Nowadays, adopting a pet has taken on a meaning beyond a simple procedure. On many occasions, we look for companionship and protection in a dog, so that it can become not only a guardian of our home and our family, but also an excellent companion in different activities. If your search focuses on these aspects, perhaps the Cane Corso , Italian Mastiff , is the dog you are looking for.
Cheerful, balanced, intelligent and, above all, an excellent protector, are the characteristics that define the personality of this animal , which also has great height and a fairly athletic build. It is a widely recognized breed, especially for its role as a guardian. This, to such an extent that it has been considered one of the favorites in the accompaniment of police forces for the work of defense and protection of society.
If you want to adopt a Cane Corso, it is imperative to first investigate the most relevant aspects about its life. This will allow you to know if you have what is necessary to meet the needs of raising a dog of this particular breed.
Thinking about it, in this article we will present a detailed description of the Cane Corso or Italian Mastiff: origin, physical characteristics, personality and care that will make this animal an excellent company.
- Size : Giant.
- Weight : Between 45 and 50kg.
- Hair type : Short.
- Character : Balanced.
- Health : Congenital diseases
- Life expectancy : Up to 10 years.
History and origin
Also known as Corso Italiano, the Cane Corso breed has a little-known history. Its beginnings date back to the bulldogs , used by the Roman armies as battle companions and different jobs in the military forces.
Bravery and obedience were the characteristics that prevailed in this dog breed . And their main job, in addition to accompanying the soldiers, was to guard and protect the camps. So the responsibility of keeping the lives of the men in battle safe fell on the shoulders of these dogs.
But his skills went further, as he also stood out at that time as an excellent hunting dog. Since it provided food to the soldiers. And later, recognized as a fighting dog, because in the arenas it faced ferocious animals such as wolves and lions that were exported from Europe.
His popularity transcended in Italy, where he was a notable part of the working class. However, his life was in danger of extinction for a few years. It was around 1970 that the breeding of these dogs began again, then used for herding flocks and activities in the countryside.
Description
Like most defense dogs , the Cane Corso or Italian Mastiff is mainly characterized by its large size and its burly, robust figure , which reinforce a brave and protective personality while denoting an elegant and balanced appearance. A harmonious combination that makes you look very confident.
Let's look in detail at the physical aspects that characterize this breed.
Size and weight
As we have mentioned, this is a breed of notable size. It is not possible to indicate exact measurements regarding its height, however, an approximation would be between 60 and 70 centimeters in size at the withers in males and, in females, between 55 and 65 centimeters. In relation to weight, males can reach up to 50 kilograms and females 45.
Head
The head is wide, even more noticeable at the top. It has a slightly convex shape at the front of its skull. Its eyes are oval and medium in size. Usually dark in color, however, they may present variations. Its nose is black and quite pronounced. While the snout is smaller than its skull, and you can see how the upper lip protrudes and covers the lower lip.
Their ears are triangular in shape and fall on the skull at a considerable height.
Body
In general, the body of this breed is well developed. His back looks muscular and linear. While its limbs are long and leafy, which gives it great agility.
Line
The tail of these animals is evidently robust and very high, almost always when they are carrying out any activity.
Fur
The coat of the Italian mastiff is thick and dense but with an obvious shine. It also has an inner layer of finer hair. It normally comes in gray, although it may have variations, such as black in different shades.
Motion
One aspect that must be mentioned about these animals is their way of walking. It is a kind of “trot” with strong and wide footsteps.
Character
The Italian Mastiff is a dog that generally has a balanced behavior. Trained to remain active in any suspicious situation. His ability as a protector, whether of the home, the family or a flock, is what draws the most attention of those seeking to adopt this dog breed.
It is also a very territorial dog , so when it feels invaded by strangers, it may adopt defensive behaviors in order to mark its space and demonstrate its dominance. Given their sense of protection, these dogs establish a very close connection with their owners and those closest to them, which is why coexistence in homes with children without any type of problem is ideal.
It is a patient and delicate dog, despite its height. Harmonious and, above all, very affectionate with his people . As for activities, this breed is highly athletic, loving exercise and outdoor activities. In addition to hunting and caring for flocks.
Self-confidence predominates in the Italian Mastiff. He knows how to save his space and makes those who enjoy his company feel protected at all times. Their behavior will depend largely on the education provided to them. However, it is a proportionally balanced dog.
Italian Mastiff Puppies
The puppies of this breed are adorable. These are dogs that require attention and above all good education . Carrying out training at an early age will give this breed an even more balanced behavior than the one they maintain by nature.
Getting him used to having contact with other people, animals and environments will allow him to recognize the places he frequents and this will prevent him from feeling strange in front of them.
In addition to this, monitoring aspects such as exercise and nutrition from their growth will ensure that they remain in good health until they become adults.
Training
The issue of training the Cane Corso is elementary; whether it can adapt to any activity and, even more so, socialize with other people will undoubtedly depend on it. It is advisable to start training from the third week of life and, from then on, do it continuously until you reach twelve weeks.
Continuous and effective training practice in this breed will result in a friendly animal. Otherwise, if the Cane Corso is not educated, it will become a distrustful, rebellious and possibly aggressive animal.
It should also be noted that training these animals is highly entertaining. It is an intelligent and obedient breed , so basic and advanced teachings will not be difficult.
It should not be forgotten that the best way to train this breed, like others, is through positive reinforcement if you want to obtain obvious results. If we do it aggressively, we could run the risk of receiving a negative response from our dog.
Health
Their life expectancy is usually over 10 years, enjoying good health. Everything will depend on your care. However, in general terms, it is a robust and very healthy breed . Some of the diseases that can affect you are related to the joints, largely due to their size and weight.
Among the diseases that can affect the good health of the breed are: hip and elbow dysplasia, the appearance of which can be influenced by the diet and the amount of exercise the dog performs.
It is an emotionally and physically stable breed, so its optimal health will allow it to serve as a companion for a long time, offering all its protection and affection.
Care
In addition to being excellent options for company and protection, this dog breed does not usually require excessive care. Just consider basic care and you will maintain a good quality of life. Let's look at some specific care:
Cleanliness
In the case of grooming, it is only recommended to give a bath when the dog really needs it. Bathing frequently is not necessary. Like brushing, doing it once a week will be enough to prevent excessive hair loss and maintain its shine.
Food and exercise
This is an elemental combination for the life and health of the Italian Mastiff. Let us remember that this is a highly dynamic dog and requires constant exercise. Staying fit by combining this with proper nutrition with quality feed will reduce the risk of disease.
Walks at least three times a day, some exercises and dietary control will be enough for our Cane Corso to remain in optimal health conditions.
Periodic veterinary checks
From weight control, vaccination programs, deworming, growth and even the condition of their eyes, teeth and ears is very important in this breed. Therefore, a periodic visit to the veterinarian is very necessary if you want to keep an eye on each of these aspects.
In conclusion
While it is true that you do not have to be an expert in animal care to adopt one, knowing the details of each breed will allow you to choose a pet according to our environment. In the case of the Cane Corso or Italian Mastiff, getting to know him is not only necessary but also very entertaining.
It is a breed historically intended for protection and defense , so these aspects will not be lacking in its presence. Because of this, training him to recognize his usual environment will help him not to be distrustful of the people he meets.
It does not require very special care, but it does require a combination of exercise and good nutrition. At least 30 minutes of exercise and walks three times a day will be enough for our friend to stay in good shape, extend his longevity and reduce the risk of suffering from some diseases that may attack him.
It is a balanced, loyal, honest and noble dog. Despite its large size and robust appearance, it is a careful animal, especially when approaching children, and will adapt very easily to a home where they are present.
This is a very pleasant dog and ideal for those who love outdoor activities and need a four-legged companion.
Other Mastiffs that may also interest you:
