Noble, intelligent, loyal, strong these are some of the most common words used to describe the Italian mastiff cane corso of ancient ancestry. Tall and protective, Corsos have been war dogs, big game hunters, guardians, farm workers and more throughout their long history. After nearly disappearing after the war, they have exploded in popularity in recent years, taking a place among the 25 most popular dog breeds in America. In short, the cane corso is a lot of dogs that require a careful owner willing to put in plenty of training and social time. Here’s everything you need to know about the manor guard’s walking stick, Corso.
A Brief History of Cane Corso
The history of Cane corso dates back to ancient Rome and beyond. Most experts believe they are descendants of the now-extinct Greek Molossus dog, which later became the Roman “pugnaces” (a type of dog used to attack wild animals) after mating with pit bulls from England. Historically, they fought alongside Roman legions, hunting wild boars and other game, and later, guarding sheep, property, and people on farms. Nearly extinct after World War II, the Corso experienced a revival in Italy in the 1970s and was brought to the United States in the 1980s.
Cane corso today
Regardless of the etymology of the name, cane corso (pronounced Kah-nay corso) are working dogs through and through, whose instinct is to protect their family. Corsos are the quintessential mastiff in every way: large and impressive, intelligent and affectionate, and very loyal to their people. Standing approximately 27 inches tall and weighing between 80 and 120 pounds, with a large, square head and deep chest, an adult Corsos is tall. But ask any Corso owner, and you’ll hear a recurring theme: a 9-year-old named Menace was an affectionate puppy.
Cane corso personality
Like every creature in the sun, every animal is different. He has three of his own, one of which is wary of anything and the other who rarely barks. One of her dogs loves chasing balls and Frisbees, while the other two have absolutely no interest in picking them up. When they have work to do (even as simple as daily training and skill practice) and are serious about socializing, corsos tend to have an easy-going temperament He emphasizes, “These are family dogs. They love their people. Yes, they are guard dogs, they will protect their homes, but that doesn’t make them aggressive.” In fact, with early socialization and proper training and care, Cossos can do well around strangers, other animals, and even calm children.
What does it take to take care of cane corso?
The cane corso for sale are not suitable for beginners as they require hands-on, ongoing training. These are not “set and forget” dogs, you can take them to a puppy etiquette class when they are young and let them live their lives. But there are very few dogs. “They love their families,” “They’re not, you know, bouncing off walls with energy. But they’re working dogs. So they need work.”
Training, socializing and exercising
Corsos are very smart and require ongoing, lifelong training from an owner who has clear expectations. Without guidance, they will act instinctively, viewing anything outside their home and property as a potential threat. Socialization must begin at an early age and continue throughout their lives. It is important to introduce your dog to as many people, noises, situations and everyday objects as possible in a calm and controlled manner.
Common cane corso health problems
- Joint problems: Like many large dogs, the Cossos are at higher risk for joint problems. The extra weight can exacerbate arthritis, hip dysplasia and elbow problems that are common in this breed. This is why a healthy, precisely distributed diet must be provided. You may also want to avoid high-intensity exercise, such as running, which can damage your joints. (However, if you’re an active person, he says corsos do make great hiking companions once they reach adulthood and their growth plates have closed.) Minimize jumping from heights like couches and car hatchbacks; this can lead to joint and spinal damage.
- Bloat: Like many large and giant breeds, corsos are at risk for bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists. Bloat actually refers to two, often combined conditions, gastric distention and volvulus. Stomach distension occurs when the stomach swells from being filled with gas. Gastric distention and volvulus (GDV) occur when a gas-filled stomach rotates, blocking blood flow. Symptoms may include drooling, retching, abdominal swelling, hunched back, irritability, and difficulty breathing.
- Anxiety: While not quite the Velcro dog in the vein of vizslas, cane corsos don’t like being separated from their families. Due to their family-oriented nature, they tend to suffer from separation anxiety if they are not properly taught how to spend time alone.
