The Cane Corso
is a large working dog who decends from the ancient Roman
Molossus. Native to Italy they now represent a modern
day continuation of war dogs that were sometimes pitted
against lions and other wild beasts in ancient Roman arenas.
These Molossian Mastiffs were in great demand as war dogs
and household guardians for generations to come. Throughout
the breeds existence, the cane corso were used as big
game hunters. Their power, courage, agility and tracking
ability made them especially valuable with wild boar,
stag and bear. With the decline in big game hunting the
cane corso found a home with Italian farmers. They were
often used as a driver, moving animals to the market and
to the slaughter houses. On the farms they protected the
livestock from both human thieves and animal predators,
also doubling as a guard dog for homes and estates. With
the transformation of the agricultural structure in many
regions of Italy, this majestic dog was in danger of extinction.
However, with the help of some skillful and caring dog
lovers in the mid 1970's success was made in procuring
as many good subjects as possible. Selective breeding
began and the cane corso was given a new birth.
Since coming to America in the late 1980's the cane corso
is mainly recognized as family companions and guard dogs.
The cane corso bonds quickly to his family and becomes
quite attached, especially to the children. To the children
they are playful, protective, yet gentle, always aware
of a child's helplessness and innocence. They enjoy being
included in the family activities. Their athletic ability
lends itself to include such activities as hiking, jogging,
long walks, swimming, bike riding or just playing fetch.
In the house hold they are not overly energetic or spasmatic.
They are generally a quiet dog, only barking to alert
in strange situations. They are very animal friendly and
will get along with any of your other pets.
The cane corso is instinctively a guard dog. Having
a strong sense of territory and desiring to be with
his family, the corso generally stays on his grounds.
With strangers, they are quite aloof, and will be suspicious
until the person is welcomed by the family. These dogs
don't need any encouragement to be agressive, they know
specifically when and when not to be protective. They
should be socialized starting at young ages. The cane
corso are able to judge character without exception,
always to discern friend from foe.
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