Overview
The Cane Corso is a strong, athletic molosser from Italy, a close relative of the Neapolitan Mastiff. It was a farm helper, guarding property, handling livestock and hunting large game.
Today it is kept as a companion and guardian. It is a serious, loyal dog that thrives with experienced owners who offer structure, early socialisation and plenty of time together.
History
Once found across the Italian peninsula, the Cane Corso became confined to Puglia in the south and nearly vanished after traditional share-cropping farming collapsed in the 1960s.
Enthusiasts rebuilt the breed from a few survivors from about 1980. A breed society formed in 1983, Italy recognised it in 1994, and the FCI gave full recognition in 2007. The American Kennel Club followed in 2010.
Appearance
A large, muscular dog of molossoid type, strong yet elegant. The head is big and broad with a defined stop and a short, powerful muzzle, and the eyes are dark and oval.
The short, dense coat is glossy. Males stand roughly 62 to 70 cm and females a few centimetres less.
Temperament
Cane Corsos are devoted, watchful and self-assured. They tend to be reserved with strangers and protective of home and family, while affectionate and often quite sensitive with their own people.
They are intelligent but need firm, fair leadership and thorough socialisation from puppyhood. Their size and guarding instinct make them unsuitable for first-time owners.
Care and exercise
A Cane Corso needs daily walks, mental work and time with its family. Training and socialisation should begin early and continue throughout life.
The short coat needs only weekly brushing, though it sheds seasonally. Avoid strenuous exercise while young and growing, and keep the dog lean to ease the load on its joints.
Health
The breed is predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and eyelid problems such as entropion and ectropion. Bloat, hypothyroidism, epilepsy and cherry eye also occur. Average lifespan in a study was about 9 years.
