Dog Breed Group
Working Dogs
Height
23 to 28 inches
Weight
90 to 120 pounds
Life Span
10 to 12 years
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a large working dog originally bred as guardians of farms and livestock. These powerful dogs possess a loyal and protective nature. However, their imposing stature and past association with dog fighting have unfortunately led to misconceptions about their temperament.
In reality, a Cane Corso dog can form strong bonds with their families. While they may be reserved towards strangers, proper socialization from a young age helps them become well-adjusted members of the family.
Physical Traits and Appearance
The Cane Corso boasts a well-muscled, athletic physique and their size can be imposing and intimidating at first glance.
- Large and Square: Their head is large and square, with a broad forehead and a powerful jaw.
- Alert Expression: Their dark, almond-shaped eyes are alert and convey the intelligence the breed has.
- Ear Carriage: Traditionally, ears were cropped, but the natural floppy ears are becoming more common.
- Tail: The tail is naturally docked in some countries, but the standard allows for a long tail.
History
The Cane Corso’s story started thousands of years ago. Their lineage traces back to the Molossers, giant Mastiff-type guard dogs bred by the ancient the Greek people, the Molossi. Fast forward to the Roman conquest of Greece, and these impressive dogs migrated to Italy. There, the Romans interbred them with local breeds, creating the ancestors of both the Cane Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff.