not every CANE CORSO is created equal
HISTORY + STANDARD
Who Is The Cane Corso?
Noble, majestic, and powerful in presence, the Cane Corso is a muscular and large-boned breed. One of two native Italian "mastiff type" dogs that descended from the Roman canis Pugnaces. The breed's coat is short but not smooth (like the coat of a cow), very coarse and thick in order to be perfectly waterproof. It can be black, gray (blue), fawn or red, with brindle variations and a black or gray mask also acceptable.
A Look Back
The Cane Corso is a native of Italy. He was a property watchdog and hunted wild boar. Prior to 1988, the Cane Corso was known only in southern Italy, and was considered very rare, but has still been featured in many paintings throughout Italy’s history.
Right Breed for You?
Intelligent, the Cane Corso is easily trained. As a large and athletic breed, they need a lot of exercise. They are affectionate to their owner and bond closely with children and family. Cane Corsos are light shedders, which make grooming simple – all they need is an occasional brushing.
In the News
June 2010 was an exciting and important month for the Cane Corso breed. Although it had been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 2009, June 30th, 2010 marked its induction into the AKC's Working Group. The breed was showcased in the July 2010 issue of AKC Gazette, the American Kennel Club's monthly publication. To read the July 2010 AKC Gazette Cane Corso feature article in its entirety, click here.
The TodayShow.com also published an online article in June 2010 about the Cane Corso breed and its acceptance into the AKC's Working Group. To read the June 2010 TodayShow.com article discussing the Cane Corso breed, click here.
Before detailing the breed history and standard for the Cane Corso, below are some quick facts about the breed, courtesy of the American Kennel Club.
The Cane Corso's direct ancestor is the "Canis Pugnax" (the old Roman Molossian) of which he is the light version employed in the hunting of large wild animals and also as an "auxiliary warrior" in battles. For years he has been a precious companion of the Italic populations. Employed as property, cattle and personal guard besides being used for hunting purposes too.
In the past, this breed was common all over Italy as an ample iconography and historiography testify. In the recent past, he has found an excellent preservation area in Southern Italy, expecially in Puglia, Lucania and Sannio.
Click anywhere on this line to read: GET TO KNOW THE CANE CORSO, PER THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO BREED STANDARD, PER THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB FLIER
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO BREED STANDARD, PER THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB in Adobe Acrobat
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO FCI BREED STANDARD NO. 343, PER ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana)
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO FCI BREED STANDARD NO. 343, PER ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) in Adobe Acrobat. Please note that this was effective 06.06.2007 through 12.31.2015.
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO FCI BREED STANDARD NO. 343, PER ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) in Adobe Acrobat. Please note that this became effective 01.01.2016.
Noble, majestic, and powerful in presence, the Cane Corso is a muscular and large-boned breed. One of two native Italian "mastiff type" dogs that descended from the Roman canis Pugnaces. The breed's coat is short but not smooth (like the coat of a cow), very coarse and thick in order to be perfectly waterproof. It can be black, gray (blue), fawn or red, with brindle variations and a black or gray mask also acceptable.
A Look Back
The Cane Corso is a native of Italy. He was a property watchdog and hunted wild boar. Prior to 1988, the Cane Corso was known only in southern Italy, and was considered very rare, but has still been featured in many paintings throughout Italy’s history.
Right Breed for You?
Intelligent, the Cane Corso is easily trained. As a large and athletic breed, they need a lot of exercise. They are affectionate to their owner and bond closely with children and family. Cane Corsos are light shedders, which make grooming simple – all they need is an occasional brushing.
In the News
June 2010 was an exciting and important month for the Cane Corso breed. Although it had been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 2009, June 30th, 2010 marked its induction into the AKC's Working Group. The breed was showcased in the July 2010 issue of AKC Gazette, the American Kennel Club's monthly publication. To read the July 2010 AKC Gazette Cane Corso feature article in its entirety, click here.
The TodayShow.com also published an online article in June 2010 about the Cane Corso breed and its acceptance into the AKC's Working Group. To read the June 2010 TodayShow.com article discussing the Cane Corso breed, click here.
Before detailing the breed history and standard for the Cane Corso, below are some quick facts about the breed, courtesy of the American Kennel Club.
- The Cane Corso is AKC's 165th breed.
- At the October 2009 AKC Board Meeting, the Cane Corso became eligible for AKC registration and was eligible for competition in the Working Group, effective June 30, 2010. There was an open registry for the breed until July 1, 2015.
- At the October 2007 Board Meeting, the Cane Corso Association of America served as the AKC Parent Club to represent the Cane Corso and was approved to compete in the Miscellaneous Class, effective July 1, 2008.
- At the October 2005 Board Meeting, the Cane Corso became eligible to compete in AKC Companion Events, effective July 1, 2006.
- The Cane Corso has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.
- The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian Molossian.
- Country of origin is Italy.
- Prior to 1988, the Cane Corso was known only in southern Italy and, even there, was considered very rare.
- The breed has been featured in many paintings, including ones by Bartolomeo Pinelli.
- The breed's coat is short but not smooth (like the coat of a cow), very coarse and thick in order to be perfectly waterproof. During winter, a thick undercoat is present.
The Cane Corso's direct ancestor is the "Canis Pugnax" (the old Roman Molossian) of which he is the light version employed in the hunting of large wild animals and also as an "auxiliary warrior" in battles. For years he has been a precious companion of the Italic populations. Employed as property, cattle and personal guard besides being used for hunting purposes too.
In the past, this breed was common all over Italy as an ample iconography and historiography testify. In the recent past, he has found an excellent preservation area in Southern Italy, expecially in Puglia, Lucania and Sannio.
Click anywhere on this line to read: GET TO KNOW THE CANE CORSO, PER THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO BREED STANDARD, PER THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA, AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB FLIER
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO BREED STANDARD, PER THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB in Adobe Acrobat
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO FCI BREED STANDARD NO. 343, PER ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana)
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO FCI BREED STANDARD NO. 343, PER ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) in Adobe Acrobat. Please note that this was effective 06.06.2007 through 12.31.2015.
Click anywhere on this line to read: CANE CORSO FCI BREED STANDARD NO. 343, PER ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) in Adobe Acrobat. Please note that this became effective 01.01.2016.
THE CANE CORSO IN ART + PHOTOGRAPHY
This gallery is dedicated to sharing historical references of the Cane Corso, its predecessors and contributors to our present-day breed. It includes photos of historical dogs, artwork, sculpture, paintings, etc. Most of the photos in this gallery are very small, dated and poor quality but important to our breed's story nonetheless. There may also be a handful of duplicates. These photos have come from many different sources, including fellow Cane Corso breeders and enthusiasts. Costa Bel Cane Corso thanks everyone who has taken the time to gather these photos and help piece our breed's fascinating history. We hope you enjoy this collection.