Cane Corso

Cane Corso

Sponsored Links:

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed used mainly as a guard dog. The dog is a large mastiff-type dog breed. The Cane Corso is a recently recovered breed, and its history will probably always be shrouded in mystery and differing opinions. The breed was originally to be found mostly in the south of Italy, Puglia, and also similar dogs were found throughout Sicily. 

It was a farm dog, used for big game hunting, guarding, and many other purposes throughout its history. Recovered from near extinction through the efforts of a group of enthusiasts in the 1980′s, now the Corso can be found globally. Probably derived from the same root stock as the Neapolitan Mastiff; the Roman war dog “Canis Pugnax”. Where the Neo is known for power and weight, the Corso favoured agilty and speed.

Appearance: Breed standards are still developing internationally, and they vary somewhat among different breed clubs. For example, the FCI standard calls for a height at the withers from 58 to 68 cm (22.8 to 26.7 inches), with bitches in the lower ranges and males in the higher ranges, whereas the AKC affiliated club (International Cane Corso Federation) calls for 24.4-26.8 inches (62 to 68 cm). Similarly, different organizations call for weights in various ranges from 36-63.5 kg (80 to 140 pounds).

Its ears are naturally dropped forward, but many breeders crop them short and close to the head so that the remaining stubs stand upright. Corsos appear in two basic coat colours: black and fawn. This is further modified by genetic pigment dilution to create blue (from black) and formentino (from fawn) colours. 

Formentino only express the blue colouring on the mask. Brindling of varying intensity is common on both basic coat colours as well, creating tigrato (full brindle), black brindle, and blue brindle. Fawn also has a number of different expressions, ranging from the pale of a formentino to ‘red’ to the more common beige colour, with the back coat hairs tipped with black. In blue dogs, the nose can appear grey, but should be darker than the coat. In all other dogs, the nose should be black. White markings on the chest, toes and on the chin are seen as well, with smaller white patches being preferable.

Temperament: This breed can be naturally aggressive with strangers unless well socialized from an early age. The Corso’s ancestors were bred as guard dogs and large game hunting dogs, so proper training is a requirement or the dog may become a threat to those around him(if not raised in a stable environment). 

The Corso will not run from a fight, nor will he start one, he will not back down from a challenge, and he will also show a reserved attitude towards strangers. In the US many breeders have abused the strong nature of these animals. Their natural good temperament can be bred to be less stable and thus should be considered.

Related Dogs Information: