Cane Corso

Cane Corsos are large dogs that may look scary at first, but once you get to know them, you'll find that they're big sweethearts. The breed is muscular and is distinctive because of its oversized head. These dogs were first bred in Italy as guard dogs and hunting dogs. They're so powerful and couragous that these tasks were a natural fit for it. This breed is also extremely willing to get dirty and work hard. You don't have to prod them very much for that. Cane Corsos are also very smart. You shouldn't have much difficulty training them due to their versatile nature. And when it comes to the dog's character, you'll find that this one is very loyal to their adopted families as well as tender and careful around small children. They're great protectors, good and sturdy loyal dogs, and strong and willing to work.

Continue reading to learn more about Cane Corsos, otherwise known as bodyguard dogs.

Popularity: Quite popular.

Trainability: Cane Corsos are large and powerful dogs, and being such, it's critical that you begin socializing them early on in puppyhood. This breed is eager to please and quite intelligent, so you shouldn't have much of an issue training them. The greatest concern will most likely be determining who will be in charge of the household, you or the dog. This breed is dominant and protective of those around it, so socialization and obedience training is important to keep those things in check. When training though, be sure to be firm, yet kind and display love for the dog. Ultimately, Cane Corsos are big softies and respond well to kind-hearted masters who treat them right. This is actually the most trainable and responsive dog in the Mastiff family.

Size/Weight: Large sized dogs, weighing in at an average of 85-110 pounds.

Origin Location/Date: Cane Corso dogs date back to Rome where they were used as war dogs, farmhands, to guard flocks, property and families. They were also used as hunting dogs to hunt down larger animals such as wild boar. During the late 20th century, their popularity and numbers declined substantially. Later in the same century in the United States, the Cane Corso began a comeback and their numbers increased to the point of the International Cane Corso Federation being formed in 1993. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2010 and this dog has become very popular today.

Energy Level: This is an active and energetic dog and because of that, it needs a lot of exercise. Daily runs through the neighborhood will be enjoyed as will some playtime in the back yard. If this breed isn't exercised sufficiently, it'll likely become bored and destructive around the home. Nobody likes a couch that's been torn apart by a dog, so be sure to exercise this one well. Every day.

Temperament: The Cane Corso is a gentle and affectionate dog. It's also loyal, loving and companionable to those it's affectionate of in its immediate circle of trusted friends. It's also very protective though and can be suspicious of and aggressive toward strangers. This is why it's so important to socialize these dogs from a very young age. Be warned, the Cane Corso dog was bred to patrol an area. With this comes the tendency to incessantly walk around a house to make sure everything is okay. It'll do this quite a bit, so if you would like to own one of these types of puppies or dogs, know that it'll be on high alert a fair amount of the day. Also, this dog should be the only animal in the house as it's not good with other pets.

Necessary Space: Since this is a larger breed of dog, it's important for it to live in a larger space. It won't do well in small apartments due to it's tendency to "patrol" the area most of the time. Also, the breed needs a lot of exercise in the park, back yard or walks on the sidewalk.

Talents: The Cane Corso is an incredible watch and guard dog and will patrol its house round the clock to protect it from intruders. It's also highly intelligent and takes to obedience training extremely well. Finally, this breed is very strong and can bring down large animals and people it's either hunting or deems as a threat.

Life Expectancy: 9-12 years.

Group: Working group.

A few terms and phrases to describe the typical Cane Corso puppy and dog: excellent watch and guard dog, protective, needs space, needs exercise, easily trained, takes to obedience training, strong, good hunter, gentle, affectionate, loyal, loving, suspicious, aggressive, eager to please and intelligent.

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