Cane Corso Dog

The Cane Corso Dog is a newly reconstructed breed originated from the ancient Molosser-type Roman war dog Canis Pugnax. The modern variety of the Cane Corso Dog was developed in the 1980s when devoted breeders preserved the disappearing breed. The Cane Corso differs much from its ferocious ancestor. It has never been a fighting dog; its function were controlling large stock, hunting large game, guarding the property, and protecting the owner.

The Cane Corso Dog is a large and massive breed. Purebred males stand from 24 to 27 inches at the withers and weigh 90-110 pounds. Females are 23 to 25 inches at the withers and 90-100 pounds in weight. Like all large dogs, Cane Corso Dogs are prone to bone and joint problems. Their owners should be very careful when playing with a puppy. High jumps and long active games can be dangerous for the growing bones of the puppy. When buying a pet of this breed, it’s important to make sure that its parents were checked for hip and elbow dysplasia.

This breed is not yet recognized by all kennel clubs and associations, as it’s relatively new. The FCI, APRI, NKC, and ACR recognize it in the Mastiff Group; the AKC lists it in the Working Group; the CKC – in the Miscellaneous Class; the UKC – as Guardian Dogs. Breed standards may vary a little depending on the registry, but the general appearance of the breed is uniform. The Cane Corso Dog is very muscular, but more athletic than most other Mastiff-type breeds.

The characteristic feature of the breed is a large and massive head. The width of the head should be nearly equal to its length. If ears are left in a natural shape, they are dropped forward; cropped ears stand erect. The tail is usually docked in Cane Corso Dogs. Cane Corso Dogs come in two basic coat colors: fawn and black. Blue and formentino are the diluted black and fawn. Light-colored dogs have a darker mask. Fawn, blue, and red dogs can be brindle. The eye and nose color in the Cane Corso Dog match the coat color.