The Cane Corso is the greater streamlined of the 2 Italian breeds descending from the historic Roman Molossian war puppies, the heavier version being the Neapolitan Mastiff. While the Neo developed as a dedicated guard canine, the Corso has become a versatile farm dog. Cane Corso (pronounced KAHN-nay Corso) comes from the phrase for catch dog; a canine used to overpower huge prey. The name was used to describe those puppies early because of the 12th century. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Corsos had been used to guard farms, hunt difficult prey, or even guide and round up sheep, goats, and semi-wild cattle. With the onset of modern times, jobs for Corsos declined; then, after World War I and mainly World War II, the Corso population in southern Italy dwindled. By the 1970s, just a few Corsos remained, with peasants spread throughout the countryside. In 1973, people located, collected, and bred the remaining Corsos, and a decade later, a breed club was formed. By 1996, the Cane Corso was recognized through the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. The first Corsos were delivered to the USA in 1988. The AKC granted the total breed popularity in 2010.

Temperement

Cane Corsos are entirely dedicated to their family and tend to stick close to them. They are eager to please and relatively easy to train; however, because a few can be domineering, they are not a breed for a new owner. They are suspicious of strangers and, if now no longer extensively socialized, may be overly careful or assertive. Most, but not all, get along nicely with puppies of the opposite gender and with different animals. However, they may no longer be a good candidate for canine parks training.

Upkeep

Corsos tend to be quiet indoors but require moderate exercise daily. A long jog or a couple of high-energy play sessions like tugging, fetching, or swimming is fine. This is not a suitable breed for dog parks. They thrive on mental stimulation, and they particularly enjoy herding and other dog games that combine mental and physical challenges. Coat maintenance is minimal.

Health

“Major diagnosis: CHD
Minor diagnosis: elbow dysplasia, cardiac problems
Occasionally seen: entropion, ectropion, gastric torsion
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, heart
Life span: 10-11 years”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.