A powerful descendant of gladiator dogs, an indispensable guard and protector, a loyal and infinitely loyal friend, deprived of unmotivated aggression. This characteristic of the Cane Corso dog breed often sounds from the lips of the owners of these animals. How objective is the opinion of loving hosts? What are the advantages of this giant? Do breed representatives have any flaws? How to call this unusually beautiful animal? We will try to give detailed answers to these and many other questions of animal lovers in this review.
The dog Cane Corso is the national pride of Italian dog handlers. This is the 14th breed that was bred in sunny Italy. She was assigned to the II group “Schnauzers and Pinschers, Molossoid, Swiss cattle and mountain and dogs” according to the ICF classification, namely to the II section - “Molossoid”.
A bit of history
The ancestors of the Italian dog Cane Corso are the descendants of ancient dogs from the Himalayas and Tibet. Their distribution in Europe and Asia increased the popularity of animals. Powerful, large, strong and fearless dogs were used for hunting, guarding houses, bullying big game, protecting people.
Cane Corso (the photo we posted in the review), which appeared on the territory of southern Italy, was the direct ancestors of the etching dogs, which in ancient Rome were used in dog battles. For the first time, dogs resembling cane corso were described as early as the 13th century. In the Middle Ages, quite often their images appeared on the arms of Italian aristocratic families.
In the mid-sixteenth century, a naturalist scientist from Germany Gessner described the Cane Corso as animals with such enormous strength and power that allowed them to easily cope with oxen and hunt wild boars. Judging by the description, the Cane Corso in Italy was truly a multifunctional animal: it was used for driving and grazing cattle, for protecting castles, for hunting wild boars and bears, for baiting lions, for participating in dog fights.
The years after the end of the war (1941-1945) became a black bar in the history of the breed: the number of animals fell sharply, and the breed was on the verge of extinction. Only in the seventies of the XX century, a group of enthusiasts, led by Giovanni Bonatti, began to actively revive the population.
Its further development is clearly visible in the following events:
- 1984 - adopted the interim breed standard.
- From 1989 to 1992, the Italian Kennel Club hosted the Open Breed Book. The revival of the breed was clearly indicated by the fact that over 500 purebred animals were officially registered during this period.
- 1994 - The breed is officially recognized by the Italian Cynological Association.
- 1995 - Creation of SACC (Cane Corso Society of Lovers).
- 1996 - The breed was officially recognized by the International Cynological Organization.
Breed description
Cane Corso is a very large, full of self-confidence dog, distinguished by a keen attentive look and playing with powerful muscles under smooth skin. Looking at this handsome man, who is always balanced and calm, it is unlikely that anyone will have doubts about the fate of a daredevil who decides to show even a hint of aggression towards his master.
Many canine publications publish a description of Cane Corso. This noble guard dog, distinguished by its amazing facial expressions and surprisingly expressive look, is quite worthy of such attention to its person. Cane Corso, whose photo often adorns the pages of dog books, is really very beautiful. Animals have a strong, we can say, athletic physique: well-developed chest and muscles, lack of skin folds.
Representatives of the breed have a straight short back, long limbs, not inferior in power to other parts of their body. The tail is set rather high with a seal at the base. Cane Corso belongs to molosses, especially large animals.
The Cane Corso standard sets strict requirements for the breed. The slightest deviations from it are considered disqualifying factors. The growth of cane corso at the withers is 70 cm. It should be noted here that these dogs grow up to two years. Therefore, the growth indicator in the standard refers to the adult Cane Corso.
Head
Like almost all dogs, the head of the Cane Corso is large, the face is slightly flattened and upturned, square. The skull is quite wide, the forehead is convex on the front side, and closer to the crown it becomes flatter. The neck is powerful and muscular. Docked Cane Corso ears have a triangle shape. It should be noted here that the Cane Corso breed standard allows for cropped as well as hanging ears. In Russia, docking is allowed, while in most foreign countries it is prohibited, and animals with cropped ears are not allowed to international exhibitions held in their territories.
The eyes are oval, medium size. The iris can be black or dark brown. The eyelids fit snugly.
What is the weight of the dog?
These are quite overweight animals. According to the standard, the weight of the Cane Corso ranges from 40 to 50 kg.
Hair coat
The coat is shiny and short, with a slight seasonal undercoat. Elongated hair, as well as large white marks, are considered disqualifying defects.
Color
The palette of Cane Corso colors allowed by the standard is quite wide. Therefore, if you plan to purchase a puppy of this breed, look at the animals of the following colors:
- All shades of gray.
- The black.
- Auburn (up to mahogany with black hair spine or black tips). This color is often called muruy;
The most popular is the tiger cane corso. In this case, contrasting stripes are located on gray or red hair. The cane-corso of the tiger color should have a gray or black mask on its face, which does not go beyond the line of the eyes. White dogs of this breed do not exist: the standard allows only small, barely noticeable white spots on the back of the nose, the tips of the paws and on the chest.
Character
Acquainted with the characteristics of the Cane Corso dog breed, it becomes clear the growing popularity of these animals among dog breeders around the world. These giants possess not only outstanding external data. The character of Cane Corso is soft, balanced, accommodating and conflict-free, which does not go very well with his formidable appearance.
Such a pet has perfectly developed protective instincts. Without even having to seriously train your friend, you can be sure that he will understand perfectly that his main function is to protect family members, territories and property.
As we have already said, representatives of the breed are endowed with a balanced character: such a dog will never show unmotivated aggression towards a stranger if he sees that the owner is friendly towards the guest. If your pet feels a threat from a stranger, he will take control of the situation, and with all his appearance will inform others about it. An attack can be made only at the command of the owner or in response to aggressive actions.
If you already have pets in your house, Cane Corso will make an effort to make friends with them, even if the former inhabitants will perceive his appearance “with hostility”. Easily finds a common language with small dogs, and with cats, and with parrots. Particularly noteworthy is a reverent and very careful attitude towards children.
It should be recognized that the representatives of this breed are very developed "parental instinct." That is why this huge dog will never offend even strangers, and the owner’s babies will be under constant and reliable protection and guardianship. Corsa allows their little owners to do anything with them. But when the child tires too much with their pranks, the dog will simply leave and hide in an inaccessible place. If it is not possible to hide, this giant will endure until the little tomboy is tired.
This is a wonderful, smart and thinking four-legged friend. He quickly, and most importantly, correctly understands and fulfills the commands and desires of the owner. However, he does not seek to take the role of a leader in the house. A description of the character of Cane Corso will be incomplete if we do not talk about the endless devotion of these animals to all family members. For these giants, emotional contact with a person is vital. These are recognized "Monogamous" who are very difficult to endure the change of owner. Such pets should feel their need and usefulness in the house. Owners need to show this to the dog more often.
Judging by the characteristics of the Cane Corso dog breed, emotional isolation is unacceptable: such a method in training can harm the psyche of the animal. Dogs of this breed are completely unobtrusive: they will be happy to play with children and adults, but provided that the person becomes the initiator of the games.
These giants are not "talkative" - they give voice in case of emergency. Many owners even specifically train their pets on the Voice! Team to hear their loud roar.
Care and maintenance
The characteristics of the Cane Corso dog breed and the feedback of experienced dog breeders suggest that with a proper walk, such a dog feels comfortable in any living room, except for small-sized apartments. The year-round keeping of these animals on the street is not recommended.
In winter, a dog kept in an enclosure needs to be equipped with a warm sleeping place. Do not forget that short hair with a small undercoat will not warm in cold weather. Cane Corso is not suitable for the role of a chain dog: they have a very freedom-loving character and a great desire to communicate with people.
Hair care
As you know, such a pet does not need haircuts. Periodically comb it out with a special brush. It is important that the coat of an Italian dog does not have a specific unpleasant odor. They bathe such a pet several times a year. The rest of the time, the wool is wiped with a rubber brush or a damp towel.
Claw care
Actively walking dogs do not need to cut their claws. They are perfect for walking. But do not forget to monitor their cleanliness - paws should be wiped with a damp cloth every time after returning from the street. But if you hear a characteristic clatter, then your pet needs to trim the claws using special tweezers.
Eye care
According to the standard, the lower eyelid of the canne corso should not be very saggy. If the pet's eyes are excessively wet, make sure that no secretions and crusts accumulate in the corners.
Teeth
If the owner of the animal adheres to the nutritional system recommended by veterinarians, then there should be no problems with the teeth. Meanwhile, inspect them yourself and from time to time show them to a specialist. Indulge your friend with treats to combat tartar.
Pests
Cane Corso has virtually no permanent undercoat. Therefore, they become easy prey for many parasites. Ticks and fleas can settle in the wool. To prevent the appearance of these uninvited guests, conduct regular antiparasitic treatments, especially in spring and summer.
Vaccinations
As a rule, the schedule of vaccinations is a veterinarian. Usually, puppies are vaccinated twice a year, and adult animals one multivalent vaccine per year is enough, although in some cases your veterinarian may decide otherwise.
Physical exercise
Having a muscular texture, the Cannes Corso, like the Neapolitan mastino, need serious physical exertion. Walking with animals should be long with running and training.
Communication
Representatives of the Cannes Corse breed are quite sociable and friendly. Periodically, they need to meet with their brethren in order to frolic freely.
How to feed canne corso?
This question excites many who want to get such a pet. These are large dogs, so hardly anyone thinks they eat like birds. The body of such a giant needs a balanced diet. If you want to buy a puppy, then you should be prepared for the fact that the cost of food will be quite high.
The diet of the animal largely depends on how the dog is used. The official cane-corso needs more energy, respectively, and they also need more proteins / fats / carbohydrates.
Every day, dogs weighing 50 kg must consume:
- 60–70 g of fat;
- 220–230 g of protein;
- 40 g of fiber;
- 460-470 g of carbohydrates;
- 30 g of mineral mixtures;
- 1 liter of water.
Should be excluded from the diet:
- pork
- fresh bread;
- legumes;
- salty and spicy foods;
- dishes from the master table;
- smoked meats.
Most breeders believe that for Cane Corso, it is necessary to use premium dry food in the amount of 500-600 grams per day.
Health
This is a strong, healthy and very hardy dog. Animals reach full maturity after two years. At the age of six, they are already “elderly” experienced dogs, and from the age of eight the dog is transferred to the group of “veterans”. The average life expectancy of these dogs is 10-11 years, but with proper proper care your faithful friend will delight you for 14 years, while maintaining cheerfulness.
Of course, Cane Corso is sometimes sick. If the alarming symptoms are not recognized in time, the animal can live less than 10 years. In addition, owners often risk from the very beginning, buying puppies in the bird market or from unscrupulous breeders who often breed sick dogs, and then sell babies with a whole bunch of diseases, or with a predisposition to them:
- bloating;
- inversion or inversion of the eyelid;
- allergy;
- hip dysplasia;
- thyroid disease;
- epilepsy.
Not the fact that these diseases appear in old age. For example, a disease of large breeds - dysplasia in Cane Corso can occur quite early. Epilepsy is a hereditary disease. It can manifest itself at any age and significantly shorten the life of the animal, especially in the absence of treatment.
Infectious, viral and parasitic diseases should not be discounted. Fortunately, proper care and timely vaccination protect against the latter.
Dog kit
Each caring and loving owner should not only know the symptoms of the underlying diseases that can threaten his pet, but also have the necessary medical supplies. So that you can quickly bandage the paw and rid your pet of colic in the stomach.
In the first-aid kit, dogs should always have:
- brilliant green;
- iodine;
- cotton wool;
- bandages;
- Activated carbon;
- boric acid.
In addition, the presence of Vishnevsky ointment, which quickly removes inflammation, is welcome. A dog may need analgin to relieve pain. Eye and ear drops should always be at hand to treat various infections. Recall that the drugs should be exclusively veterinary. You may need tools:
- claw tongs;
- pipette;
- syringe;
- thermometer;
- tweezers and two syringes.
You must understand that even a small cut on the paw of the animal must be processed. You should not hope that everything will pass by itself. And, one more tip: pay as much attention as possible to your sick pet. Cane Corso, like no other breed needs attention and care. Experts believe that sometimes they treat animals no less effectively than drugs. Surrounded by care and attention, your pet will live a full and long life.
Puppy selection
If you decide to get a cane corso puppy, first of all carefully study the history of the breed, learn about its features and characteristics. You should buy a puppy in a specialized nursery or from a responsible breeder. Only in this case a healthy baby will appear in your home with all the necessary documents.
When purchasing an animal from a breeder, pay attention to the conditions in which babies and adult dogs are kept. The room should be dry, clean without any unpleasant odor. See how the kids behave. Healthy puppies are cheerful and cheerful, playing with their brothers and toys. When choosing a puppy, pay attention to the head of the animal.
The muzzle should have the shape of a square, and its sides are parallel. A large defect is considered to be a conical shape. Such animals are discarded. Of course, it is almost impossible to predict whether these charming babies will become beauty champions in the future, but when you purchase them in a nursery, you can be sure that you have acquired a purebred representative of the breed.
Nickname Choice
The dog of the Cane Corso breed has Italian roots, and the history of its appearance dates back to the times of the Roman Empire, the dog breeders found several ways to choose a beautiful nickname for the Cane Corso. For this, you can use the names of famous Romans or Caesars (may the great ones forgive you). For example, Tiberius, Octavian, Clement, Augustus, Claudius and others.
When choosing a nickname, remember that you will pronounce it hundreds or even thousands of times. Therefore, all members of your family should like it. Changing the name of a pet can confuse the animal and confuse it for a long time. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the puppy's name should not resemble the names of your family members and should not be like any team. For example, Sid is a nickname that sounds like the “Sit!” Command, so it can only confuse your little friend.
Undoubtedly, choosing a nickname for such a handsome man is not easy. We offer you several options for dogs and females of Cannes Corso.
For boys:
- Archie.
- Nortis.
- Tyson
- Mike.
- Osman.
- Georges.
- Theo.
- Norman.
- Otis.
- Khaki.
For girls:
- Jesse
- Molly.
- Barca.
- Sally.
- Alice.
- Sheldy.
- Helga.
- Stacy
- Nancy.
- Chloe.