Cane Corso Italiano

With a rich heritage in Italian history, the Cane Corso Italiano is an impressive and formidable breed. These dogs, who are well-known for their powerful physique and assured gait, were initially bred to be protectors and guardians. Their Latin name, "guardian dog," sums up their dual roles as a fierce protector of the house and a devoted companion.

Even though they may seem intimidating, Cane Corsos are renowned for their loving relationships with their families. They are capable of being trained, bright, and happy to work when given a task. For those who can provide for their needs, they make wonderful pets when trained and socialized appropriately.

This post will discuss the salient features of the Cane Corso, their distinctive qualities, and things prospective owners should know before bringing one into their house. A happy and healthy relationship can be ensured by having an understanding of this breed, from their temperament to their care needs.

Description of the Cane Corso Italiano breed and the FCI standard

1. Country of origin: Italy.
2. Use: protector, guard, police and search.
3. FCI classification: Group 2 (dogs of the Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs). Section 2.2 Mountain Dogs. No working trials.
4. Appearance: powerful, strong and elegant, with beautifully defined muscles.

Cane Corso breed description and photo

1. Skull: wide, looks convex when viewed from the front, flat from the back from the forehead to the occipital protuberance. In the area of ​​the zygomatic arches, the width of the skull is equal to or slightly greater than its length. The frontal groove is clearly defined. The axis of the skull and the axis of the muzzle slightly converge.
2. Stop (transition from the forehead to the muzzle) : well defined.

1. Bridge of nose : straight.
2. Lips: The upper lips are moderately overhanging and cover the lower jaw, so that the lower part of the muzzle profile is completely defined by the upper lips.

Picture of the traits of the Cane Corso breed

1. Shoulder blades: long, sloping, very muscular.
2. Shoulders: strong.
3. Forearms: straight, strong.
4. Wrist and metacarpus: elastic.
5. Forefeet: oval, cat-type, toes gathered in a ball. Paw pads are elastic. Claws are strong.

1. Hips: long, wide, the back line of the thigh is convex.
2. Shins: strong.
3. Hock joint: slightly angular.
4. Metatarsus: powerful, sinewy.
5. Hind legs: oval, toes gathered in a ball. Paw pads are elastic. Claws are strong.

1. Height at the withers: males: 64-68 cm; females: 60 – 64 cm. Deviations of 2 cm in either direction are allowed.
2. Weight: males: 45-50 kg; females: 40 – 45 kg.

1. Longitudinal axes of muzzle and skull parallel to each other or converge; lateral surfaces of muzzle converge.
2. Partial depigmentation of nose.
3. Scissor bite or undershot bite with significant deviation.
4. Tail curled like a wheel or standing vertically.
5. Movements that constantly turn into an amble.
6. Height exceeding the norm or not reaching it.

1. Aggressiveness, cowardice or timidity.
2. Longitudinal axes of the muzzle and skull diverge.
3. Complete depigmentation of the nose.
4. Sunken bridge of the nose, ram"s nose.
5. Undershot bite.
6. Partial or complete depigmentation of the eyelids. Eye cataract, squint.
7. Long or soft, fringed hair.
8. Coat color not acceptable by the standard; large white spots.
9. A Cane Corso with clearly visible physiological or behavioral anomalies is disqualified.

Two fully formed testicles that are completely lowered into the scrotum are a requirement for males.

Cane Corso Italiano color

Color photos of the Cane Corso

• Black
• Lead gray
• Slate gray
• Light gray
• Light red
• Red dark red
• Brindle (stripes of various shades of brown or gray).

A black or gray mask covers the muzzle of a red or brindle-colored Cane Corso; the mask should stop just in front of the eyes. It is acceptable for there to be a few tiny white spots on the nose bridge, paw tips, and chest.

Cane Corso Italiano character

The Cane Corso of today is not like their warrior forebears in many aspects. However, their courage, nobility, and bravery have not changed.

The Cane Corso’s challenging temperament necessitates consideration. Teaching the dog all the skills at the appropriate time will prevent it from "sorting things out" with weaker family members. Consequently, from the age of six months, it requires early socialization and the mandatory completion of the OKD course (general training course).

When they turn one year old, the ZKS course (protective training course) is taught to them. Make sure to work with experts to teach your Cane Corso obedience; this will shield both you and other people from the dog’s attacks.

From the first days of the Cane Corso puppy"s appearance in your home, adhere to the rules that you are the owner here. A fight for leadership may not happen, but it is better to distribute “functional roles” in the family in advance. They love the company of people, it is important for them to feel “needed” and to be close to the owner. The favorite activity of the Cane Corso is to spend the evening in blissful bliss at the feet of their beloved owner. When walking, they never lose sight of the person accompanying them and, as a result, they rarely get lost. Emotional contact with the owner is extremely important for them.

Breed picture of Cane Corso

You shouldn’t assume that a Cane Corso’s affection is limited to their owner; they also show the same warmth and care for other family members, kids, and pets.

An innate "patronizing" tendency is present in many ex-shepherd breeds. The Cane Corso will make an effort to build friendly relationships even with the most "impudent" tribesmen, and with two-legged babies? so much so that you can sit on her neck. Never leave small children alone with her due to her large size.

She is simple to discipline. An adult, well-trained dog is not likely to act irrationally aggressively toward humans. Cane Corso only responds swiftly and violently when there is a genuine threat. strikes a trespasser quickly, silently, and decisively. In other situations, a dignified dog will attempt to stay out of trouble. More envious of "its" domain. When there are visitors in the house, pay closer attention. A mean dog can make a stranger afraid with just one glance, and you don’t want to step on his "things."

Dog picture in the brindle color of Corso Italiano

There is a general consensus that large dogs belong in country homes’ backyards and have no place in apartments. Despite their size, Cane Corsos are sedentary and do not require a large amount of space, so they get along well in an apartment in the city.

It is hard to think of them only as "street dwellers." Furthermore, it goes beyond simply wearing a light undercoat that doesn’t warm up during deep freezes. Don’t undervalue the psychological aspect. There’s no place on a chain for a dog who adores freedom and requires constant human interaction.

A Cane Corso Italiano should not be denied the pleasure of engaging in active recreation. It is necessary to take a street dog for walks. In order to prevent the dog’s nervous system from deteriorating from monotonous living conditions, you will need to leave the property at least occasionally. Joint "forays" also contribute to improving mutual comprehension between the owner and the four-legged ward.

Walking in the city should be done for at least an hour and twice a day. Owing to the propensity of large breed members to develop musculoskeletal disorders, it is not advised to subject a Cane Corso puppy younger than two years old to extended runs that require frequent scaling of tall obstacles.

Care for a Cane Corso Italiano

Blue Cane Corso with tiger image

A Cane Corso Italiano has short hair and a thin undercoat, making maintenance easy. Shedding happens twice a year, in the spring and the fall, and is nearly undetectable. Although Cane Corsos don’t smell like "dogs" throughout the house, their drool occasionally bothers the owners; in that case, a towel is always available.

Use a massage glove or rubber comb to comb your hair once or twice a week. This will get rid of dead hair and improve blood circulation in your pet. Comb your hair every day during the shedding phase, and use a rubber glove to quickly remove dead hair when taking a bath.

Take a bath: sporadically, once a month or whenever it becomes unclean. The coat’s protective fatty film can be removed by frequent detergent washing, which will cause it to become dull. A lot of breeders use pet stores to purchase specialized dry shampoos for dry cleaning.

Dry shampoo can be used to clean a Cane Corso’s coat. Simply use a spray bottle or rag treated with a special composition, and then wipe the pet dry with a waffle or terry towel (any cotton fabric will do).

Check your ears frequently to make sure there’s no inflammation. Take extra care of your pet’s hanging ears; they require airing. Holding the ears in your hands, wave them like wings of a butterfly. Ears of Cane Corsos in good health are always clean, free of excess sulfur, and free of unpleasant odors and brown discharge. A dry cotton pad can be used to effortlessly remove accumulated dirt; it shouldn’t go too far inside the ear canal. Consult a veterinarian right away if you observe your pet shaking its head, appearing to be "slurping" its ear, having an unpleasant stench coming from it, or having visible purulent or other discharge.

Pictures of young Cane Corsos

Teeth: Use a toothbrush that is the right size, a finger attachment, or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger to brush your teeth three to four times a week with a dog-specific toothpaste that can remove deposits that lead to tartar. You should still brush your teeth even if your Cane Corso Italiano enjoys chewing on crackers, large bones, carrots, apples, or food that contains the right amount of minerals.

Your dog’s teeth will remain healthy for many years if they receive regular veterinary care. Watch what they eat, and don’t allow them to chew on stones or other hard objects. Additionally, there are toys and special treats for cleaning teeth. The toys are ropes that have been treated with a plaque remover. Remove tartar only by a veterinarian.

The milk teeth of a Cane Corso puppy start to fall out between 3.5 and 4 months. Try to give the puppy the supplies it needs during this time so it can help extract the tooth while it is gnawing on them. The most important thing is to keep an eye out for small pieces that, if swallowed, could damage communal services and housing.

• balls
• rubber toys
• large beef bones

The more chewables your puppy has on hand, the more likely it is that your shoes or furniture will survive.

Claws: for large breeds, trim once a month using a claw cutter. Use a nail file to smooth any sharp edges.

Eyes: check frequently. They are shiny and free of tear marks and discharge in a healthy dog. Wash the Cane Corso’s eyes once a week with chamomile decoction to keep their eyes from souring. A moist, lint-free cloth (cotton wool is not permitted) is used to wipe the eyes. A different piece is used to wipe each eye.

Use a moist cloth to wipe paws after walks or give them a shower. Always check for cuts or fractures on other people’s paws. Apply an antiseptic to the wounds. Turn on the vegetable oil one hour in the diet to stop cracks from forming. lodge. daily and massage it into the paws on a regular basis.

Use ectoparasites on a regular basis to treat fleas and ticks. Life and health are greatly harmed by ticks and fleas. Find out from a veterinarian which ectoparasite treatment is best for your pet based on factors like age, weight, and health. Establish a routine for treating your Cane Corso and follow it religiously.

Remedy for ticks and fleas:

• drops on the withers (effective for 3 weeks)
• spray (apply before walks, in case of flea infestation, treat beds and things)
• collar (effective if worn constantly)
• tablets (effective for 3 weeks)
• shampoos against fleas

Strong familial ties and protective instincts characterize the powerful, devoted, and intelligent Cane Corso Italiano breed. Cane Corsos were originally bred in Italy as working and guard dogs. They are excellent at obedience and, with the right training, make loving companions. It’s a great option for seasoned dog owners seeking a companion that can be both a protector and a loving pet because, despite its intimidating appearance, it can be gentle and affectionate with those it knows.

Nutrition for Cane Corso Italiano

The Cane Corso Italiano diet comes in two varieties:

1. ready-made food (premium class)
2. natural products

A Cane Corso puppy’s diet should include foods high in vitamins and microelements required for a large dog during the first year of its life. Every feeding method has benefits and drawbacks. While ready-made food is quick to prepare, it is not inexpensive. Although they are more costly and require preparation time, high-quality products have the benefit of being known exactly what they are made of. As a result, you are in charge of determining the best feeding schedule for your pet; the most important factor is that nutrition promotes overall health.

Cane Corso feeding frequency:

• From 1.5 – 2 months, the puppy is fed 6 times a day every 3 hours. Dry food is soaked in water or kefir before giving it to the puppy.
• At 2-3 months, feeding is reduced to 5 times a day.
• At 4-6 months, feed 4-5 times a day.
• At 6-8 months, feed 3-4 times a day.
• From 8-10 months, the puppy is transferred to 2 meals a day.

The general guidelines must be followed regardless of the diet (dry food or natural food).

• The Cane Corso diet should contain a full range of all substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, mineral components and vitamins).
• Free access to clean, fresh water.
• It is not recommended to feed an active Cane Corso earlier than 2 hours before and after a walk.
• When feeding natural food, mineral feeds are additionally added.
• An adult Cane Corso weighing 50 kg requires 220-240 g of proteins, 50-70 g of fats, 450-470 g of carbohydrates daily. In addition, about 40 g of fiber and 1 liter of water.
• A portion should be eaten within 20 minutes, if it refuses to eat, hide the food until the next feeding.

• Low-fat meat (can be given raw after a deep freeze for several days from -18 degrees and below, or scalded with boiling water to avoid infection with worms)
• Vegetables and fruits
• Greens
• Dairy products (low-fat cottage cheese, 1% kefir, natural yogurt)
• Cereals (rice, buckwheat)
• Turkey and chicken neck
• Green
• Vegetable oil (1 h.lodge.per day)
• Offal
• Boneless sea fish

• Any fatty meat (pork)
• Spicy food
• Sweets
• Chocolate
• Grapes, raisins
• Nuts
• Smoked meats
• Seasons
• Legumes
• River fish
• Garlic, onion
• Fat sour cream, cream or cottage cheese
• Pearl barley, millet (poorly digested)
• Liquid soups, fatty broths
• Cheap low-grade ready-made feeds

Cane Corso Italiano diseases

• Bloating
• Allergy
• Epilepsy
• Hyperthyroidism (thyroid disease)
• Cherry eye
• Eversion of the eyelid
• Eversion of the eyelid
• Hip dysplasia

Photo of a cane corso

Video of a cane corso

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Italy
Size	Large, muscular build
Coat	Short and smooth
Color	Black, fawn, gray, brindle
Temperament	Loyal, protective, intelligent
Life Expectancy	10-12 years
Exercise Needs	High, requires daily activity
Good with Families	Yes, especially with proper training
Training Difficulty	Moderate, requires an experienced owner
Common Health Issues	Hip dysplasia, bloat

A loyal and protective breed, the Cane Corso Italiano is a great option for anyone searching for a committed family member. They will always protect the people they love because of their deep attachment to their owners and innate protective nature.

Cane Corsos are intelligent and teachable, but from an early age, they require regular training and socialization. They also need an experienced owner who can give them the right direction and exercise because of their size and strength.

The Cane Corso will show you unconditional love and loyalty if you’re willing to put in the work. This breed is a great addition to the right home because it thrives on companionship.

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