The first representatives of the Cane Corso dog breed appeared three thousand years ago. These animals are considered to be descendants of the dogs held by Tibetan monks. They were appreciated for their massive and formidable appearance. He had to inspire fear and respect. Dogs coped with this task perfectly.
Historical excursion
The description of the Cane Corso breed says that in the Middle Ages these animals served the shepherds. They guarded flocks of sheep and livestock from predators and thieves. They were used on the hunt. They poisoned a wild beast. As for the official version, it says that the first description of the breed was compiled by the ancient Romans.
These mighty and fearless dogs were mentioned in their books by chroniclers. Sculptors sculpted them from plaster and marble, and the artists depicted on canvas. The development of the Molossian breed is inextricably linked with the formation of Italian statehood. Once the dogs of Cane Corso became the hallmark of the empire. They could be seen in the arena and in the palace, which they guarded.
After the change of power, animals lost their privileged status. They again returned to the shepherd's trade, and their representatives were crossed with the Celtic greyhounds. The animals were most successful in driving cattle, which explains the loyalty of dogs to one owner. At the same time, they acquired new skills that are still used. Today, Cane Corso is not only for its magnificent exterior, but also for their working qualities.
Ups and downs
The description of the Cane Corso breed means that these dogs were almost completely exterminated during the Second World War. They were massively involved in hostilities. Animals died, and a few offspring died of hunger, which broke out in the country. Enormous efforts were required to revive the breed. The godmother of the modern branch of Cane Corso was the Italian breeder Giovanni Bonatti Nizzoli.
She began her hard work in compiling a description of the Cane Corso breed in 1983. The breeder selected the best representatives of the breed, having plowed all of Italy for this. A few years later, the dogs gave birth, and Giovanni managed to get the official registration of the standard. An open look of puppies of the breed took place in 1994. At that time, there were about five hundred representatives of Cane Corso in the country. Only a few years were required for the number of animals to reach three thousand. So the official description of the Cane Corso breed appeared.
Features of education
Dog owners consider their pets to be smart, responsive, loyal, and considerate companions. The average life expectancy of these large and colorful animals does not exceed 12 years. The course of professional training is a prerequisite for the education and socialization of puppies. Dog handlers train dogs as bodyguards.
Key Features
In the description of the breed and the character of the Cane Corso, protective qualities are mentioned. These are the innate features of Cane Corso. They perform the watchdog function even without special training. This statement applies not only to the owner of the dog, but also to the territory, home and property. True, an untrained animal will do this in its own way.
If the dog is healthy, then it is friendly. In the description of the breed and character of the Cane Corso it is written that the dog is tolerant of guests who do not show open aggression. A raised individual will start attacking a stranger only after the owner’s corresponding command. Most dogs get along with other pets. Cane Corso does not touch birds, cats and other small pets.
The main instinct for the breed is to guard the younger members of the pack. This applies not only to relatives, but also to the children of the owner. So echoes of wanderings with flocks of sheep and calves manifest themselves. Dogs are used to patronizing them and show great patience. Pets are equally loyal to the manipulations of hairdressers, veterinarians and experts, photos, reviews and a description of the Cane Corso breed confirm this. The most impatient are just trying to sneak out. If this does not work out, they steadfastly endure all the procedures.
A socialized animal is understanding and receptive to what the owner tells him. The requirements are complied with without question and without delay. Numerous reviews and description of the Cane Corso breed say that the main advantage of these dogs is the lack of leadership ambitions. Animals without borders are devoted to the owner's family. For them, emotional contact with the owner is important.
Change of ownership for dogs is a difficult test. In this case, animals are unobtrusive. The voice is cast in exceptional situations. They take great pleasure in participating in children's games. True, dogs of this breed are not without shortcomings, this is evidenced by photos of the Cane Corso, a description of the breed and character.
Cane Corso weaknesses
Future owners of molossians need to remember that these animals do not have the most pleasant features. The abundance of saliva, which sometimes drips from the mouth, causes negative emotions in people. It is difficult to wipe off the fabric upholstery of chairs and sofas. It is difficult to remove from carpet or curtains.
Shedding of these large dogs also causes a lot of trouble. Take a look at real photos and reviews of the Cane Corso breed. Dogs do not have a soft undercoat. Their torso is covered with stiff hairs that crumble all year round. Animals do not have seasonal moult, so you will have to remove the wool constantly. Good appetite of dogs does not allow saving on feeding. Developed muscles require a high-calorie, balanced diet.
Responses of the owners about the character, description of the Cane Corso breed claim that a violation of the veterinarian’s instructions threatens the development of dangerous diseases that make themselves felt in adulthood. Ligaments and bones usually suffer. Joint pathologies are detected in every second dog. Deflection of the spine occurs in those animals that are allowed to walk immediately after the meal.
Kids can’t go down and climb stairs by themselves. The description and characteristics of the Cane Corso breed (photos confirm everything) say that the puppies are literally carried on their hands. Otherwise, they will have the wrong gait, which entails other problems.
Young dogs are shy. They shy away from loud noises. They are horrified by the strange shape of objects. Improper dog training explains the abundance of negative reviews about the Cane Corso. In the description of the breed, experts recommend early puppies. Timely socialization eliminates all kinds of difficulties associated with keeping a dog in a big city.
The lack of warm undercoat does not allow keeping dogs in open-air cages. Animals freeze even at a plus temperature. If treatment is not carried out, and the conditions of detention do not change, then the dog will develop chronic diseases sooner or later.
Exterior Description
The height of the males at the withers reaches 70 centimeters. Photos and descriptions of dogs of the Cane Corso breed clearly demonstrate that bitches reach 65 cm. The average weight of dogs of both sexes is 45 kg. The torso of animals is distinguished by developed relief muscles. The head of the breed is wide and massive. The forehead is convex in front. Closer to the nape, it becomes flatter.
The shape of the eyes resembles an oval. Apples are round and voluminous. Animals with a bright iris are an exception. Usually it is dark. Ear ears were stopped. Today they are not cut off, leaving their natural form. The ears in the dogs are triangular. They hang, although they have a high location. The neck is tight and strong.
The tail is high. He is fat, especially at the base. Paws are powerful and strong. Due to this, the gait turns out to be sweeping, and the movements are wide. The torso is covered with short hair. With a balanced diet, it is brilliant. It may be wavy, but in this case they talk about the defect of the breed. The same applies to the length of the hair. Only short hair is considered standard.
Color
The color of the coat of dogs can be different, but monophonic. It is believed that individuals of black color have close genetic ties with the Great Dane. The gray representatives of the breed have a Neapolitan relationship with Italian mastino. Fawn is related to boxers and Staffordshire terriers. According to unofficial data, the blood of these breeds was used to restore the Cane Corso.
Care
The description and reviews of the nature of the Cane Corso breed say that animals are demanding of the conditions of detention and care. They should have their own place, which must be prepared before arriving at the puppy's house. When choosing a location, you need to remember that the dog will be extremely negative about moving. It is worth considering the fact that aliens cannot enter the territory allotted for the pet.
Those who keep animals on the street should arrange warm booths for them. The description of dogs of the breed Cane Corso means that these animals are suitable not only for suburban living, but also for placement in an apartment. They do an excellent job of guarding a private home. Representatives of Cane Corso need regular physical activity. They need training, intense jogging and training. If the conditions of detention are violated, the dog will begin to damage the upholstered furniture, wooden products and personal items.
For full development, puppies and adults need close communication with like. Numerous photos and a description of the Cane Corso breed confirm this.
To minimize the effects of molting, periodically comb the hair with a stiff brush. This simple action will help reduce hair loss. If hygiene is neglected, then colonies of parasitic organisms form on the skin of the cane-corso.
Dogs are attacked by fleas and ticks. In the description of the Italian breed Cane Corso, it is recommended to treat puppies and adults twice a year, and in some regions more often. This is done with special insect repellents. Ears should be cleaned carefully, removing accumulated sulfur. In open sinks that have been stopped, a dusty coating forms faster.
Cost
Cane Corso puppies are not exotic on the Russian market. But on sale, pets are rare. High-class representatives of the breed will cost sixty thousand rubles. Without a pedigree, dogs are offered for thirty. Moreover, no one guarantees the purity of blood, mental stability and physical health of the animal.
If the price that the breeder is asking for is too expensive, you need to consider an alternative to Cane Corso. Further maintenance, training and treatment of dogs will cost several times more.
Defects
Serious malformations of the breed include muzzle irregularities. We are talking about a wedge-shaped skull, upturned cheekbones. With a partial change in the color of the nose, the dog is disqualified. Pathology of the bite, including a scissor defect, is also an obstacle to an exhibition career. The incorrect position of the tail, which has the shape of a hook, is considered a vice. This also includes its vertical position.
The amble of dogs is considered an unacceptable characteristic. Deviations of body weight and growth from the parameters described in the international standard are recognized as full-fledged reasons for weaning animals from participation in professional exhibitions and from breeding.
Reviews
Owners enthusiastically describe their experience with Cane Corso dogs. They highly value the bright, eye-catching appearance of animals. They say that dogs have a stable psyche. Pets are reliable, hardy and obedient. Cane Corso became beloved family members, faithful companions who accompany their owners on a trip and at home.
Practical people highlight the excellent protective qualities of dogs. Representatives of this breed serve as watchmen and bodyguards. Owners note the devotion and affection, the high intelligence of their pets. At the same time, excessive salivation irritates many. Some see these powerful creatures as a potential threat.
Experienced breeders insist that Cane Corso is not a dog for beginners. People should understand that representatives of the breed require serious training, training and care. Puppies grow up for a long time. Having a solid weight, they are still immature, capable of causing physical harm to the owner and members of his family.
Those who managed to grow a cane-corso regret to note that animals often have health problems. Dogs are very demanding on food, daily routine, volume of physical activity. Any oversight leads to diseases of the joints and spine. The large mass of the pet complicates its walking and transportation to the veterinary clinic.
Someone thinks that the lifespan of these dogs is very short. Not everyone lives to be eleven years old. Lovers of silence claim that the dogs snore loudly and rejoicingly. This remark is relevant if you are going to keep a dog in an apartment or house. In the northern regions, walking the Cane Corso becomes difficult.
They need to purchase special boots for paws and a warm blanket or jumpsuit. Otherwise, the dogs freeze, which leads to a series of unpleasant diseases. In the absence of proper treatment, they can develop into chronic pathologies.
Disease
Veterinarians identify a number of the following ailments, which Cane Corso most often suffer from:
- hip dysplasia;
- viral infections;
- rabies;
- leishmaniasis.
With a slight degree of dysplasia, dogs begin to limp. If the pathology progresses, then the animal loses mobility. A viral infection is understood as a plague that kills immature puppies and individuals that have not been vaccinated in a timely manner. The disease manifests itself with an extreme increase in body temperature, which turns into a fever.
A small red rash appears on the skin. After a few days, the bubbles increase and fill with fluid. Modern veterinary medicine allows you to treat this viral infection at any stage. With rabies, the dog dies in a week or ten days.
Leishmaniasis occurs after an insect bite. Most often, young animals are ill, whose age is less than two years. After a successful cure, an immunity is formed in the animal. Evidence of leishmaniasis are characteristic ulcers on the mucous membranes of the dog. Sometimes they are accompanied by fever. There is diarrhea, which entails a general depletion of the body.
Animals are often infected with nematodosis. Parasites can be recognized by causeless weight loss. Puppies and young cane corso suffer from digestive disorders, they show signs of rickets.
Socialization
Dog training should be started immediately after the main vaccinations are made. Animal training is recommended to be trusted by professionals. Usually, breeders themselves deal with these issues or recommend responsible instructors. Self-study of Cane Corso can lead to fatal consequences.
Usually thoroughbred individuals have a stable psyche. But with the wrong approach, they are able to show not the best qualities. Dogs become aggressive and unpredictable. They become dangerous for their owners, family members and others. Re-education does not always give the desired results.