Considering another dog

I have 2 8mos old rotties (male and female) considering getting a Cane Corso, anyone have any idea if bringing in a 3rd dog (puppy) would disrupt the household? I'm worried they may not take to a 3rd.

Any suggestions or just forget the idea?

Just a question but how do they react around other animals?

Not familiar with the Corso, but with all breeds:
When bringing in a new pet, they'll all work out a natural pecking order. You've got to honor that - alpha dog gets treats first, etc. Of course, you've got to maintain your primary status no matter what, but they should work it out amongst themselves.

Since your rotties are still babies themselves, this should be an easy transition. It can be tough for an adult dog to accept the over exuberance of a puppy. You need to think about how you'll manage three puppies at the same time. Can you devote enough time to each of them to get them properly trained? I'm not familiar with the corso breed, but rotties are a large breed that need to be equipped with especially good manners because by the simple act of jumping up on someone they could hurt the person.

You could ask the breeder for a trial period and bring the pup home for a few weeks to see how they do together. I will guess you'll know within a few days since they are all so young. My older Weimaraner took a few months before she ever broke down and played with the pup, though Sparkle was persistent daily in trying to get her to play.

Corso's are large, heavy dogs bred originally as guard dogs.

I have to wonder too, how will you find time to socialize and properly train three puppies of large and agressive breeding? You could get into trouble, too, with there being a female and male mix in the group. We had a terrible accident here, where a 3 year old child was torn to pieces (literally) because he got out with a male and two female Rotties (one was in heat). Not the dog's fault, but the males can get very territorial over their females.

Here's some info for those that might be interested:

The Cane Corso requires a great deal of attention and training, so if your not prepared to make this commitment then maybe the Cane Corso is not the dog for you, also a person that doesn't have experience with a dominant dog. Corsos, especially males, can be very dominant and will challenge you for what he perceives to be leadership of the pack (your home and family). Considering there size and abilities it’s best that a person who has experience with this type of behavior should own one.

The Corso has a dominant nature especially towards other dogs. If he's raised with other dogs he should be fine with them. He should be socialized with other animals at an early age. The Corso will not run from a fight and will not back down from a challenge.


Here are pictures:
http://www.canecorso.org/photos.htm

I wouldn't worry too much about it since your dogs are so young. I did the same about a year ago and they were at that playful age and thought it was just another buddy to clown with. Another plus for you is that rotties are great in terms of temperment and intelligence. They will adapt quickly. Im sure there will be some kind of pecking order unless of course the turn out like mine....all taking turns humping eachother (the dominance dance) and stealing eachothers treats.

Hez, thanks for the breed information. I love the photo of the gray puppy with the long ears. I don't care for the look of the docked ears, but that's my preference with all the dogs who get their ears docked. I like Danes and dobies with natural ears too.

That will be a lot of dog power when they all get big. I've owned several Great Danes and I think the responsibility of the dog owner is increased with the size of the dog. Rotties are awesome and sweet dogs, but people are naturally afraid of them. It's all the more reason in my mind to make sure that your dogs have the most gentle personalities and good manners to break the bad dog stereotype. How well socialized are the two you already have? Do they live in your house or run loose in your yard being dogs all the time?

Personally, I would wait a couple of years and then introduce the third dog after your two you already have have settled a bit. An older, well trained dog can be a great aid in helping a pup learn the rules of living with humans.

Thank you all for your comments. The 2 I have now are basically house dogs, only outside when accompanied and they are "curious" about other dogs when near. We had a BBQ not too long ago, and there was a black lab and gold retvr, and they all (I mean all) were in and out of the pool playing. My thought was to wait to the rot's were at least a year old.

Both have been undergoing training, they are obedient now; however not quite sure about off the leash.

I've had a Corso previously, but it was the only dog at the time. Both breeds, IMO, are very intelligent and very trainable. I will continue to ponder it, perhaps I may just stick with these two children.. Love them to death!