Meet the Cane Corso Italiano



The Cane Corso Italiano (breed standard), as it’s known today, is an ancient Italian versatile farm and hunting dog. It has been referred to in paintings and historic manuscripts as the Cane Corso, Branchiero Siciliano, Cane Corso di Puglia and Mastino Corso since Roman times, as these are regional expressions for the same dog. Up until 1988, many historians and breed fanciers believe, the ancient dogs depicted from centuries ago still remained a pure unspoiled breed on isolated Italian farms. For centuries, Corsos were all-around farm dogs and large game hunters. The average farmer needed the Corso to herd semi-wild cattle, pigs, and goats. They were also used to provide protection over the livestock and property from poachers or predators. Corsos were prized scent hunters and used to course down large game. These athletic molosser types still retain many of their ancient working drives and enjoy competing in activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, herding, hunting and catch work.

The Cane Corso Italiano is strongly devoted to its family. They want to be close to their owners and will often follow them around the house or yard. They will give themselves completely to their owners, but will typically remain aloof and suspicious of strangers. The CCs are still a more primitive working protection type of breed. This makes them very intuitive to even the most minor changes in their environment. A CC may react cautiously at furniture moved out of place or a new foreign object placed in the room.

Cane Corso Italianos require extensive socialization. Most CCs, if not socialized properly, can become nervous, fearful, overly cautious, or show aggressive behaviors in new surroundings or with strangers. In the beginning of CC ownership, it is common for your CC to have separation anxiety because they develop such a serious and rapid attachment to their new parents. The CC's aloof and suspicious personality with strangers and different places can be greatly reduced or eliminated by proper and regular positive socialization.

The CCs are naturally protective of their families and property, but are considered to be a quiet breed. They remain alert, but are not prone to barking for unjust causes. The CC can be a dominant type of dog, especially with intact male CCs. This is why if you choose to buy from a breeder, it is imperative to research the breeders and make sure they are breeding dogs with even temperaments. The majority of CCs are affectionate and gentle with the family. Most CCs are very gentle and fond of children.










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