The Cane Corso is an impressive powerhouse of a dog. Considered to be large in size, the Cane Corso is easily recognized by its block-shaped head and deeply muscled frame. A breed intended to appear intimidating, the Cane Corso was bred to fulfil the role of a watchdog.  Its fierce-looking appearance is important to its function. 

The Cane Corso is a breed of high intelligence. The breed excels at a number of activities and is highly active, requiring an owner that is committed to regular exercise. A breed that bonds deeply to its family, the Cane Corso is loyal and loves to please its people. However, this dog breed requires a strong leader and can be stubborn and dominant if its owner lacks authority. 

A strong-willed breed that is also highly powerful, the Corso is not for the novice owner. Dog experience is necessary for this breed to thrive. Cane Corsi do not enjoy the company of strangers; preferring to reserve their affection and loyalty for their family only. The Cane Corso will not seek out the company of other animals or people. 

A high drive dog breed, the Cane Corso benefits from having a job to do. This breed will not be content in a lifestyle that is largely sedentary. If its mental and physical needs are not met daily, the Cane Corso will fall into nuisance behaviours such as digging, barking, and chewing. The Cane Corso’s intelligence and athleticism makes it well-suited to such sports as agility, nose work, obedience, tracking, and dock diving. 

The Cane Corso is a direct descendant of a type of Mastiff known as the Molosser, a dog believed to be of Greek origins. The breed traces its heritage to Italy and is believed to have been the product of selective breeding between several dog types the Romans used in war. The Cane Corso bears some resemblance to the Neapolitan Mastiff but is smaller in size. This dog breed was originally intended to function as a guardian as well as to assist its owners on hunts. 

The earliest Cane Corsi assisted with jobs around the home and farm. Many were put to work driving cattle or herding pigs into a central location. 

The name Cane Corso is derived from two Latin roots. “Cane” translates to dog and is a derivative of the Latin term “canis.” The origins of the “corso” portion of the dog’s name are less clear. It is believed that this term may trace its roots to “cohors,” a word meaning protector or bodyguard. 

Equally plausible is the assertion that Corso is derived from “corsus.” Corsus is an ancient word of Italian origin which means hardy. 

In time, as machines were developed to assist with farm chores, the Corso was no longer needed as a working dog on farms. During this time, the breed became in danger of disappearing altogether. In the mid-20th century, aficionados of the breed made a concentrated effort to preserve it for future generations through careful and conscientious breeding practices.