Cane Corso

Dog lovers all over the world are drawn to the stunning Cane Corso breed. This Italian mastiff, renowned for its strong physique and noble bearing, offers a special fusion of fidelity and strength. These dogs are well-liked by families searching for a loyal friend because they are frequently viewed as protectors.

The Cane Corso has a long history of being used as a working dog, having been bred to protect both livestock and property. They make excellent guardians due to their sharp intelligence and instinctive protectiveness. But their loving personality is what really captures people’s hearts because they are so devoted to their families.

Recognizing the Cane Corso’s emotional and physical requirements is essential to understanding them. These dogs need regular exercise because they do best in busy settings. Early socialization and training can help them develop into well-rounded pets and help them reach their full potential as family members and caregivers.

Breed characteristics

* Features of the breed Cane Corso based on owner reviews and expert evaluations from Usatik.ru. Since the data is average, it might not accurately reflect an individual’s behavior. It is regrettable that it is impossible to consider every single unique feature of a specific pet.

Brief description of the breed

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A big service dog breed is the Cane Corso. It has benefited people since the beginning of time, assisting them in fighting, apprehending criminals, and maintaining home security. According to anthropologists, the Cane Corso is the world’s oldest breed of dog and the ancestor of all other breeds that resemble mastiffs.

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Cane Corso

  • History of the origin of Cane Corso
  • Cane Corso – description of the breed
  • Popular colors of Cane Corso
  • Character and habits of Cane Corso
  • Interesting facts about Cane Corso
  • Pros and cons of Cane Corso
  • Breeding Cane Corso
  • Care of Cane Corso
  • Cane Corso diet
  • Diseases and health problems
  • Cane Corso – price and how to buy correctly

History of the origin of Cane Corso

The Cane Corso breed’s history reads like a historical suspense novel. Officially recognized as Tibetan mastiffs, their ancestors are known for their size and fierceness. According to available data, the first Cane Corso settlers arrived in Europe 300 years before Jesus was born, during the second millennium BC, escorted by Roman legions.

Italy is the homeland of Cane Corso in Europe. This breed is regarded as a national treasure, and there are more than a hundred nurseries in the nation. Big, vicious dogs soon found a purpose in the Roman Empire. They defended the mansions of affluent citizens, engaged in gladiatorial combat, and accompanied the Roman legions on campaigns. These dogs were typically unleashed during the initial assault wave in order to deal the most damage to the adversary.

Fascinating fact: A Cane Corso puppy was on par with a purebred foal in the Roman Empire. A well-trained dog could fight a person on an equal footing and replace a trained warrior.

This dog breed was first mentioned in writing in the fifteenth century. It is said that the Cane Corso was a large hunting dog that helped corral wild animals. This dog was also employed to herd cattle. Cane Corsos have been around for thousands of years, but their gene pool is closely watched, and they have hardly changed at all.

These canines were nearly exterminated in the First World War, and their numbers were nearly restored in the Second World War. Because there wasn’t enough food for everyone, large dogs went without food despite consuming a lot of it. Giovanni Nizzo, an Italian, founded the first kennel in history by gathering the surviving dogs from all over the Iberian Peninsula. By the start of the twenty-first century, there were more than 3,000 of these dogs, and the breed standards had been set in 1996.

Cane Corso – breed description

Italian Mastiffs, also known as Cane Corsos, are big dogs with exceptional muscle. Males can grow to a height of 70 centimeters, while bitches only reach 65 centimeters. The dog weighs between forty-five and fifty kilograms. Italian Mastiffs grow to be between 80 and 85 centimeters long. Even now, these enormous, strong dogs manage to fill the role of guard dogs.

Fascinating fact: These dogs are distinguished not only by their immense size but also by their extraordinary grace and beauty. Their pliability makes them resemble cheetahs or panthers and they move very easily.

The animal’s torso merits a different description. The Italian mastiff is an extremely elegant dog, even though its length exceeds its height. She has amazing shoulders, prominent muscles, and a very broad chest.

The skin of the dog’s face clings tightly to its wide head, which is devoid of folds. The dog has a robust cranium, with a frontal bone that is thicker than two centimeters. The animal’s jaws are incredibly powerful; Kanya-Korso has 42 teeth by nature. Because the lower jaw is a little longer than the upper one, the bite can be classified as a little snack. The dog grinds thick sticks and cattle berets with ease.

Kane-Korso’seyesare positioned widely across the face. Dark brown or black paint is applied to the iris. Any other color is regarded as an exception to the rule. A medium-sized dog’s ears narrow at the ends and fit snugly against the skull. Some dog handlers like cropping their ears so that they resemble a regular triangle.

The Cane Corso has a powerful, muscular neck. The dog can easily turn its head because of its length. The length of the head and neck are equal in well-built dogs of this breed. Dogs have long tails by nature, but the breed standard calls for docking the tail at the fourth vertebrae. You end up with a short, powerful tail that the dog waves around when it moves.

The Cane Corso has moderately muscular paws with excellent joints and well-defined shoulder blades. It must be mentioned that this dog’s paw pads are remarkably similar to those of a cat, which accounts for their graceful gait.

It is acceptable to use Italian Mastiff breeds with varying colors. Dogs with certain colors are happily employed in breeding projects because they are thought to be rare. Conversely, other colors are culled, and they make an effort to get rid of these puppies.

The following colors of Italian Mastiffs are currently available:

  1. White. This color is considered the most undesirable of all. Dogs of this color are born as a result of improperly selected pairs for mating. It is believed that white Cane Corso have genetic abnormalities and are prone to a lot of incurable diseases. Professional breeders do not issue documents to such puppies and do not allow them to breed. It is not recommended to have a dog of this color;
  2. Red. There are dogs of dark red or light red color. Both shades are acceptable and are popular among professional breeders. Usually, red coat color is passed on through the maternal line. Usually, a red bitch has at least one red puppy;
  3. Gray. The most popular color of dogs of this breed. The color range can vary from light gray to dark lead. A dog of this color looks the most impressive and menacing. Such dogs are very often shown at exhibitions and filmed in advertising;
  4. Brindle. The fur of such dogs can be light or dark red, and there are black stripes on it, making the dog look like a small tiger. The similarity is also given by the cat-like plasticity that Cane Corso has;
  5. Black. This is a living classic of the Cane Corso breed of dogs. Initially, all dogs of this breed were black and therefore this color is considered the standard.

Fun fact: All colors of Cane Corsos can have white (or beige) "slippers" on their paws or spots on their chests. These dogs are permitted to breed because they are not viewed as anomalies.

Strong family ties and protective instincts make the Cane Corso a powerful and devoted breed. These dogs, who were initially bred in Italy for working and guarding roles, love company and need constant socialization and training. This article discusses the temperament, maintenance requirements, and ways to keep this magnificent breed happy and healthy.

Character and habits of Cane Corso

Many people have been duped by the intimidating appearance of the Italian Mastiff. However, beneath the powerful exterior, massive teeth, and powerful muscles, there is a very balanced dog that never acts aggressively unless there is a clear cause.

Cynologists claim that a Cane Corso is one of the hardest-working and most loyal dogs one could find. These dogs have a fighting instinct, but they don’t often act aggressively toward other people. Furthermore, Italian mastiffs frequently terrify others due to their love of playing with people or other dogs. A big, strong dog will gladly retrieve a ball that it runs after.

When a Cane Corso is young and eager to play all day, this trait is particularly noticeable. Italian mastiffs mature into extremely collected, measured dogs. But they are also unfamiliar with vices like jealousy. The dog will get along with members of the family and even with other animals, such as cats.

However, the Cane Corso makes a fantastic guard dog. Even in the absence of specialized training, the dog will keep a close eye on its owner and will come to his aid right away if he is in danger. It is therefore preferable to avoid raising your voice and waving your arms. The dog might interpret this as hostility toward the owner and launch an unexpected attack.

It is advised to train the Cane Corso under the supervision of experienced dog handlers. By doing this, you can train your dog to obey all commands and transform it into a real, live weapon. The Italian Mastiff does not take well to being left alone with its owner. Furthermore, the dog might become extremely anxious and possibly stop eating if you leave it alone for two to three weeks.

Interesting facts about the Cane Corso

Since this dog breed has been around for several millennia, a wealth of fascinating—and occasionally startling—facts have come to light.

For instance, the origin of the breed name "Cane Corso" is still a mystery. This expression is derived from "Canum ex Corsica," which translates to "dog from Corsica," according to one interpretation. Another explanation for the breed’s name is that it derives from the Latin word "cohors," which means guard.

It’s also worth highlighting the following fascinating information:

  • The dog has very strong dominant traits. When entering a family, the dog will try to take over the leadership, and if you indulge the puppy, it will feel like the leader of the pack. Therefore, beginners are not recommended to get a dog of this breed, since it is not easy to cope with it on your own;
  • The Cane Corso has a very strong guard instinct. By the age of one, the dog will guard not only family members and property, but even other animals. There are often cases when Italian mastiffs do not let cats out on the street, stopping all their attempts to get out of the house;
  • Cane Corso dogs are very popular in movies. They have repeatedly appeared in major Hollywood blockbusters, but, as a rule, in negative roles. This is due to the formidable appearance of the animal.

There is currently a significant increase in this breed’s representation in Europe. Rich people are happy to purchase these dogs even though the puppies are very expensive. Cane Corsos are frequently seen serving as guards in upscale watch or jewelry stores.

Pros and cons of Cane Corso

You should carefully consider all the benefits and drawbacks before acquiring a dog as large as a Cane Corso. The dog does, of course, have certain benefits, but there are also significant drawbacks. All of this should be considered before making a costly puppy purchase.

The following are some benefits of Cane Corso:

  • Complete devotion. Italian mastiffs get used to one owner and remain faithful to him for the rest of their lives. It is impossible not to give it to another person or give it to a shelter. The dog will never get used to strangers and will not let them near it. Moreover, Cane Corso will easily give its life for its owner;
  • Ability to get along with other family members and animals. As already mentioned above, Cane Corso will guard other family members and even animals, but will only show complete devotion to the owner. If there are small children in the family, the Italian Mastiff can become a real nanny and will tenderly take care of the baby;
  • Ease of care. The cost of a puppy is high, but it is more than compensated by the ease of caring for the dog. No special skills and abilities are required, it is enough to comb the dog once a week, wash it a couple of times a year and feed it well;
  • Prestige of the breed. Cane Corso is a very prestigious breed. Only rich people can afford such a dog. Owning an Italian Mastiff shows the wealth and social status of its owner.

The following are some drawbacks of the Italian Mastiff breed:

  • The dog"s outstanding size. This dog cannot be kept in a city apartment. The Cane Corso will be best in a country house, in a specially designed enclosure;
  • Significant amount of food. During the day, the dog can eat 500-600 grams of dry food or about a kilogram of meat and offal. Such feeding will cost a pretty penny for the dog owner;
  • Tendency to dominate. By nature, the Cane Corso is a leader dog. It will try to become the leader of the pack and subjugate all family members. It takes a lot of effort and time for the dog to understand its place.

Breeding Cane Corso

Italian Mastiffs take a while to reach sexual maturity. These dogs are only regarded as puppies for the first year and a half, until they experience their first heat. It is advised that dogs should not be mated until they are two years old. Cane Corsos are mature enough at this point to bear healthy puppies.

Fascinating fact: A dog may not be prepared for reproduction even though it appears to be fully mature. It is illegal to breed Cane Corso dogs in Europe before they are 20 months old.

It is highly advised to use the services of a specialist to choose a partner and carry out a planned mating because Cane Corsos are an expensive breed. The male and female must, in particular, share the same color and physical characteristics. The likelihood of having healthy, high-quality children will rise as a result.

You have to wait until the tenth day of estrus to choose partners. You have to bring the male and female together on this particular day. The male dog’s territory is used for mating, and both dogs’ owners are present. They will be more at ease and things will move along more swiftly and easily as a result. Because they are large dogs, Cane Corsos typically have no issues when mating. Breeders merely keep an eye on things and try to prevent accidents.

A Cane Corso’s pregnancy lasts roughly two months. The actual birth takes four to six hours. The puppies should be given to a skilled veterinarian, and the owner should be present as well. Most of the time, giving birth is trouble-free and doesn’t require a cesarean section.

Puppies are defenseless and blind at birth. Usually, three to five of them exist. The bitch needs a quiet place to lick her newborns and recuperate after giving birth. Dogs typically have no issues with milk, but you must be ready to give them artificial food.

Care for a Cane Corso

If you are considering getting an Italian Mastiff, there are a few things to consider. The dog does not require special care.

These creatures are intensely heat-loving, to start. These dogs are not suited to living in the outdoors in extremely cold temperatures due to their southern origins. Should you intend to keep the dog in an enclosure, it must be well-insulated and shielded from both wind and precipitation. It is preferable to bring the dog inside during the winter months because, even in mild frost, it may still get a cold. Puppies must be kept indoors for up to 1.5 years.

It is important to keep in mind that these dogs have a rich history of hunting and herding. They require a great deal of exercise. The animal must be walked for at least two to three hours each day. And these ought to involve games and running as well as leisurely strolls. For this reason, older individuals and those who dislike physical activity are not advised to own this dog.

The Cane Corso has an extremely basic coat. It doesn’t need extra attention. It requires a single weekly comb. It is essential to perform flea and tick disinfection twice a year.

Fascinating fact: The Cane Corso has almost no undercoat and no fatty layer on top of the coat. Because of this, the dog should only be washed three to four times a year, no more, to avoid damaging his already fragile hair.

It goes without saying that you must maintain the dog’s ears. Twice a month, they must be inspected, and if sulfur is found, it must be removed using cotton swabs. Giving your dog chewing bones is a good way to keep them from getting tartar.

Cane Corso diet

Given that we are discussing a large dog, it requires a lot of protein to survive. For this reason, meat and offal should be fed to the dog. There are no exclusions allowed. Meat cannot be fully substituted with artificial food. Your dog will experience bone issues if you feed it improperly and it doesn’t get enough proteins in its diet.

Meat and offal should comprise about 70% of the total diet. Raw fruits and vegetables, as well as well-cooked oatmeal with milk, should make up the remaining 30%. Your dog must be weaned off of these foods at a very young age. Giving your dog boiled eggs, boiled fish without bones, and cottage cheese—the best source of calcium—would not be unnecessary. Giving raw fish with bones is not possible. The dog may ingest worms and choke on a bone. Giving your dog raw food is not a good idea (except for fruits and vegetables).

Giving big bones is essential. These canines adore chewing on them and extracting the bone marrow. As such, they both sate their hunger and remove tartar.

Important information: Giving smoked products to your dog is strictly prohibited. This will result in dyspepsia and indigestion. Additionally, avoid giving your Italian Mastiff sweets and high-carbohydrate items. Obesity will result from this diet.

You can switch a dog over to artificial feeding if its owner is too busy to prepare food for them. These days, there are a number of producers of canine-specific food, and you should base your decision on them.

Diseases and health problems

Although the Cane Corso appears to be the epitome of health and strength on the outside, things are not always as they seem. The Cane Corso can have some health issues, just like any other large dog. Hip dysplasia is this breed’s bane. The peculiar hip joint structure of the Cane Corso is the cause of this disease. Based on actual cases, thirty percent of dogs in this breed suffer from this illness.

This disease typically shows symptoms in middle age, or after five years of age; however, it has been discovered in puppies in recent years and is a congenital abnormality. Hip dysplasia causes severe lameness even in its mildest form. The dog remains paralyzed and loses the ability to move its hind limbs in the final stage.

Regretfully, there is no treatment or prevention for this illness. All you can do is ease the dog’s pain. In order to spare the dog from suffering, it is advised to put it to sleep if the illness has advanced to a serious stage. Furthermore, the Cane Corso breed is prone to dyspepsia. The dog must be completely under control of everything it eats, and it cannot be allowed to pick up food from the street.

Dogs that age develop eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and "cherry" eye. Additionally, the dog may develop hyperthyroidism (thyroid dysfunction) due to poor nutrition.

Important information: You should have your dog examined by a veterinarian annually to lower the risk of illness. Every six months after the age of seven, your dog needs to be examined.

Breed Cane Corso
Origin Italy
Size Large
Temperament Protective and loyal
Exercise Needs High
Grooming Low
Life Expectancy 10-12 years

The Cane Corso is an incredible breed that combines loyalty and strength. They are excellent companions for families who can provide them the right training and socialization, as they are known to be protective. Although their commanding presence can be frightening, those who are acquainted with them are aware of their tender and loving side.

A Cane Corso owner needs to be dedicated. They require a steady leader to make them feel safe, as they are structure-loving creatures. To keep them content and healthy, regular exercise and mental stimulation are necessary. They make very devoted and loving pets when properly trained, in addition to being well-behaved.

In the end, a Cane Corso is a family member that provides unwavering love and protection—they are more than just a guard dog. In the correct setting, they can thrive and provide their owners with happiness and company. A Cane Corso can be a wonderful addition to your life if you’re willing to put in the necessary time and effort.

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Morning yum yum 🥰#tttt #canecorso #canecorso #cane #canecorsoitaliano #canecorsoitaliano

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Maxim Kovalev

Veterinarian with many years of experience. Main interest is the prevention and treatment of diseases in cats and dogs. I constantly share proven tips for caring for the health of pets to help avoid common problems and maintain their excellent health.

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