Cane Corso

Powerful, beautiful, which reeks of natural strength – this is the Cane Corso. The breed can be called distinctive, because their appearance and amazing skills have been preserved for many centuries. These dogs are largely descended from their ancestors – Molosser Great Dane, but, of course, time and selection activities have touched these giants. Today, stern-looking dogs are not only bodyguards, but also faithful friends.

History of the breed origin

The history of the breed origin can be traced back many centuries. The Cane Corso is descended from the Tibetan Dane of antiquity. Even today these dogs arouse respect and sometimes fear, but in those times such formidable dogs were especially valued.

The first representative of the breed appeared on the territory of Eurasia 1000 years BC. Then an aggressive Dane having the skill to catch people was received as a gift by the Chinese emperor. Tibetan Great Dane spread quickly enough across the continent, and some modern breeds descended from it. Naturally, new dogs were bred for certain needs. In the Roman Empire, Molosser Great Dane descendants were used for arena fights, military campaigns and as guards.

Historians have found annalistic references to giant Corso dogs participating in hunting and harassment dating from the 14th to 15th centuries. It is worth noting that in some areas dogs were used to guard livestock.

If we talk about the official history of the individual breed of Cane Corso. it begins with the beginning of the prosperity of the Empire of the Romans. In the historical monuments of these times could be found multiple images of these powerful dogs. The formation of the breed is inextricably linked to the history of the development of Italy. In the empire, dogs fought in battles and in the arena, as well as guarded slaves and palace territories.

When the empire fell, the dogs received new blood, for example, they were crossed with Celtic greyhounds. Under the new conditions, the Cane Corso was used for hunting and guarding farms. The breed has also long been involved in cattle ranching, which has somewhat disconnected them from the outside world and laid down at a genetic level loyalty to one master.

This variety of positions made the representatives of the breed multi-disciplinary dogs, which persists to this day. Dogs were valued quite highly, so the quality gene pool was monitored. But still, even with such a sought-after breed, there were peaks of ups and downs.

For example, the beginning of World War II affected the development of almost all breeds, not passed over Cane Corso. Fatal famine and active use of giants on the front lines brought the breed to the verge of extinction. But there was one man – Giovanni Bonatti Nizzoli who decided, with persistence and titanic efforts, to revive this excellent breed.

In 1983, a group of like-minded Nizzoli gathered the miraculously preserved purebred Cane Corso from all over the country, and 4 years later the first officially approved standard of the breed appeared. This document not only gave an exact description of the dogs, but also emphasized their distinctive features from other descendants of molossos – various types of mastiffs.

Public breeding registration occurred in 1994 but before that more than 500 breeders and several hundreds of Cane Corso puppies had received positive expert evaluation and recognition. The official recognition of the breed had a positive impact on its development and distribution. The number of dogs has increased considerably and has exceeded 3000. In 1996 the best Italian of the breed wins the international show.

The nature of the Italian Cane Corso

The representatives of the breed Cane Corso arouse not only apprehension, but also genuine interest and admiring looks. Indeed, they have quite a colorful exterior. Not only they are beautiful, but also have an intelligent, attentive look and unique mimicry. The cane-corso lives not as long as its owners would like – on average 11 years.

Future owners are warned that puppies must necessarily undergo a course of general training, and grown dogs further socialization – “dog in the city”. If you intend to use the pet as a bodyguard, you should contact a professional dog handler.

As for the character of dogs, in two words it is impossible to tell about these unique animals. Among the main qualities are the following:

• The qualities of guards in the cane-corso are in the blood, and even without special training, they will perform this function. And this will affect not only family members, but also the property and the surrounding area.
• Dogs are quite balanced – if the guest who comes shows friendliness to the owners, you should not expect aggression from the pet. A veiled threat will also not be an occasion for action, the dog will initially let you know that he is in control. The giant attacks only if it shows aggressive actions, or if it receives the appropriate command from the owner.
• Cane Corso gets on well with other pets, and even finds common language with those pets that are not very happy with the new inhabitant. The dog can live amicably with cats, birds, and small-breed dogs.
• Dogs are characterized by a very careful attitude to the younger members of the family – this is an echo of long wanderings with flocks – the instinct to protect everyone who is smaller. Giants will not “touch” children, even strangers, they will take care of them with special zeal and zeal. And yes, the parents of babies can not worry, dogs are “ideal” patients or clients in future doctors, hairdressers and other professionals, and are able to meekly tolerate various manipulations. Dogs can manifest themselves in two ways – to sneak out, and if not, to patiently tolerate everything.
• The Cane Corso is quite comprehensible, it is enough to say once for the dog to do what is required.
• It has no tendency to be a leader and is devoted to its family.

Despite its stern and unapproachable appearance, it is extremely important for the thoroughbred to receive the owner’s approval, they can’t live without emotional contact. Also, they are very loyal and change of owners – an ordeal for the pet.

Dogs are not too “talkative” and unobtrusive. The Cane Corso will bark only if there is a good reason for it, and play when called for. It is an excellent play companion for both children and adults. Future owners should know and not the most pleasant qualities of the breed, or rather some nuances:

• Salivation – salivary fluid is excessively abundant, and its amount increases after the dog drinks or shakes. It is quite difficult to wipe off clothing and furniture.
• Moulting – The Cane Corso has no undercoat, and the coat looks like small, sharp needles that crumble wherever the dog passes. Not only that, dogs shed all year round.
• Dogs are quite large and have a developed musculature, and this requires a lot of food, mostly protein. Only with a nutritious diet, the dog will look beautiful and well-groomed.
• Often puppies are timid, they are afraid of sharp sounds and strange objects. Usually, with timely socialization, this in them passes. Otherwise, a large dog with a fierce look will be frightened by a running cat or a rustling bag.
• Raising a Cane Corsetpuppy is a bit of a hassle. For example, improper feeding can cause problems with ligaments and subsequently joint diseases. Or one more nuance – it is not desirable to walk the small pet immediately after a meal, as he may have a sagging back. And, like representatives of other large breeds, corset puppies up to 4 months should be brought down the stairs on hands, because at this age excessive strain on the metacarpals is contraindicated.
• If you need a dog for outdoor or aviary housing, the Corset Cane is absolutely not suitable, since they have no undercoat and get very cold in low temperatures.

Read also:

• The biggest breeds;
• guard dog breeds;
• Leonberger breed.

Description of the Cane Corso breed

The characteristic of the Cane Corso breed is peculiar. They are large dogs, the growth of male dogs varies in the range 62-70 cm, bitches – 58-66 cm. Dogs weigh about 45-50 kg, bitches – 40-45 kg. Both males and females are muscular and well-developed. The body of the animals is elongated format. Standard describes Corso as follows:

• The head of the dogs is massive, elongated, with a broad skull. The forehead is somewhat convex at the front and flat at the back of the head.
• The muzzle ends in a black nose lobe with large nostrils. The corso’s lips are saggy, but they completely cover the broad jaw with a slight overbite. The eyes are small, oval and slightly convex, and the iris is black. There are individuals with light-colored eyes, but this is rather the exception.
• Corsoears have a high planting, they are triangular, hanging. Sometimes they are cropped.
• The neck is muscular, having the same length as the head. The skeleton is strong, with a pronounced withers. The sternum is broad and well developed.
• The tail has high stature and thick base, and is tr immed after the 4th disc of the spine.
• Thelimbs of the dog are strong, with good muscle mass and powerful shoulders. The canines’ calves are round and voluminous. The cane-corso has wide and sprawling movements.
• Theskin is dense, covered with short, shiny hair with sparse undercoat. If the dog has a medium length, wavy or lacking stiffness, it is a significant flaw.

Cane Corso Colors

The coat can be any color, but monochrome:

• Black Cane Corsos are genetically closer to the Dane;
• gray or ashy – to Mastino Neopalitano;
• Pale or tiger-colored dogs have Boxer or Staffordshire Terrier breeds among their ancestors.

Such an opinion has confirmation, because in the appearance of dogs can be traced some features of the listed breeds.

We advise to read about:

• French shepherd dog – Bosseron;
• South African boerboel;
• Tibetan Mastiff.

How to care and keep the Cane Corso

The health of the pet of this breed depends directly on the quality of care for him. But do not let the future owners be frightened by such a statement, because the Cane Corso can not be attributed to particularly fastidious dogs. In order for the dog to look and feel well, it is necessary to take into account some features:

1. Preparation of the place. Expecting the arrival of a puppy in the house, you should take care of preparing the place, as the cane-corso needs a limited area, inaccessible to strangers. Once you define a place for the new puppy, it is unlikely you will be able to move him later. It is also worth considering that it is undesirable for strangers to enter the pet’s area. If the weather conditions allow keeping the dog outside, you should install a kennel to protect the animal from the cold and precipitation. The Cane Corso was one of the first to change the way dog owners look at keeping large breeds. As it turned out, they are suitable not only for guarding private property, but also for living in apartment conditions.
2. Physical activity. Choosing a thoroughbred representative, it is worth bearing in mind that the muscular texture of the pet requires appropriate physical activity – training, jogging, training. Naturally, this requires a lot of energy and time from the owners. If the dog does not get the required, then there is no way to avoid colossal damage to furniture, doors, personal belongings and other things.
3. Communication. The Cane Corso is quite sociable, and they need to meet with their peers, the more quality productive play is possible only in the presence of an active companion.
4. Coat. Wool cover does not require special care, but still regular brushing with a stiff brush is required, this and minimize the amount of hair in the house.
5. Health. Like other dogs without undercoat, the Cane Corso is a tidbit for organisms that parasitize the skin – fleas, mites, and others. This implies regular anti-parasitic treatments, especially relevant in spring and summer. It is also necessary to inspect earflaps and clean them of accumulated dirt, if necessary. More often the dust settles in the open ears of dogs.

Read also: what to feed the cane-corso.

Photo of the Cane Corso

Great Cane Corso Videos

What’s the price of a cane korso?

Let’s understand how much a Cane Corso puppy costs. This breed, despite its rich history, is young and rare. Therefore, not so often there are puppies on sale from private individuals. But if you do manage to find one, you can buy a pet without a pedigree here for $700 – $800. However, no one will guarantee whether it will be a mentally and physically healthy animal.

The price of a Cane Corso from a kennel as a companion about $1000 – $1500, suitable for breeding costs on average of $2000, and the future champion – is $4000 and above.

Choosing such a serious dog, you should first think carefully because the pet will require additional costs, has special care, and needs regular exercise. Only then the dog will be a joy, and in addition, faithfully and faithfully serve his family.