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Cane Corso History

The Cane Corso is a large dog from the Mollosser family 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 is becoming a very popular breed globally. Probably derived from the same root stock as the Neapolitan mastiff; the Roman war dog "Canis Pugnax". The Cane Corso was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC in 2008.

Cane Corso Temperament

Cane Corsos are a large, powerful dog that possesses an even stable temperament and are very protective of their families. They are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, and are naturally suspicious of strangers. They are not supposed to be aggressive towards humans, only rising to defend their master when provoked. Unfortunately, a lot of these dogs have unstable temperaments and it is important to find a reputable breeder that sells sound puppies. Cane Corsos are a socially dominant breed that requires a skilled owner to handle them, this is NOT a dog that is recommended for a novice owner. They are reputed to be excellent with children, but since this breed is so large, care must be taken with smaller children since they could be easily knocked over during play time. Cane Corsos thrive on human companionship and love to be part of the goings on in the household, they are not a breed that likes to be left alone for long periods of time. They are generally very quite indoors and require a moderate amount of exercise outdoors. Cane Corsos are frequently same sex dog aggressive and do best living with a dog of the opposite sex. Early socialization of your puppy is a must to have a good canine citizen.

Cane Corso Appearance

Cane Corsos are a large, powerful breed that usually weigh between 85 to 110 pounds and stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulders. They have large, blocky heads and cropped ears and tails, if the breeder chooses to do so. Their coats are short and smooth and come in colours that vary from black, grey and fawn with varying degrees of brindling.

Cane Corso Grooming

Cane Corsos are an easy dog to keep and only need a weekly brushing. They are considered a medium shedding breed.

Cane Corso Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Cane Corsos are a realtively healthy breed that has few health problems. Some common diseases in this breed are; Hip Displasia, Bloat (the stomach twisting over on itself) and Cherry Eye. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 11 years.

Cane Corso Pros and Cons

This simplified list might help you decide if a Cane Corso might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a natural protector and watchdog?
• a dog that needs only moderate exercise?
• a dog that is the most energetic and atheletic of all the Mollosser breeds?

Do You NOT Want

• a breed that is notorious for unstable temperaments and will take a lot of looking to find a reputable breeder?
• a dog that NEEDS a skilled, confident owner?
• a dog that can be dog aggressive?
• a dog that will be naturally wary and suspicious of strangers?
• a dog with an appearance that might frighten some people?

Useful Cane Corso Links

The Cane Corso Association of America

The Society in America for the Cane Corso