Pet Wiki

Corsican Dog

Also called Cursinu, Chien corse

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

SizeMedium
Height46 to 58 cm (18 to 23 in)1
Lifespan10 to 15 years1
CoatShort to medium, dense
OriginFrance (Corsica).1
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
loyal and devoted to its owner
calm, stable and intelligent
versatile herder and hunter
1

Personality what they are like

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Coloursbrindlefawnblack and tanbrownwith or without dark masksmall white marks on chest or legs1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

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

Home where they are happiest

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

Company who they like around

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

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A preservation society for the breed was founded in 1989.1

  2. 2

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

  3. 3

    It is known for rarely barking.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called 'Cursinu' in Corsican and 'Chien corse' in French, both meaning 'Corsican dog'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

CorsuMaquisU CursinuFieruPetruSantuCastagnaLumioBalagnaTartagineRoccaVentu

A day in the life told by a Corsican Dog

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.

Recognised by the official bits

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.3

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.4

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.5 Pet Wiki plan

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.15 Pet Wiki plan

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.5 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.5 Pet Wiki plan

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.

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

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

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.