If you’re a dog owner, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Cane Corsos. These Italian mastiffs are well-known for their impressive size and strength. But what were cane corsos bred for?
The Cane Corsos were bred for hunting large games, guarding property, and for personal protection. The cane corsos are a breed that originated in Italy, at the time of the Roman Empire. These dogs were bred for their strength, agility, and courage.
The Cane Corso descends from the Roman canis Pugnax. The name “Cane Corso” derives from the Latin word cohorts, meaning “protector” or “guardian”. The Cane Corso is a member of the Molosser breed group, which includes other mastiff-type dogs such as the Neapolitan Mastiff.
But there is a lot more to know,
In this post, we’ll take a look at the history and purpose of the Cane Corso breed. So if you’re curious about these fascinating dogs, keep reading!
The History of The Cane Corso Breed
The cane corsos were originally bred in the southern regions of Italy, where they were used by farmers and ranchers to protect their property and livestock. They were also used by Italian hunters to track and bring down large games such as wild boar and bear.
Today, the Cane Corso is still prized for its hunting ability, but it is also a popular companion dog in Italy and other parts of Europe. This breed is not yet well-known in the US but it is growing in popularity as more people learn about its unique qualities.
The cane Corso’s origins go back to Greek and Etruscan times when it was possible to find the first signs of what will become the cane, Corso. Even if the name come from Latin “cohors” or “guardian”, probably the most ancient name is that of “Canis pugnax”.
The Cane Corso is a Molosser, and more precisely it is the direct descendant of the old “Canis pugnax”, a dog used in the past by Etruscans and Romans on the battlefield. These dogs were used as means to breach the enemy lines by carrying buckets of flaming oil strapped to their backs.
The Cane Corso is a dog that is still used for hunting big game as well as working alongside law enforcement and the military. It is a dog with a great temperament that can make an excellent family companion if properly trained and socialized.
The Cane Corso, thanks to his extraordinary versatility, has been used for centuries in many different ways: as house guardian, property and goods defender, personal guard, hunting dog, and friend.
Some of the most important moments in the history of the Cane Corso are:
- The first time the Cane Corso was mentioned in a document dating back to 1800
- The recognition of the breed by the American Kennel Club in 2010
Who Brought The Cane Corso to The US?
In 1988, a Neapolitan Mastiff breeder from Sicily, Michael Sottile brought the Cane Corso to the United States. After having a chat with a local farmer, Sottile decided to bring the Corso to the US, and since then the breed grew in popularity.
The Cane Corso is now a well-established breed in the US, with dedicated breeders and fanciers working to promote and protect the breed. If you are thinking of adding a Cane Corso to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. This is a powerful dog with a strong hunting instinct, so it is not right for everyone.
In 2004, the American Kennel Club (AKC) included the Cane Corso in their Foundation Stock Service program. This was a significant step toward full AKC recognition, which occurred in 2010.
What Caused the Cane Corso to Become Almost Extinct?
The breed was originally used for hunting and defense but nearly became extinct by the 1970s. There are several theories about what caused the decline of the cane Corso population.
- One theory suggests that the breed was crossbred with other breeds, causing the cane Corso to lose its original purpose (being a guard dog) and become less popular.
- Another theory claims that the breed was simply too aggressive and difficult to train, making them unpopular with owners.
Whatever the cause, the cane Corso population declined drastically until a few dedicated breeders Professor Francesco Ballotta and Doctor Antonio Morsiani began working to revive the breed in the 1980s.
The breed has since been gaining in popularity, although they are still considered a rare breed. Cane Corsos are now recognized by the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club.
What Makes This Dog Breed So Special?
This dog breed is so special because of what they were bred for.
They are known for their:
- Strength. They were bred to be able to take down large animals such as wild boars and bears.
- Agility. They are quick and agile, making them great at hunting and guarding.
- Courage. They are not afraid to stand up to anyone or anything, making them great protectors.
- Intelligence. They are very intelligent dogs that are easy to train.
- Loyalty. They are fiercely loyal to their family and will do anything to protect them.
- Athleticism. They are very athletic dogs that need a lot of exercise.
Brief History of The Cane Corso
How Are They Used Today?
Today, they are still used for these purposes, but they are also popular companions and family pets. Cane Corsos are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs that make great companions for active people and families.
What Two Breeds Make a Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is a cross between the Old Roman Mastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff. These two breeds were originally bred for different purposes, but they share many similarities. The Old Roman Mastiff was bred for battle, while the Neapolitan Mastiff was bred for guarding and protection.
The Cane Corso is a large Italian Molosser, which was derived from the Old Roman Mastiff. This breed is considered to be one of the most versatile working dogs in the world.
Is It Hard To Train The Cane Corso Breed?
The cane Corso is an intelligent breed that is easily trained. However, they can be stubborn and require a firm hand. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners. Corsos are protective of their family and home and can be aggressive toward strangers if not properly socialized. Early socialization and obedience training are essential for this breed.
Is The Cane Corso A Friendly Dog?
The Cane Corso is a large, loyal, and protective dog breed. They were originally bred in Italy for guarding property and hunting wild boar and other large game. Today, they are still used as working dogs in many different capacities, but they have also become popular family pets.
Interested to know how to stop your dog from barking continuously at night? Check out my other article where I explain why your dog is barking continuously, and what you can do to prevent it.
Cane Corsos are gentle and loving with their family, but they can be aloof and suspicious of strangers. They need to be properly socialized from a young age to ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded adults. With the right training and socialization, a Cane Corso can make a great family pet.
How Big Do Cane Corsos Get?
On average Cane Corso weighs anywhere between 110 to 150 pounds. However, some Corsos have been known to reach up to 200 pounds. They are one of the largest dog breeds in the world and are definitely not a breed for first-time dog owners.
Is Cane Corso Breed Related To Pitbull?
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff. Though often associated with the Pit Bull, the Cane Corso is actually not related to the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Does Cane Corsos Drool?
The answer is both yes and no. If you have ever seen a Cane Corso, you know that they have some pretty large jowls.
And what do big jowls mean?
Lots of drool! But, the good news is that Cane Corsos are relatively easy to train not drool all over the place.
Final Thoughts
The cane Corso breed is one of the most interesting and misunderstood breeds around. They are often mistaken for being a Pit Bull or Rottweiler, but they are actually two different breeds mixed together. This unique heritage makes them an interesting dog to own and train.
They have been used throughout history as war dogs, guard dogs, and hunting dogs. Today, they are often used as family pets because of their gentle nature and loving personality.
If you’re thinking about adding a cane Corso to your family, be prepared for some hard work – these dogs require a lot of training and exercise. But the end result is well worth it – a loyal friend who will protect your home and family.
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