Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff, Corso dog)

Introduction

Cane Corso

(Italian Mastiff, Italian Corso Dog, Chien de Cour Italien)

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Corsos were originally found Puglia, Sannio, Lucania and Calabria, the ancient region of Capitanata and the generic name for this breed was Cane Corso.

Although the adjective 'corso' means 'corsican' in Italian, the breed's name is unrelated to Corsica.

"Themis"
Les Veilleurs de Sirius, France

However, its true etymology is still uncertain. Plausible explanations say that it derives from an ancient celtic or provenzal word, related to the english word "coarse" or from the latin cohors (a military unit of the Roman army) suggesting its ancient function as a bodyguard or protection dog.

According to a third theory the breed's name shares the same root as the italian noun corso (from the Greek kórtos, meaning "enclosure"), again referring to the dog's function of guard dog that was kept chained up or within an enclosure.

The Cane Corso is a medium-large guard dog native to Southern Italy. His stable temperament and powerful body make him particularly appreciated as guard dog and protection dog.

Dog Breeds of the World > Guard dogs, Molossers and Italian dog breeds > Cane Corso

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"Zora"
Les Veilleurs de Sirius, France

The Corso is a medium to large sized molosser breed, strongly built, but elegant and distinguished in appearance. His muscles are long and powerfull, expressing agility and endurance.

The muzzele is clearly shorter than the skull with a ratio muzzle/skull of approximately 1 /2, ideally 3.4 /10. The total length of the skull should ideally be 3.6/10 of the height at the withers.

Like all molosser breeds, the Cane Corso is generally a quiet dog, barking only to alert to an out-of-the-ordinary situation. With their owners and their human family corsos are docile and affectionate. However, prospective owners should known that these dogs require a great deal of attention and training. Some previous experience with dominant dogs can proof useful, as corsos can be very dominant, especially males.

Appearance

Character and Temperament

External Links:

International Corso Federation
Il Contado del Molise
Your Guide to Italy: an informative website about everything related to Italy and the Italian culture.

See also:

Italian dog breeds
Neapolitan Mastiff
Molosser breeds

brindle cane corso
Les Veilleurs de Sirius, France

Cane Corso
(Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)
(Hardcover)
by Emily Bates
More information:

Origin and Etymology

Accepted colors include: black, various shades of grey (lead-grey, slate-grey and light grey), light fawn and gray brindle. A small white patch on the chest and feet tips is tolerated. In fawn cane corsos a white patch on the nose bridge is also tolerated. Fawn colored cane corsos have a black mask that should not extend further than the eyes.

Fawn Cane corso with black mask
Photo by Callalloo Candcy