Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of dog used mainly as a guard dog. The name means "Corso Dog", and if abbreviated should be called a "Corso" as Cane (pronounced kah-nay) simply means "dog" in italian.

Cane Corso Appearance

Breed standards are still developing internationally, and they vary somewhat among different breed clubs. For example, the FCI standard #343 calls for a height at the withers from 60 to 68 cm (23.6 to 26.7 inches), with bitches in the lower ranges and males in the higher ranges, whereas the American Kennel Club (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 where legal, many breeders crop them short and close to the head so that the remaining stubs stand upright. Most Corsos have cropped tails as well. (the standard calls for cropping at the 4th vertebra, although many are cropped shorter)

Cane Corso Temperament

The Cane Corso should be a confident dog, very devoted to its family, and not pose a threat to strangers welcomed into the home. He is easily trained and generally naturally protective of children. Since the breed is very smart and active, it is advised that owners find activities to stimulate the dog. If not, they may turn to your possessions in their boredom. They also often suffer from separation anxiety. A dog that is aggressive may be unstable but more probably is under-socialised. Early and consistent socialisation is a requirement for this breed. A well trained and socialised Corso is not only a good ambassador for the breed, but for canines in general.

Cane Corso History

The most classical use of the Cane Corso was in the hunting of the dangerous game, especially the wild boar. The Segugi (bloodhounds) and the Bracchi (hunting dogs) had to rouse the wild one and therefore, after a pursuit, to force it to halt allowing the hunters to arrive. The Cane Corso was let loose so that they would hurl on the wild boar and to stop it by catching it by the ears and the snout. This allowed the hunters to draw near unharmed and to end the big prey with a well arranged hit.

A type of very particular hunting in which the Corso was specialized was that of the badger. This large muskrat, from the nighttime habits, was very appreciated both for the fur, and for the taste of the meat and even for the fat, that when melted, was used as a lenitive ointment. Hunting was practiced at night and required dogs particularly trained, because the dark prevented the hunter from employing fire weapons. The Corso had to therefore catch the badger and to kill it with a strong bite behind the nape, before the badger could get in an erect position defend itself with its long and sharp claws.