Cane Corso Traits
Cane Corso Height
58 - 71 cm
Cane Corso Weight
Between 41- 50 kg
Cane Corso Life Expectancy
Between 9-12 years
Cane Corso Appearance
- Short and dense fur structure
- Athletic and robust body structure
- Fur color in shades of black or gray, either light or dark
- Mouth structure prone to drooling
Cane Corso General Character
Compassion towards the family
X
Communication with children
X
Communication with other dogs
X
Cane Corso is a dog breed known for its strong, brave, and agile characteristics since the ancient Roman era. This breed is descended from the "Molossus" dogs that developed, particularly in Italy. Used for hunting, farm work, and guarding, the Cane Corso exhibits a loyal and protective attitude towards their families. They have the ability to control large game such as wild boars. Cane Corsos, intelligent, trainable, and with a noble demeanor, derive their name from the Latin words meaning "guardian dog.”
Cane Corso History
The Cane Corso descends from the lineage of the Molossian war dogs of Ancient Rome. Bred in Italy as versatile farm dogs and guardians, Cane Corsos are translated from Latin as "guardian dog" or "guardian of the courtyard.” With their muscular build beneath short fur, these large dogs can appear intimidating.
The Cane Corso, derived from the Molossian war dogs of Ancient Rome, was not well-known outside of Italy before the 1980s but has been officially recognized by the AKC and FCI in the 21st century. The breed's name refers to the Corsos frequently depicted in the paintings of Bartolomeo Pinelli (1781–1835).
Also known as Cane di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchiero, Italian Mastiff, and Italian Mastiff, this breed developed as two different types, the Napoli Mastiff and Cane Corso. The Cane Corso stands out with its lighter build, adaptable nature, ability in boar hunting, and protective qualities compared to the Napoli Mastiff. While the Cane Corso is bred as a versatile farm dog, the Napoli Mastiff has taken on more of a guardian dog role.
With the era of mechanization in agriculture, the need for Cane Corsos has decreased. Recognizing that the Cane Corso breed was on the brink of extinction, a group of Cane Corso enthusiasts revived the breed in 1973.
Cane Corsos were officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1996 and were imported to the United States in 1988.
Cane Corso Personality and Character Traits
Cane Corsos are known for their large size, intelligence, and affectionate nature. This breed, known for its innate protective qualities, is easy to train. Despite their intimidating size, they are extremely loyal and gentle giants.
While Cane Corsos are an ideal choice for those seeking a large, protective, loyal, and obedient dog, their care may not be suitable for everyone. Cane Corsos can get along well with other dogs, but this often depends on socialization from a young age. Due to their protective nature, Cane Corsos may not make a special effort to be friendly, but they can exhibit a tolerant attitude towards other pets.
Despite their muscular and imposing appearance, Cane Corsos are generally affectionate and gentle. They tend to form a deep bond with family members and take on a protective role. With proper treatment and socialization, Cane Corsos can get along well with children and form a close bond with them.
Cane Corsos are naturally protective, so they may not exhibit a very friendly attitude towards strangers. With appropriate training and socialization at a young age, they can learn how to interact with strangers.
Cane Corso General Care
Cane Corso Feather Care
Cane Corsos have a short, double-layered coat that varies in length. Throughout the year, especially in spring, they will shed their fur. Therefore, it is advisable to brush them more, especially during shedding seasons. Regular brushing throughout the year and additional grooming sessions during shedding seasons will be beneficial for them.
Cane Corso Appearance
Cane Corso Exercise
Cane Corsos are energetic and require both physical and mental stimulation. A brisk walk or run in the morning and evening can help prevent unwanted behaviors due to boredom. These dogs, being very muscular and active, may need plenty of exercise throughout the day.
Cane Corso Health
Cane Corsos are generally healthy but can be sensitive to various health issues, including:
- Obesity: Cane Corsos are naturally muscular and require intense exercise to maintain their muscle mass. Due to their large size, obesity can be dangerous for them.
- Bloat: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is often seen in large breeds. This condition causes the stomach to twist, cutting off blood flow to the hind legs and the heart. It is an extremely serious issue.
- Epilepsy: Some Cane Corsos may have idiopathic epilepsy, making them prone to seizures.
- Eyelid Abnormalities: Cane Corsos are prone to various eyelid abnormalities where the eyelid may grow in the wrong direction or droop.
- Mange: Some Cane Corsos may suffer from mange, a genetic skin condition passed from mother to puppy.
Cane Corso Nutrition
It is crucial for Cane Corsos to receive an appropriate amount and type of food as they grow. Excessive and inappropriate nutrition can lead to significant and painful growth problems in bone development, especially in large breeds. The diet of large dog breeds typically contains high levels of calcium. Achieving specific mineral ratios such as calcium and phosphorus is essential for optimal bone growth. Using puppy food specifically designed for large breed puppies can help prevent these issues.
The daily food requirement for adult Cane Corsos depends on the type of food. In general, they should be fed with high-quality, adult dog food specially formulated for large breeds.
Did you know?
- The name "Cane Corso" is derived from Latin, meaning "guard dog" or "strong dog.”
- With roots dating back to Ancient Greece, Cane Corsos are warrior dogs.
- They produce sounds ranging from barking to singing. Their noises may include grumbling, snorting, and howling.
- Cane Corsos possess a high level of intelligence.
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