GenoCan is proud to introduce a new, highly comprehensive genetic testing package created especially for the Cane Corso breed. This is not just another routine DNA test — it brings together key information on hereditary diseases, coat colour predispositions and a unique longevity section in one powerful tool for breeders.
For Cane Corso breeders, this panel offers a new level of insight. It can help with responsible mating decisions, better planning of future litters and a deeper understanding of the genetic background of each dog.
1. Hereditary diseases
The panel includes several monogenic diseases relevant to Cane Corso and related molossoid breeds:
Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly — DSRA
A breed-specific hereditary disorder affecting teeth, skeleton and eyes.
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy type 1 — CMR1
A hereditary eye disease that can cause changes in the retina.
Degenerative Myelopathy — DM
A neurological disease usually seen in older dogs, causing progressive weakness of the hind limbs.
Hyperuricosuria — HUU
A metabolic disorder associated with increased uric acid in urine and a higher risk of urinary stones.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis type 1 — NCL1
A very rare neurodegenerative disease, included in the panel for complete genetic screening.
2. Coat colour predispositions
The panel also tests important genes involved in Cane Corso coat colour. It helps evaluate predispositions for colours and patterns such as black, grey/blue, fawn, formentino, brown and brindle.
Tested colour loci include:
E-locus — MC1R
Melanistic mask and recessive red/yellow.
K-locus — CBD103
Dominant black and brindle-related inheritance.
A-locus — ASIP
Fawn/sable, tan-point and other agouti patterns.
D-locus — MLPH
Dilution, responsible for grey/blue and formentino shades.
B-locus — TYRP1
Brown/chocolate pigment variants.
For brindle, the result should always be interpreted together with the visible colour of the dog, the colour of both parents and colours present in the line. Brindle cannot always be predicted with 100% certainty from DNA alone.
3. Longevity
One of the most exciting and exceptional parts of this Cane Corso panel is the longevity section. It was developed with Dr. Korec according to the scientific publication Four novel genes associated with longevity found in Cane Corso purebred dogs, where the research was performed directly in Cane Corso dogs.
This makes the longevity section especially valuable for the breed. The panel evaluates selected genetic markers associated with longer lifespan, including variants in genes such as TDRP, MC2R and FBXL21/FBXO25-related markers. The result can indicate whether the dog carries genetic predispositions associated with longevity.
Longevity is influenced by many factors such as health care, nutrition, body condition and lifestyle. However, this section brings breeders rare and forward-looking information that can be used in long-term breeding strategies.
Why test Cane Corso with our panel?
This new Cane Corso panel represents a major step forward in modern genetic testing for the breed. It gives breeders powerful insight into hereditary disease status, coat colour inheritance and unique longevity-associated markers — all in one comprehensive test designed to support responsible and future-oriented breeding.
For breeders, this means clearer mating planning, better knowledge of their dogs and an important step toward healthier, better-informed and future-oriented Cane Corso breeding.
Reference: Korec et al. Four novel genes associated with longevity found in Cane corso purebred dogs. BMC Vet Res. 2022 May 19;18(1):188
