| Alternative Name Cane di Macellaio, Italian
Corso Dog, Italian Mastiff, Sicilian Branchiero
Basic Info
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed used mainly as a
guard dog. The dog is a large mastiff-type dog breed.
Breed standards are still developing internationally,
and they vary somewhat among different breed clubs. For
example, the FCI standard calls for a height at the
withers from 58 to 68 cm (22.8 to 26.7 inches), with
bitches in the lower ranges and males in the higher
ranges, whereas the AKC affiliated club (International
Cane Corso Federation) calls for 24.4-26.8 inches (62 to
68 cm).[1] Similarly, different organizations call for
weights in various ranges from 36-63.5 kg (80 to 140
pounds). Its ears are naturally dropped forward, but
many breeders crop them short and close to the head so
that the remaining stubs stand upright.
Behavior
This breed can be naturally aggressive with strangers
unless well socialized from an early age. The Corso's
ancestors were bred as guard dogs and large game hunting
dogs, so proper training is a requirement or the dog may
become a threat to those around him(if not raised in a
stable environment). The Corso will not run from a
fight, nor will he start one, he will not back down from
a challenge, and he will also show a reserved attitude
towards strangers. In the US many breeders have abused
the strong nature of these animals. Their natural good
temperament can be bred to be less stable and thus
should be considered.
History
Sixteenth-century breeders in Sicily recreated this
breed in an attempt to match the ancient, now-extinct,
herding breed Cane di Macellaio. It was used as a drover
to move herds of cattle, and it might have been used in
dog fighting. The breed is extremely loyal to its master
and thus can be aloof to strangers. The breed is not
naturally aggressive, but protective. In fact the dog
was not a fighting breed, but it served many purposes
including herding, wild game hunting, and guarding
farmers from bandits (mafias) as they traveled to and
from their fields. This breed requires obedience
training and responds well to intelligent trainers.
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