A powerful dog breed is predicted to rise in popularity following the ban on XL bully dogs in England and Wales.
People are now unable to buy, sell or rehome an XL bully and owners must ensure their pets are muzzled, neutered, chipped and registered. Those dogs which have not been granted an exemption will have to be destroyed at the end of this month.
The ban on XL bully dogs came after 14 people were killed by a bully or bully-type dog. Some statistics show 46% of all dog attacks in the UK last year were down to XL Bullies – reports Wales Online.
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Following the XL Bully ban, data from puppies.co.uk, the UK’s largest dog marketplace, shows searches for Rottweilers increased by 35% and searches for Cane Corsos for sale increased by 36%.
Google searches also show a surge in interest in the breed:
- Cane Corso – 174,000 searches
- Rottweiler – 84,000 searches
- German Shepherd – 77,000 searches
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers – 50,000 searches
- Jack Russell Terrier – 20,000 searches
Leeds takes the top spot, with approximately 2,175 searches made for the sale of potentially aggressive dogs per 100,000 residents. Manchester is the second spot, with an average of 2,048 monthly searches
In the third spot is Cambridge, with 1,704 searches per 100,000 residents. Rounding off the top 5 are Walsall (1,568) and Ipswich (1,510).
The Cane Corso is a large and muscular Italian dog breed that falls into the Molosser category. Historically, it was used as a working dog, mainly for tasks like guarding property, hunting large game, and serving as a companion. The breed is known for its imposing appearance, strength, intelligence, and loyalty to its family.
Physically, the Cane Corso is strong, with a well-muscled body, a large head, a short coat, and a docked tail. The coat can be of various colours, including black, grey, fawn, and red.
In terms of temperament, the Cane Corso is typically known to be affectionate, however early socialization, proper training, and consistent handling are crucial for them to be well-adjusted and well-behaved pets.
Due to their size, strength, and protective nature, they require experienced handling and proper training from an early age. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation are also essential to keep them healthy and well-behaved.
An American legal expert specialising in dog bite cases said: “While Cane Corso dogs account for only a fraction of the overall dog population, their size, strength, and prey drive can lead to more severe injuries when they attack.
“Due to their size, strength, and strong prey drive, Cane Corso can be considered potentially dangerous. While it is important to note that not all Cane Corso are aggressive or dangerous, their powerful build and protective nature can lead to severe consequences in the event of an attack.
“It’s important to remember that the breed does not solely determine the severity of dog attacks but is also influenced by factors such as socialization, training, and responsible ownership.
“Due to their breeding history, Cane Corso have developed a strong sense of guarding and protection, making them more prone to aggression in certain situations. Their instinct to protect their family and territory and their imposing physical presence can result in aggressive behaviours toward perceived threats—even more so than with Pit Bulls. While aggression is not inherent in all Cane Corso dogs, their breeding purpose has shaped their instincts and responses to specific stimuli.”
Daniel Twigg, described as a ‘caring little boy’ who ‘loved animals,’ was attacked and killed by a Cane Corso in Rochdale on May 15, 2022.
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.