The Cane Corso is considered a "Bully Breed" because it's a descendant of Molosser dogs, which are also known as "Bully Breeds". The Cane Corso is a large, muscular dog breed that originated in Italy. Their history can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece, a member of the Molossian breed, which is one of the oldest known dog groups. The breed's name comes from the Latin words canis (dog) and cohors (military guard). As the Cane Corso was originally a Roman war dog.
They were also used to hunt boar and other prey, to guard flocks, property, and people on farms.
The breed almost went extinct after World War II, there was then a resurgence in Italy in the 1970s, and were brought to the United States in the 1980s as companion pets that are loyal, versartile, eager to please, assertive and willful.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2010
To properly care for a Cane Corso's health, focus on providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, and mental stimulation, with particular attention to potential issues like bloat due to their deep chest, hip dysplasia, and managing their weight to avoid stress on their joints.
A Cane Corso dog needs a significant amount of exercise daily, typically including brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities like training sessions,and puzzle toys, aiming for at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to keep them healthy and happy; be sure to adjust exercise levels based on your dog's age and health, and avoid overexertion, especially with puppies due to their developing joints.
Begin training at an early age with basic commands and socialization when your puppy is young. Being consistent, establish clear rules and boundaries, and maintain a calm demeanor, for your puppy to view you as the leader, in home and when on walks.
Always use positive reinforcement rewarding a calm behavior and avoid harsh corrections.
Expose your puppy to many people and other dogs, with play time at the park, walk around the neighborhood, and mental stimulation games. And teach your puppy to be comfortable being alone, starting with a short amount of time and gradually increase time away.
Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that can affect Cane Corsos. It occurs when a dog's stomach fills with gas, which can cause the stomach to twist and cut off blood flow.
Symptoms include a swollen, hard belly, retching but not able to vomit, excessive drooling, pain in the abdomen when touched, panting and restlessness.
Treatment: Bloat is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Treatment for simple bloat may include intravenous (IV) fluids and medication for pain or nausea. But GDV can require emergency corrective surgery to save the dog's life
To prevent bloat, you can: Use a slow feeder for meals or offer smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress one hour before and two hours after meals.
Cane Corso dogs are prone to several eye problems, most commonly including eyelid abnormalities like entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward) and ectropion (where the eyelid droops outward), as well as "cherry eye" which occurs when the third eyelid gland becomes displaced and appears as a red mass in the corner of the eye; these conditions could require surgical correction
Cane Corso dogs are prone to ear problems, particularly ear infections, due to their floppy ears which trap moisture and can easily harbor bacteria and yeast, making regular ear cleaning essential; if you notice signs like head shaking, scratching at the ears, or foul odor, consult your veterinarian. Regular ear cleaning with a veterinarian-approved solution can help prevent infections, used with a cotton ball (not Q-tips).
Trim their nails every few weeks to avoid overgrowth and pain. Start this at an early age to get them familiar with the process.
The cane corso is an impressive and noble dog, a mastiff-type breed that originates from Italy. With their large, muscular build, alert expression, and powerful presence, the cane corso commands respect. As a loyal and devoted companion, this breed forms an incredibly strong bond with their family, always watching over them with a protective eye. The cane corso's natural guarding instincts make them wary of strangers at first, but with proper training and socialization from a young age, they can learn to distinguish friend from foe. Although large and intimidating, the cane corso has a stable temperament, a sharp intelligence, and a willingness to please that makes them highly trainable. With their imposing size and boundless courage, this ancient Italian breed was originally used for big game hunting, livestock droving, and guarding property. Today, the cane corso mostly enjoys life as a loyal protector and beloved family companion, watching over their humans with a noble, dignified air befitting their regal ancestry.
