A Cane Corso is a breed of Italian dogs that is affectionate and loyal.
This type of dog is highly regarded by the American Kennel Club or AKC for its intelligence. This specific trait makes it easy to train them. With a large and athletic body, this breed of dog requires high levels of physical activity or exercise. A Cane Corso has this certain powerful and imposing appeal. With this and their natural protective and leadership instincts, they are usually used as a watch dog or guard dog.
This dog breed is docile and affectionate, making them an ideal household pet. It is because of their abilities and loving nature that breeders take delight in raising and caring for them.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorizes dogs into 7 groups which include:
- herding
- hound
- non-sporting
- sporting
- terrier
- toy
- working
The Cane Corso is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a working dog back in 2010. This type of dog is also often associated in hunting as a large game hunter. In summary, this breed of dog is loved by most people because of their long list of attributes and traits that include:
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Noble
- Athletic
- Protective
- Affectionate
- Docile
- Powerful
- Active
- Strong
- Kind
- Sociable
- Courageous
- Alertness
- Playful
- Gentle
- Majestic
- Loving
Cane Corso history
The etymology of its name is derived from cana de corso, a term used for catch dogs in rural activities earlier on. This is different from the cana de camera which is the term used for catch dogs that are usually kept as a bodyguard.
The Cane Corso traces its roots back to Italy. It is a descendant of the canis pugnax breed of dogs. This explains why cane corsos are used for warfare during the early roman times. Simply put, this type of dog descends from the ancient Roman Molossus. This breed was often used in fights against lions and other wild beasts such as boars, stags, and bears as a form of entertainment that time. Other than as war dogs, this breed of dog is also used a big game hunter and a household guardian. After the hype of the games have died down, Italian farmers then used the dogs as a driver or as a mover of other animals and produce. They are also used to watch over cattle and swine. Due to the agricultural transformation of Italy, this breed was on the brink of extinction. It is only thanks to other dog owners in the mid-1970s that the breed is saved. It is known to be found only in Southern Italy prior to 1988 and has been featured in numerous Italian paintings.
This breed of dog came to America in the late 1980s. Since then, they are generally acknowledged as household pets, companions, and as a watch dog. They were recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2008 and by the American Kennel Club in 2010.
Intelligent and Affectionate dog
The American Kennel Club recognizes the breed as a working dog that provides protection to its owners. An ideal Cane Corso is alert, intelligent, easy to train, and has a body built for strong physical activities.
The conformation and proportions of the dog must be well-balanced. It is muscular, large-boned, and rectangular in shape. Its height should be 25 to 27.5 inches for males and 23.5 to 26 inches for females. Its weight should also be proportionate to its height. The acceptable colors stated by the AKC are black, shades of gray, shades of fawn, and red. For more information on its appearance, you can check the AKC website for the complete details.
For the dog’s temperament, it is intelligent, protective, affectionate, and gentle to its owners. They know when and not they should be aggressive. The dog has the perfect combination of ideal traits that makes it a great household pet for each one.