Cane Corso: The 50kg breed thought to be new 'status dog' following XL Bully ban
It's almost a year since the ban on owning an XL Bully dog in England and Wales came into force, but there's growing concerns a different breed is fast becoming the new status dog.
The Cane Corso is currently legal to own in the UK and can weigh up to 50kg (eight stone) but is a type of dog not officially recognised by the Kennel Club.
The dogs have been popularised by celebrity owners including Vin Diesel, Megan Thee Stallion and Marcus Rashford.
Former Love Island winner Jack Fincham is also due in court later this month charged with Dangerous Dogs Act offences. The 32-year-old of Swanley in Kent is accused of being the owner of a dangerously out of control Cane Corso on two separate occasions.
What is the Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff. They were traditionally used as guard dogs, and are said to be descended from the Molossian war dogs of ancient Rome.
It's a powerful breed that can weigh up to 50kg. It is not officially registered or recognised by The Kennel Club.Unlike the XL Bully, the Cane Corso is currently legal to own in the UK, making it more attractive to those looking for a 'status dog' similar to the XL Bully, without the restrictions.
At the time of writing, more than 200 Cane Corso puppies are listed for sale on the Pets4Homes website, ranging in price from £700-£2,000.
'Inevitable' shift to another breed
RSPCA Dog Welfare Expert and Dog Control Lead, Dr Samantha Gaines, said: “We’ve seen trends in different pets being used for antisocial behaviour and as, so-called, ‘status dogs’ in the past; from Staffordshire bull terriers to Rottweilers to, most recently, American XL Bullies.
She added: “Sadly, since the XL Bully was banned last year, it was inevitable attention would shift onto another large, powerful breed.
"But 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."
In October last year 55-year-old Gary Stevens was jailed for four-and-a-half years, after his eight-stone Cane Corso mauled to death his younger brother, causing horrific injuries.
The 50kg Cane Corso cross, called Ace, was repeatedly Tasered by police. When the Tasers were ineffective and it had to be shot dead by police marksmen.
Dr Gaines said: "Dog aggression is a complex issue. Sadly, there will always be people who wish to use dogs as weapons or for antisocial 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."
“We’d like the UK Government to tackle the root causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs by cracking down on irresponsible breeding and promoting responsible ownership, as well as ensuring effective enforcement of legislation and strong punishments for those who use dogs dangerously.”
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What does the government say?
A Defra spokesperson said: “Owners of any breed of dog which is dangerously out of control are breaking the law.
“We are working at pace to explore measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible dog ownership across all breeds of dog.
“We continue to work with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to prevent dog attacks by addressing dog control issues before they escalate and using the full force of the law where needed."
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