They were bred in Italy to function as a guard dog and to hunt large game, while also fulfilling general farmland tasks. As farming changed and became more mechanized in the 20th century, Cane Corso numbers declined hugely. However, the breed avoided extinction and was rebuilt in the 1970s. While first entering the USA in the late 80s, this breed wasn’t officially recognized by the AKC until 2010.
The Cane Corso is physically impressive, boasting a muscular shape and possessing great strength. This is an intelligent breed that requires mental stimulation as well as plenty of exercise. They have a strong personality that can see them try be dominant with their owner, so training them while young is important to avoid this happening when they are fully grown and more difficult to control. The Cane Corso has a short coat which makes it relatively easy to maintain – although their size can make brushing a time consuming task. Personality & Expectations
Smart, trainable, and of noble bearing, the assertive and confident Cane Corso is a fearless protector. The Corso’s lineage goes back to ancient Roman times, and the breed’s name roughly translates from the Latin as “bodyguard dog.” You can expect a hight of 28 inches at the shoulder (withers) and weight of more than 100 pounds. They have a large head, alert expression, and are very muscular. They have short, stiff coat of hair, at a glance they can be intimidating creatures. Their imposing appearance is their first line of defence against intruders. Corsos are intelligent, eager to please, versatile, and intensely loyal to their humans, but are also assertive and willful, and can end up owning an unwitting owner. As with any other big guardian dog, responsible breeding and early socialization with people and other dogs is vital.
