The Cane Corso, also known as the Cane Corso Italiano, Cane Corso Mastiff, Italian Corso Dog, Italian Mastiff and Italian Molosso, is an imposing, intelligent and often intimidating dog whose sheer size and overall appearance cause one to sit up and take notice. It gets its name from the Latin word cohors, which means “guardian” or “protector.” This is one of two Italian mastiff-type breeds that descend from the Roman Canis Pugnax, also called the Canis Pugnases or Roman Molossian. The Cane Corso is not a common breed in the United States. However, it is gaining in popularity. The Corso originated in Italy, where for centuries it served as the guardian and powerful protector of people, possessions and property. The breed also was used to hunt large, difficult, dangerous game, such as wild boar. The Cane Corso was accepted for full registration status by the American Kennel Club effective in 2010. It is a member of the AKC’s Working Group.
For centuries, Cane Corsos were only found in especially remote pockets of rural Italy, where they were used as hunting dogs, watchdogs and guard dogs. Even then, they were considered to be extremely rare. For a period of time, it was thought that the breed had become extinct. However, in the 1980s, a group of Cane Corso fanciers reestablished the breed in southern Italy, where it flourishes today. The breed has spread in popularity to
Aficionados of Cane Corsos find them to be wonderful with children and members of their immediate human family. They are described as being docile, devoted, affectionate, loyal companions and terrific watchdogs. When well-bred and conscientiously trained, Cane Corsos can be stable, reliable pets. However, they are naturally possessive, territorial, dominant, and distrustful of strangers. The Corso’s instinctive protectiveness is said to be unparalleled among domestic dogs, although fanciers of some other breeds might beg to
The Cain Corso is noble, majestic and muscular in appearance. This is a powerful, big-boned breed with a large, wide head, broad skull and prominent cheekbones. Its high-set ears may be left natural or cropped; if cropped to stand erect in small triangles. Their tails may or may not be docked (surgically shortened) shortly after they are born. The entire body of the Cane Corso is solid and thick, exuding its obvious strength. While they
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