CANE CORSO ITALIANO
Sicilian Branchiero, Cane di Macellaio are other names of Cane Corso one of the mastiffs, related to Mastino Napoletano. It is an Italian breed. In past times these dogs never lived on the Apennine Peninsula, they were bred in Sicily. The current Cane Corso population, successfully bred in Italy, is a recreation of an old Italian cattle herding breed called Cane di Macellaio. The name of this breed comes from the Latin word "cohoros" or defender, regardless of the intended use – chasing cattle, defending property, guarding, keeping company, they were also used in dog fights.
Current purpose: dog – companion, defense dog. Properly brought up, civilized, trained, Corso is a nice companion, communicative and sensitive dog, fond of working. He does not show the need to dominate other animals, however he is an independent dog with a certain pride, which should not be fixed in him but rather brought up to develop affection and good communication with people, i.e. traits that "extracted" as if from this quadruped make him a very interesting family friend. "Genetic programming" while decides that our house has a good defender. Strangers have moderate trust and uninvited guests may be attacked when they enter the territory of the property guarded by our hero.
In addition to the above characteristics deserves emphasis on the significant activity, temperament and dynamics of action which predestines the Cane Corso to all sports disciplines using dogs. He is brave, reacting decisively, not nervously, which translates into a noteworthy fact – he is not a noisy dog. He salivates less than mastiffs with looser wafts. Noble appearance, significant resistance to weather conditions close the list of positives of this dog deserving to be promoted in Poland.
In Italy this breed is well liked and is developing very rapidly. In 1996, 1000 puppies were born there (for comparison – very popular German Shepherds were born 800.). In Poland the first Cane Corso dogs appeared in 1996. They were imported from the USA. As in the case of other breeds the beginnings were difficult, which results m.in. from lack of knowledge of the standard and the purchase of poor copies. However, our breeders quickly draw conclusions and subsequent imports (from Italy and Hungary) are valuable material for good development of these dogs in Poland. At the moment we can be proud of a few titled specimens, also from our own breeding.
When starting to buy a Cane Corso puppy, it is good to study the standard and seek advice from the breed section of the Kennel Club. Choosing a puppy is not easy, especially since they resemble a small boxer or dog. They are characterized by a short muzzle, typically marked frontal fissure, strong legs, slightly elongated body, straight, slightly raised back. Tail is to be curtailed at the fourth vertebra. Chest should be strong, wide. Shoulders not upright. As with all molosser-type dogs, the extensive development of the Cane Corso takes a relatively long time, more than a year and a half. A slight forebite is correct. Scissor and claw bite is acceptable. In terms of color there is a far-reaching freedom – can be: black, yellowish, red, brindle, lead gray. In case of colors "warm" there should be a black mask. No tanning or white patches are tolerated. Elimination defects include divergence of muzzle and skull axis, the back of the nose clearly concave ew. "ram nose" and discolored ending. The same treatment is given to semi-long, fringed or too short smooth coat. Defects of different rank in the discussed breed, which are listed in the standard (F.C.I. No 343) is more.
Grooming of the Cane Corso does not require much work. combing, brushing, occasionally bathing with the use of appropriate shampoo. Especially during the moulting period, a thorough brushing of the exiting hair is a prerequisite for a good coexistence of the dog with the human. A clean coat can "drag" flannel with a bit of mink oil, which gives our pet a spectacular shine. These are the minimum needs of any dog. Regardless of this, especially in the summer, you should observe the behavior of your pet, check the coat and skin – whether there are no insects and ticks. The following preventative measures can be obtained from pet stores.
Size of a Cane Corso: male 62 to 68 cm, female 58 to 64 cm (tolerance within 2cm). Weight – 42 to 50 kg and 38 to 45 kg respectively. It is a dog of medium size although some large specimens are also found. Strong body build combined with an elegant but muscular silhouette, typical for all mastiffs thick, strong neck topped with a large head with a definite expression, with rather short cut ears, investigative, poignant and attentive gaze, commands respect. Calm waiting of this dog can surprise every intruder because as I have already mentioned he is extremely mobile and when he starts to act he is very fast and consistent. It is interesting to note that the Cane Corso can be used as a hunting dog. The silhouette of this dog is characterized by an extended and muscular front (more than the back), both in the line of the shoulder blades as well as the arch of the shoulder, arm and forearm, including the chest. The hind legs, moderately angulated give the impression of being slightly more delicate. While the withers, back, loins are very muscular. Relatively high set tail, thick at the base, must be properlyocurved, should not be curled or carried vertically. Hair coat is short, rough, glossy, very dense, with undercoat.
The general opinion about Cane Corso distinguishes him as intelligent, bright, elegant. It is advisable for him to be brought up at a young age by an experienced trainer or in contact with a professional instructor.
