Breed profile: Cane Corso Italiano

Fascinating mountains of muscle or a potential danger? While on the one hand the tiniest of dogs are highly sought after, there are also more and more people who warm to the complete opposite: the massive, well-muscled molosser breeds have their very own circle of admirers. And one breed that is rather new in this country is becoming ever more popular: the Cane Corso Italiano. Breeders and enthusiasts in particular praise the Cane Corso as a friendly, calm family dog, yet in several federal states it is classed as a listed dog. And, as is usually the case, the truth probably lies somewhere in between.

A brief breed history

The Cane Corso Italiano probably goes back to the ancient Roman molosser dogs that are already depicted on antique frescoes. In the south of Italy the typical Cane Corso eventually took shape: for centuries they were kept as house and farm dogs, and they were also used as hunting, livestock-guarding or droving dogs.

With increasing industrialisation the number of Corso dogs dwindled more and more, and soon the breed was threatened with extinction. At the end of the 20th century, dedicated breed lovers began to reunite the scattered stock and to make the survival of the ancient Italian dog breed possible. Finally, in 1996, the Cane Corso Italiano was recognised as a breed in its own right.

The appearance of the Cane Corso

In its appearance the Cane Corso is a typical molosser: muscular, with a robust build and a mighty skull, it cuts a truly imposing figure. Fully grown, the Corso dog reaches up to 70 cm at the shoulder, and a weight of up to 50 kg is not uncommon. Although it is massive, it is by no means clumsy. Instead, it impresses with good proportions and an athletic figure. Thanks to its centuries of use as a versatile working dog, there are so far no bred-in anatomical exaggerations: build and appearance are powerful, yet always harmonious and natural.

Since the breed is still relatively rare in Germany, many of the dogs used for breeding are imported from abroad and correspondingly cropped at the tail and ears – which gives the Cane Corso a particularly sharp exterior. But since this practice has long been banned in Germany, it is likely that the Cane Corso with its natural floppy ears and long, slender tail will increasingly move in with German dog owners.

The character traits of the Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is regarded as a friendly, even-tempered companion in all situations, which nothing throws off balance so quickly. This molosser is not a lazy couch potato despite its calm nature, however: through its history as a working dog, the Cane Corso still has a strongly pronounced love of work and demands to be kept occupied accordingly.

A pronounced protective and guarding instinct is innate in Corso dogs. If danger threatens, they protect their family and its property instinctively and uncompromisingly. Groundless aggression, however, is far from a well-raised Cane Corso: in everyday life it shows itself to be rather relaxed and friendly – both towards its people and towards all animals that belong to the household.

Between family and breed list

When you hear enthusiasts of the breed rave about the calm, friendly nature of the Cane Corso, it is hard to comprehend that these very animals are classed as listed dogs in Bavaria and Brandenburg. But, as is so often the case, it lies first and foremost in the hands of the owners whether a Cane Corso puppy becomes an exemplary family dog or a dangerous muscleman.

The imposing appearance of this breed alone should make clear to every prospective owner that solid training work has to be done here. For once these massive bodies get moving, they cannot be stopped by a tug on the lead, but only by well-trained basic commands. 50 kilograms of dog can knock people over even in play or during a joyful greeting. That is why (as with most molosser dogs) a loving yet consistent upbringing has to take place as early as puppyhood. Since this is not exactly easy, particularly for first-time dog owners, it makes sense to bring in specialist staff who have experience in training molossers. Then nothing stands in the way of a life as a friendly family dog.

Unfortunately, the reality often looks different: like many other powerful dog breeds with an imposing exterior, the Cane Corso also attracts people with little expertise who want a „threatening“ looking dog at their side as a prop for their own ego. At present this development is still reasonably under control, since this still-rare breed is so far barely bred by backyard breeders and responsible breeders normally select their prospective owners thoroughly. Nevertheless, the number of „wildly“ offered stud dogs and of Cane Corso dogs given up out of being overwhelmed is already increasing. Since their massive build genuinely becomes a potential danger when kept incorrectly, responsible handling and keeping (often combined with proof of expertise depending on the federal state) is indispensable.