Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an Italian mastiff-type breed — a large, muscular guardian with a broad head and a serious, watchful presence.

History

It descends from the war and farm dogs of Italy, kept to guard property, drive livestock and hunt large game long after its Roman-era ancestors. The name comes from the Latin for a guardian or protector, and the breed nearly died out before Italian enthusiasts revived it in the late twentieth century.

Temperament

The breed is known for being loyal, self-assured and deeply attached to its family, with a strong protective instinct toward strangers. That instinct makes early socialising and consistent handling essential rather than a nicety.

Care and training

It needs real daily exercise and firm, reward-based training from an experienced owner who can give a powerful dog clear rules. The short coat is easy to keep with occasional brushing.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, bloat and eyelid conditions common to heavy-headed breeds. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.