Cane Corso

Its origins date back to the time of ancient Rome: the Cane Corso was so strong and so devoted that it was used to drive back lions in their quarters after their performances in the Coliseum. It was also a war dog with the Roman legion. Later, it served to guard large livestock on farms in agricultural estates, as in southern Italy, or even for hunting bears and wild boar with the mission to finish off the animal. During the Battle of Vega Real, which took place on March 27, 1495 on the island of Hispaniola, there is mention of the use by Spanish forces, commanded by Christopher Columbus, of Cani Corsi against the indigenous coalition. The breed was recognized as the 14th Italian breed and is no longer in danger of extinction. Its close cousin is another Italian mastiff: the Neapolitan Mastiff, heavier and much less flexible. In the mid-20th century, when the Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized, its other name was also Cane Corso.

The Cane Corso is an athletic, muscular, solid and strong mastiff. Its nose is always black, its ears are triangular and drooping. Its coat is short, tight and shiny. Its color can be black, lead-grey, slate-grey, light-grey, light or dark fawn, brindle or black brindle. Fawn or brindle subjects have a black or grey mask on the muzzle. A small white spot on the chest is admissible. According to the official standard, the male weighs 45 to 50 kg, with a withers height between 64 and 68 cm, and the female between 40 and 45 kg, with a withers height between 60 and 64 cm, with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 cm. Its tail is long.