed females back-to-back. Most wait until the female is fully recovered, which usually means skipping at least one heat cycle. Puppy mills breed females every cycle until they’re worn out.
3. Can I meet both parents?
You should always meet the mother, and ideally the father if he’s on site. Watch how they interact with people and other dogs. Aggressive or fearful parents often produce puppies with similar temperaments.
4. How long have you been breeding Cane Corsos?
Experience matters with guardian breeds. New breeders aren’t automatically bad, but they should have mentors and be involved in the breed community. Be wary of someone who just decided to breed their pet.
5. Are you involved in dog shows, sports, or breed clubs?
Active participation shows commitment to the breed beyond making money. It doesn’t have to be conformation shows – working events, therapy work, or breed rescue all count.
6. Can you provide references from previous puppy buyers?
Good breeders are proud to put you in touch with other families. If they refuse, that’s a major red flag. Most buyers are happy to share their experiences.
Puppy Care & Development Questions
1. How do you socialize your puppies?
Early socialization shapes a puppy’s entire life. Look for breeders who expose puppies to different sounds, textures, people, and experiences. Puppies raised in kennels without human interaction often struggle with behavior issues.
2. When can the puppies leave their mother?
Eight weeks is the absolute minimum, but many experienced breeders keep puppies until 10-12 weeks. This extra time with mom and littermates helps with bite inhibition and social skills.
3. What food are you feeding, and will you send some home with me?
Sudden diet changes can upset puppy stomachs. Good breeders use quality food and provide enough for a gradual transition. Be suspicious if they’re feeding bargain brands or won’t tell you what they use.
4. Have you started any training or housebreaking?
Even basic crate training and house training foundations make a huge difference. Some breeders begin simple commands like “sit” or introduce leash walking.
5. What vaccinations and deworming have been done?
Puppies should have at least one set of vaccinations and regular deworming. Ask for records showing exactly what was given and when.
Support & Relationship Questions
1. Will you be available for questions after I take my puppy home?
The best breeders want their puppies to succeed. They should be willing to help with training questions, health concerns, or behavioral issues. Many become lifelong mentors.
2. What happens if I can’t keep the dog?
Responsible breeders require that dogs come back to them rather than ending up in shelters. This should be written into your contract. It shows they care about their dogs’ welfare throughout their lives.
3. Can you provide contact information for your veterinarian and references?
We covered this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. A breeder who won’t provide references or vet info is hiding something.
Red Flags to Watch For
Run away if a breeder:
- Has puppies available year-round
- Won’t let you see where the dogs live
- Meets you in parking lots or other neutral locations
- Has multiple breeds for sale
- Can’t show health testing results
- Pressures you to buy immediately
- Asks no questions about your experience or living situation
- Offers to ship puppies sight unseen
- Has prices significantly below market average
Remember, good breeders should interview you too. They’ll ask about your experience with large dogs, your living situation, family members, other pets, and what you plan to do with the dog. If they don’t care where their puppies go, that tells you everything.
Next Steps After Your Interview
Don’t decide immediately, even if everything looks perfect. Go home and think about what you learned. Compare your notes from different breeders. The right puppy is worth waiting for.
If you find a breeder you trust, be prepared for a waiting list. Good Cane Corso breeders don’t always have puppies available, and the best ones often have people waiting months for the right litter.
Ask about visiting again to see the puppies as they grow. Many breeders enjoy having serious buyers watch the puppies develop and can help match you with the right personality.
Conclusion
Finding the right Cane Corso breeder takes time and patience, but it’s the most important decision you’ll make in your dog’s life. These 20 questions will help you identify breeders who truly care about their dogs and the breed’s future.
Don’t settle for the first available puppy or the cheapest price. A well-bred Cane Corso from health-tested parents will cost more upfront but save you money and heartbreak down the road. These dogs can live 10-12 years – that’s a long time to deal with problems that could have been prevented.
Take your time, ask the hard questions, and trust your instincts. The right breeder will welcome your questions and respect your thoroughness. After all, they want their puppies going to homes that will love and care for them properly.
