Italian Mastiff breed information, pictures and more...

The Cane Corso Italiano is a medium-big size powerful dog; it is strongly built but elegant, very distinguished, expresses strength, agility and endurance. Its name derives from the Latin "Cohors" which means "Guardian", "Protector". It is a highly intelligent, affectionate dog breed, which makes a perfect companion to children. It makes an excellent guard dog and watchdog.

Black, plumb-gray, slate, light gray, light fawn, deer fawn, dark fawn and tubby (very well marked stripes on different shades of fawn and gray). In the fawny and tubby subjects there is a black or gray mask only on the muzzle and shouldn't go beyond the eye line. A small white patch on the chest, on the feet tips and on the nose bridge is accepted.

Short hair but not smooth, with vitreous texture, shiny, adherent, stiff, very dense, with a light layer that becomes thicker in winter (but never crops up on the covering hair). The Cane Corso doesn’t require much grooming. Occasionally comb and brush to remove dead hair. This breed is a light shedder.

Hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disorders, torn cruciates, gastric torsion ("bloat"), demodex mange (red mange), eyelid abnormalities. To minimize the risk of your Cane Corso developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a Cane Corso dog from a reputable Cane Corso breeder.

The Cane Corso Italiano is a very loyal and docile dog breed. This dog is protective yet gentle. It is highly intelligent and trainable. It is very affectionate with the owner and great with children. It is willing to please and quiet around the house.

It sticks close to its masters, will not wander from the home. The Cane Corso is active, even-minded and has a very stable temperament. It should be carefully socialized as a puppy. It is highly recommended that this dog become fully obedience trained, requires an experienced owner.

If necessary it becomes a terrible and brave protector of people, house and property. It makes an unequalled watch and protection dog. It can be aggressive with strangers and other dogs. When raised correctly, the dog should be submissive to all members of the family.

Cane Corsos will do okay in an apartment if they get enough exercise. It will be content to live outdoors provided they have adequate shelter. This is a very athletic breed it needs a lot of regular exercise. It makes an excellent jogging companion.