Cane Corso

Italian Corso Dog, Italian Mastiff
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Cane Corso is a large, powerful Italian breed with a history as a guardian and hunter. They are loyal and protective, requiring experienced owners and consistent training due to their size and temperament.

Origin and Purpose

  • The Cane Corso is an Italian breed that descends from Roman war dogs. They were originally bred to guard property, hunt large game, and herd livestock.

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female23.5 to 26 inches90 to 130 pounds
Male25 to 27.5 inches110 to 150 pounds

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • Black, gray, fawn, red, and brindle (various shades)
Type
  • Short, coarse
Length
  • Short

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • Moderate
Grooming
  • Weekly brushing
Drooling
  • Moderate

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Large, broad, and molossoid
Skull
  • Wide with a slight stop
Ears
  • Triangular, set high, may be cropped or uncropped
Eyes
  • Medium-sized, almond-shaped, dark color preferred
Nose
  • Large with wide nostrils, always black
Muzzle
  • Strong, square-shaped, shorter than the skull
Teeth
  • Scissor bite
Neck
  • Strong, muscular, and slightly arched
Forequarters
  • Strong and muscular
Fore Legs
  • Straight and strong
Hindquarters
  • Powerful and well-muscled
Hind Legs
  • Straight and parallel
Feet
  • Cat-like, with arched toes
Tail
  • Thick at the base, typically docked but may be left long
Gait
  • Powerful and efficient movement

Temperament

  • Assertive, intelligent, loyal, and protective. They require consistent training and socialization.

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Yes, they are very affectionate with their families
Good with Children
  • Good with children if properly socialized from a young age
Good with Dogs
  • Can be good with other dogs if properly socialized, but can be dominant
Good with Cats
  • May be good with cats if raised together
Openness to Strangers
  • Wary of strangers and naturally protective, requiring early socialization
Playfulness Level
  • Moderate
Protective Nature
  • Very Protective
Adaptability Level
  • Moderate

Working Roles

  • Guardian
  • Personal Protection
  • Herding
  • Hunting

Exercise Needs

  • High; requires a good amount of daily exercise

Health

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye problems
  • Demodectic Mange

Additional Notes

  • They require experienced owners, early socialization, and consistent training. They are also very intelligent and need a job to feel fulfilled.

References