12 Cane Corso Colors: Know Them All (With Pictures)

Cane Corsos, without a doubt, has a commanding presence that can scare anyone at first. On the other hand, their majestic appearance qualifies them to be kept as serious and loyal lifelong companions. These dogs are loyal to their humans, and they are playful, gregarious, and protective of them. However, do not expect your Corso to be outgoing with anyone outside their immediate family or recognized network. Early socialization training for Corsos is indicated to improve their adaptability.

Cane Corso Colors Know Them All
Image Credit: Cane Corso from Pinterest

When selecting a Corso puppy for yourself, however, there are a few factors to consider, including the coat and color. That being said, the AKC and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) only understand and acknowledge Cane Corsos in the following colors.

  • Black
  • Black brindle
  • Gray
  • Gray brindle
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Chestnut

As a result, this article will cover everything you need to know about Cane Corso colors. But before delving into their coat color, we’ll look at some of the breed’s basic characteristics of this breed.

Basic Information About Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are a huge dog breed whose Latin translates literally to “bodyguard-dog.” As you might expect, Cane Corsos are large, alert, and stiff-coated dogs who make excellent guard dogs. At first look, Cane Corsos appear to be menacing creatures, but their look and physical strength serve as their first line of protection against invaders.

Remember that this breed is strong, lively, and powerful, making them ideal for pet parents who have prior expertise in handling various canine needs. These dogs enjoy working and would eagerly await an assignment from their owners. They may create different ways to relieve restlessness in the absence of sufficient physical stimulation, which often takes the form of destructive activities.

Below are some of the basic traits of Cane Corsos that will help you understand this breed better. 

The Common nameCane Corso
OriginItaly
GroupWorking
AdaptabilityMedium
Can be kept in city apartmentsYes. But they need a decent-sized space.
HeightUp to 27.5 inches
WeightUp to 110 lbs
Longevity9- 12 years
SheddingLow
TrainabilityHeight
Barking LevelMedium
DroolingMedium
Energy LevelHigh

Why Does Cane Corso Color Matters?

One question that may stick to your mind is why does the coat color of a Cane Corso matter so much? 

The American Kennel Club (ACK) has sanctioned five basic coat hues for Corsos, and there are some reasons for this. According to several studies, some specific Corso hues signify hereditary abnormalities more. For example, experts have found that Corsos with liver or chocolate coats are more prone to obesity, knee problems, and ear infections in this scenario. On the other hand, white, merle, and piebald dogs are more likely to develop congenital hearing loss.

According to another study undertaken by the University of Sydney, the hue of a puppy’s coat directly impacts its life expectancy. The median lifespan of Cane Corsos by color is summarized in the table below.

Black Brindle10.30
Brindle10.13
Gray Brindle9.84
Fawn9.01
Black9.00
Gray9.00
Others9.00
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Cane Corso Colors

By now, you are familiar that Cane Corsos come in various colors. You’ll find liver or chocolate Cane Corsos, Isabella Cane Corsos, Formentino Cane Corsos, or blue fawn, and straw Cane Corsos among colors other than the common ones. However, we will concentrate on the hues that the AKC and FCI have approved in this section.

#1. Black

Black
Image Credit: Black Cane Corso from Pinterest

The most popular and widely available color in this dog breed is black. And there’s no denying that these dogs’ dark coats give them a more threatening appearance. In addition, the presence of eumelanin in these dogs, which is dominant in the breed, results in the black coat color.

Getting a black Corso that fits the AKC breed standard might be difficult, even though this coat color is rather popular. It’s because these puppies have a proclivity for having incorrect coats. 

Since black coats absorb more sunlight, making them more susceptible to overheating, black Corso coats are frequently less dense than brindle or fawn coats.

Brown eyes and a black nose are distinguishing characteristics of black coat Corsos. One thing to keep in mind is that black Cane Corsos can become completely invisible at night, necessitating the use of luminous cords around their necks.

#2. Gray

Gray
Image Credit: A gray Corso puppy from Pinterest

Gray Corsos are in high demand after black Corsos. The recessive dilute gene (d), which hinders eumelanin formation in a dog’s coat, causes the gray hue in these dogs.

Gray is a widely acknowledged and accepted coat color in Corsos, and gray Corsos are more frequently seen at dog events. However, it’s important not to confuse blue (slate) coat color with gray, and keep in mind that not all gray Corso puppies will grow up to be gray adult dogs. Since a puppy’s coat changes over time, it may appear gray when it is born, eventually turning brindle.

#3. Brindle

Brindle
Image Credit: Brindle Cane Corso dog and pup from Pinterest 

A bridle is a color pattern rather than a color. The following are examples of brindle color pattern varieties:

  • Black brindle
  • Gray brindle
  • Reverse black brindle
  • Reverse gray brindle

The K locus gene controls the brindle color pattern, which most typically appears when the dog’s undercoat is brown or red with darker black stripes over it. Also known as mosaicism, the brindle pattern is most common in the Cane Corso breed out of all dog breeds.

Although the reason for the variable levels of brindle in Corsos has yet to be established, the pattern can range from mild to deep.

#4. Red

Red
Image Credit: Red Cane Corso from Pinterest

Due to the presence of pheomelanin pigment, the red coat is possible. However, it’s important to remember that a red Corso puppy can only be produced if both parents are gene carriers. The hue of the red coat can be orange, rich copper, or mahogany. You may also find the brindle patterns in red or fawn Cane Corsos with black masks. 

It is worth noting that a red Cane Corso gets its color from pheomelanin, a pigment found in their fur. However, the percentage of red pigment varies throughout genetic routes, which may result in a wide range of red or fawn hues.

#5. Fawn

Fawn
Image Credit: Fawn Cane Corso from Pinterest

The AKC and FCI both allow any shade of fawn. Fawn is a color spectrum that ranges from pale cream to brownish tan. When the K locus gene, also responsible for the hues black, and brindle, affects eumelanin, any color from the fawn spectrum is produced. 

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Fawn Cane Corsos date back to the third or fourth centuries, when they were utilized as hunting dogs. The pale coat color of these dogs helped them blend in with the surrounding foliage, which made them an excellent choice in this context.

#6. Chestnut

Chestnut
Image Credit: Chestnut brindle Corso puppy from Pinterest

Chestnut is another popular coat color among Corsos. However, the chestnut brindle is less prevalent in Cane Corsos and can be confused with the black brindle. Nonetheless, a chestnut brindle Corso can be distinguished from a black one by looking at its pattern in natural light. In addition, it’s worth noting that chestnut brindle Corsos have a brown or red foundation with reddish-brown stripes.

#7. Rare Cane Corso Colors

The colors mentioned above are not the only ones in Cane Corsos. Other coat hues can be found in this breed. However, these colors are rare. Also, not all of these colors are recognized by kennel clubs.

That said, if you are not interested in putting your pooch in any dog shows or competitions and want a family pet, you can choose any of the colors we mention in this post. But be sure to check the existence of any congenital health issues among the pups of rare colors. 

#8. Blue

Blue
Image Credit: Blue Cane Corso from Pinterest

Blue is one of the unusual colors found in Cane Corsos. On the other hand, a blue coat does not refer to a true blue but rather a blue-gray or slate color. As a result, a blue Corso’s coat can be a gray one with a bluish undertone. 

It’s important to note that neither the FCI nor the AKC’s breed standards indicate the occurrence of this coat color. As a result, dog enthusiasts frequently discuss whether a blue Corso is a myth or a fact.

If you’re thinking about getting a blue Corso as a pet, bear in mind that these dogs are more susceptible to skin issues, including mange and Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA).

#9. Chocolate/Liver

Chocolate/Liver
Image Credit: Chocolate Cane Corso from Pinterest

The terms “liver Cane Corso” and “chocolate Cane Corso” are interchangeably used based on the dog’s color. Unfortunately, chocolate or liver hue, like the above-mentioned blue coat color, is not recognized by AKC and FCI and is not permitted in show rings. We can’t deny, though, how majestic and appealing a chocolate coat appears on any dog.

Looking at the skin around their eyes and nose, which has a pink-purple tone, is one of the easiest methods to identify chocolate or liver Cane Corso puppies. Some of these pups also bear green-toned hazel eyes.

Despite their appealing appearance, these puppies are more susceptible to infections than Corso puppies with standard coat colors. The main reason seems to be more focus on less common genetic markers, which frequently trigger unfavorable genetic responses, resulting in health issues in these dogs. 

#10. Isabella 

Isabella 
Image Credit: Isabella Cane puppies from Pinterest

Isabella is another unique color seen in Cane Corso canines. The isabella coat has a violet tinge but is overall gray or brown. In addition, these dogs have a pinkish tinge to their noses, muzzle, and eyelid and commonly have green or blue eyes, just like the chocolate/liver Corsos.

Although some dog enthusiasts may find this hue appealing, most kennel clubs consider it a significant flaw. One of the main reasons for this is because Isabella Corsos are bred for their coat color, but they tend to suffer high from health problems such as Color Dilution Alopecia.

#11. Straw

Straw
Image Credit: Straw Cane Corso from Pinterest

Straw Cane Corsos are usually either isabella or blue. Straw Corsos originally bred to keep an eye on the straw stack. These dogs have a great appearance and a long life expectancy. However, the AKC does not recognize them.

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#12. Formentino

Formentino
Image Credit: Formentino Cane Corso from Pinterest

The term “formentino” originates in Italy, where it refers to the shade of fermented wheat. However, Formentino coat color is a result of diluted fawn color.

Because Formentino is the consequence of the dilution of a standard color, these dogs are prone to major skin and health problems. Fomento pups also have a shorter life expectancy of 8 years due to the lack of brindle patterns that are linked to longer longevity.

How are Coat Colors Associated With Dogs’ Health?

The fact that the coat color of Cane Corsos is intimately tied to their health status has come up several times throughout the text. How is this feasible, though? What role does the coat color have in determining a puppy’s health?

Let’s explore.

Coat colors are a result of genetic interactions, not merely pigmentation. As a result, if a gene combination generating a shade also causes a health concern, the pup will be born with both the color and the health problem.

In this regard, lighter coat colors are more prone to health problems. Furthermore, any color dilution might cause major skin and health problems in Corsos. For example, color dilution alopecia, dermatitis, obesity, ear infections, and other problems are common in dilute coat colors.

To make it easier for you to comprehend, here are some of the health issues that Corsos bred for color face:

#1. Color Dilution Alopecia

Color Dilution Alopecia is one of the most common problems found in Corsos of distinctive color. It’s a hereditary condition that causes hair loss and skin problems. Isabella Corsos has a higher risk of developing this illness. 

#2. Skin Cancer

Cane Corsos develop skin cancer due to sun exposure and light skin pigmentation. Corso puppies with unusual or unidentified coat colors are at risk for three forms of skin cancer:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Mast cell tumors
  • Malignant melanoma

#3. Sunburn

Sunburns are more common in Corsos with a less pigmented coat. Sunburns that are too severe can lead to skin cancer, infections, and other significant skin disorders.

#4. Pyotraumatic Dermatitis

Pyotraumatic dermatitis is a bacterial infection that affects dogs’ skin. This problem is frequently caused by self-inflicted injuries, exacerbated by discomfort or itching. If left untreated, this skin problem may result in fur mating. This cutaneous problem is more common in liver Corsos.

#5. Otitis Externa

It’s an ear infection that affects the external ear canal. Liver Corso puppies are more susceptible to infection. If left untreated, it can lead to a major infection that impairs the dog’s hearing.

#6. Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia

This disease is common in dogs with chocolate, liver, or black coats. It’s an uncommon genetic skin illness that causes hair loss in dogs’ black-colored parts of the coat.

Summary

This brings us to the end of our article. We hope you now have a better understanding of the various hues of Cane Corsos. The color of a dog’s coat has little bearing on his inner features or talents. And, if you’re looking for unusual and non-recognized Corso color, it’s usually a good idea to do some research on the pup’s pedigree. This will offer you a better understanding of what ailments and health issues the puppy may face soon.

With this in mind, we always recommend getting your puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid the backyard breeding system. You can also adopt a puppy from a local shelter. But, whatever you do, never go blind for rare colors. Rather, figure out why you want a Corso and then decide the color you want.