10/10/2024
The Cane Corso originally descends from ancient Roman molossus dogs, which were used for warfare and hunting. Later, in the Middle Ages, its ancestors were employed for guarding estates and hunting large game. Over time, the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff, which shared a common ancestor, diverged based on region and function. The Neapolitan Mastiff developed into a larger, more powerful breed, while the Cane Corso became more agile and work-oriented.
In the 1980s, efforts to standardize and revive the Cane Corso were initiated, led by Ettore Malavasi and Giovanni Bonatti. The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) provisionally recognized the breed in 1996 and fully accepted it in 2007. The Cane Corso is not only valued for its versatile guarding and protective abilities but also for its appearance and character, which symbolize independence and strenght.
The robust Cane Corso has clear advantages over today’s sleeker, athletic version, particularly in tasks requiring physical strength. Its thicker bone structure and stronger muscles allow for greater force, crucial for guarding and hunting tasks. Its bite force, reaching up to 700 PSI, far exceeds that of its more slender counterparts. Additionally, the more robust type offers greater stability and endurance, enabling it to maintain intense physical effort for longer periods. In contrast, the more athletic Cane Corsos may be faster but lack the long-term endurance and imposing visual presence that acts as a deterrent.
Over the past 40 years, the breed standard has shifted, especially in Western Europe, towards a “friendlier” appearance, driven by dog shows and breed clubs to match societal expectations. The Cane Corso standard was first established in Italy in 1983, and the FCI provisionally recognized it in 1996, with final recognition in 2007. In 2015, smaller changes were made, focusing on the breed’s head and body proportions. This shift towards a friendlier appearance is a reflection of broader societal manipulation, where dogs that symbolize strength and independence, like the Cane Corso, are marginalized. Larger, more dominant-looking dogs can be seen as a threat to those in power, as their owners may appear more confident and independent. As a result, society favors more “manageable,” friendlier dogs, just as modern society tends to shape people to be less dominant and more submissive.
Ironically, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds are often more aggressive, yet their size makes them appear less dangerous. Larger breeds like the Cane Corso, on the other hand, are often incorrectly seen as symbols of aggression, even though they are often more balanced and calm. This reflects societal manipulation, where appearance is prioritized over behavior, further reinforcing fear of strong symbols, even when those symbols are calm and composed.
The trend in modern society to feminize and overly sensitize individuals is similar to the marginalization of dominant dog breeds. Weakening both people and dogs creates a more governable society, where compliance becomes the norm, and resistance diminishes. A less resistant society is easier to control, allowing those in power to extend their influence with less opposition.
Ultimately, the robust Cane Corso embodies qualities like strength, independence, and dominance, which were essential to the breed’s original purpose. However, modern societal manipulation encourages the preference for more submissive dogs and people alike.
For me, a true Cane Corso must retain its molossus traits: power, confidence, and authority, not only in appearance but in essence, standing strong as a loyal companion who truly protects its owner.
