Is the Cane Corso Next on the UK's Ban List? The Brewing Debate Over Britain's Hottest Breed

Is the Cane Corso the UK's Next Banned Breed? Unpacking the Hype and the Fear

Posted on October 6, 2025 By AdvancedAnimalCare

In the rolling hills of Yorkshire or the vibrant streets of Manchester, dogs are woven into the fabric of British life—loyal companions, guardians, and furry family members. Yet, for some breeds, that bond comes with a shadow. The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 has long cast a net over certain dogs deemed a risk to public safety, banning breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Japanese Tosa. In 2023, the American XL Bully joined this list after a series of tragic attacks, igniting fierce debates over breed-specific legislation (BSL). Now, in 2025, a new breed is under scrutiny: the Cane Corso, an Italian mastiff surging in popularity with over 192,000 monthly Google searches—outpacing even Labradors. Animal welfare experts warn this majestic guardian could face the same fate as the XL Bully without urgent changes in breeding and ownership practices. Social media buzz on X and headlines from The Guardian to ITV News amplify the question: is the Cane Corso the next breed in the UK's crosshairs? Let’s dive into the breed’s allure, the risks driving the debate, and what’s at stake for Britain’s dog lovers.

From Roman Fields to Viral Fame:

The Cane Corso’s Rise

The Cane Corso, Italian for "courtyard dog," descends from ancient Roman war dogs, bred for guarding estates and hunting wild boar. These are no lapdogs: weighing 100–120 pounds with a muscular frame and a bite stronger than a lion’s, they’re imposing yet fiercely loyal. When properly trained, they’re gentle giants—intelligent, affectionate, and protective of families, even earning praise for their kid-friendly demeanor. But their guarding instincts demand early socialization and firm handling to prevent mistrust of strangers.The breed’s meteoric rise began with social media. TikTok clips and Instagram reels showcasing their chiseled looks—think celebrities like Marcus Rashford and Vin Diesel with their Corsos—have made them 2025’s most-searched breed in the UK. Yet, unlike Labradors, Cane Corsos lack Kennel Club recognition, leaving a vacuum filled by unregulated breeders. Puppies fetch £600–£2,000, often from backyard operations prioritizing profit over health or temperament. As Kate Margolis of PetProov.com warns, “The Cane Corso is 2025’s hottest breed, but without responsible ownership, it’s on a collision course with a crisis.”

Echoes of the XL Bully: Why the Ban Talk Persists

The XL Bully’s 2023 ban set a precedent. Initially bred for companionship, its popularity soared online, only to crash after fatal attacks, including a devastating 2025 incident where a 10-year-old girl was killed by her family’s exempt XL Bully. By April 2025, enforcement costs hit £25 million, up 500% from 2018, with police kennels overwhelmed. The Cane Corso shares eerie similarities: a large, powerful, non-Kennel Club breed with a social media glow-up and a growing rap sheet.Recent incidents fuel the fire. A 2024 case saw a Cane Corso maul its owner’s brother to death, resulting in a 4.5-year sentence. X users report smaller-scale attacks, with posts like @KillerDogWatch

’August 2025 call to ban Corsos alongside Staffies for “attacking small dogs.” Media outlets, from The Mirror to Wales Online, speculate if it’s the “next breed to face restrictions,” noting its “XL Bully on steroids” reputation.

No ban is imminent—GOV.UK confirms no proposals as of October 2025. But the XL Bully saga shows how quickly sentiment shifts. Dog bites have risen 76% in a decade, despite BSL, and public fear often outpaces data. On X, voices like @veggiekrays

blame “thugs” switching from banned XLs to Corsos, while others, like @LePib2

, share stories of well-trained Corsos thriving as family pets.

The Case Against Bans: A Broken System?The Dangerous Dogs Act isn’t winning hearts. Critics, including the RSPCA and British Veterinary Association, argue it’s a flawed approach. Dog bites have surged 154% since 1999, suggesting bans don’t address root causes: poor breeding, neglectful training, or owners chasing “status” dogs. BSL forces responsible owners into costly exemptions—muzzling, neutering, and insurance—or worse, euthanasia for dogs that never misbehaved. As the RSPCA’s Dr. Samantha Gaines notes, “Banning breeds just moves the problem to the next one.”A Cane Corso ban would strain an already buckling system. The XL Bully ban saw thousands rehomed abroad or seized, with shelters like the RSPCA reporting a “crisis” of large breeds. Adding Corsos could push kennels and budgets to breaking points, while doing little to curb bites if owners pivot to breeds like the Bully Kutta.

Cane Corso xl bully

A Better Way: Taming the Tide

Instead of bans, experts call for smarter solutions:

Regulate Breeding: Enforce health screenings and Kennel Club oversight to curb puppy farms. Over 200 Corso litters flood sites like Pets4Homes, many from unverified sources.

Mandate Training: Free or subsidized socialization classes could harness the Corso’s loyalty, turning guardians into assets.

Focus on Deeds: Strengthen “dangerously out of control” laws, targeting neglectful owners with fines or jail time, not breed bans.

Leverage Tech: Microchipping is mandatory, but AI-driven behavior apps or GPS collars could flag issues early.

With 11 million dogs in UK homes, up 8% since COVID, the stakes are high. The Cane Corso isn’t a monster—it’s a mirror of our choices. As Margolis puts it, “Choice isn’t the enemy, but inaction is.”

Your Move, Britain

The Cane Corso’s fate hangs in the balance. Will it join the banned list, or can we rewrite the script? If you’re eyeing a Corso, skip the Instagram hype—choose ethical breeders, invest in training, and prove the naysayers wrong. Share your thoughts below: is a ban looming, or can responsible ownership save the day?

For the latest, follow #CaneCorsoBan on X or check GOV.UK for policy updates. Let’s keep the paws on the ground and the love in the lead.

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