Cane Corso

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Cane di Macellaio Italian Corso Dog Italian Mastiff Sicilian Branchiero

Basic Info

The Cane Corso is an Italian breed used mainly as a guard dog. The dog is a large mastiff-type dog breed. Breed standards are still developing internationally, and they vary somewhat among different breed clubs. For example, the FCI standard calls for a height at the withers from 58 to 68 cm (22.8 to 26.7 inches), with bitches in the lower ranges and males in the higher ranges, whereas the AKC affiliated club (International Cane Corso Federation) calls for 24.4-26.8 inches (62 to 68 cm).[1] Similarly, different organizations call for weights in various ranges from 36-63.5 kg (80 to 140 pounds). Its ears are naturally dropped forward, but many breeders crop them short and close to the head so that the remaining stubs stand upright.

Health

N/A

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

This breed can be naturally aggressive with strangers unless well socialized from an early age. The Corso's ancestors were bred as guard dogs and large game hunting dogs, so proper training is a requirement or the dog may become a threat to those around him(if not raised in a stable environment). The Corso will not run from a fight, nor will he start one, he will not back down from a challenge, and he will also show a reserved attitude towards strangers. In the US many breeders have abused the strong nature of these animals. Their natural good temperament can be bred to be less stable and thus should be considered.

Origin

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History

Sixteenth-century breeders in Sicily recreated this breed in an attempt to match the ancient, now-extinct, herding breed Cane di Macellaio. It was used as a drover to move herds of cattle, and it might have been used in dog fighting. The breed is extremely loyal to its master and thus can be aloof to strangers. The breed is not naturally aggressive, but protective. In fact the dog was not a fighting breed, but it served many purposes including herding, wild game hunting, and guarding farmers from bandits (mafias) as they traveled to and from their fields. This breed requires obedience training and responds well to intelligent trainers.

Common Foods

pellet dog food