Cane Corso

The history of the Cane Corso dates back to the ancient Romans and the name translates roughly from Latin as ‘bodyguard dog’. At the height of the Roman Empire’s power, the legions that subdued and occupied the Greek islands brought Mollosers back to Italy and bred them to native Italian breeds such as the Neapolitan Mastiff. These dogs were employed as guard dogs and working dogs, as well as war dogs going on on campaigns and fighting dogs used for sport in the arena.

After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the Cane Corso continued to be used as a working dog, performing jobs such as wild boar hunting, farming, livestock droving, and most famously, guarding farmsteads and henhouses. The breed remained especially popular in the south of Italy where life was particularly tough and trusted resources were highly valuable.

With the implementation of mechanised farming and the widespread availability of the firearm into the 1800’s and 1900’s, the practical uses for the Cane Corso diminished and the keeping of such a large animal became less economical. By the mid 1900’s the breed was in a perilous situation. In the 1970’s the situation was at its most dire for the Cane Corso until, with the help of a number of Italian dog lovers, a concerted effort was made to revive this favoured breed of their ancestors.

In 1983 the Society Amorati Cane Corso (Society of Cane Corso Lovers) was formed, and by the following decade Cane Corsi were being exhibited in European dog shows. However, the Cane Corso wasn’t recognised on an international level until November 1996 and even now there is not a lot of information for breeders and owners outside of Italy.

Cane Corsi need serious exercise and they make great companions on long walks, hikes, runs or bicycle rides. Many Cane Corsi compete in dog sports such as agility, obedience, dock diving, protection sport, and tracking events.

The Cane Corso was bred to work and is happiest when given a job to do. If they are not given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, undesirable behaviour will most likely result.

Early, consistent training from a young age is essential for the Cane Corso. Intelligent and eager to please, they are generally easy to train, and tend to respond to love and rewards far better than to harsh training methods. However, they do need a firm, strong human pack leader to control their stubborn independence.

Early socialisation and puppy training classes are especially recommended for breeds as big and strong as the Cane Corso. Obedience training will keep them from becoming the boss in the household. while socialisation as a puppy is a must curb aggression.

The Cane Corso’s short, double-layered coat sheds lightly year round and more heavily once per year. Weekly brushing (daily during shedding season) with a medium-bristle brush, grooming mitt or glove will remove the dead hair and help keep the coat shining and healthy.

A low maintenance breed, the Cane Corso only requires bathing around every six weeks, unless the dog gets particularly dirty.