When you think of a Cane Corso dog breed, you think of a canine with two colors on its coat. But this might surprise you. A tri colored Cane Corso is very much possible.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the breed as two separate lineages. The traditional Cane Corso and the nontraditional Cane Corso. The tri colored version belongs in the latter group.
So, today we will talk about the possibility of owning a tri-colored Cane Corso.
What Are The Official Cane Corso Colors?
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Cane Corso in many colors. But there are also some that are not recognized. The possible coat color options include straw, Isabella, chocolate or liver, formentino, blue, chestnut brindle, gray brindle, and black brindle. Cane Corso dog breed comes in different colors, and some are very rare.
The rarest is a straw Cane Corso. This Cane Corso puppy has a unique white and cream-colored coat with some black and gray pigments in the mix. As you can see, it is a tri-color Cane Corso. According to the AKC, “It is a light yellow or cream color with no mask, and the nose is often a faded brown color or black”.
The next color option is Isabella Cane Corso, which is a tawny coat. The color is lilac-like, and it is also uniquely rare. But what sets this dog apart is not just the coloring of the coat, but also the pink-tinged nose, lips, and eyelids. An Isabella Cane Corso will have blue or green eyes. The diluted coat color makes the dog more susceptible to illness and diseases.
A chocolate Cane Corso, or liver Cane Corso resembles the red coat type, but lacks the pigmentation around the nose, eyes, and skin. And unlike a Red Cane Corso, many kennels consider the chocolate and liver as a fault. Their nose has a distinct pink-purple tone. The AKC does not accept this coat color because breeders look for a recessive trait related to poor health.
Next is the Formentino Cane Corso, which has a diluted fawn coloring. Some also call it the Blue Fawn Cane Corso, a type of coat color with a diluted fawn color. This Cane Corso puppy has a blue nose and mask, with grey patches on the back and shoulder. The coloring is a recessive gene and a mutation, so the AKC does not accept it as a recognized and accepted color.
A Blue Cane Corso is a Gray Cane Corso but has stirred some controversy over the years. Some believe it exists, others do not. The AKC does not recognize it and says it is only a mistake for a Gray Cane Corso. Those who suggest there is such thing as a Blue Cane Corso, say that the diluted black pigment looks more blue in hue than gray.
Chestnut Brindle Cane Corso is a specific coat pattern that looks like a tiger-striped dog. The Chestnut Brindle Cane Corso has a brown or red base, with red and brown stripes. The dog is quite similar to the Black and Gray Brindle Cane Corso, but in a different coloring.
Chestnut is rarer than other colored brindles because of a specific gene. Because of this, breeders try to get it and sell the puppies for a higher price. Gray Brindle is also an option, but it is not as rare. The Gray Brindle Cane Corso has gray and blue stripes.
The Black Brindle Cane Corso is a high-demand puppy. This dog has a brown or red base with black tiger stripes. Like the solid black Cane Corso, this one is a favorite of many Cane Corso lovers. Both the AKC and the FCI recognize black brindle as an acceptable coat color. Here is a fun fact. According to many owners, the Black Brindle Cane Corso lives the longest.
The Red Cane Corso is a striking and elegant puppy. The dog features a reddish hue with a black or gray mask.
Our last option for Cane Corso colors is the fawn. A Fawn Cane Corso has one of the most stunning colors of the breed. The Fawn Cane Corso features a black or gray mask and a cream-colored body.
We already mentioned the Gray Cane Corso and Black Cane Corso, with black being one of the most in-demand color options. Many potential pet parents seek out the solid black coat.
Breed Standard
Now let’s talk about the breed standard of the Cane Corso dog breed.
- According to the AKC, the acceptable Cane Corso colors are black, fawn, gray, gray brindle, red, black brindle, and chestnut brindle. The black or gray mask mustn’t go beyond the eyes of the dog. Small white patches are acceptable, but tan markings are not
- The United Kennel Club allows black, all shades of gray, all shades of fawn, stag red, and brindle. The UKC also accepts smaller white patches on the chest, toes, and bridge of the muzzle
- The FCI standard accepts the same colors as the AKC
Is Coat Color important?
For pet parents who want to adopt a dog that is in line with the breed standard, coat color is very important. If the coat color of your Cane Corso puppy is not acceptable, you cannot enter your dog in a show or competition.
Getting a Cane Corso from a reputable breeder is important for those who want to participate in shows and competitions. Getting a dog from a reputable breeder also ensures you get the true temperament of the breed and a dog that has been screened for potential health issues.
What Is A Tri-colored Cane Corso?
Now, how common is the tri colored Cane Corso? Well, this unique set of colors is very rare. And according to Cane Corso enthusiasts, it is when a dog has a unique set of a brindle pattern, when the pattern touches only the legs. There are a few white patches here and there, but that is all.
