Pet Wiki

Corsican Dog

Also called Cursinu, Chien corse · France

Gentle, loyal and closely attached to its owner, calm and steady at home but energetic when working.

Comes in

5 sources

Height46–58cm

18–23 in1

Lifespan10–15years

1

At a glance

Key facts
SizeMedium
Height46 to 58 cm (18 to 23 in)1
Lifespan10 to 15 years1
CoatShort to medium, dense
OriginFrance (Corsica).1

Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.

loyal and devoted to its owner
calm, stable and intelligent
versatile herder and hunter
1

what they are likeCorsican Dog temperament

Gentle, loyal and closely attached to its owner, calm and steady at home but energetic when working. It tends to be watchful with strangers and rarely barks.1

how to spot oneCorsican Dog coat and colours

short to medium, dense

A rustic, well-balanced medium-sized working dog with a thick coat that is usually short or medium but can be longer.1

Comes inbrindlefawnblack and tanbrownwith or without dark masksmall white marks on chest or legs1

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for a Corsican Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

how busy a day looksCorsican Dog exercise needs

An energetic working dog that needs daily exercise and something to do, such as herding, tracking or long hikes.1

where they are happiestCorsican Dog at home

Copes well with heat and cold and suits rural or active homes with space.1

who they like aroundCorsican Dog with people and other pets

Very people-oriented and gentle with children; patient, consistent training channels its hunting instinct.1

the hands-on bitsCorsican Dog grooming and care

Low maintenance, with occasional brushing to remove loose hair.1

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my Corsican Dog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Corsican Dog at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.2

What should a Corsican Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet for a complete list.3

How often should I bathe a Corsican Dog?

Bathe your Corsican Dog about every two to three months, or more often if it gets very dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a dog-safe shampoo.4

How often does a Corsican Dog need brushing?

Brush your Corsican Dog once a week to remove loose hair and keep its coat healthy. Its short to medium coat is low maintenance, so weekly brushing is plenty.14

How do I trim a Corsican Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim your Corsican Dog's nails about once a month, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time and stop before the quick to avoid bleeding. Ask your vet or groomer to show you how.4

How much exercise does a Corsican Dog need?

Your Corsican Dog needs daily exercise and a job to do, like long hikes, herding, or tracking. Plan for at least an hour of vigorous activity each day, plus mental stimulation. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.1

How do I look after a Corsican Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush your Corsican Dog's teeth two to three times a week with a dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check its ears weekly for moisture and dirt, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture, and never insert anything into the ear canal.4

How long does a Corsican Dog live?

A Corsican Dog typically lives between 10 and 15 years with good care.1

Is a Corsican Dog good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Corsican Dog is gentle with children and very people-oriented. With proper training and socialization, it can get along well with other pets, though its hunting instinct may need guidance.1

Can a Corsican Dog be left alone?

This breed is very attached to its owner and may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or trainer for guidance on building independence.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

per year, in your countryWhat a Corsican Dog costs

Running costs for a Corsican Dog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.

1,039 GBPa year
1,596 GBPfirst year
Foodabout 91 kg of dry food a year298 GBP ↗
Routine vet care345 GBP ↗
Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age384 GBP ↗
Dog tax0 GBP ↗
Licence and registration12 GBP ↗
Gear to start531 GBP ↗
Microchip and registration26 GBP ↗
Yearly cost in all 28 countries

Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. A preservation society for the breed was founded in 1989.1

  2. The French kennel club classes it with primitive-type breeds.1

  3. It is known for rarely barking.1

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed is called 'Cursinu' in Corsican and 'Chien corse' in French, both meaning 'Corsican dog'.5

for your new friendName ideas

CorsuMaquisU CursinuFieruPetruSantuCastagnaLumioBalagnaTartagineRoccaVentu

told by a Corsican DogA day in the life

I wake to the scent of my person's coffee and stretch, tail thumping once against the floor. We head out to the hills, where the air is crisp and the paths are mine to patrol. I trot beside them, steady and watchful, but my heart races when we spot a flock of sheep, I know my job. I circle them gently, keeping them together, while my person laughs and says I'm a natural. Later, at home, I curl at their feet, content. I don't bark much, but my eyes say everything: 'You're my person, and this is my day.'

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

where it all beganCorsican Dog history

The Cursinu has been recorded on Corsica since the 16th century, where it herded livestock and hunted boar, fox and hare. Its numbers fell in the later 20th century as mainland breeds arrived, so enthusiasts founded a preservation association in 1989 and the breed was recognised in France in 2003.1

the official bitsRecognised by

Société Centrale Canine
Recognised nationally in France in 2003, placed with the spitz and primitive breeds; not an FCI-recognised breed.1

Sources (5)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Cursinu en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. centrale-canine.fr centrale-canine.fr

Text is written in our own words from these sources.