There is a lot of controversy on Cropping & docking your Cane Corso. We will not try to recommend or not recommend anyone to crop or dock their Cane Corso. We do want every one to know all the information before making your decision. 

Docking

Pros of docking a Cane Corso's tail: 

- Protection: With hunting, or guardian dogs a shorter tail reduces the risk of injury.

- Happy tail: Cane Corso's tail's become very heavy which can cause a lot of damage especially if you have young children its better to have a short docked tail.

- Breed Standards and Aesthetics: AKC breed standards dock at the 4th vertebra and most owners prefer the traditional, compact look. 

Cons of docking A Cane Corso's tail:

- Joint & balance stress: A Cane Corso's tail acts as a counterweight, removing it too much can force altering of running, jumping, and turning putting extra stress on their joints.

- Surgical complication: local site infections, bleeding, or improper healing may occur. 

- Impaired communication: Dogs use their tails to signal their mood, a docked tail can limit and could cause miscommunication by other dogs.

Cropping

Pros of cropping a Cane Corso's ears:

- Historically used to prevent injury for working dogs as hunting and guard dogs tend to encounter wolves, wild boars, or opponents that will grab floppy ears during combat.

- Limits Ear troubles in the future, such as ear infections caused by sweat build up. 

- Makes for a more pronounced intimidating appearance which is good for a protection or guardian dog.

Cons of cropping a Cane Corso's ears:

- Puppy must go under general Anesthesia which could carry risks in itself which include rare fatal reactions or surgical infections

- the procedure causes pain and discomfort during healing 

- Ears can fail to stand properly which in turn would require further "Posting" to ensure proper Cartlidge growth

- High Cost is another con as cosmetic croping performed by an experienced veterinarian is expensive often costing hundreds of dollars.

Time frames

Docking a puppies tail must be done within the first 2-5 days of birth as their nervous systems are not fully developed yet making the procedure cause minimal pain and requiring no anesthesia. Doing it later turns the procedure into a major surgical amputation with high risk of pain, bleeding, and nerve damage. 

Cropping a puppies ears must be done within 8-12 weeks because the cartilage is thin and flexible between 8-12 weeks, and then it begins to harden at 16 weeks. Which makes it more complicated for the veterinarian to properly shape and post the ears.

Knowing what the best fit for you and your puppy is crucial when making your decision, be sure to weigh all your options. If you choose to not crop and dock be sure to make the adjustments required. If you choose to crop and dock be sure you are ready for the proper care and responsibility it takes to ensure a safe and proper healing.