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he is my perfect guardian and protector when needs to be otherwise aloof with strangers until i say its ok then he becomes your best friend, he is really a big sucky boy all bark and no bite!
Labrador Corso Breed Maintenance
The Labrador Corso is typically a low-maintenance canine, but there are some tasks that parents will have to stay on top of.
For example, their coats might shed with the frequency of a Labrador Retriever’s and this requires regular brushing to keep under control. Likewise, they might inherit the doggy odor of a Retriever that benefits from frequent bathing. However, there’s also every possibility that they’ll have the shorter coat of a Cane Corso, which needs far less brushing.
Parents should also complete the essential routines that are the same for most dog breeds — this includes brushing teeth every day, trimming nails one or two times a month, and wiping their ears clean every week to prevent infection.
Labrador Corso Health Risks
Just like their pedigree counterparts, hybrid canines can also suffer from health disorders and this is no less true of the Cane Corso. Some of these ailments are inherited, which makes it all the more important to only deal with responsible breeders who actively test their animals to prevent genetic disorders being passed on down the generations.
Common health concerns include:
- Joint problems — such as Elbow Dysplasia and Hip Dysplasia
- Eye issues — Entropion and Ectropion
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
Joint problems
Labrador Retrievers are known to be often affected by Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, so the Labrador Corso is naturally at risk of these, too. They’re caused by one of the elbow or hip bones developing incorrectly, leading to it moving against the corresponding socket with friction. This can lead to limping, reduced movement and pain.
Vets have a variety of treatments they can turn to in the event of a diagnosis. Minor cases can often be helped with weight loss and medication, but more severe instances might require physiotherapy or surgery. Many pets recover well and lead active lives after treatment.
Eye issues
There are a couple of eye conditions to which it appears the Labrador Corso is more likely to be affected. Two are abnormalities involving the eyelid — Entropion and Ectropion. The first of these involves the eyelid folding in towards the eyeball, while the second is defined by the lower eyelid drooping and exposing tissue.
Symptoms to both are similar, in that irritation, inflammation and infections are common, as is the affected dog’s habit of pawing at the site. Both can lead to their vision being affected permanently, so prompt veterinary attention is crucial.
With Entropion, surgery is usually necessary to correct the problem, while this option is only needed in severe cases of Ectropion — often, eye drops and topical medication can be enough to soothe the worst symptoms.
Cataracts are also not unheard of in the Labrador Corso. These are characterized by a cloudiness in the eye lens that obscures a dog’s vision. It’s a common diagnosis and one that can usually be corrected with a low-risk surgical procedure followed by an aftercare regimen.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
The Cane Corso’s deep chest puts the breed at heightened risk of Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (or bloat), so it’s something that Labrador Corso parents need to be aware of, too.
Bloat is caused by the stomach filling with gas. Occasionally this can progress so that the organ begins to twist upon itself and cut off blood supply to parts of the body. This can prove fatal very quickly and immediate veterinary attention is necessary to save a dog’s life.
The immediate symptoms of GDV include retching, drooling, distress or a firm abdomen. As it progresses, your dog might become weak or even collapse.
Some dogs are more prone to bloat due to their body shape and weight, but there are important preventative measures a parent can take, too. For example, it’s thought that eating meals too quickly or exercising immediately before or after eating are contributory factors. Some pet experts also believe that a diet that includes wet food decreases the risk.
The regular testing and screening involved in a wellness plan can help catch disease at an earlier and often more treatable stage — learn more about this here.
What to Feed a Labrador Corso
As a strong and energetic hybrid, the Labrador Corso will benefit from high-quality dog food. Ideally, this should have high protein levels and real meat or fish as the first-listed ingredients, as well as all the vital vitamins and minerals.
Labrador Retrievers are notorious for their greed, so parents would do well to prevent a Labrador Corso from overeating and putting on weight — this is particularly important for dogs at risk of Elbow or Hip Dysplasia, which are made worse by obesity.
Still unsure of what to put in your dog’s bowl? Our partner Dog Food Advisor has compiled lists of the best food for both Labrador Retrievers and Cane Corsi — anything off these would be a safe choice.
