Cane Corso the performance Italian Masitff, canis pugnax, Molosser, Mastini, roman

General: Medium-large sized mastiff, sturdy, compact, muscular and athletic. The Cane Corso moves with considerable ease for his impressive size. Its head is large and dignified with a proud expression. It has always been a property watchdog and hunter of large game. It originated in the central-southern regions of Italy where it was used as a catch and droving dog for cows and pigs raised in the wild. It also defended home, family, livestock and property from thieves. An adaptable and courageous worker able to withstand difficult environmental conditions and experiences. A strong build with elegance and beauty. It should not look like a Neapolitan Mastiff. Its skin is tight to the body and does not have wrinkles.

Origin: Italy. Until recently the oldest documentation citing the name of the "Cane Corso", consisted of a few poems and some prose dating from 1500. This allows us to belive the "Cane Corso", as the principal evidence of an ancestral breed which has maintained particular characteristics over the centuries, which take us back in time linking dog fanciers with the great civilizations of the past thru modern times.

History: It is said that its direct ancestor is the "Canis Pugnax" (the old Roman Molosser) he is the light version of the ancient Roman Molosser's employed in the hunting of large wild game. The Corso was also as a "auxiliary warrior" in battles for the Romans. For years he has been a companion and worker of the Italian people. His job was to protect property and cattle, work as a cattle drover, and for large game hunting. In the past this breed was common all over Italy. In the recent past he has found an excellent preservation area in Southern Italy. His name comes from the Latin word "Cohors" which means Guardian or Protector. All this leads us to believe a beautiful story but that more believable truth is the Cane Corso is a recently recreated breed. After World Wars I and II very few of the original dogs still remained so with many out crosses with other breeds Such as the Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Boxer, Pit Bull and a few other Mastiff Breeds rebuilt the Cane Corso as recent as the 1980's and 90's.

Temperament: Smart and strong watch and protection dog. The Corso is docile and affectionate with its owner, the children and with the family. If its necessary the Corso becomes a terrible and brave protector of people, home and property. He is easily trained but is a large and strong dog.

Size: 85-130 pounds.

Today's Uses: The Corso is used in many protection sports and has found itself to be a competitive weight puller. Many Corso Show Champions also earn many working titles and are used in alot of working events to retain the dog with all its qualities.

Corso " "

Owned by Steve Weise

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