Animal welfare experts are concerned that the Cane Corso breed might face government restrictions similar to the XL Bully breed, even though there are no immediate plans for a ban. Recent data from PetProov.com reveals that the Cane Corso has become the most searched dog breed in Britain for 2025.
The Italian mastiff attracts more Google searches per month compared to Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers. Due to its size, protective instincts, and lack of recognition by the Kennel Club, experts worry that the breed could follow a path similar to the XL Bully ban.
Kate Margolis, the founder of PetProov.com, stated that history could repeat itself with the surge in popularity of powerful dog breeds like the Cane Corso. Without proper checks and balances, these breeds can become status symbols, leading to indiscriminate breeding and unsuitable placements in homes.
Unlike Labradors, Spaniels, or Retrievers, the Cane Corso lacks Kennel Club recognition, resulting in a lack of official breeding standards, health checks, and registration data. This gap allows unethical sellers and backyard breeders to take advantage.
While there are currently no official plans from the UK government to regulate the Cane Corso breed, the attention has shifted to other strong breeds following the XL Bully ban. However, this is mainly driven by media and public speculation rather than concrete government actions.
Unlike Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and XL Bullies, Cane Corsos are not prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Nevertheless, owning a Cane Corso comes with specific responsibilities.
Animal welfare advocates emphasize responsible ownership, training, and socialization of Cane Corsos instead of resorting to breed-specific bans, which are often ineffective. They argue that the primary cause of dog attacks is not the breed itself but rather negligent ownership, inadequate training, and poor breeding practices.
The Cane Corso is not the only breed raising concerns, as PetProov’s top ten list highlights a growing interest in extreme breeds like the Belgian Malinois, Chow Chow, and Shiba Inu. Despite its popularity, the Labrador ranks 17th in PetProov’s list, despite being the top breed in Kennel Club registrations.
Originally bred as a guard dog in Italy, the Cane Corso can weigh up to 50kg and is known for its protective nature and muscular build. While affectionate with family, the breed requires experienced handling, early training, and a suitable environment to prevent behavioral challenges.
Kate Margolis emphasized that dogs should not be treated as fashion statements, warning that without responsible ownership and breeding, the Cane Corso could face a crisis and potential ban in the future.
Garry Clarke, Chief Product Officer at PetProov, stressed the importance of informed decision-making in pet ownership, highlighting the risks associated with breeds lacking Kennel Club oversight.
Petproov, established in 2024 by Kate Margolis and Garry Clarke, aims to assist prospective pet owners and breeders in making informed decisions through government-grade verification processes.