Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed originating from ancient Rome. The Cane Corso comes from Italy, typically weighs Males, and has a short, dense, lustrous coat. Individual Cane Corsos vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Italy
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- short, dense, lustrous
- Colour
- black; lead-grey, light grey or slate-grey; dark fawn, light fawn or stag red; dark wheaten (' fromentino ')
About the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed originating from ancient Rome. Males typically weigh 99-120 pounds and stand 24-27 inches tall.
Use
The Cane Corso is usually kept as a companion dog or guard dog ; it may also be used to protect livestock . In the past it was used both for hunting large game and for herding cattle . It is subject to a working trial : in order to qualify for registration , dogs must show tranquillity in the presence of inoffensive strangers, indifference to gunfire, and aggressive defence of the owner against an attacker. : 2
Overview
The Cane Corso [ a ] is an Italian breed of mastiff . It is usually kept as a companion dog or guard dog ; it may also be used to protect livestock . In the past it was used both for hunting large game and for herding cattle .
History
According to the breed standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale , the Cane Corso was once distributed throughout much of the Italian peninsula, but in the recent past was found only in Puglia , in southern Italy. After the collapse of the mezzadria system of share-cropping in the 1960s, the dogs became rare. The modern breed derives from selective breeding from about 1980 of a few surviving animals. A breed society , the Società Amatori Cane Corso , was formed in 1983. : 107 The breed was recognised by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1994; it was provisionally accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1996, and received full acceptance in 2007. It was recognised by the American Kennel Club of the United States in 2010. : 129 The number of annual registrations in Italy in the period 2011–2019 was in the range of 3000–4250 .
Characteristics
The Cane Corso is a large dog of molossoid type, strong and muscular but not without elegance; it is closely related to the Neapolitan Mastiff . According to the international standard, dogs should stand some 62–70 cm at the withers and weigh 45–50 kg ; bitches are about 4 cm smaller, and weigh some 5 kg less. The head is large, slightly over one third of the height at the withers in length, with a well-defined stop. The top of the cranium is flat and slightly convergent to the muzzle. The eyes are oval in shape, and set well apart. The iris of the eye should be as dark as possible. The coat is short, dense and lustrous. It may be black, various shades of grey (lead-grey, light grey or slate-grey) or fawn (dark fawn, light fawn or stag red), or dark wheaten ('' fromentino ''); it may be brindled . Minor white markings on the chest, the feet or the nose are tolerated. The Cane Corso is genetically pre-disposed to elbow and hip dysplasia , to patellar luxation and to retinal dysplasia . It has above-average susceptibility to demodicosis , ectropion , entropion , gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), hypothyroidism , idiopathic epilepsy , mycotic otitis and nictitans gland prolapse ("cherry eye"). : 129 In 2017 a study of 232 of the dogs from 25 countries found an average lifespan of 9.3 years, varying with different coat colours. The longest-lived were black brindle (10.3 years), followed by: brindle (10.1 years); grey brindle (9.8 years); black, fawn and grey (all 9.0 years); and dogs of other colours (8.1 years). The median lifespan is also reported as 8.1 and as 9 years.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog with a molossoid type body. It stands between 62-70 cm at the withers and weighs between 45-50 kg. Bitches are slightly smaller. The head is large, with a slight stop and a black nose. The breed is known for its strength, elegance, and athletic ability.
Is the Cane Corso a good family dog?
The Cane Corso can make a good family dog for experienced owners who provide proper training and socialization. However, it may not be suitable for families with very young children due to its large size and strong guarding instincts. Early socialization and training are crucial to ensure a harmonious household.
What health problems do Cane Corsos have?
Cane Corsos are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye problems such as entropion and ectropion. They can also be susceptible to cardiomyopathy and certain cancers. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Cane Corso puppy cost?
The cost of a Cane Corso puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost between $1,000 to $5,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a large breed dog, including food, veterinary care, and training.
Where do Cane Corsos come from?
The Cane Corso comes from Italy. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Cane Corso, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.