A newly popular dog breed, the Cane Corso, has been dubbed the 'XL bully on steroids' and is raising alarm among canine experts. The Italian mastiff, descended from Roman war dogs, can weigh up to 50kg and is fiercely protective, leading to aggression without proper training. Despite being legal to own, the breed is not recognised by the Kennel Club, and many insurers refuse cover.
Celebrity owners include footballer Marcus Rashford and rapper Megan Thee Stallion, but ordinary households are increasingly buying the breed, with over 200 listed on Pets4Home. Prices range from £500 to £1,800, though some fully grown dogs sell for as little as £75. Experts warn that the rise follows the XL bully ban, pushing people towards an unbanned but potentially more dangerous dog.
Canine behaviour specialist Rob Alleyne told The Times: 'The cane corso is like an XL bully on steroids. It's a killing machine and they've become much more popular now. The ban has just pushed people towards an even worse dog that doesn’t need to be registered.' He added that history is repeating itself, with bans leading to even more dangerous breeds.
Love Island star Jack Fincham was jailed for six weeks on Wednesday after his Cane Corso, Elvis, attacked a man. Fincham pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog, with one incident causing injury. He was freed on bail pending an appeal. The court ordered that Elvis must be muzzled in public, kept on a lead, and not left alone with under-16s.
Prosecutor Erin Peck told Southend Magistrates' Court that the dog bit a runner in September 2022, and despite conditions to muzzle Elvis, a second attack occurred in June last year. Fincham was ordered to pay £3,580 in costs and £250 in compensation. The RSPCA has noted a trend in dangerous dog ownership and urged responsible pet keeping.
