Pirate's Den Cane Corso

This page will outline our Warranty and will be an evolving list of questions that will hopefully help you in your search to find the right Cane Corso for your home.  Please call us at 910-538-6422 to discuss anything covered here or for any further questions.

How much do they cost?

• This is very often the first question I get.  Without intending to be rude, the answer is they're not cheap.  Like everything else in this world, you get what you pay for.  Operating an ethical breeding program with the best interest of the dogs as your first priority is expensive.  Here at the Den, every dog in our breeding program is CERTIFIED free of Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. They are checked for things such as thyroid, eye defects, heart defects, etc.  They are kept up to date on vaccinations, they are maintained with monthly flea, tick and heartworm prevention and are fed a high-quality food.  They are shown, worked and socialized.  Those things cost money.  Money that has to be recouped through the placement of puppies.  The price of our puppies is based on the expense it takes to upkeep the dogs, in a better than an acceptable environment. 
  
• Pirate's Dens' puppies are $3500 and must be spayed/neutered.  Breed/Show quality puppies start at $3500 are co-owned and must be health tested and titled before being bred.  Prices can vary depending on the age and situation of the dog being placed.
  

Is a Pirate's Dens' Cane Corso right for me and my family?

• A Cane Corso is not the right fit for every family.  They are a large, rapid growing dog.  Like any other puppy, they need socialization and obedience training.  They need owners that are willing to set limits to their behaviors and enforce those limits.  They need positive interaction with strangers and other dogs from a young age.  They are not a dog to be left in the backyard.  A Cane Corso that spends the majority of its time away from its family, will very quickly become a bored, destructive dog.  When properly trained and socialized correctly, they will mature into a calm, well-rounded dog.

What healthcare does Pirate's Den provide for our new puppy or dog?

• At the time of placement, all puppies and dogs will be current on yearly vaccinations, including Rabies, if age permits. They will be current on Heartworm, Flea and Tick Prevention and parasite free. They will be microchipped and registered to Pirate's Den as the breeder of record.
  

What healthcare does Pirate's Den expect their new owner to provide for their puppy or dog?

• We expect all puppies and dogs to be provided veterinarian care when needed and when recommended by your vet.  They should be given monthly doses of Heartworm, Flea and Tick Prevention.  We also expect you to give your dog yearly vaccinations as recommended by your vet.  We ask that you send us a copy of the receipt from their yearly visit to your Veterinarian or equivalent.

Do I have to crop ears?

• Yes.  Part of the qualification process to purchase a puppy from Pirates Den is your agreement to crop ears.
• Are there health benefits to cropped ears?  Yes.  Cropped ears allow for better airflow.  Increased air flow decreases moisture, which in turn reduces yeast, bacteria, etc. 
  
• Does it hurt?  The answer is not much.  When performed by a licensed veterinarian, in a sterile environment, the discomfort is minimal.  If you're diligent with aftercare, the process lasts about 10 days from start to finish. 
  
• Aesthetic appeal:  Part of the attraction to this beautiful, majestic breed is the appearance of the head.  When you leave ears natural, you lose some of that imposing appearance. 
  
• Is there more than one cut?  There are a million variations, but there is one basic cut from years ago.  You can change the perception of the head by varying the cut.  I recommend you cut the ear like the original dog and if the head doesn't match the cut, maybe the head needs to look more like the original dog.  
  
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Do you have to dock tails?

• Tails are complicated.  Until 80% of the Cane Corsi in the show ring today are shown with a natural tail, I will continue to dock tails.  The Veterinarian removes the puppy's dew claws and docks their tails prior to three days old.  If you should want a natural tail, we require full payment prior to the litter's birth and you're relying on me to pick a pet quality puppy at birth.  For that reason, I must charge the price of a pick puppy to leave the tail natural (unless a puppy is born with a color disqualification and can be readily identified).
  

What are some of the negatives to owning a Cane Corso?

• The cost of upkeep because of their size.  They're big!  Like anything else that's big, it costs more to feed them.  It costs more to take them to the vet for things that require sedation.  Medicines cost more.  Crates cost more.  You need a fence, if at all possible.  Dog beds cost more.  Toys must be made sturdier and are more expensive, leashes, collars must be sturdier, etc.
• Public perception.  Because of indiscriminate breeding and placement, this breed is already developing a negative reputation.  It is your duty, to raise your Pirate's Den Cane Corso to always be a positive breed ambassador.  You should want to socialize it, train it and teach it to have impeccable manners, to help overcome the damage unscrupulous breeders and owners are doing. 
  

 

Questions to ask your potential Cane Corso Breeder:

• Can I visit your kennel?

• Can I interact positively and freely with all of your dogs?  These dogs are exactly what your puppy will grow up to be.
  

• May I see the health certifications and vaccination records on your dogs?

• What health problems have you seen in your breeding program?

• Have you produced Hip Dysplasia?  How Many?  If the answer is zero.  Run.
  

• What measures have you taken to correct them?

• May I see your Contract?  Do you keep tabs on your puppies and enforce your contract?
  

• Do you require your puppies to come back to your kennel to be rehomed?

• Do you require your puppies shown on a breed contract, be health tested before being bred and what is the minimum age you allow them to be bred?

• Do you microchip your puppies?

• Can I contact your Veterinarian for a reference?

• Do you show and or work your dogs?  In what venue? Why or why not?

There are many other questions you can ask and should be able to.  An ethical breeder recognizes the need to health test their stock, screen their potential buyers and be responsible for the puppies they produce, if necessary, for a lifetime.

Be prepared for the ethical breeder to question you in as much detail as you should be questioning them.  Ethical breeders are as focused on their puppies being placed in quality homes, as they are producing quality puppies.

 If you need advice for a Pirate's Den dog, call as needed, preferable 9 am to 9 pm.

 Due to an increasing number of requests for help with Cane Corso that weren't bred by Pirate's Den, I've compiled a brief checklist for those that would like our help.

• Contact your Breeder.  Openly disclose your concerns and questions to them.  They bred your dog, they should be willing to offer you support, advice or replacement if necessary.

• Have your dog examined by a Veterinarian.  Pain can create a multitude of symptoms that you may not correlate to the problem you're having.

• If you're not feeding a good quality food, change your dog to a quality food.  We recommend a Chicken and Rice based,26% Protein &16% fat adult food for slow growth. Not Lamb, exactly as stated.  Any good pet food store can assist you with this.  Food allergy can also create issues.

• If you have tried the suggestions above and you still want to discuss your problem with us, feel free to give me a call.  We are easier to reach Monday thru Friday before 2 pm. 

  Thanks for understanding,

  Jennifer



Pirate's Dens' Frenzy's Calix with his paci.