Cane Corso Dog Breed

Noble, majestic and powerful, the Cane Corso is a property watchdog and large-game hunter, as well as an affectionate family dog.

Temperament

The Cane Corso is an affectionate and intelligent dog.

Characteristics

At a glance the Cane Corso may appear intimidating, but he is all heart and responds to love and rewards far better than harsh corrections. He is intelligent, loyal, eager-to-please and versatile.

Cani Corsi are also a protective breed, so early and proper socialization with people, children and other dogs is key. Once socialized properly, these dogs will bond closely with children.

These big dogs need a lot of exercise, and not just a walk will do. A brisk mile in the morning and again in the evening will keep this muscular breed in shape. Cani Corsi were bred to work and are happiest when they have a job to do.

Many Cani Corsi compete in agility, obedience, dock diving, protection sports and tracking events.

Lifespan

9 to 12 years

Colors

The Cane Corso’s coat comes in black, black brindle, chestnut brindle, fawn gray, gray brindle and red. They may also have a black or grey mask on their face.

Shedding

The Cane Corso has a short, double-layered coat. His undercoat sheds throughout the year, with a spike in the spring. Weekly brushing during shedding season will remove dead hair before it falls out.

Health

Cani Corsi are prone to hip dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, demodex mange and eyelid abnormalities. Because of their large, deep chests, they are also susceptible to bloat.

Best Dog Food For Cane Corso

Since Cane Corso can weigh far more than 50 pounds at maturity, choose a large or giant breed formula to support their joint health and mobility and maintain their ideal body condition.

These foods include:

• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Large Breed Formula
• Purina Pro Plan Specialized Giant Breed Formula
• Purina One SmartBlend Large Breed Adult Formula

For an active Cane Corso, consider a formula with a protein-to-fat ratio to meet their activity level. Formulas like Purina Pro Plan SPORT 26/16 can help maintain lean muscles.

Best Dog Food For Cane Corso Puppies

Like other puppies, your Cane Corso puppy will have specific nutritional needs to aid in their growth and development during their first year of life. Choose a formula containing DHA to nourish brain and vision development and antioxidants to support their developing immune system. A large breed-specific puppy formula can also help support the joint health of your growing puppy.

The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:

• Beneful Healthy Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow
• Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy
• Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Large Breed Puppy
• Purina Puppy Chow Large Breed

History

The Cane Corso is a working dog, belonging to the subcategory of working breeds called mollosers. This type of dog was bred by an ancient Greek tribe who needed the giant, big-boned guard dogs.

At the height of the Roman Empire, the breed was brought back to Italy from the Greek Islands and bred to native Italian breeds. These offspring were likely a cross between the modern Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff. The ancestors were fearless dogs who would charge enemy lines with buckets of flaming oil strapped to their backs.

During the 5^th century, Italians and their dogs found themselves out of work. The breed was adapted to civilian jobs like wild boar hunting, farming, livestock droving and guarding. In fact, they became a staple on farms and in pastures along the Italian countryside. Constant economic and political upheavals, along with mechanized farming, reduced the Corsi to near extinction.

In the 1970s, a band of farmers came together to revive the breed, and The Society of Amorati Cane Corso was formed in 1983. The first Cane Corso came to America in 1988. The breed wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 2010.

Facts

• The Cane Corso has been featured in many paintings, including those by Bartolomeo Pinelli.
• The breed’s coat is short, coarse, thick like a cow’s and waterproof.
• The Cane Corso comes from Italy.
• “Cane” is Italian for dog and “Corso” is from the Latin word “Cohors” meaning protector.
• Cane Corso is pronounced “cah-ney cor-soh.”
• The plural of Cane Corso is Cani Corsi.