The Cane Corso Mastiff is an ancient Italian versatile farm and hunting dog. Dogs which resemble the Cane Corso in murals, paintings and ancient manuscripts referred to the Cane Corso since Roman times. For centuries the Corsos were all around farm dogs and large game hunters. The average farmer needed the Corso to herd semi wild cattle, pigs, and goats for them. They were also used to provide protection over the livestock and property from poachers or predators. Corso’s were also prized scent hunters and corse down large game. Until 1988 the Cane Corse was still used for only isolated farmers various use. Many historians and breed fanciers believed the ancient dogs still remain a pure unspoiled breed maintained on isolated Italian farms.
The Cane Corso Mastiff is strongly devoted to its family and they are usually velcro type of dogs. They want to be close to their owners and will often follow them around the house and yard. They will give themselves completely to their owners but will typically remain aloof and suspicious of all strangers. The Cane Corsos are still a more primitive working protection type of breed. This makes them very intuitive to even the most minor changes in their environment. A Cane Corso may bark and react cautiously at furniture moved out of place or new foreign objects placed in the room. Cane Corsos require extensive socialization. Most Cane Corsos if not socialized properly will become nervous, fearful, overly cautious or show aggressive behaviors in new surrounding or with strangers. An under socialized Cane Corso can be converted into a socially acceptable dog within a fairly short amount of time by dedicated, caring owners.
In the beginning of Cane Corso ownership, it is common for you Cane Corso to have separation anxiety because they grow such a serious and rapid attachment to their new parents. The Cane Corso aloof and suspicious personality with strangers and different places can be greatly reduced or eliminated by proper and regular positive socialization.
Cane Corsos are intelligent, willing to please, and easy to obedience train as well as to housebreak.
