The Cane Corso is a dog which has agility, athleticism, energy level, speed, and sense of adventure which outdoes the other mastiff breeds as described on Your Purebred Puppy site. This dog is a working dog which likes to have a job to do. Let’s find more information about this dog below.
Cane Corso History
Cane Corso is one of the Mastiff type dogs and Cane Corso was developed in Italy. It is said that this dog descended from Roman war dogs. The purpose of breeding this dog was to hunt game, guard property, and to be an all-around farm hand. Their job was rounding up pigs or cattle and also helping to drive them to market as described on the Dog Time site.
You may wonder about the origin of the name of this breed. As explained on the Dog Time site, the word ‘cane’ is Latin for dog and it derives from the word ‘canis’. Meanwhile, the word ‘corso’ may come from ‘cohors’ which means bodyguard or from ‘corsus’ which is an old Italian word and the meaning is sturdy or robust.
Because farming became more mechanized and almost extinction, the breed declined. However, beginning in the 1970s, dog fanciers worked to rebuild the Corso. In 1983, the Society Amatori Cane Corso was formed and then in 1996, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed.
In 1988, the first litter of Corsos was imported to the United States by Michael Sottile. And then, it was followed by a second litter in 1989. After that, in 1993, the International Cane Corso Association was formed and eventually the breed club asked for recognition from the American Kennel Club. In 2010, the recognition was granted. Now, this breed is governed by the Cane Corso Association of America.
Well, that’s all the history about Cane Corso according to the Dog Time site. Now, let’s find out about the breed’s appearance.
Cane Corso Appearance
Since this breed is bred to be guardians, so they are sturdy and muscular. The cropped ears and a docked tail that they have make them look assertive.
The color types of this breed are usually black, grey, fawn, and brindle. If the dogs have lighter color, usually, they have a gray mask over the eyes and muzzle. Here are the details of Cane Corso appearances according to the Be Chewy.
- Ears
Cane Corso have cropped or uncropped ears. - Eyes
They have medium, almond-shaped eyes which are dark brown with lighter shades possible in gray-muzzled dogs. - Nose
They have large, flush with muzzle, black or gray nose. - Height
Male Cane Corso’s height is around 25 to 27.5 inches. Meanwhile, female Cane Corso’s height is around 23.5 to 26 inches. - The Length of the Coat
Their coats are short and stiff. - The Color of their Coat
You are able to find this dog in black, dark gray, light gray, fawn or red with a gray mask, and brindle. On the American Kennel Club, it is explained that the standard colors or Cane Corso are black, fawn, gray, gray brindle, red, black brindle, and chestnut brindle. Black mask and Gray mask are the standard markings of Cane Corso according to the American Kennel Club. - Tail
Their tail is docked. - Weight
Male Cane Corso’s weight is around 99 to 110 pounds. Meanwhile, female Cane Corso’s weight is around 88 to 99 pounds.
Cane Corso Personality
In the history of this dog, it is described that Cane Corso has a vigorous temperament and is ready to meet any challenge. However, this kind of temperament can be a double-edged sword. If they live with a confident and consistent owner who gives them good leadership and prevents the dog from roaming, the dog can be a good dog which will never be aggressive. However, if they are with the wrong owner, they can be aggressive and even dangerous.
Cane Corso can be docile and affectionate if they are given socialization and training since they are at an early age. If the owner cannot manage a large dog, the dog will not do well.
This dog is also very intelligent. From the beginning, they need to be told about the rules. They need firm leadership, but it does not mean that you have to hit them. If you treat them unwell like hitting them or any other bad treatments, they can be dangerous. Cane Corso is sensitive where they understand tone of voice and they are able to respond well to praise and rewards when they have done something that you like. As their owner, you also have to be consistent and correct quickly about the rules when the dog does the things that you don’t like.
If you let them spend time alone, it can help them to build their confidence. Same as any other dogs, they also need early socialization where they have to be exposed to a lot of different people, sounds, sights, and experiences. It is ideal to give them socialization before they are four months old.
Cane Corso Health
As explained on the American Kennel Club, Cane Corsos are usually healthy. If you get them from responsible breeders, they will screen their stock for health conditions like idiopathic epilepsy, his dysplasia, demodex mange, and eyelid abnormalities.
It is important to note that large and deep-chested breeds like Cane Corso are susceptible to bloat which is a sudden life-threatening stomach condition. Cane Corso’s ears also need to be checked regularly for signs of infection. Their teeth need to be brushed as well by using a toothpaste which is designed for dogs.
Some recommended health tests from the National Breed Club for Cane Corso are hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, and cardiac exam.
Cane Corso Feeding
Cane Corso needs high-quality dog food. Any diet given to them should be suitable to their age. Some dogs are prone to getting obesity, so watching the calorie consumption and weight level of the dog is important. When they are trained, giving treats is important, but on the other hand if treats are given too many, it can cause obesity. In addition, clean and fresh water needs to be available for them all the time.
Cane Corso Exercise
Serious exercise is needed by this dog. To maintain their health and muscle tone, they need a brisk walk or run of at least a mile in the morning and then in the evening. They also need mental and physical stimulation. If they are not given mental and physical stimulation, they will show undesirable behaviour.
