Stand on any busy street, and you might notice a new trend massive, muscular dogs being walked with pride. The rise of the Cane Corso: should this popular status dog be banned in the UK , One breed, in particular, is gaining attention: the Cane Corso, a 50kg powerhouse originally bred for guarding and protection. With dog attacks up 21% in the UK, concerns are growing about its rising popularity.
After the XL Bully ban in 2023, some fear the cycle is repeating, with the Cane Corso becoming the next controversial breed. Banning Cane Corsos won’t stop dangerous dog attacks; irresponsible ownership is the real issue. Instead of bans, we need licensing, training, and tougher breeder regulations.
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History
Cane Corso has a rich history that goes back more than 2,000 years. This powerful breed descends from the Molossian war dogs used by the ancient Romans. These dogs were trained for battle, often wearing armor and charging into enemy lines.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, their role changed. Instead of fighting in wars, they became guard dogs, hunters, and farm protectors in Italy. Farmers relied on them to watch over livestock, hunt wild boars, and defend their land. Their intelligence, strength, and loyalty made them highly valued working dogs.Over time, the breed’s numbers declined, but dedicated breeders in Italy worked to bring them back. Today, the Cane Corso is recognized worldwide as a loyal and powerful guardian, though its protective nature has also made it a subject of controversy.
Why Is the Cane Corso Suddenly in the Spotlight?
Ever since the XL Bully ban officially came into effect on December 31, 2023, experts warned that those looking for a strong, intimidating dog would simply switch to another breed. And it seems they were right.
The Cane Corso, a powerful Italian mastiff with a bite force of 700 PSI (nearly twice as strong as a German Shepherd), is now gaining popularity especially among former XL Bully owners. Some breeders have reported a 40% increase in demand for Cane Corsos since the XL ban, raising concerns about whether the breed will face the same fate.
Dog trainer Wendy Cummins, who has over 20 years of experience handling aggressive breeds, warns:
These dogs can be amazing companions, but they are NOT for everyone. The problem is, some people get them for the wrong reasons just like what happened with the XLBully.
Recent Attacks Fueling Public Fear
The UK has seen a sharp rise in dog attacks. According to NHS England, over 6,000 people were treated for dog bites in 2023 alone that’s nearly 17 attacks every day. While XL Bullies made the most headlines, Cane Corsos are now appearing in police reports too.
🔴 Sheffield (2024): A man was attacked by a Cane Corso while out walking. A 14-year-old girl was also injured.
🔴 Doncaster (2024): A 16-year-old girl was mauled by a Cane Corso and needed reconstructive surgery. The dog was put down.
🔴 Derby (2023): A 51-year-old man was killed by his brother’s Cane Corso cross. The owner was jailed for 4.5 years.
The Real Problem: The Owner, Not the Breed
Some people say Cane Corsos are naturally aggressive because they were originally bred as guard dogs. And yes, they are powerful these dogs can weigh up to 50kg and have a bite force of 700 PSI (even stronger than a lion’s 650 PSI!). But does that mean they are automatically dangerous? Not really.
Training Matters More Than Breed,Many Cane Corso owners will tell you their dogs are loving, loyal, and protective if trained properly. A UK study in 2023 found that 85% of reported dog attacks involved dogs that were untrained or poorly socialized, no matter what breed they were. That tells us one thing: the problem isn’t the breed, it’s how the dog is raised.
A Pattern We’ve Seen Before,This isn’t the first time a breed has been labeled as “dangerous.” In the 1980s and 90s, it was Pit Bulls. In the 2000s, it was Rottweilers. More recently, XL Bullies were banned. Now, Cane Corsos are being blamed. But the truth is, the issue has always been the same irresponsible ownership.
The Wrong Hands Make the Wrong Dog,When a powerful dog is in the wrong hands without proper training or socialization things can go very wrong. Because Cane Corsos are big and strong, the consequences are serious when they aren’t handled correctly.
Should the UK Ban Cane Corsos? Examining the Arguments
So, should the UK ban Cane Corsos? The rise of the Cane Corso: should this popular status dog be banned in the UK , That’s the big question. Some say yes these dogs are too strong, unpredictable, and a growing risk to public safety. Others argue that banning the breed won’t solve the problem because the real issue is irresponsible ownership. Let’s break down both sides of the debate.
Arguments for a Ban
- Strong Bite Force – Cane Corsos have a bite force of around 700 PSI, stronger than a lion’s.
- Large and Powerful – Weighing up to 50kg, they can easily overpower an average person.
- Rising Attack Cases – A 16-year-old girl in Doncaster needed reconstructive surgery after a Cane Corso attack. Other incidents have resulted in severe injuries.
- Replacing XL Bullies – Since the XL Bully ban, some irresponsible owners have moved to Cane Corsos as the next “status dog.”
- Too Strong for Average Owners – Many people are not capable of handling such a large, powerful breed.
- Public Safety Concern – With over 6,000 dog attacks recorded in England last year, some believe tougher laws are needed to protect the public.
- Preventing Future Tragedies – A ban now could stop more dangerous incidents before they happen.
Arguments Against a Ban
- Not All Cane Corsos Are Dangerous – With proper training and care, they can be loyal and calm pets.
- Bans Don’t Solve the Problem – Pit Bulls were banned in 1991, but dog attacks continued to rise.
- Irresponsible Owners Are the Issue – Any breed can be dangerous if poorly trained; the problem lies with ownership, not the breed itself.
- Could Push Breeding Underground – A ban might lead to illegal, unregulated breeding, making the situation worse.
- Another Breed Will Replace Them – If Cane Corsos are banned, people seeking “dangerous dogs” will just move on to another breed.
- Slippery Slope – If Cane Corsos are banned, will Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or other strong breeds be next?
- Focus on Ownership Instead – Stricter licensing, mandatory training, and responsible breeding laws could be more effective solutions.
Alternative Solutions: A Better Way?
Banning the Cane Corso isn’t the only option. Instead, smarter regulations can keep both people and dogs safe.
1️⃣ Licensing for Owners – Anyone wanting a large breed should pass a training course, prove they can handle the dog, and pass a home check.
2️⃣ Stricter Breeding Laws – Right now, you can find 300+ Cane Corsos for sale online, many from irresponsible breeders. Regulating breeding would reduce aggressive, poorly trained dogs.
3️⃣ Better Education – Many attacks happen due to untrained owners, not bad dogs. Free training programs and public awareness could prevent incidents before they happen.
Lessons from the Past: The XL Bully Ban & What Comes Next
Let’s take a step back and look at what happened with the XL Bully ban. The government banned the breed in 2023, making it illegal to own one unless you had a special exemption. At the time, people were terrified. There had been over 10 fatal dog attacks in 2022, and XL Bullies were involved in several of them.
At first, the numbers looked promising. By early 2024, more than 4,500 XL Bullies had been seized by police, and over 55,000 exemption certificates were issued. In public places, attacks involving XL Bullies dropped significantly. That sounds like a win.
A few months after the ban, reports of dog attacks didn’t go down they actually went up by 9%. In fact, in the first five months after the ban, police recorded hundreds of new cases of dangerous dogs attacking people. The worst part? Some of these attacks happened inside homes, where the ban had no effect. For tips on managing this breed, check out Raising Your Cane Corso Puppy.
Final words
Dog attacks have risen 21%, even after the XL Bully ban, leading some to ask: The rise of the Cane Corso: should this popular status dog be banned in the UK , But banning the Cane Corso won’t fix the real issue irresponsible ownership. Instead of targeting breeds, we need licensing tests, mandatory training, and insurance for large dog owners. A 50kg Cane Corso with 700 PSI bite force needs proper handling, not just restrictions. The problem isn’t the breed it’s who owns them. A ban is just a band-aid. Isn’t it time for a smarter, long-term solution.
