Cane Corso

The Cane Corso originated in Italy from the Canis Pugnax (the old Roman Molossian). They were used for hunting large wild animals and also as a warrior in battles. For many years they have been companions of the Italic populations-employed as property, cattle and personal guard dog as well as hunters. The Cane Corso's name comes from the Latin "Cohers" which means Guardian and Protector.

In medieval times, the Cane Corso was used primarily on big game. Their power, courage and agility made them especially valuable on wild boar. They were also used on stag and bear at times as well.

With the decline in big game hunting, the Corso found a new home with Italian farmers. They were used as a drover, protecting the farm from both human thieves and animal predators, and protecting the home.

These dogs do not accept strangers easily and they keep their distance from them. From a very early age they bark at strangers, signaling danger. Guarding is in their blood, and their hunting instincts are highly developed. They demand exercise and an owner who understands the breed well. This is not a breed for first dog owners. They need to have an owner who is familiar with breeds such as this, and who has the time and knowledge to work with the dog.

Cane Corso's are large dogs, strongly built with powerful and long muscles. The length of the body is about 11% over the height at the withers. Their coat is short but not smooth, shiny, stiff, and very dense. Their colors can be black, plumb-gray, slate, light gray, light fawn, deer fawn, dark fawn, and tubby (very well marked stripes on different shades of fawn and gray). In the fawn and tubby dogs, there is a black or gray mask only on the muzzle and shouldn't go beyond the eye line. They may also have a small white patch on the chest, feet tips and on the nose bridge.

They are very intelligent, active and even minded dogs, who are unequaled as watch and protection dogs. They are docile and affectionate with their families, and will protect their families at all costs.

Common health problems with Cane Corso's are Hip Dysplasia, bloat, mange, and eyelid abnormalities such as cherry eye. For more information on what these health issues are, visit our Dog Health section.