The Cane Corso is an incredible breed for the large dog lover! Originating in the country of Italy, the Corso, despite its formidable appearance, is also known to be affectionate, gentle and intelligent! Keep reading to learn more about this dog breed!
The Cane Corso: Meet the Breed
With origins going as far back as ancient Roman times (in the southeastern region of Puglia), this Italian breed of Mastiff was formally recognized by the AKC in 2010 into the Working Group after arriving in the USA in 1988.
Throughout history, this incredible and fearless breed has:
- Carried buckets of flaming oil (strapped to their backs) into enemy lines.
- Protected livestock and herded cattle; and
- Hunted large game (including wild boars).
The Corso breed is also popular for guard dogs as well as companion dogs because of its attentive and protective nature and the ability to develop deep bonds with its humans.
The Proper Way to Say “Cane Corso”
- According to the AKC, the proper pronunciation of Cane Corso is “CAH-ne” meaning “dog” in Italian.
- Translated from Latin, the breed name roughly means “bodyguard dog.”
- Want to shorten the name? Use “Corso” (but never “Cane”).
- Talking about more than one? Use the plural term, “Corsi” (COR-see).
Characteristics
Despite its often-intimidating appearance, the Cane Corso has a plethora of desirable K9 characteristics, including being:
- Intelligent.
- Confident.
- Affectionate.
- Docile.
- Playful.
- Protective.
- Extremely loyal.
- Eager to please/trainable.
- Versatile.
- Majestic.
But, with the wrong owner or lifestyle, these canines can also be:
- Assertive.
- Willful.
- Destructive.
- Dominant.
Responsible breeding, early socialization, regular physical and mental exercise, and proper training are all critical for a well-balanced Corso companion. Remember, as a member of the working group, Corsi are natural athletes who need constructive and adequate ways to release their energy.
Owners also need to create and enforce strong boundaries (with confidence and assertiveness) to reinforce their alpha status; if they do not, the Corso will step into the alpha role.
The American Kennel Club: The Cane Corso
Size and Lifespan
This breed typically weighs over 100 pounds with a shoulder height of almost 28 inches all lending to its overall imposing presence. As with most large to giant dogs, the Cane Corso has a shorter life span than the smaller K9 breeds, usually ranging from 9-12 years.
The Physical Traits of the Corso
For those looking for a large, low-shedding dog that only requires monthly grooming, the Cane Corso is your dog! With a short and thicker coat, the Corsi coat is waterproof. Their thick undercoat also protects them in the colder months.
This breed has 7 recognized coat colors including:
- Black
- Black Brindle
- Chestnut Brindle
- Fawn
- Gray
- Gray Brindle
- Red
In addition, the breed standard also has two standard markings or masks: the black mask and the gray mask.
For the right dog parent, the Cane Corso is an amazing dog breed!
But before adding one to your family and life, it’s critical to understand and accept the need for extensive socialization and training from a very early age (not to mention the ability to overlook a lot of drooling, slobbering, loud snoring, and gassiness!).
But, for those who do invest substantial time and effort into their Corso, the rewards are limitless!
We hope you enjoyed learning about the incredible dog breed, the Cane Corso!
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Looking to add a Cane Corso to your family?
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