Breed guide
Cane Corso Breeding Guide: Litter Size, Whelping, Puppy Weights and Health Testing
Updated September 6, 2026 · 6 min read · By the BreedBloom team
The Cane Corso is a large mastiff-type guardian with fast growth, a temperament that needs proving, and orthopedic concerns typical of the size. Placement screening is a health matter in this breed.
Cane Corso at a glance
Typical litter size
6–10 puppies (average around 8)
Birth weight
16–22 oz (450–620 g)
Adult weight
90–120 lb (40–55 kg)
Gestation
About 63 days from ovulation (57–72 from breeding)
Whelping
Usually free-whelping, but large heads and large litters mean uterine fatigue is possible; know the puppy count.
Breeding and whelping notes
Growth control: large-breed puppy food, lean condition, no repetitive impact exercise before growth plates close.
Eyelid conformation (entropion, ectropion) is heritable; select for tight eyes.
Temperament: breed only dogs with stable, confident temperaments and screen families for experience and containment.
Bloat risk is elevated; families should know the signs.
Health testing before breeding
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Hips: OFA or PennHIP
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Elbows: OFA
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Eyes: CAER exam (entropion/ectropion, cherry eye)
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Cardiac exam
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DNA: DM
•
Temperament evaluation strongly recommended
Keep the paperwork attached
Test results are only useful when they travel with the dog. Keep certificate numbers and dates on each dog's record and include copies in every go-home packet.
Tracking a Cane Corso litter
Enter the ovulation or tie date and BreedBloom builds the Cane Corso litter timeline: ultrasound window, X-ray count reminder, temperature checks, the day 3–16 ENS/ESI schedule, deworming and vaccination tasks, and per-puppy weight curves you can compare against the whole litter. Families follow along in the BloomPetz portal, and the go-home packet is assembled from the same records.
About these figures
Figures on this page are typical ranges drawn from breed club and veterinary references; individual lines vary. Confirm health-testing requirements with your breed's parent club, and whelping plans with your reproductive veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions
How many puppies do Cane Corsos have?
Typically 6–10, average around 8.
How fast do Cane Corso puppies grow?
Very fast: 20+ lb by 8 weeks and often 60–70 lb by 6 months. Controlled growth and lean body condition protect joints.
Run your program on BreedBloom
Dogs, litters, puppy weights, ENS/ESI tasks, waitlists, contracts and go-home packets in one connected record, with a family portal built in. Free for up to 3 dogs.
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