Cane Corso
Appearance
The Cane Corso is a large Italian Molosser. It is well muscled and looks more athletic than most other mastiffs, tending less toward sheer bulk like the Neapolitan Mastiff and more towards definition like the original Old English Bulldog. The official Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard expects ideal dogs to stand 62–72 cm (24–28 in) at the withers, with females in the lower range and males in the higher. Weight should be in keeping with the size and stature of these dogs, ranging from 45 to 70 kg (99 to 150 lb). The overall impression should be of power, balanced with athleticism. A Corso should be moderately tight skinned; however, some dewlap on the neck is normal, and the bottom of the jawline should be defined by the hanging lip.
The Corso head is one of its primary features. Its muzzle should be as wide as it is long, and should be 33% of the length of the entire skull (a ratio of 2:1). This head size and type also means that a Corso has superior bite strength. Its ears are naturally dropped forward, but (where legal) many breeders crop them so that the remaining stubs are equilateral triangles, standing upright. Most Corsi have docked tails as well. The standard calls for docking at the fourth vertebra, although often they are docked shorter; this is considered an eliminating fault under the Italian FCI 343 standard.
Corsi 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. 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 and nose are seen as well, with smaller white patches being preferable. Corso should NOT be seen in black with tan points, similar to the markings of a Rottweiler or Doberman.
The average life of a Cane Corso is 10 to 11 years.
The Cane Corso is a large Italian Molosser. It is well muscled and looks more athletic than most other mastiffs, tending less toward sheer bulk like the Neapolitan Mastiff and more towards definition like the original Old English Bulldog. The official Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard expects ideal dogs to stand 62–72 cm (24–28 in) at the withers, with females in the lower range and males in the higher. Weight should be in keeping with the size and stature of these dogs, ranging from 45 to 70 kg (99 to 150 lb). The overall impression should be of power, balanced with athleticism. A Corso should be moderately tight skinned; however, some dewlap on the neck is normal, and the bottom of the jawline should be defined by the hanging lip.
The Corso head is one of its primary features. Its muzzle should be as wide as it is long, and should be 33% of the length of the entire skull (a ratio of 2:1). This head size and type also means that a Corso has superior bite strength. Its ears are naturally dropped forward, but (where legal) many breeders crop them so that the remaining stubs are equilateral triangles, standing upright. Most Corsi have docked tails as well. The standard calls for docking at the fourth vertebra, although often they are docked shorter; this is considered an eliminating fault under the Italian FCI 343 standard.
Corsi 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. 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 and nose are seen as well, with smaller white patches being preferable. Corso should NOT be seen in black with tan points, similar to the markings of a Rottweiler or Doberman.
The average life of a Cane Corso is 10 to 11 years.
Temperament
Very loyal, willing to please and quiet around the house, the Cane Corso is highly intelligent and very trainable. Active and even-minded, he is an unequalled watch and protection dog. The Cane Corso Italiano is great with children in the family. Docile and affectionate with the owner, they are protective yet gentle. The Cane Corso has a very stable temperament. It makes an excellent guard dog and watchdog. It will not wander from the home. They stick close to their masters. If necessary he becomes a terribly brave protector of people, house and property. The Cane Corso is not a fighting dog. They were bred as powerful working dogs for hundreds of years. Therefore they will not go out "looking" for a fight, but on the other hand they will not back down from other dogs who try to dominate them. The Cane Corso requires an experienced owner who knows how to display a natural authority over the dog. It can be aggressive with strangers and other dogs if not socialized or if it sees itself above humans in the pecking order. It should be carefully socialized when it is a pup. It is highly recommended that these dogs become fully obedience trained. If a Cane Corso is fully trained with an owner who is firm, confident and consistent, setting rules the dog must follow and placing clear limits to what he can and cannot do, along with providing the proper daily mental and physical exercise, the Cane Corso will be an amenable companion. Learn what makes the canine animal tick and treat his breed accordingly. Suspicious of strangers, but wonderful with the family, a well-balanced Corso will put up with strangers if the owners are present. When raised correctly, the dog should be submissive to all members of the family. Corso ears were originally cropped to help them ward off wolves while protecting livestock. Their ears are much more sensitive than the rest of their bodies. Generally, they're practically impervious to pain otherwise, so many Corso owners are often disappointed to find that electric "invisible fence" containment systems don't deter their dogs. History The Cane Corso is a descendant of the canis pugnax, dogs used by the Romans in warfare. Its name derives from cane da corso, an old term for those catch dogs used in rural activities (for cattle and swine; boar hunting, and bear fighting) as distinct from cane da camera which indicates the catch dog kept as a bodyguard. In the recent past, its distribution was limited to some districts of Southern Italy, especially in Basilicata, Campania and Puglia The Cane Corso is a catch dog used with cattle and swine, and also in wild boar hunts. It is also used by night watchmen, keepers, and, in the past, by carters as a drover. In the more distant past this breed was common all over Italy as an ample iconography and historiography testify. The breed was recovered from near extinction through the efforts of enthusiasts in the 1970s by means of cross-breeding appropriate type selected breeds. The Cane Corso of today is a very different looking dog in comparison to its pre-80's forefathers. The drive has somewhat come down, the breed has more bulk and generally due to the shortening of the muzzle and widening of the skull it has lost its scissor bite. The Corso is now popular globally. Since coming to the United States in 1987, the breed has gained popularity. It was recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2008 under the name Cane Corso Italiano, and subsequently by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as Cane Corso. Celebrity ownership of Cane Corsi has increased the breed's visibility. Grooming The Cane Corso does not require much grooming. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead hair. This breed is a light shedder. Origin The Cane Corso Italiano is the original Cane Corso breed. It originated in Italy. Its direct ancestor is the "Canis Pugnax" (the old Roman Molossian), of which he is the light version employed in the hunting of large wild animals and also as an "auxiliary warrior" in battles. For years he has been a precious companion of the Italic populations. Employed as property, cattle and personal guard dog and used for hunting purposes too. In the past this breed was common all over Italy as an ample iconography and historiography testify. In the recent past he has found an excellent preservation area in southern Italy, especially in Puglia, Lucania and Sannio. His name derives from the Latin "Cohors" which means "guardian," "protector." The Cane Corso was accepted into the AKC's miscellaneous class in 2008. How to Train a Cane Corso The Cane Corso has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years. While this breed can make a great family companion it is important to choose the right dog and start obedience training right away. Because of their popularity there are many breeders of this breed who contribute to health and temperament problems due to a lack of breeding skill. Seek out reputable breeders when choosing your Cane Corso. Training and Care With strong guarding instincts, the Cane Corso requires early and extensive socialization. Socialization will not make it less of a watchdog but it will make the dog less aggressive and more tentative to spring into hostile action. A poorly socialized Cane Corso will become too aggressive and may lose its composure even to the most trivial things. Lack of socialization will make the Cane Corso believe that almost everything is a threat. Natural authority must be imposed to the Cane Corso. Always assume the pack leader status. The dog will be happy to serve his leader. If the Cane Corso knows his place in the pecking order it will be easier to train and manage. Well-trained Cane Corsos are wonderful to be around. Owners will feel secure and blessed to have a Cane Corso at their side. Common Health Issues Every dog breed is known to occasionally suffer from a specific set of health problems. They might be related to genetics, the way the dog’s body is built or factors pertaining to their environment or the purposes for which the dogs are used. Cane Corsi are not an exception to this. If you own a dog of this breed you need to know which conditions are most common for it in order to be able to recognize them while they are still in the early stages. By noticing their initial symptoms on time you might be able to report them to your vet and prevent them from progressing too far. One of the genetic conditions that usually affects larger dogs, but is not completely uncommon among the smaller breeds either, is hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by the improper development of the socket of the hip bone. The ball of the thigh bone doesn’t fit properly into it, which causes friction and grinding of the bones and cartilage. The condition wouldn’t be progressive in itself, but as the dog walks the bones grind more and more, and in time this can leave your dog unable to use the afflicted limb. If you notice that your dog is limping, or generally having trouble walking this might be the cause. Contact your vet immediately and discuss the possible solutions. Most likely, the dog will have to undergo a surgical procedure. One of the conditions that are quite often occurring in larger dogs is gastric torsion or bloat. People are not exactly sure about what causes it. Some claim that it often occurs if the dog has been taken out to exercise soon after a meal. Others think that it happens if the dog is eating too fast and taking large bites. Whatever might be the cause, this condition causes the dog’s stomach to fill up with gasses as his gastrointestinal passages get blocked and prevent the normal functioning of the digestive system. People recommend feeding your dog several smaller meals a day instead of one large meal and giving him soybean products. Symptoms include dry heaves, restlessness, fatigue and swollen abdomen. If you notice any of these contact the vet immediately, as this condition can quite often be fatal. Like most dogs, Cane Corsi can often suffer from different types of eye problems. One of them is cherry eye. You’ll recognize the condition by the appearance of a gland in the corner of the eye that might resemble a cherry. This gland could be tucked back under the lid, or surgically removed. A lot of people object to it being removed as that might increase the chances of the dog developing another eye condition known as the dry eye. Dry eye is caused by the blockage of the tear ducts and completely prevents your dog from producing tears. If you notice that your dog’s eyes are covered by a bluish haze or a misty film, dry eye is probably the cause. Get him to the vet and have the condition diagnosed. If it turns out that dry eye is indeed the cause you’ll have to administer artificial tears to your dog as long as he lives. |
Height - Males 24 - 27 inches (64 - 68 cm), Females 23 - 25 inches (60 - 64 cm)
Weight - Males 99 - 110 pounds (45 - 50 kg) Females 88 - 99 pounds (40 - 45 kg)
Life Expectancy - About 10-11 years
Other names - Cane Corz
Country of origin - Italy
Weight - Males 99 - 110 pounds (45 - 50 kg) Females 88 - 99 pounds (40 - 45 kg)
Life Expectancy - About 10-11 years
Other names - Cane Corz
Country of origin - Italy