Are you looking for Cane Corso dogs in the Florida area? Finding the right place can be a chore, so check out our list of the four best Cane Corso breeders in Florida. Along the way, we’ll look at how to tell a good breeder from a bad one and take a closer look at this giant dog.
Cane Corso Puppies For Sale In Florida
So you want a Cane Corso puppy? The first thing to ask is, are you absolutely sure about this? This is one very big dog, weighing between 90 and 120 pounds. Ideally, you need plenty of room, a big yard, and access to the country. You must have an assertive personality and be in control all the time.
You’ll also need a sizable budget to care for this giant. Vet bills won’t be cheap, and your pooch will chomp its way through a mountain of food for the next 10 to 12 years.
Once you make up your mind that this is the dog for you, you’ll need to find a good breeder to see if they have any available puppies. The best breeders will plan their breeding programs carefully and won’t always have pups ready to sell. It’s not about money – it’s about improving the breed and making sure it stays around (the Cane Corso breed almost went extinct by 1980!).
Anyone who is selling pups for profit is doing it for the wrong reasons. Reputable dog breeders rarely make a profit, having spent thousands of dollars producing each litter. Any money they manage to scrape in is plowed straight back into improving their breeding program.
When you go in search of a breeder, check their credentials carefully. A reputable breeder will welcome this and even provide you with a contact list of happy clients. Some will have a testimonials section on their website.
If possible, arrange a visit to meet the breeder. Most are happy to do this and will introduce you to the parent dogs. This gives you the chance to see how healthy and happy they are, as well as to ask the breeder any questions, which they should have no problem with. Some won’t allow you to have contact with the pups before they are around six weeks old or they’ve had their first set of vaccinations, as they want to limit the possibility of infections being brought in.
Reputable breeders will always ask their clients questions about their home and lifestyle, which you should answer honestly. This is to be expected, as they are keen for their pups to go to the best homes.
Finally, it’s always good if the breeder has an association with a kennel club, like the AKC (American Kennel Club), as this means that they are overseen and regulated to some extent. It’s by no means a perfect system, but at least you can check with the kennel club to see what they have to say about an individual breeder.
Happy with all this? Good. Then let’s look at Cane Corso breeders in Florida!
Cane Corso Breeders In Tampa, Florida
1. Siciliano Cane Corso, Clearwater, FL.
When looking for reputable Cane Corso breeders in Florida, this one is a shining example!
From the start, they state that they are a small hobby breeder purely for the love of it. It isn’t about making money – it’s all about the dogs. They clearly love their studs and dams, and these dogs share their home like any other family member.
Each dog has access to an outdoor space and is free to enjoy it.
Siciliano Cane Corso produces even-tempered pups that interact with children of all ages from the very start. They’ll also meet a variety of animals and adult humans, as well as spend time each day in the puppy gym.
These pups grow to be loving companions that are safe around kids and will be happy with your friends coming into the home. However, they’ll also be alert to any threats to the home and will make excellent guard dogs, keeping your home safe from intruders.
Each pup comes with a health check and health guarantee. They are vaccinated and microchipped and will be sent to their new home with a health certificate. They also come with an AKC puppy protection package, a 15-pound bag of puppy food, and an ‘ancient protectors’ keychain issued by the ICCF (International Cane Corso Federation).
And you can rely on the breeder for a lifetime of advice and support.
Siciliano takes great care over its breeding program and uses extensive health testing. They also use a DNA register to provide 100% accurate heritage.
Finally, on the controversial issues of ear cropping and tail-docking, this breeder only arranges for ear cropping if the customer requests it – otherwise, the pup is sent home as nature intended. If ear cropping is requested, the breeder goes to great lengths to ensure that the best care is taken. The pup is anesthetized during the process, a laser is used to perform the surgery (cauterizing the wound, which reduces bleeding, pain, and the chance of infection), and the very best aftercare is given.
Tail docking and dewclaw removal are undertaken by the same vet, presumably with the same level of care.
It’s important to note that these are purely cosmetic procedures that are done to conform to breed standards. While they are still legal, it’s essential that they are performed well to reduce the pain and trauma that these pups will suffer.
You can find Siciliano Cane Corso in Clearwater, about two hours west of Tampa by car.
Website: Siciliano Cane Corso
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 813-245-1079
Facebook: @sicilianocanecorso
2. Diamond Crest Kennels, Lithia, FL.
Heather and Wade Muzzey run an efficient operation out of their base in Lithia, close to Tampa. You can get a sense of this from their clean, professional-looking website that gives you all the information you need.
They certainly know their dogs, and it’s clear that this is a way of life for them, not just a hobby.
Heather started breeding dogs about 15 years ago and admits it has been a steep, but enjoyable, learning curve. What comes across clearly is that it’s not about the money but all about the dogs.
Diamond Crest Kennels are proud to be involved in the BaB* protocol, a system that encourages and builds trust between pups and humans. This prepares the pup for life ahead, reducing sensitivity, raising confidence, and improving ‘startle recovery,’ which helps the puppy settle into its new environment quickly.
The aim is to train the pups to believe that: The world is safe, people are kind, and dogs are friendly.
The pups will spend time in puppy school each day, learning and being exposed to a range of sights, sounds, and experiences on Heather and Wade’s country plot.
*BaB stands for Badass Breeder, and BADASS is an acronym: Breeding Awesome Dogs Acceptable for Service and Support.
Diamond Crest dogs come with a 2-year health guarantee, 30 days free pet insurance, current vaccines, microchip, limited AKC registration, and a puppy collar and leash. You’ll also get the benefit of Heather and Wade’s advice and support throughout your pup’s lifetime.
Pups cost $2,500 with a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Website: Diamond Crest Kennels
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Heather 603-998-0628
Wade 813-767-8798
Cane Corso For Sale In Orlando, Florida
1. Numenor Kennels, Volusia County, FL.
Numenor Kennels is located in central Florida, northeast of Orlando.
This breeder encourages people to meet a Cane Corso before buying one, a sure sign that they are ethical and responsible! They understand that this giant of a dog is not for everyone.
Mastiffs of any type are intelligent but occasionally stubborn, and you must be in command at all times.
There are several helpful links on the Numenor website to help prospective Cane Corso owners understand what they are taking on.
You’ll need to contact them for details of prices and what’s included with your pup. These are champion bloodlines, so expect the prices to be on the higher side.
Website: Numenor Kennels
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 386-956-5168
Cane Corso Breeders In Miami, Florida
1. Costa Bel Cane Corso, Southwest Ranches, FL.
When she’s not performing her daily role as a certified public accountant and financial planner, Yvonne A. Aleman lives and breathes Cane Corsi!
Not only does she breed these majestic animals, but she also gets involved in rescuing, fostering, and rehoming them. Yvonne also displays one of the best traits of a reputable breeder in that she encourages prospective Cane Corso owners to adopt a homeless puppy before buying from a breeder, including herself!
In addition to this, she is actively involved in a program that selects and trains these wonderful dogs and places them with U.S. veterans who need assistance dogs.
So far, so good! But Yvonne’s impressive record doesn’t end there. Costa Bel Cane Corso is an AKC Breeder of Merit, as well as being part of the Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program. This stands for health, education, accountability, responsibility, and tradition, and all participants are bound by a strict code of ethics.
Finally, Yvonne has selected and raised each of her dogs by hand and has gained a real understanding of the breed’s nature and character. Each litter of pups is bred for superior health, conformation, stable temperament, sound structure, and outstanding genetics.
Any parent dogs that don’t make the grade due to some weakness or flaw are excluded from the breeding program but kept as cherished pets. All of Yvonne’s dogs are part of the family and live in the home with her, not in kennels.
There’s a wealth of information on the Costa Bel website, and you’ll need to contact Yvonne for prices or any other questions.
Costa Bel is conveniently located close to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Website: Costa Bel Cane Corso
Cane Corso Puppies For Sale Craigslist Florida
No, it’s not the best title, is it? But it’s what some Floridians have been Googling recently, and you can forgive people for being concise when performing a web search.
However, it’s not easy to forgive people who breed puppies for money without any thought for their health, comfort, or welfare. Neither is it easy to forgive those who con unsuspecting customers out of their hard-earned cash.
Craigslist is swarming with such people. It’s a platform that allows con artists and puppy mills to scam innocent dog-lovers. But we shouldn’t single out Craigslist, as other outlets are just as guilty, including major social media networks.
The fact is, buying online is not a good idea. Yes, by all means, contact a reputable Florida Cane Corso breeder via their website, but then arrange a site visit if at all possible. Check out testimonials and reviews, get word-of-mouth recommendations, contact the breeder’s veterinarian. We looked at how to find a reputable breeder in detail earlier, but the main point here is that Craigslist is not the best place to buy a puppy.
Of course, the decision is yours, but keep in mind the old Latin saying, caveat emptor – buyer beware!
Cane Corso For Sale In Jacksonville, FL
All good breeders will encourage people to adopt from a rescue center, and if you’re in the Jacksonville area, you might want to check out the amazing Humane Society facility at 8464 Beach Boulevard.
This is a non-profit, no-kill shelter that works with the local animal control division with the aim of making Jacksonville a no-kill city. To do this, they need to save at least 90% of all rescued animals throughout the community. This means that no healthy animals will ever be destroyed.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find a Cane Corso, but it’s worth checking!
Website: Jacksonville Humane Society
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 904-725-8766
Are Cane Corso Dogs Friendly?
Yes, they are friendly and very affectionate toward their owners and family.
Even so, this is not the best choice for a first-time dog owner! Because of its sheer size, this dog needs careful handling, especially if there are small children around or older people that may be unsteady on their feet, as they may knock them down accidentally.
Socialization is more important than ever with this breed, and you must commit to obedience training unless you want a 120-pound dog making its own decisions.
The Cane Corso Italiano is descended from Roman ‘dogs of war,’ along with the Italian Mastiff. It has been used for hunting for many years, although most are kept as companions these days, as well as making excellent guard dogs. In fact, this is where the name comes from: Cane Corso means guardian dog.
Although loving and affectionate with family, they can be cold toward strangers. This isn’t a dog that enjoys being left alone, and it is definitely not suitable for apartment living!
The Cane Corso is highly intelligent and thrives when given a job to do. You’ll need to set aside around two hours a day to take care of its exercise needs. And it’s going to cost you a lot in dog food. On the plus side, grooming is a piece of cake! This dog has a short, smooth coat that’s easy to look after. They don’t shed much either, so you won’t find dog hair all over your home.
How Much Does A Cane Corso Puppy Cost?
Believe it or not, Cane Corso pups sell for between $900 and $8,000 or more!
Why such a huge gap? Well, like any dog breed, it depends on who you buy from, the breeder’s reputation, and the dog’s bloodline.
The median price comes out at around $1,400 for a pet-quality dog. For a superior quality Cane
Corso with an exceptional lineage, you should expect to pay at least $2,500. And the better the pedigree, the higher the price. A pup sired by grand champions will cost somewhere between $6,000 and $8,500.
It’s natural to look for a bargain, but don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest as you may live to regret it. Good breeders invest in their pups by ensuring that the parents are healthy. The cheaper the pup, the less likely the breeder has used any kind of health testing, as this is expensive.
You may save money in the short term, but you’ll be saddled with thousands of dollars of vet bills in the future.
So, you should set aside at least $2,000 for your pup if you’re just looking for a healthy, happy companion that will also act as a guard dog. If your budget allows, then feel free to splash out some cash and go for one with a champion bloodline. Either way, your choice of breeder is the main issue.
Are Cane Corso Illegal In Florida?
No, they aren’t banned, as Florida has laws that prohibit breed-specific legislation. It’s a question that we perhaps should have asked at the beginning, but then if there are Cane Corso breeders in Florida then the answer is pretty obvious!
However, the Cane Corso breed is restricted or banned altogether in almost 30 U.S. states and some cities, including Kansas, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Idaho, and South Dakota.
It’s wise to be aware of these restrictions if you plan to move to one of these places or take your Cane Corso traveling with you! The laws vary from place to place, but you may be expected to keep your dog muzzled in public (if it’s allowed out in public at all), get your dog spayed/neutered, keep it on a short leash, put up ‘vicious dog’ warning signs on your home, display a ‘vicious dog’ notice on your dog’s collar or harness, and hold liability insurance in case of attacks.
And in some cases, you will not be allowed to keep the dog at all.
The merits of breed-specific legislation are questionable, and there’s little evidence that it is effective. Most lists of dangerous dog breeds are based on incomplete or inaccurate data. For example, the poor old Pit Bull often tops the list when it comes to dog bites, even though there isn’t a single Pit Bull breed. This means that the American Pit Bull Terrier often gets the blame, even though the incident may have involved a different breed.
Also, singling out a specific breed doesn’t work when you consider that almost 40 million pet dogs in America are crossbreeds (or mutts).
While there should be good, strong laws regulating dog ownership, Breed-specific legislation doesn’t really help anyone. Dog owners need to be educated and supported rather than penalized. And no dog deserves death based on the actions of others of its breed, even when it doesn’t have a history of violence or aggression.
Conclusion
Photo from:@italian_cane_corso
There aren’t many Cane Corso breeders in Florida, but we’ve selected a handful who are trustworthy and have a great love for their chosen breed.
However, it’s up to you to check them out and make up your own mind.
You should also be prepared for negative responses when people see your dog, as the Cane Corso is an impressively fearsome-looking canine! Not everyone will recoil in horror when they see you walking your dog, and you can help by being an ambassador for the Cane Corso, educating the public as to the truth about this wonderful animal.
One of the best ways to do this is by using an ethical, reputable breeder and making a commitment to obedience training and socialization. A well-trained and socialized Cane Corso is an absolute joy to behold! Nothing would improve their reputation more than when people realize that these are beautiful, calm, even-tempered dogs – but this can only happen when breeders and owners work together.
You’ll also have to consider the rights and wrongs of ear-cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal. Whatever arguments are touted by breed clubs and enthusiasts, these are purely cosmetic and entirely unnecessary. Evidence in support of these procedures is flimsy and weak. Ear-cropping also adds to the Cane Corso’s aggressive appearance, which is something that a lot of owners like and is one of the main reasons for this cruel practice.
Should you decide against having any of these done, you’ll need to find a breeder who is sympathetic to your concerns.
Finally, make sure your home is ready before bringing your pup home! It’s small right now, but it will soon grow. You’ll need lots of room, and you must consider the financial aspect as this dog grows. As with any dog, you should never take one on unless you can afford it.
Now, if you’ve thought it through and are sure that this is the breed for you, there’s nothing stopping you from getting your Cane Corso Italiano!
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