Italian Cane Corso: updated breed standard

Strong and devoted, the Italian Cane Corso is an intriguing breed. Originally bred for hunting and protection, this dog has grown to be a cherished member of many families. Although their formidable appearance frequently intimidates others at first, those who know them are aware of their tender and loving disposition.

The definition of what constitutes a truly exceptional Cane Corso has evolved, and this has been reflected in recent updates to the breed standard. The goal of these modifications is to improve the breed’s temperament and overall health so that the best qualities of this noble dog will be inherited by future generations.

We’ll examine every facet of the revised breed standard in this post, from expected behavior to physical traits. Whether you’ve owned a Cane Corso for a long time or are just inquisitive about the breed, knowing these updates will make you appreciate them even more.

The Italian Cane Corso is a strong, devoted breed with a long history, and its distinct traits and intended use are reflected in the most recent breed standard. The current standards for the perfect Cane Corso will be examined in this article, with an emphasis on the breed’s physical characteristics, temperament, and general health. Potential owners can better appreciate what makes this breed unique and how to give their Cane Corso companions the best care by being aware of these updates.

Application of the breed

One of the earliest members of the Molossus, a breed of dogs that also includes mastiffs, shepherds, and herd animals, is the Italian Cane Corso. It is thought that their ancestors were Roman fighting dogs, similar to gladiator dogs, that were employed as bait. The International Cynological Federation (FCI) No. 343’s first breed standard was approved in 1996. However, a new edition that differs significantly from the old one has been in effect since 2016.

The breed is classified under section 2.1, "Dogs of the Molossoid and Mastiff type with working trials," in the second group, "Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoids, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds," of the new standard. Previously, it was included in section 2.2 "Mountain type mastiffs," for which there are no working tests available. This is one of the most significant changes. Dogs were originally used for security, protection, shepherding, and law enforcement work; however, these days, representatives are positioned as workers with a range of applications.

While using the same standard as the FCI, the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) provides additional explanations for a few points.

Character of the breed representatives

Excellent protectors, Italian Cane Corsos bravely defend their family, territory, and, if available, livestock. Strong dogs respond to situations fast and are incredibly nimble. These are robust, resilient pets that can distinguish between a threat and a game. They also have excellent intuition and an innate protective reflex. Aggression is not shown by a healthy dog that is not in real danger or following its owner’s orders. Even when purchasing a puppy, you should observe the animal’s behavior; the youngster should be bold and inquisitive rather than fearful and hostile.

Puppies of Cane Corsos ought to be amiable and inquisitive, but not hostile.

General appearance and important proportions

The representatives are set up like big dogs; the males are 64–68 cm tall and weigh 45–50 kg, while the females are 60–64 cm tall and weigh 40–45 kg. The standard permits a 2 cm variation in either direction from the suggested values of the height at the withers. These are muscular, extremely athletic dogs that best embody the qualities of "strong and powerful." They can’t appear awkward; they still need to maintain some elegance despite their size and strength.

The pet’s general description highlights crucial dimensions that a purebred representative needs to uphold:

• rectangular body, the length of which should be 11% more than the height at the withers;
• the length of the head should be approximately 34-36% of the height of a particular animal at the withers.

Proportions of the head and skull

The unique characteristics of the animal’s appearance can be explained by its membership in the molosser group. The lines of the skull and muzzle converge on the large head of the Italian Cane Corso, but they do not form needless folds. The superciliary arches are well developed, and the foot area should be well defined. The following significant characteristics of the breed representative’s head are described in the standard:

• the skull is wide, the cheekbones are equal in length and width;
• the forehead is convex in front, there is a groove in the middle, which begins in the area of ​​the transition to the muzzle and continues to the middle of the skull;
• the muzzle is square (length equals width), significantly shorter than the cranial area of ​​the head (the ratio should be as close as possible to 1:2);
• the nose is black, but the new version of the standard states that if there is a gray mask, the color of the nose can be appropriate;
• the upper lips in a calm state of the dog have the shape of an inverted arc in front, hanging slightly on the sides;
• the jaws must be powerful and curved, with a standard small undershot bite (no more than 5 mm);

The Cane Corso needs to have a 5 mm or less undershot bite.

Neck and body

Breed representatives have a strong, muscular neck, which is characteristic of dogs of this type, and they have a very powerful appearance. It’s crucial to remember that its length should match the dog’s head length. The dog should have a robust build, a straight back, and a well-developed muscular corset. The Italian Cane Corso has a short loin and well-defined withers. A purebred representative should have a well-developed chest that extends to the elbows.

The chest of the Cane Corso should be broad and reach the elbows.

Ears and tail

The current document does not include the old standard, which called for docking the ears in a triangle shape and the tail at the level of the fourth vertebrae. It specifies unequivocally that the ears must be wide-set, triangular, and positioned above the cheekbones, and that the tail must have a natural length with a thick base and a high set without rings. The International Federation standard’s revised requirements are explained by the RKF on its official website:

• in countries where docking is prohibited by law, participation of such dogs in exhibition events is excluded, even if this is a traditional procedure for the breed;
• in countries where docking is allowed, pets with shortened tails and ears can be exhibited without restrictions on a par with dogs in their natural form.

Currently, the standard forbids docking a breed representative’s ears or tail.

It is crucial to realize that animals born before 2016, or prior to the cynological federation’s resolution being adopted, are exempt from this prohibition.

Although docking is not illegal in Russia, many breeders nevertheless oppose the practice in order to avoid making the animal’s international exhibition work more difficult.

Limbs

The Cane Corso has strong, muscular limbs, and their structure must meet a number of requirements. This is how the front pair ought to appear:

• shoulder blades with developed muscles, long;
• strong shoulders with straight forearms;
• flexible wrists;
• elastic and slightly sloping pasterns;
• paws are round, neat, "cat-like".

Conversely, the hind limbs need the following:

• wide and long thigh with a convex back;
• rather dry shin, without excess volume;
• angular and strong knees;
• sinewy metatarsus;
• hind legs not as compact as the front ones, more spaced.

Coat

The Cane Corso breed of dogs has short hair, a dense, glossy coat, and little undercoat. The standard lists several colors that are appropriate for representatives to wear:

• black – the predominant color, which in combination with small white markings is more common than others;
• shades of gray (lead gray, slate gray, light gray);
• shades of red (light, dark, rich red) – this color requires a black or gray mask that will not go beyond the line of the eyes;

A mask needs to be worn on the Red Cane Corso’s muzzle.

Only the chest, paws, and the bridge of the nose may have white markings.

Faults and defects of Cane Corso

Similar to any other breed, an animal that deviates from the norm is rated lower for it; the more severely the defect affects the animal’s appearance and health, the higher the rating it receives. Among the Cane Corso’s notable flaws or defects are:

• longitudinal lines of the muzzle and skull from above are parallel to each other or converge at too large an angle;
• incomplete pigmentation of the nose;
• excessively massive cheekbones;
• undershot bite more than 5 mm;
• scissor bite;
• ring or vertically set tail;
• large deviation in the height parameter at the withers;
• presence of a dewclaw – rudiment, the 5th finger, which is located above the foot;
• incorrect running – trot, which periodically changes to amble (horse running, when first both left limbs are brought forward, and then both right ones).

While it’s not a major negative, a straight bite is also not appreciated.

Disqualifying faults

The following is a list of the most serious flaws that can prevent an animal from being used in breeding projects and exhibitions:

• semi-long hair, the presence of fringe on the tail and hips;
• behavioral deviations (aggression or excessive shyness);
• undershot bite;
• divergent upper lines of the skull and muzzle;
• complete absence of pigment on the nose, complete or partial depigmentation of the eyelids;
• humped or sunken nose;
• strabismus;
• eyes interspersed with blue spots;
• no tail;
• short tail;
• excessively large white spots;
• coat color not included in the standard.

Feature	Description
Size	Large and muscular, typically weighing between 90-120 pounds.
Height	Male: 25-27 inches; Female: 23-25 inches at the shoulder.
Coat	Short, dense, and water-resistant; comes in various colors.
Temperament	Loyal, protective, and affectionate with family.
Exercise Needs	High; requires daily walks and playtime.
Grooming	Minimal; regular brushing helps reduce shedding.
Health Issues	Common issues include hip dysplasia and heart problems.

One breed that personifies loyalty and strength is the Italian Cane Corso. The revised breed standard places more emphasis on temperamental qualities as well as physical characteristics. These dogs are great companions for families who understand their needs because they are not only strong but also intelligent, protective, and both.

A significant revision to the breed standard addresses the Cane Corso’s proportions and balance. Breeders are urged to place a high value on canines with elegant movement in addition to strength. Maintaining this balance is crucial for their general health and well-being, enabling them to lead active lives.

Another significant component of the revised standard is temperament. Cane Corsos are renowned for their protective tendencies and loyalty. The importance of socialization and training in producing a well-rounded dog is now emphasized in the breed standard. A well-mannered Cane Corso can be a powerful protector as well as a kind family pet.

It is essential that prospective owners comprehend these updated standards as they contemplate adding a Cane Corso to their household. This breed does best in homes where they are loved, active, and mentally stimulated. A Cane Corso, given the correct training, can make a wonderful addition to any household.

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