The cane corso is a huge, powerful working dog with a noble, self-assured temperament and Roman heritage. Cani Corsi are strong, courageous, and watchful dogs. They are not suitable for everyone because of their size and requirement for training and enrichment. These gentle giants, though frequently misunderstood, are wonderful friends. The cane corso is a breed to take into consideration if you like the notion of a very large dog that is both protective and active.
Characteristics of the Cane Corso
Cani Corsi can be friendly and compassionate despite their intimidatingly intense and strong appearance. They form strong bonds with their families and serve as guardians. The cane corso can get along well with kids and can develop deep relationships with them with the right handling and socialization.
Children should learn how to behave around dogs and should never be left unattended since a cane corso (pronounced “KAH-Nay KOR-So” can weigh up to 120 pounds). Cani Corsi are extremely enormous and have the potential to accidentally tip over objects and people, even when they are being gentle.
Cani Corsi bark regularly, but because of their size, they make a loud noise that could be dangerous to your quality of life. You can instruct your dog to cease barking but never use punishment.
History of the Cane Corso
The history of the cane corso can be traced back to ancient Italy. According to the American Kennel Club, the cane corso and other mastiff-type dogs are derived from the extinct molossus, a mastiff-type dog. The cane corso has a long history of serving as a battle dog, guard dog, and proficient hunter of a variety of animals, including very large game. Its name is a combination of the Latin word cohors, which means guardian, and the Italian word for dog, cane.
Although the cane corso population significantly decreased as a result of World Wars I and II, a few of the dogs survived. Cane Corso aficionados launched a renaissance in the 1970s. In 1988, the first cane corso dogs reached the United States. An AKC 2010 saw its acceptance by the Working Group.
Cane Corso Care
For a cane corso, exercise, and training come first. Fortunately, grooming standards are minimal. A cane corso needs a sturdy, high fence when allowed outside. Due to its strong prey drive, the breed is prone to pursuing and killing small animals. They will patrol the fence line because of their territorial nature to keep onlookers off the property.
Exercise
The cane corso is an energetic and motivated working breed. The cane corso will stay mentally and physically healthy with daily exercise. Plan to work out with a partner for at least 30 minutes each day, running or walking quickly for at least one mile. Even longer walks or jogs a few times a week are beneficial for both you and your pet, if you are up for it. Throwing a ball or Frisbee for retrieve is another way to give your dog exercise; many dogs will happily spend a significant amount of time pursuing their ball. A huge canine, like a cane corso. When a pup is growing, overly demanding exercise might harm their joints. As your puppy matures, it will be ideal to focus on teaching them fundamental cues, good leash etiquette, and exercise on grass.
A cane corso may decide to dig holes and chew on your possessions on their own if you don’t give them a job to do. For the cane corso, the adage “a tired dog is a good dog” is absolutely accurate. The dog can manage your farm’s cattle if you have one. Have your dog welcome customers if you operate a business. However, if you are a more common homeowner, devote some of your daily time to training your dog, learning tricks, or honing your obedience.
Grooming
The double layer of the cane corso is short and rough. Dogs that live in colder climates will have undercoats that are thicker and longer than those that reside in warmer regions. The cane corso sheds fairly consistently throughout the year, but more so in the spring than other breeds with double coats. These dogs still have simple maintenance requirements—just weekly brushing all year round, with additional grooming sessions during the shedding season. Baths can be taken as often as necessary. This breed doesn’t require elaborate trims or haircuts.
Like other large dogs, the cane corso may develop natural nail thinning, particularly if it constantly walks on concrete or other unforgiving surfaces.
Training
All dogs need proper training and socialization, but huge breeds like the cane corso really benefit from it. Begin the dog’s training when it is still a young puppy. You should regularly socialize with other dogs, cats (if you have any), kids, strangers, and members of your extended family. When interacting with unfamiliar animals or people, always keep an eye on your dog and make sure they are leashed so you can control them if required.
You must be vigilant and persistent when teaching a cane corso because of their innate fear of strangers and propensity for being territorial. Due to the dog’s enormous size, it is also necessary to pay close attention to preventing jumping, leaning, and leash pulling.
Common Health Problems
Breeders that practice responsible breeding work to uphold the highest breed standards as set forth by organizations like the AKC. Before buying any purebred dog, you should request documentation of the screening they conduct on their breeding dogs to check for common health issues.
Hip Dysplasia:
This hereditary disease can cause arthritis and lameness. It’s particularly prevalent in huge or enormous dog breeds.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:
Bloating could occur after consuming food and liquids too quickly. An emergency situation could arise if the stomach twists and cuts off the blood flow. Additionally, huge dog breeds like the cane corso are most frequently affected by this unpleasant and possibly lethal illness.
Ectropion:
a typical condition when the eyelids fold in, rubbing the dog’s eyeball with the lashes. This hurts and could harm your eye. Although any dog might have the illness, big breeds are more likely to have it.