Dog Breeds - Cane Corso

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth and fondness a particular breed of dog exhibits towards their family members or individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may appear distant and unapproachable towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature can vary. It is essential to always supervise dogs around young children, or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs, regardless of the breed.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The congeniality of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to supervise and cautiously introduce dogs to one another certain breeds have a natural propensity for getting along with fellow canines, whether in domestic or public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary. Breeds with high shedding tendencies typically require more frequent brushing and may potentially trigger allergies in some individuals. Additionally, they tend to necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the fur that they leave behind.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks, can vary. It's important to consider your available time, patience, and budget for such care when choosing a breed. All breeds require regular nail trimming to maintain their nail health.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity of a breed to drool can vary. If you are someone who values cleanliness and is averse to dogs leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or wet spots on your clothes, then breeds that are more prone to drooling may not be the ideal choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of warmth and receptiveness a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others are generally more welcoming and eager to meet new humans whenever they are encountered.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds may continue to have a strong desire to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, certain breeds may be content with relaxing on the couch most of the time and may not display as much enthusiasm for play.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a natural inclination to alert their owners about the presence of strangers. They are more likely to react to perceived threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and can easily adjust to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules, and other variations in day-to-day life. They tend to be more resilient and adaptable in different environments. However, other breeds may find it more challenging to cope with such changes and may require more time and patience to acclimate.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds are known for their trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They are often quick learners and enthusiastic about learning new commands and tricks. On the other hand, certain breeds can exhibit more independence and may require additional motivation and patience during training sessions. They may have a preference for doing things on their own terms and be less interested in obedience training.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary significantly. High energy breeds thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation. They are often eager for adventure, enjoy running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Meeting their exercise needs is crucial for their well-being. On the other hand, low energy breeds have a more laid-back demeanor and tend to be less active. They are content with relaxing and may enjoy spending more time snoozing or lounging around. While they still require regular exercise, their needs may not be as demanding as those of high energy breeds. Understanding the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed is important to ensure their physical and mental health is properly supported. It is essential to provide appropriate activity levels and stimulation for the well-being of any dog.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization among this breed varies as it may resort to barks or howls. While certain breeds tend to bark at every person passing by or every bird that catches their eye others reserve their barking for specific scenarios. Despite being known as barkless breeds, they can still find ways to express themselves using other sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The optimal mental stimulation a breed requires to maintain its happiness and overall well-being is crucial. Purpose-bred dogs often have occupations that demand decision-making, problem-solving skills, concentration, and other such qualities. Failing to provide the necessary mental exercise can result in them initiating their own ventures to occupy their minds, most likely not aligning with the type of projects you would prefer.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of warmth and fondness a particular breed of dog exhibits towards their family members or individuals they are familiar with can vary. Certain breeds may appear distant and unapproachable towards everyone except their owner, while others tend to treat everyone they know as if they were their closest companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as their overall family-friendly nature can vary. It is essential to always supervise dogs around young children, or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs, regardless of the breed.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The congeniality of a breed towards other dogs can vary. While it is important to supervise and cautiously introduce dogs to one another certain breeds have a natural propensity for getting along with fellow canines, whether in domestic or public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed tends to shed can vary. Breeds with high shedding tendencies typically require more frequent brushing and may potentially trigger allergies in some individuals. Additionally, they tend to necessitate more consistent efforts in terms of vacuuming and lint-rolling to manage the fur that they leave behind.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks, can vary. It's important to consider your available time, patience, and budget for such care when choosing a breed. All breeds require regular nail trimming to maintain their nail health.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity of a breed to drool can vary. If you are someone who values cleanliness and is averse to dogs leaving ropes of slobber on your arm or wet spots on your clothes, then breeds that are more prone to drooling may not be the ideal choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of warmth and receptiveness a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while others are generally more welcoming and eager to meet new humans whenever they are encountered.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play can vary even beyond the puppyhood stage. Some breeds may continue to have a strong desire to play games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. On the other hand, certain breeds may be content with relaxing on the couch most of the time and may not display as much enthusiasm for play.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have a natural inclination to alert their owners about the presence of strangers. They are more likely to react to perceived threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, these breeds can also warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. Some breeds are more flexible and can easily adjust to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules, and other variations in day-to-day life. They tend to be more resilient and adaptable in different environments. However, other breeds may find it more challenging to cope with such changes and may require more time and patience to acclimate.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary among breeds. Some breeds are known for their trainability and eagerness to please their owners. They are often quick learners and enthusiastic about learning new commands and tricks. On the other hand, certain breeds can exhibit more independence and may require additional motivation and patience during training sessions. They may have a preference for doing things on their own terms and be less interested in obedience training.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary significantly. High energy breeds thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation. They are often eager for adventure, enjoy running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Meeting their exercise needs is crucial for their well-being. On the other hand, low energy breeds have a more laid-back demeanor and tend to be less active. They are content with relaxing and may enjoy spending more time snoozing or lounging around. While they still require regular exercise, their needs may not be as demanding as those of high energy breeds. Understanding the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed is important to ensure their physical and mental health is properly supported. It is essential to provide appropriate activity levels and stimulation for the well-being of any dog.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The optimal mental stimulation a breed requires to maintain its happiness and overall well-being is crucial. Purpose-bred dogs often have occupations that demand decision-making, problem-solving skills, concentration, and other such qualities. Failing to provide the necessary mental exercise can result in them initiating their own ventures to occupy their minds, most likely not aligning with the type of projects you would prefer.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Gray	100
Fawn	082
Black Brindle	279
Gray Brindle	107
Red	140
Chestnut Brindle	520

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Mask	004
Gray Mask	041

About The Breed

The Cane Corso, characterized by its smartness, trainability, and dignified appearance, excels as a fearless protector. This breed's lineage can be traced back to ancient Rome, and its name, derived from Latin, signifies a "guardian dog."

With a height of nearly 28 inches at the shoulder and often weighing over 100 pounds, the Cane Corsos are visually imposing creatures. They possess a sizable head, an attentive expression, and muscles clearly visible through their short, firm coat. This impressive appearance acts as their primary deterrent against intruders. As one author eloquently described, the breed emanates an unassuming aura of competence, akin to that of a professional bodyguard.

Corsi display intelligence, loyalty, and a strong desire to please their owners. They showcase both versatility and unwavering devotion towards their human companions, but they also possess a determined and self-assured nature, sometimes resulting in them taking control over an unwitting owner. To mitigate such situations, responsible breeding and early socialization with both people and other dogs are crucial, following the same guidelines as any other large guardian dog.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A CANE CORSO

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Cane Corso: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Cane Corsos usually enjoy good overall health, especially when bred by responsible individuals who prioritize the screening of their breeding stock for various health conditions. These screenings typically include tests for hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, demodex mange, and eyelid abnormalities. It is important to note that large and deep-chested breeds, like the Cane Corso, are more susceptible to a condition called bloat. Bloat is a sudden and life-threatening stomach issue, so it is crucial for Cane Corso owners to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of this condition and know what actions to take in case of an occurrence. Regular ear checks are recommended for all Cane Corso owners to ensure early detection of any potential infections. Additionally, dental hygiene plays an important role in their overall well-being. It is advisable to brush their teeth regularly using toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. By following these practices, owners can help maintain the health and well-being of their beloved Cane Corsos. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Elbow Evaluation Cardiac Exam

Grooming

	The Cane Corso possesses a short yet double-layered coat. The length of the undercoat can vary depending on the climate in which the dog resides. Throughout the year, especially during the shedding season in spring, the undercoat sheds. To prevent dead hair from accumulating on furniture and to promote new hair growth, it is recommended to brush the Cane Corso's coat on a weekly basis increasing to daily brushing during shedding season. This can be accomplished using a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove. Regular brushing not only removes dead hair but also helps eliminate dirt and debris from the coat. Furthermore, it is important to trim the dog's nails on a regular basis. Overly long nails can cause discomfort for the Cane Corso and can lead to difficulties in walking and running. By maintaining proper nail length, the dog's mobility and comfort are preserved.

Exercise

	Providing substantial exercise is essential for Cane Corsos. Embracing a vigorous walk, or better yet, opting for a run covering at least one mile during both morning and evening periods will significantly contribute to their overall health and the maintenance of their well-toned muscles. These remarkable canines prove to be outstanding companions during extensive walks, exhilarating hikes, and energizing bicycle rides. Originating from a breed specifically designed for laborious tasks, the Cane Corso attains utmost happiness when engaged in meaningful tasks. To ensure their satisfaction and deter unfavorable behaviors, both mental and physical stimulations play a crucial role. It is worth noting that many Cane Corsos actively participate in events such as agility contests, obedience trials, dock diving, protection sports, and tracking ventures.

Training

	It is highly recommended for all dogs especially the Cane Corso breed, to participate in early socialization and puppy training classes. These classes are not just important, but essential. Due to their size and strength, Cane Corsos often display dominant and protective tendencies. Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping them into well-adjusted and well-behaved adults. In addition, obedience training is necessary to prevent them from assuming the role of the household boss. Cane Corsos are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes them generally easy to train. Despite their formidable appearance, Cane Corsos are incredibly affectionate creatures who respond well to love and positive reinforcement, as opposed to harsh corrections or strict training techniques.

Nutrition

	For optimal nutrition, it is recommended to feed the Cane Corso a high-quality dog food. This can either be commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. It is important to choose a diet that corresponds to the dog's age, whether it is a puppy, adult, or senior. Some Cane Corsos have a tendency to gain weight, so it is crucial to monitor their calorie intake and weight level. While treats can be useful during training, overindulgence can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with the human foods that are safe for dogs and those that should be avoided. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. Additionally, clean and fresh water should always be accessible for your Cane Corso.

Historiography

The Cane Corso, also known as Cani Corsi, is a type of working breed that belongs to the mollosus dog’s category. These dogs were named after the Molossi, an ancient Greek tribe who bred large, guardian dogs of Mastiff-type. During the height of the Roman Empire, the conquering legions brought mollosers back to Italy and crossbred them with local Italian breeds.

The resulting offspring became the ancestors of the Cane Corso and its larger relative, the Neapolitan Mastiff. Initially, the Corsi were utilized as war dogs, known as 'pireferi,' and they bravely charged enemy lines carrying buckets of flaming oil on their backs. The early Corsi were likely larger and bulkier than the modern sleeker version, although the current Cane Corso possesses a graceful and agile movement.

Following the downfall of the Western Empire in the fifth century, the Italian legions and their dogs became unemployed. The Corsi adapted to civilian roles such as wild boar hunting, farming, herding livestock, and most notably, guarding farms and henhouses. These dogs were a common sight in the countryside of Italy for centuries. However, various invasions, economic and political changes, and the rise of mechanized farming led to a significant decline in the Cane Corso population. By the mid-20th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction.

Fortunately, there were remnants of the breed still present in rural Italy. In the 1970s, a group of passionate Italian enthusiasts came together to revive the breed of their ancestors. The Society Amorati Cane Corso (Society of Cane Corso Lovers) was established in 1983 and by the following decade, Cane Corsos were being showcased in European dog shows. The first Cane Corso import arrived in America in 1988, and in 2010, the breed gained recognition from the AKC (American Kennel Club).