The History of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian breed with roots tracing back to the Molossian dogs of Greece. Bred for strength, intelligence, and courage, they historically fought alongside Roman soldiers, hunted large game, and protected farms, property, and families.
After nearly disappearing following World War II, the breed experienced a resurgence in Italy during the 1970s and was brought to the United States in the 1980s. The Cane Corso was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.
Their name, derived from Latin, means guardian or protector, reflecting the Cane Corso’s natural instincts to protect and bond closely with their family.
Adapting to Civilian Life
After the period of Roman wars had ended, the Cane Corso had to adapt to civilian life. They were often used on farms to protect livestock from wolves and other wild animals. They were also tasked with keeping strangers away from farm buildings and barns.
The Cane Corso was known for protecting farmers from ill-tempered semi-wild hogs and aiding them with tracking down mother hogs who would hide with their piglets after giving birth. Corsi were also used to herd cattle on their way to slaughter since they were strong and tenacious enough to grab a wild bull by the neck or nose and completely incapacitate it.
Although they were often used for driving livestock, helping farmers, and hunting large game including bears, deer, and wild boar, the primary role of the Case Corso was that of a guard dog. Their naturally protective instinct made them an ideal breed for keeping watch over homes and families. The breed grew in popularity and it became very common to see Corsi on farmsteads and in pastures throughout the Italian countryside.
The Modern-Day Cane Corso
The modern-day Cane Corso is now known primarily as family companion and a guard dog. They quickly bond with their owners, are naturally good with children, and enjoy being included in family activities. With family and close friends, they’ll display an almost goofy personality. However, the breed is generally not recommended for first-time dog owners. As natural guard dogs, they have a tendency to be protective of their families and suspicious of change. They require strong and constant leadership, but their undying loyalty makes them easy to train.
Although they might appear intimidating, these dogs highly sensitive. A harsh word is typically sufficient to discipline a Cane Corso and they will often sulk for hours after receiving a reprimand. They crave love and affection so much that they’re often described as “velcro dogs,” and can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety. Although their sleek and athletic bodies lend themselves well to activities like running, swimming, and hiking, they’re generally very calm when indoors. They are quiet dogs and typically only bark as a way to alert you of intruders or other strange situations.
For families willing to make the commitment, the Cane Corso is one of the absolute best breeds you can choose. If you’re ready to be completely, fiercely, and unconditionally loved by a pet, the Cane Corso is an excellent choice.
What were Cane Corsos Bred for?
Cane Corsos were bred to be guard dogs and working farm dogs. On the farms of Italy, they were favored because they were so adaptable at doing a variety of jobs. Farmers didn’t need one dog to guard, one to help haul and another to hunt, the Cane Corso did it all. Their strong build made them excellent at pulling carts and their non-nonsense demeanor made them fearless guard dogs. Due to their size, Cane Corso were used to hunt larger game and they became quite skilled at it. They were all-around, reliable, workers and companions on those early Italian farms.
What were Cane Corsos Originally Bred for?
The origins of the Cane Corso date back to the early Romans who used hefty war dogs, and canis pugnaces, to help on the battlefields. These dogs had to be obedient and fearless which still rings true with the Cane Corsos of today. Imagine as well, the concentration these dogs needed to maintain on the battlefield. You still see that in Cane Corsos today which is what makes them excellent guard dogs. These war dogs were bred into what we know today as two different Italian mastiff breeds; the Cane Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff. The Corsos were bred to be lighter and more agile and the Neapolitans to be the heftier more solid breed.
What Jobs did Cane Corsos have?
A well-trained Cane Corso was invaluable in the countryside of Italian farms. They were trained to not only be guard dogs of the farmstead but of livestock as well. When it came to hauling large loads they were used to pulling surprisingly heavy loads with ease. Not only were they excellent hunters, able to hunt larger game like wild boars and deer, but they were also used by farmers to flush out smaller animals like badgers. Because of their agile build, they were responsible for driving cattle and were quite skilled at the task.Written by Cindy Rasmussen
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Ear Cropping-
The History and Purpose of Ear Cropping in Certain Breeds (an educational post for people open to learning)
Ear cropping has been a long-standing practice in certain working and guardian breeds, often misunderstood in today’s pet-focused world.
To understand the reasoning behind ear cropping, it’s important to examine the history, functional purpose, and "breed preservation" aspects of the procedure.
The Origins of Ear Cropping
Historically, ear cropping was performed to enhance a dog's working ability and reduce the risk of injury. Many breeds, including the Cane Corso, Doberman Pinscher, and Great Dane, were originally bred for protection, hunting, or guarding. Therefore Floppy ears in these breeds were susceptible to being torn in fights, snagged on brush while working, or developing infections due to limited airflow. Cropping minimized these risks and allowed dogs to perform their jobs more effectively.
Interestingly, floppy ears are a man-made trait. Research by Charles Darwin and subsequent studies on domestication have shown that in the wild, virtually all mammalian species have erect ears, which serve as a crucial tool for detecting predators and maintaining communication within their species. Selective breeding for domestic traits, including softer appearances and non-working characteristics, led to the development of floppy ears in certain breeds. However, in working breeds, ear cropping was maintained to preserve function.
Preserving the Breed Standard Through Responsible Breeding
A responsible breeder is dedicated to preserving the integrity of their breed, which includes ensuring that their puppies conform to the breed standard. In many breeds where ear cropping is an accepted part of the standard, such as the Cane Corso, a reputable breeder will often have the entire litter’s ears cropped by their trusted, licensed veterinarian before the puppies go to their new homes.
This approach serves several critical purposes:
- Breed-Specific Crop Style:
Each breed has a specific ear crop shape and length that best suits its head structure. For example, the Cane Corso requires an equal lateral triangle crop, which inexperienced veterinarians may not be familiar with. A poor crop can alter the dog’s expression, head shape, and overall breed type.
- Eliminating the Risk of Poor Veterinary Work:
If left to the owner’s discretion, they may unknowingly take their puppy to an inexperienced veterinarian who performs an improper or unbalanced crop, which can lead to aesthetic and functional issues.
- Uniformity and Representation of the Breeders Program:
A reputable breeder ensures that their dogs consistently represent their breeding program and the breed standard. This includes proper ear cropping when it is an accepted part of the breed.
Understanding and Reducing Controversy
Ear cropping has become a controversial topic, often due to misinformation. It is crucial to differentiate between responsible cropping—done by an experienced licensed veterinarian under anesthesia with proper aftercare—and unethical practices.
In countries where cropping is legal, it remains a personal choice for breeders and owners who wish to preserve the traditional appearance and function of their breed. Unfortunately many people that are uneducated on this topic make uneducated opinions of others without fully understanding all these aspects.
For new and inexperienced owners, it’s important to understand that ear cropping, when done correctly, is not merely cosmetic. It is a breed-preserving practice that ensures the dog maintains its intended working structure and health benefits while upholding the breed standard.
By shedding light on the history and purpose of ear cropping, we can foster a better understanding and appreciation for the role it plays in certain breeds, ensuring informed and responsible decisions, and better support in the canine community.
