The Cane Corso, or Italian Mastiff, is a large breed of dog that was once highly valued in Rome where the Greeks bred them to be guard dogs. They were also quite popular in Italy where Italians would use them as companions, guard dogs, and hunters. Their name, Cane Corso, is pronounced kah-neh kor-so,and it’s derived from the Italian word, cane, meaning dog, and corso, which in Latin, means protector.
For centuries the Cane Corso lived on farms and in pastures throughout Italy but because of economic and political woes, the breed nearly vanished during the middle of the 20th Century. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the Cane Corso made its’ comeback. A group of Italians who were in love with the breed decided to revive it by forming a group called The Society Amorati Cane Corso, or the Society of Cane Corso Lovers. That was in 1983 and within the next decade the breed was being shown all over Europe. The first Cane Corso’s arrived on American soil in 1988 and in 2010 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The most prominent feature of the Cane Corso, is of course, the head. It’s quite large, square, and it’s a head that demands respect. It’s the feature of this dog that lets you know that it’s present in the room with you. The Cane Corso head is what’s known as a molosser head–a head that is measured by the perimeter at the cheek-bones–a head that is two times the size of the muzzle. The width of the cheek-bones is also equal to the length of the skull.
The jaws of the Cane Corso are large, thick and curvy while the lips define the mouth of the dog. They tend to slobber and drool quite a lot,especially after having a drink of water. The neck is strong, and muscular and just as long as the head, itself. To find out more in depth information about the Cane Corso, including skeletal features, please visit www.abouttimecanecorso.com.
The Cane Corso can tip the scales at up to 120 pounds which means owning one isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re a first time dog owner, then this IS NOT the dog for you. Not only is the Cane Corso a large dog, but they’re also quite powerful, intelligent, and headstrong. Owning one can be difficult because of their size–this is also a dog that needs a strong owner–one who will make sure their puppy/dog is properly trained. The owner, not the dog, is the one who needs to be in control of the leash.
Training should begin as soon as a Cane Corso puppy is introduced to his or her new home. Do this as soon as possible while the puppy can still be managed. It’s also important for a Cane Corso puppy to work for everything they get. They should always perform a command before receiving their meals, toys, etc. It’s not a bad thing to make them work, because they enjoy working, and they should work. If they don’t work, they are likely to become bored and destructive.
The Cane Corso has a moderate activity level and one will be happy walking one mile per day, plus twenty minutes or so of training exercises. While they don’t mind lying at your feet, they won’t be satisfied doing it all day long.
Because they were once used to hunt wild boars, they have a very high prey drive. It’s important that the Cane Corso not be allowed to chase or possibly even kill other animals living in your neighborhood. A Cane Corso needs a high fence, at least six feet tall, in order for him or her to remain on their own property.
The fence should also be strong and solid though take note,never use an underground electric fence with a Cane Corso While an underground fence might keep dogs in the yard, it doesn’t prevent other dogs, or even children from entering the yard. The Cane Corso is territorial and protective and it may injure or possibly even kill something that wanders into the yard. The Cane Corso also has no issues with the shock that comes with trying to leave the yard.
They enjoy chewing and when fully grown, they can do a lot of damage around the home. Never give a Cane Corso puppy the run of the house until they matured and even then, they still need to be kept busy. This can be done through training, play and social time.
The Cane Corso is a family dog who will love and protect his family when necessary though they aren’t demanding of your attention. They might be lying at your feet but they won’t beg for your affection.
If you wish to own a Cane Corso, be sure to speak with a breeder who raises the puppies in his or her home and be certain that the puppies have been exposed to the elements around them, including both noise and sound. Puppies should also be socialized from an early age and this should be continued during puppy school and beyond.
They have a smooth coat that tends to shed and they need to be brushed at least once a week in order to remove dead hair. It also keeps their coat and skin healthy. The Cane Corso will also need his ears cleaned and his nails trimmed regularly.
With proper care and plenty of love, a Cane Corso can live a long, healthy life of ten to eleven years but they are susceptible to health issues that a potential owner should be aware of. These include: Hip dysplasia, eye problems, mange and even gastric torsion, or bloat.
As mentioned above, they are rather large dogs, weighing anywhere between 88 to 120 pounds, standing 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder.
While not for everyone, the Cane Corso will be loyal and protective to the family that is able to properly care for one.
Today we would like to thank American Kennel Clubfor helping us with this post. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about your favorite breed of dog!
This post has been brought to you today by Arrowhead Scoopers. Arrowhead is the leading pet waste removal service in the West Phoenix area, including Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise. Give us a call today at (602) 391-0160 to receive your free quote. Our rates start at just $11.00 per week. Be sure to visit our website, www.arrowheadscoopers.comto view customer reviews and more! Happy Tails!
