Cane Corso
An Italian mastiff descended from Roman war dogs, and the name traces to a Latin phrase for bodyguard dog. Serious, and it takes its property personally.
Photo by Steve-©-foto, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff descended from Roman war dogs, used on farms in southern Italy to guard property, drive cattle and hunt boar. The name comes from a Latin root meaning guardian or bodyguard.
It nearly disappeared in the mid twentieth century and was rebuilt from the 1970s. At eighty eight to a hundred and twenty pounds it is a serious dog and it is increasingly popular, which is a combination worth thinking about carefully.
Temperament
Confident, watchful and strongly bonded. Corsos are affectionate with their families and naturally protective, and they assess strangers rather than greeting them.
This breed requires an experienced owner. It is powerful, territorial and quick to act, and a Corso without early socialisation and consistent training is genuinely dangerous rather than merely difficult. They can be dog aggressive, particularly with the same sex.
Care and grooming
A short stiff coat, a weekly brush, moderate shedding. Easy.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common, entropion and ectropion occur, and bloat is a serious risk in a deep chested dog this size. Idiopathic epilepsy and demodectic mange are also seen. Nine to twelve years is the expectation.
Living and exercise
An hour or more a day plus training work, and much less while growing.
Secure fencing and a household that will do the socialisation properly. They are restricted or banned in some jurisdictions and insurance can be difficult, both worth checking before buying.
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