What is a Cane Corso? The dog breed branded ‘XL bully on steroids’

A new ‘status’ animal has reportedly emerged in the wake of the XL bully ban – the Cane Corso, which has been described as “an XL bully on steroids”.

Dog experts say interest has surged in the past year in the Cane Corso, a “killing machine” that can weigh up to 50kg.

At the beginning of 2025, the ban on XL bully-type dogs came into force in Northern Ireland, meaning they are now outlawed in every part of the UK.

The XL bully was banned in England, Wales and Scotland in February last year, and it is a criminal offence to own one without a valid certificate of exemption.

But the ban has led to a gap in the dog market, with many Britons choosing the Cane Corso as an alternative, experts say.

What is the Cane Corso?

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of the large and powerful mastiff and is often kept as a guard or companion dog.

It was traditionally used to look after livestock and hunt large game and is said to be a descendant of Roman war dogs.

Males can be up to 70cm in height and weigh as much as 50kg (7.5 stone), while females are typically as tall as 66cm and 45kg in weight.

There are no restrictions on the Cane Corso in the UK and it is not a recognised breed by the UK Kennel Club. It is recognised in the US by the American Kennel Club.

The average lifespan of a Cane Corso in the UK is eight years. They are genetically predisposed to elbow and hip dysplasia, where those joints don’t fit perfectly, eventually leading to arthritis.

Cane Corso puppies are selling on the Pets4Homes pet site for anything between £800 and £1,500.

Why the surge in interest in the Cane Corso?

As a result of the XL bully ban, prospective owners are turning their attention to the Cane Corso for a legal “status” dog, according to some canine experts.

Rob Alleyne, who runs the Suffolk-based Canine Instructor Academy, said the Cane Corso was becoming more popular because of the XL bully ban.

He told The Sunday Times: “The Cane Corso is like an XL bully on steroids. It’s a killing machine and they’ve become much more popular now.”

Alleyne said the XL bully ban “has just pushed people towards an even worse dog that doesn’t need to be registered and God help us if they become too popular”.

RSPCA dog welfare expert and dog control Lead, Dr Samantha Gaines, told Yahoo News UK: “We’ve seen trends in different pets being used for anti-social behaviour and as so-called ‘status dogs’ in the past – from Staffordshire bull terriers to Rottweilers to, most recently, American XL bullies.

“Sadly, since the XL bully was banned last year, it was inevitable attention would shift onto another large, powerful breed.”

What is the advice for owners about Cane Corsos?

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) vet charity says: “Cane Corsos are sociable and loving dogs who enjoy the company of their owners and being out exploring.

“In an active home, they can make the perfect pet. If you decide a Cane Corso is right for you, they’ll be your loyal friend for life and never stray far from your side.”

However, because of how physically imposing they are, the PDSA says Cane Corsos are a better match for dog owners with plenty of experience.

It says: “They’re bred to work with their owners and would likely enjoy training sessions, but due to their size they’re better suited to experienced dog owners.”

Pets4Homes also said the Cane Corso is “not generally a good choice for a first-time dog owner”.

It said: “The Cane Corso can be one of the most rewarding of dog breeds to own in the right hands, but they do need an experienced and confident owner. Knowing how to handle, manage and motivate a very large, powerful and potentially dominant dog is vital, as is proper supervision and care taken to control the dog’s territorial traits.

“Excellent early socialisation is required for dogs of the breed too, and they are generally considered to be a breed that is not a good choice for an inexperienced or first-time dog owner.”

Is the Cane Corso safe to have around children?

While the PDSA says there are many owners who say their Cane Corso fits in well with their family, their advice is that people should not obtain one if they have small children.

The PDSA states: “We really wouldn’t recommend having a Cane Corso if you have small children as they could get hurt if they are accidentally knocked over.

“They suit adult-only homes best, or families with older children or teenagers who understand the breed.”

The RSPCA’s Dr Gaines said: “What’s most important to remember is the overwhelming majority of these big dogs are kept responsibly as part of loving families across the UK.

“As the RSPCA has always said, dog aggression is a complex issue. Sadly, there will always be people who wish to use dogs as weapons or for anti-social behaviour. But whether a dog chooses to show aggression comes down to their breeding, how they were raised, and their experiences with people – and not just their type.”

Have there been any attacks involving Cane Corsos?

Last October, dog owner Gary Stevens, 55, was jailed for four and a half years after his Cane Corso mauled his brother, Wayne Stevens, 51, to death at the house they shared in Derby in April 2023.

Stevens had pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. The dog was repeatedly tasered by police and eventually shot dead an hour after the attack.

Stevens knew the 14-month-old dog was aggressive and “would normally go for the face and neck” before it attacked his sibling, Derby Crown Court heard.

Reality TV star and former Love Island winner Jack Fincham, 32, from Swanley, Kent, was charged last November with two counts of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control, with his Cane Corso alleged to have caused injury to a man in one of the alleged incidents. A plea hearing is scheduled for Southend Magistrates’ Court later this month.

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