Top Dog Breeds: The Cane Corso

Learn all about what makes the Cane Corso one of the most popular dog breeds.

The Cane Corso is a medium- to large-sized hunting dog, robust and sturdy, yet elegant in appearance. With an athletic and lean body and powerful muscles, the Cane Corso makes an excellent watchdog, guard dog, tracker and is often hired as a police dog. The Cane Corso is always willing to please. Devoted to his family and naturally protective of children, the Cane Corso makes a fine family pet.

Cane Corso Breed Story

In southern Italy, there has always been a rustic type of dog used for the hunting of big game and for guard and protection work. These Italian hounds were all known under various regional names and were found in Puglia, Sannio, Lucania and Calabria, the ancient region of Capitanata. The generic name for these dogs was Cane Corso, although it has also been known as Cane Corso Italiano.
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Cane Corso Temperament

The Italian Corso dog is highly intelligent, active and courageous. This breed is highly trainable and always willing to please. An excellent guard, The Italian Corso is well balanced and affectionate with his owner. The Italian Corso dog is not a breed that is suitable for everyone. They require extensive early socialization and consistent training from an early age.
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For Official Standards:

Official Standards

Dog Photos

The Cane Corso

Cane Corso Standards

• Country of origin: Italy
• Height approximately (at withers/shoulder): Males approximately 62-70cm / 24.5-27.5in 
Females approximately 58-66cm / 22.75-26in (standards may vary)
• Weight approximately: Males approximately 45-50kg / 99-110lbs
Females approximately 40-45kg / 88-99lbs (standards may vary)
• Coat: Short coat
• Color: Black, lead-gray, slate-gray, light-gray, light fawn; stag red and dark fawn; brindle (stripes of fawn or gray). 
• Markings: In fawn-colored and brindle dogs, the black or gray mask on the muzzle should not go beyond the line of the eyes. A small white patch on the chest, tips of the feet and on the bridge of the nose is acceptable.
• Lifespan: Average, 10-11 years

Good to Know - Beagle

+ Makes a wonderful companion
+ Highly intelligent and versatile working dog
+ Little grooming needed
- Not a dog recommended for novice owners
- Can live outdoors if provided with sufficient shelter
- Requires sufficient daily exercise

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