After you have chosen your breeder and your puppy's sire and dam, you're ready to choose your Corso puppy. But which one? The most important aspect of this choice is temperament. Puppies' temperaments vary even within the same litter.

Many people will choose a puppy based on color. This is a huge mistake, if you are dead set on a particular color, you should wait for the right puppy of that color. Some will choose the first puppy that runs up to them and pulls at their pant leg because they think this must be a more outgoing puppy. Not every Corso is for every family and this puppy may not necessarily be THE puppy for your family. So how DO you choose a puppy? You should choose a Corso puppy that has a temperament that compliments your families.

Ideally your puppy's breeder will use Puppy Aptitude Testing and family profiles to match puppies with their new owners. Puppy Aptitude Testing evaluates the individual temperament of each puppy. A family profile consists of a series of questions, which allows the breeder to assess your family's situation and disposition. The breeder may even ask to choose a puppy for you. If the breeder is skilled in Puppy Aptitude Testing, they can generally choose the best puppy for your family. If the breeder does not perform these tests, you will need to know how to choose the right puppy yourself.

First, look at your family's situation: Do you have small children? Do you have elderly in your household? Is your family quiet or of gentle nature? Do you already have another dog? Do you feel guilty when disciplining your children or current dog?

If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions you may prefer a puppy with a more subordinate temperament. A dog with dominant tendencies would not fit into this particular family situation. Dogs are pack animals and they will try to establish a pecking order within their pack, and your family will be their new pack.

Subordinate (submissive) does not mean shy or timid. A puppy with a subordinate temperament will simply be closer to the bottom of the dominance ladder (pecking order). A subordinate puppy will not try to dominate the small children within your household, nor will it be as apt to challenge your authority or to compete with another dog for dominance.

If you already have a dog: Is it submissive or dominant? What is its size? Is it male or female? With another dog already in the family, especially a dominant one, consider a Corso puppy with a more submissive temperament and one of the opposite sex. A submissive puppy will be less likely to challenge your existing dog for pecking order. Males seldom compete with females for leadership position. Smaller dogs can be easily injured if they are involved in disputes with a Cane Corso. Are you experienced with large breeds? Do you NOT have small children or elderly within your home? Are you comfortable offering constructive criticism? Have you had any dog training experience of any kind? Is your current dog a larger breed of submissive nature? Do you have the time and are you planning to train this puppy in either Obedience, Conformation, or for Canine Good Citizenship? Is your family active and outgoing?

If you have answered "yes" to all of these questions you may wish to consider a puppy with more dominant tendencies. Dominant does not mean aggressive. A Corso with dominant tendencies is one, which would compete for its place higher up on the dominance ladder. It will be more apt to challenge a child or another dog. There is a difference between a dog with dominant tendencies and a true Alpha dog. An Alpha dog, of any breed, may even try to challenge YOUR authority. It is never a good idea to place a dominant puppy into a home with another dominant dog, especially of the same sex. Properly reared dogs with dominant tendencies can be wonderful, loving family companions.

Once you pick your puppy, the following information and documents should be supplied:

1. Feeding instructions

2. Written medical records, which will include immunizations, types of vaccine used, date(s) of inoculations, date(s) of worming.

3. A pedigree showing at least three generations

4. A current certificate of health, signed by your breeder's veterinarian

5. Copies of all the results of the health testing done on the sire & dam and any other relatives.

We recommend reading "THE ART OF RAISING A PUPPY" by the Monks of New Skete. You can possibly obtain this book from your local library or can purchase it from your local bookstore (Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks and Bookseller plus Amazon.com). This book gives more detailed information on what breeders should do before the puppy goes to it's new home as well as what you should be prepared for.

Breed Info