“Ancient Italian breed medium-large size Molossus Dog. Sturdy, with a strong skeleton. Muscular and athletic, it moves with considerable ease and elegance. It has always been a property watchdog and hunter of difficult game such as the wild boar.”
— Offical AKC Standard of the Cane Corso
History Of Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian mastiff breed with a lineage that traces back to Roman times. Originally bred as a war dog for the Roman legions, the Cane Corso descended from the now-extinct Canis Pugnax, a powerful Molossian-type dog. These dogs were used in battle, as well as for guarding property, livestock, and working on farms. Over the centuries, their role shifted from war companions to versatile working dogs in rural Italy, particularly in the southern regions like Puglia and Campania. Their name, "Cane Corso," roughly translates to "guardian dog" or "protector" in Latin, reflecting their primary function throughout history.
By the mid-20th century, modernization and changes in agricultural practices led to a sharp decline in the breed's numbers, nearly driving it to extinction. However, in the 1970s, a group of Italian dog enthusiasts began efforts to revive the Cane Corso, gathering the remaining specimens and starting a selective breeding program. The breed was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel Club in 1994 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010. Today, the Cane Corso is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and imposing presence, making it a popular choice for both protection and companionship worldwide.
(Click "Health" to read more health info from CCAA!)
What health conditions are common in Cane Corso?
Cane Corsi are unfortunately subjected to a few genetic health issues. This is why health testing is so important amongst this breed. Unfortunately some of these conditions we cannot test for yet (example: Epilepsy) however, we can breed carefully and follow pedigrees closely to avoid it as much as possible giving the best possible chances our dogs.
Some health conditions that we can test for and also are required by CCAA are:
- Hip Displaysia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cardiac
- Patellar Luxation
- And more!
Typically these are tested by sending radiographs to orthopedic veterinarians. Per OFA, here is a list of all tests they recommend for the breed. https://ofa.org/canecorso
(Click “Breed Standard” above to read the full standard!)
As we strictly adhere to the AKC standard, we do not support breeding for color intentionally, especially over health, temperament and structure. Merle especially is directly from unethical breeders crossing Great Danes into the breed. Merle has never existed within the breed. People that breed for color are always cutting corners and do not have the breeds' best interest in mind. This also applies for "Corso breeders" that breed off standard colors in other breeds.
Color: Acceptable colors are black, lighter and darker shades of gray, lighter and darker shades of fawn, and red. Brindling is allowed on all of these colors. Solid fawn and red, including lighter and darker shades, have a black or gray mask. The mask does not go beyond the eyes. There may be a white patch on the chest, throat, chin, backs of the pasterns, and on the toes. Disqualification - Any color with tan pattern markings as seen in black-and-tan breeds
Summary: The overall conformation of the dog should be well-balanced and proportionate. The foregoing description is that of the ideal Cane Corso; any deviation from the above described dog is penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Size, Proportion, Substance: A muscular, balanced, large-boned dog, rectangular in proportion. The length of the dog, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of buttock is approximately 10 percent greater than the height of the dog measured from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground. Height - Dogs 25 to 27½ inches; bitches 23½ to 26 inches. Weight - Proportionate to height.
Temperament: The Cane Corso as a protector of his property and owners is unequaled. Intelligent, he is easily trained. Noble, majestic and powerful his, presence is impressive. He is docile and affectionate to his owner, loving with children and family.