With its noble appearance and muscular build, the Cane Corso is unequaled as a personal protector and makes as good a companion as it does a watchdog.
An expensive dog to purchase and own if you’re in the market for a Cane Corso puppy, temperament should be the highest priority. If you want a dog that conforms to the breed standard, color is also a significant factor.
According to the American Kennel Club, the acceptable colors for this breed “are black, lighter and darker shades of gray, lighter and darker shades of fawn, and red.”
Brindling is also allowed, as are black or gray masks that do not extend beyond the eyes. Even a white patch here or there is acceptable but any tan pattern markings or points, such as those seen in breeds like the Rottweiler or Doberman, are not.
Not only do different coat colorations have a marked effect on the Cane Corso’s overall appearance, but some shades have a shorter life expectancy than, which is why it’s worth paying careful attention to the different colors available.
If you want a Cane Corso that you can share a good decade of life with, you’d be well-advised to look for a black brindle variety.
A study published in the Open Veterinary Journal in 2017 revealed that the “median lifespan of black brindle dogs exceeded the overall median lifespan of all dogs by 1.01 years and the median lifespan of other color dogs by 2.21 years.”
It’s not all about longevity, however, and there are plenty of reasons you might choose a black or fawn Cane Corso puppy instead.