The Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a great guard dog, extremely loyal to its family and quite aloof with strangers. Cane Corso Italian
Mastiffs have a instinctively very protective nature and yet is able to discern friend from foe. The Cane Corso instinctively knows when to become a defensive and protective dog for its owner, his grounds, the house and the whole family. With proper training the Italian mastiff is submissive to his family, suspicious of strangers, and a big old lap dog. The Cane Corso puppy bonds to his family and becomes quite attached especially to the children. The Cane Corsos enjoy being included in the family activities and are very athletic and enjoy being worked. The Cane Corso is not to be left in the backyard to their own devices. They will become large, destructive unhappy animals so make sure this breed is right for you! There are two accepted standards for the Cane Corso and the Cane Corso Association of America recommends the AKC recognized Cane Corso standard.





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Short History of the Breed
The Cane Corso Italiano is the original Cane Corso breed. It originated in Italy. Its direct ancestor is the "Canis Pugnax" (the old Roman Molossian) of which he is the light version employed in the hunting of large wild animals and also as an "auxiliary warrior" in battles. For years he has been a precious companion of the Italic populations. Employed as property, cattle and personal guard dog and used for hunting purposes too. In the past this breed was common all over Italy as an ample iconography and historiography testify. In the recent past he has found a excellent preservation area in Southern Italy, especially in Puglia, Lucania and Sannio. His name derives from the Latin "Cohors" which means "Guardian", "Protector". - from dogbreedinfo.com
Physical Description and Size
They are to be proportioned and not to exceed 27" at the withers or 115-120 lbs although the two main standards call for a slight variation from each other.
Temperament
Very loyal, willing to please and quiet around the house. The Cane Corso is highly intelligent and very trainable. Active and even-minded, he is an unequalled watch and protection dog. The Cane Corso Italiano is great with children in the family. Docile and affectionate with the owner. They are protective yet gentle. The Cane Corso has a very stable temperament. It makes an excellent guard dog and watchdog. It will not wonder from the home. They stick close to their masters. If necessary he becomes a terrible and brave protector of people, house and property. The Cane Corso is not a fighting dog. They were bred as working dogs for hundreds of years. Therefore they will not go out "looking" for a fight, but on the other hand they will not back down from other dogs. The Cane Corso requires an experienced owner. It can be aggressive with strangers and other dogs. It should be carefully socialized when it is a pup. It is highly recommended that these dogs become fully obedience trained. When fully trained, the Cane Corso makes an amenable companion. Suspicious of strangers, but wonderful with the family. It will usually put up with strangers if the owners are present. When raised correctly, the dog should be submissive to all members of the family. - from dogbreedinfo.com
Dog Care
All natural food is the only way to go [
www.QualityDogFood.com ] for any dog. Their food should not be too rich at puppy hood because they are considered a Large Breed and growing to fast can cause bone problems as with any Large Breed. Minimal coat care. This food works wonderfully for every dog and breed we have owned. It secures a steady slow healthy growth rate, along with providing much more nutrition than any commercial brand on the market currently can offer.
Health Issues and Life Expectancy

They are prone to Hip Dysplasia, bloat, Cherry Eye. Some lines in this breed have known to consistently produce epliptic dogs. Fed a good diet and with the proper care you can expect your Corso Dog to live 10-12 years.

Additional Resources
Cane Corsos on WikiFido