The Cane Corso possesses an impressively strong bite force. In fact, it is nearly comparable to the bite force of certain wild animals like wolves and grizzly bears.
It is one of the many reasons why this breed is viewed to be dangerous to humans. Whilst this is not entirely true, dog owners should know the responsibilities that come along with owning such a powerful and formidable dog.
What Are Cane Corsos?
Cane Corsos are large mastiff-type canines with a hard-working nature. They were originally bred to be war dogs that protected Roman soldiers from their enemies.
After the fall of the Roman civilisation, Cane Corsos served as reliable served as hunting dogs and guard dogs. Unfortunately, due to their massive build and impressive strength, they were used in dog fighting too.
The Cane Corsos have formidable jaws, which garnered the curiosity of many people about the strength of his bites. Pre-existing research about various dog breeds’ bite force showed how powerful the Cane Corso can be.
How Is a Dog’s Bite Strength Measured?
A dog’s bite strength is measured by using the unit of measurement called pounds per square inch (PSI). It is used to measure the amount of pressure applied to an object.
Many factors need to be taken into consideration when acquiring a dog’s PSI, including:
- His jaw size
- His weight
- The type and hardness of the surface being bitten
- The bite’s angle
- The presence of dental problems
In the past, scientists used a device known as a bite sleeve to calculate a dog breed’s PSI. When a canine bites down on it, this tool then measures the amount of pressure exerted.
However, the bite sleeve was difficult to use for many individuals. Thus, other specialised types of equipment were created such as the K9 Bite Bars and Digital Bite Meters as more convenient alternatives.
A Canine with One of the Strongest Bite Force
The results of the test ranked the Cane Corso as the second-highest dog with the strongest bite force. It measures approximately 700 PSI, which trumps that of the wolf (400 PSI) and nearly rivals that of a grizzly bear (975 to 1,200 PSI).
Right now you might be wondering: “Which dog has the highest bite force?” The dog breed that has the highest bite force is the Kangal, measuring about 740 PSI.
Both the Cane Corso and the Kangal’s teeth have a clamping force that is strong enough to pierce through bones.
Let us find out how other dogs fared in the ranking results. Here is a list of dog breeds and their corresponding PSI:
| Dog Breed | PSI |
| Chihuahua | Bite force of 100 to 180 PSI |
| Boxer | Bite force of 230 PSI |
| Pitbull | Bite force of 235 PSI |
| German Shepherd | Bite force of 238 PSI |
| American Bulldog | Bite force of 305 PSI |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | Bite force of 328 PSI |
| Rottweiler | Bite force of 328 PSI |
| Bullmastiff | Bite force of 550 PSI |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | Bite force of 556 PSI |
| Doberman Pinscher | Bite force of 600 PSI |
Safety Concerns About the Cane Corso
It is undeniable that the Cane Corso is one of the most powerful breeds of dogs. However, this has cultivated a stigma that he is a dangerous canine.
But people should keep in mind that no dog is inherently aggressive. When bred properly, given proper socialisation, and consistently trained, they grow to become well-adjusted dogs.
Although some pooches will never be as outgoing as other canines, carrying out these crucial steps prevents them from becoming outwardly aggressive toward any person or pets they meet.
This is especially true for guard dogs and canines with a history of dog fighting like the Cane Corso. They tend to be naturally wary of strangers and protective of their families.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
1. Poor Socialisation and Training
Dogs need constant socialisation and training throughout their lifetime. These teach them to be calm and confident when interacting with various people and pets in different environments.
Without this type of guidance, they will develop a sense of distrust in the world because they were not taught how to navigate it safely. This encourages the development of behavioural issues like aggression and biting.
2. The Breed’s Purpose
Most dog breeds are developed for a specific type of function. Some of these purposes require them to be vigilant and protective such as working as a guard dog or a police dog.
In this case, failing to provide extensive training sets them up for accidental biting accidents. That is because they do not have enough knowledge to distinguish which individuals are harmless and which have malicious intentions.
Another example is herding dogs. They tend to have higher prey instincts due to their line of work.
It is well-known that these pooches love to give chase and nip moving objects. Without proper training, this natural instinct of theirs will not be curbed.
3. Poor Breeding Practices and Health Issues
Improper breeding can play a part in cultivating aggressive behaviours in dogs. Whilst it is still contested if genetics affects the behaviour of canines, it has long been acknowledged that certain genes cause hereditary diseases.
Puppies resulting from poor breeding practices are prone to inheriting and developing debilitating ailments.
The pain, discomfort, and disorientation brought on by these crippling health issues make them highly sensitive to the touch and the changes in their environment. Thus, if not handled or cared for gently, they may bite.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
1. Look for a reputable breeder.
Always acquire your canine companions from trustworthy breeders. These breeders focus on breeding healthy dogs with stable temperaments over cosmetic reasons.
To find one, ask the vet, your family members, or close friends for referrals. You can also scour for them in dog show competitions and the local breeding clubs in your area.
2. Expose very young dogs to indoor socialisation.
You can socialise a young puppy even when he is not yet fully vaccinated. Do this by letting him get acquainted with various sounds in your home.
Also, begin introducing him to different family members in the household. Once he is accustomed to them, invite friends over to meet him.
Remind them not to avoid approaching your pooch if he does not initiate it first. Moreover, keep them from handling him until they have established a comfortable relationship.
3. Do not stop providing training.
Training your dog is a lifetime process. Neglecting this requirement will eventually make them forget important commands, which can lead to unruly behaviour.
Thus, aim to give your dog 5- to 15-minute training sessions once or twice a day. Keep them short and sweet since your pet absorbs information better this way.
Avoid harsh corrective methods such as shouting and spanking since these cultivate aggression in canines. Instead, use positive reinforcement to motivate your dog to do better.
4. Take them out for regular vet check-ups.
Not skipping routine vet health checks is crucial in spotting the potential development of diseases.
Ideally, puppies need vet check-ups every 6 months. When they reach adulthood, they can have it annually. Elderly dogs often require to have health checks twice a year since they are more vulnerable to diseases.
5. Do not let your dog go off-lead.
Keep your dog on a lead even if he is in areas where pooches are allowed to go off the lead. It reduces the danger of him coming across something that triggers his biting tendencies.
This a very important reminder to observe especially for protective and cautious breeds like the Cane Corso. Only let your canine companion off-lead in a controlled and securely fenced area.
6. Know your dog’s behavioural cues.
When a dog is stressed or anxious, he will exhibit subtle and overt behaviours signalling his discomfort like:
- Excessive yawning
- Increase in vocalisation (e.g., growling, whining)
- Dilated pupils
- Tensed-up body
- Tucked tail
If your canine companion is showing these changes in behaviour, immediately extract him from the stressful situation. Transfer him to a vacated and quiet area where he can calm down.
If necessary, work with a professional canine behaviourist to help your dog in his journey to becoming a well-behaved canine companion.
Are You Thinking About Bringing Home a Cane Corso?
Cane Corsos are loyal but headstrong dogs that require a lot of socialisation and training. Add in the fact that they are also highly active and large canines, weighing around 100 pounds.
Cane Corsos can be quite a handful for novice dog owners who are not well-acquainted with the breed. They need confident and experienced dog owners who can provide gentle yet firm guidance.
Belonging to the right owner helps them mature into great family pets. With close supervision, they can even build friendships with older kids who know how to respect their boundaries.
If your intention of owning a Cane Corso does not involve taking responsibility to train him, it would be best to rethink your motivations and hold off bringing one home.
Otherwise, you are not only putting yourself in danger but other people as well. Moreover, your canine companion will be the one who suffers the gravest consequences for poor decisions made.
FAQs About the Cane Corso Bite Force
1. How Much Bite Force Does a Cane Corso Have?
The Cane Corso bite force measures around 700 PSI. This places him second on the list of dog breeds with the strongest bite strength.
2. How Strong Is a Cane Corso Bite Force?
The Cane Corso bite force is strong enough to penetrate the bones of humans. To give you an even clearer idea of how powerful it is, it almost rivals the bite strength of a grizzly bear.
3. Who Bites Harder: Pit Bull or Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso bites harder than the Pit Bull, which has a bite force of 235.
Whilst it may seem that the Pit Bull inflicts less severe bite wounds, they can still be devastating. Thus, care should be taken to ensure that this dog breed is properly socialised and trained.
4. Will a Cane Corso Defend You?
Yes, Cane Corsos will defend you since they are innately protective of their human companions.
If you intend to make him a guard dog, be sure to train him regularly to keep him from indiscriminately threatening people who mean no harm.
5. Is “Lockjaw” in Cane Corsos Real?
No, lockjaw in Cane Corsos is not real. Do not mistake this with the lockjaw medical term, which prevents dogs from closing their mouth. We are referring to a special ability that allows dogs to make their jaws difficult to pry open when biting.
Cane Corsos do not have this ability. However, their powerful jaws deliver strong bites that keep people from easily disengaging it.
Conclusion
The Cane Corso has an impressive bite force of 700 PSI. He ranks second next to Kangal in terms of dogs with the most powerful bite strength.
It is critical to take this information into account if you plan to own a Cane Corso. To avoid the risk of biting accidents, he should be given proper socialisation, regular health checks, and constant training.
Another important factor to consider is his massive size. Know if he is a good fit in your home by reading our article that answers the question, “How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?”
