Whenever you do a quick Google search of a Cane Corso, you’ll be greeted by a picture of a black panther-like dog — but have you ever heard of a white Cane Corso?
White Cane Corsos can be pushy and overbearing, ending up owning an unwitting owner, but they are often bright, loyal, ready to please, versatile, and intensely loyal to their owners.
Read on to learn about the white Cane Corso’s health, temperament, characteristics, and everything else you need to know.
What Is a White Cane Corso? Can Cane Corsos Be White?
A white Cane Corso is a misnomer. This dog is actually a straw Cane Corso with a much lighter coat while retaining most of the physical features of a standard Cane Corso. The coat of a white Cane Corso may vary from a light yellowish tan to a very pale yellow.
Although their color is not standardized yet, white Cane Corsos are purebred Cane Corsos. These dogs are the product of two parents with an “e” gene, which suppresses the expression of black hairs in Cane Corsos.
Although its name says otherwise, the white Cane Corso only has a light coat; its nose and muzzle may be black and gray, respectively.
Are White Cane Corsos Rare?
Compared to the standard-colored Cane Corsos, white Cane Corsos are quite rare. This is mainly due to the difficulty in breeding these striking canines.
A white Cane Corso will only be produced by breeding two Cane Corsos carrying the “e” gene. This gene is mainly responsible for suppressing the expression of black hairs in this breed.
Furthermore, some breeders are simply not interested in breeding white Cane Corsos. Their controversial status as standard Cane Corsos usually makes breeders stray from producing them.
White Cane Corso Appearance
Technically speaking, a white Cane Corso will look just like any standard Cane Corso except for the coat color.
When fully grown, male white Cane Corsos reach about 25 to 27.5 inches in height and weigh 100 to 110 pounds, whereas females grow to about 23.5 to 26 inches and weigh 80 to 100 pounds.
The straw Cane Corso is a watchdog at heart, characterized by its pointed ears, large and powerful jaw, and keen eyes. Its head is broad with a well-defined stop connecting the muzzle to the skull.
Connecting the head to the body is a neck that is slightly arched, flowing smoothly to the shoulders. The chest is strong, broad, and well-muscled, the same as its back.
Carrying all these are two pairs of strong and muscular legs proportionate to its body. The tail is thick and only slightly tapering, brought low when the dog is not in action.
Regarding their coat color, there is a complete absence of black hair in any part of the body of white Cane Corsos. Although sometimes they have an incomplete mask, their masks are usually gray.
White Cane Corsos are actually pale straw in color if you look hard enough. In addition, it’s their fur that makes them appear white, not their skin.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a video of a white Cane Corso:
White Cane Corso Color Genetics
Revisiting old rural Italy, white Cane Corsos were first documented as a mix of a Cane Corso and a Maremma Sheepdog. One might say that the white Cane Corso adopted its coat from its Maremma Sheepdog parent.
However, modern genetics points to the “e” gene as the culprit for the white Cane Corso’s rare coat. According to color genetics, the “e” gene is responsible for suppressing the expression of black hairs in this breed.
Furthermore, a Cane Corso must inherit the “e” genes from both parents for it to become a white Cane Corso. Inheriting only one “e” gene would make a Cane Corso puppy a carrier.
White Cane Corsos may be produced from any standard color of Cane Corsos as long as both parents carry the “e” gene.
Are White Cane Corsos Albino?
Although they may look similar at first glance, white Cane Corsos are not albinos. Albinism is a condition wherein the body cannot produce enough pigments, resulting in extremely light fur, skin, and eyes.
A common problem that comes with albino Cane Corsos is blindness and sometimes deafness. Additionally, their lack of melanin in their skin makes them prone to overexposure to the sun.
In contrast, white Cane Corsos are still pigmented with a very light cream color and may still have black skin on the muzzle. In addition, they have typically pigmented eyes, the same as the average Cane Corso.
Do White Cane Corso Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
A white Cane Corso puppy may change their coat color over time, but only to a minimal degree since its markings are pretty much the same for its entire life.
White Cane Corsos appear the whitest right after being born. As they reach adulthood, their coat becomes slightly more vibrant. However, their coat fades as pigment production slows down when they become senior dogs.
Do Kennel Clubs Recognize White Cane Corsos?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are only seven standard coat colors for the Cane Corso, and neither white nor straw is included.
However, the only disqualification in regards to coat color is having tan pattern markings, as seen in black-and-tan dog breeds.
In short, while the white Cane Corso does not meet the breed standards, they may still enter competitions organized by the AKC.
In contrast, the United Kennel Club (UKC) has specified that Cane Corsos, outside their standards, are subject to disqualification.
Ultimately, you first need to check with a kennel club’s standards before registering your white Cane Corso.
White Cane Corso Temperament and Personality
Despite its size, power, and energy, this dog is still intelligent and willful. An owner with firmness and consistency is needed to guide white Cane Corsos without using force or pain.
Generally, they get along well with children, but it is best to supervise young children when they are around them.
White Cane Corsos may also get along with other pets, especially when raised together. However, it is best to look after these dogs while with other pets since they might dominate or prey on other animals.
As energetic as they are intelligent, these majestic dogs are also more than happy to please their owners. Training them would be easy for an experienced owner.
White Cane Corsos are also quite welcoming to harmless strangers. Despite that, no amount of socialization will enable these giants to develop closer bonds with others than family members.
Albeit their intelligence, it’s not wise to leave straw Cane Corsos unattended since they are quite vocal and will need a good amount of stimulation and attention.
Regardless of their color, white Cane Corsos do not differ in temperament from other Cane Corsos. The amount of socialization and training is still the highest contributing factor to a dog’s aggressiveness.
White Cane Corso Lifespan and Health Issues
White Cane Corsos are healthy dogs, just like the average Cane Corso. In fact, white Cane Corsos have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, just like any other dog, they can develop some common canine diseases.
The common health problems of white Cane Corsos are as follows:
- Entropion: Although not as complicated as it may seem, entropion occurs quite often in this breed and other breeds with excessive skin. It is caused by the inward rolling of the eyelids, irritating the eyes, which may bring on further issues with vision.
- Hip Dysplasia: Also known to occur in other large dogs, hip dysplasia can cause serious health issues in white Cane Corsos. Aside from their weight pressing down on the affected limb, their exercise requirement might worsen this condition, further causing complications.
- Demodectic Mange: Also called demodicosis, this condition is caused by the burrowing of Demodex mites under the hair shafts of white Cane Corsos. This skin condition is very irritating to dogs and is challenging to treat. While these parasites are usually residents of your dog’s skin, demodicosis usually occurs when a dog’s immune system weakens.
It’s inevitable that your white Cane Corso will eventually develop one of these diseases, given that these health issues are common for the breed. Accordingly, getting pet insurance for your dog is always a good idea.
How Much Does a White Cane Corso Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The average price of a white Cane Corso puppy is a whopping $1,500 to $3,000, but this can vary depending on various factors. Pedigree, markings, and gender all contribute to the puppy’s price.
You should also expect to spend money on food, medical care, and other pet essentials in addition to the cost of the white Cane Corso puppy.
Here are some of the initial expenses when taking care of a white Cane Corso:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
There is still a possibility that these items may differ from the given range depending on your location, the quality of the items, and how often you restock them.
Finally, you should expect to spend more as your white Cane Corso gets bigger and older. Know that the comfort and health of your white Cane Corso are worth every penny spent.
Places to Find White Cane Corso Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Knowing the rarity of white Cane Corsos is enough to tell you that coming across these majestic dogs will be pretty hard. To help you with your search, I’ve compiled some of the places to find white Cane Corsos.
Here are the places where you can buy white Cane Corso puppies:
- Dal Cielo Cane Corso – Dal Cielo Cane Corso has been breeding quality Cane Corsos for more than 30 years. They take pride in their Cane Corsos that excel in showing, competing, and companionship. They might occasionally have the rare white Cane Corso in their listing.
- CastleGuard Cane Corso – Also a family-owned business, this breeder’s Cane Corso puppies have strong ancestry to the historical breed. They also boast that all their dogs are HIP certified.
- Corinthian Corsos – This Oklahoma-based breeder focuses on breeding the rare varieties of the Italian Mastiff. They give emphasis on the development of Cane Corso’s demeanor, socialization, and health.
Buying a white Cane Corso puppy can be costly, so you may choose to adopt a rescue if you want a cheaper and more noble alternative.
Here are the places where you can adopt white Cane Corsos:
- Cane Corso Rescue, Inc. – This rescue organization was founded in 2005 and has successfully rehomed over a thousand Cane Corsos since then. On occasion, the organization rescues and rehomes white Cane Corsos for about $300 to $600, depending on the dog’s age.
- West Coast Cane Corso Rescue – This group is very responsive to helping aspiring adopters to find the best rescue dog. If you live on the West Coast, there is no need to look elsewhere. While only linking to rescue organizations, this group offers a detailed description of the organizations that provide white Cane Corsos for adoption.
- Must Love Corsos Rescue – Incorporated in 2018, this volunteer-run organization has one of the most thorough adoption processes. They make sure that their rescued white Cane Corsos end up with a loving family by making home visits to potential owners.
If you find a white Cane Corso for adoption, research and prepare on the possible process to ensure a smoother adoption process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are White Cane Corsos Hypoallergenic?
Sadly, white Cane Corsos are not hypoallergenic. All dogs produce saliva and dander, which are the primary sources of dog allergens. The white Cane Corso is not hypoallergenic at all, even if it just lightly sheds.
What Is the Rarest Color of Cane Corso?
The rarest colors of Cane Corsos are liver, isabella, and straw. These colors entirely depend on recessive genes, making them more challenging to breed.
Do White Cane Corsos Shed a Lot?
White Cane Corsos shed medium amounts of fur. Since they have a very light undercoat, they may still exhibit seasonal shedding, especially in months before colder seasons.
How Many Cane Corso Colors Are There?
According to the American Kennel Club, the standard colors of Cane Corsos are black, fawn, gray, gray brindle, red, black brindle, and chestnut brindle — a total of seven colors.
If we do not follow these standards, the actual number of colors of Cane Corsos might be even greater. This is proven by white Cane Corsos, which can be produced by breeding two healthy purebred standard Cane Corsos.
Final Thoughts
The white Cane Corso is truly a one-of-a-kind dog with its notable appearance, strong personality, and protective instinct.
Along with their desirable traits, they also pose some compromises that novice dog owners will find challenging.
Generally, if you know the fundamentals of keeping a large dog breed, you will get along easily with the straw Cane Corso.
Finally, you should learn to love this dog not only for its majestic color. Aside from its rare appearance, a white Cane Corso is unique because of the love and bond it shares with its human companion.
What are your thoughts about the rare white Cane Corso? Let us know in the comments below!
