How to Identify a Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is considered to be a part of the Molossus (Mastiff) family, and is a member of the working group. [1] They share several characteristics with other dog breeds, but they also have multiple distinguishing ones. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog may be a Cane Corso.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

  1. Male Cane Corsi are usually anywhere from 25–27.5 inches (64–70 cm) in height, while females are slightly shorter, being anywhere from 23.5–26 inches (60–66 cm) tall. For both male and female Cane Corsi, their weight should be proportionate to their height. [2]
  2. Cane Corsi typically have a large head, with the skull and muzzle panes converging slightly, and not parallel to each other. The skin on the dog's head should be smooth and firm. The dog's skull should be wide with a slight curve, and a square appearance when viewed from the top area of the dog. [3]
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  3. Cane Corsi should have ears set well above their cheekbones, that are either cropped or uncropped. If they're cropped, they should be shaped like an equilateral triangle. If the ears are not cropped, they should be triangular-shaped, of a medium size, and tightly held to the dog's cheeks. They should also not extend beyond the dog's jawbone. [4]
  4. Cane Corsi should have medium-sized eyes that are of an almond shape, and have only a very small amount of haw visible. Dogs with black muzzles ideally should have brown eyes, while dogs with gray muzzles may have a lighter eye color. [5]
  5. Cane Corsi should have a nose of a large size, with well-opened nostrils. The nose should be fully pigmented, with dogs who are black having a black nose, and dogs who are grey having a grey nose. [6]
  6. Cane Corsi typically have a tail that is thick at the root, but doesn't taper much at the tip. When the dog is at rest, their tail should be carried low, horizontal or a little higher than the back (though not vertical). At the fourth vertebrae, the tail is typically docked. [7]
  7. Overall, Cane Corso appear sturdy, muscular and athletic. Their gait should have strong reach and drive, and be powerful and free-flowing, yet also effortless. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Coat

  1. Cane Corsi may have a coat that is black, light or dark gray, light or dark fawn, or red. Brindles may also be present with any of these colors. [9]
    • If the dog is a solid fawn or red color, it typically has a black or grey mask that doesn't extend beyond the eyes. [10]
    • You may also notice white patches on the backs of the pasterns, chest, throat, chin, and/or the toe areas. [11]
  2. Cane Corsi should overall have a short coat. [12]
  3. The coat should overall appear shiny and dense, and feel stiff. [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

  1. Though Cane Corsi will often not fight unless provoked, they were originally used for sheep herding and as guard dogs, and as such, they have a protective instinct, and are often wary of people and other animals, especially if they enter the dog's territory. [14]
    • Because of this, some areas have enacted BSLs (breed-specific legislation) either banning or severely restricting Cane Corsi. [15]
  2. Cane Corsi are intelligent dogs overall, who are willing to learn. In addition, they are also eager to please. These things combined make the Cane Corso a very trainable dog. [16]
  3. Though they're protective, Cane Corsi are known to be relatively even-tempered, calm dogs overall. [17]
  4. The Cane Corso typically does not bark constantly, and will usually only bark in the event of something important occurring. [18]
  5. Similar to what was mentioned earlier, Cane Corsi can sometimes be reserved around strangers, especially if they aren't socialized well enough as a puppy. [19]
  6. If not, they may resort to things like chewing up furniture or digging. Consider getting them involved in a dog sport, or even helping you if you own a farm. [20]
  7. Cane Corsi are known to have a bossy personality, and as such, they need clear expectations from the start, and consistent training. [21]
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      Tips

      • If you're wondering what breed your dog is, consider dog DNA testing. DNA testing can help confirm what breed your dog is.
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      Warnings

      • Be aware that some areas have enacted BSLs (breed-specific legislation) either banning or severely restricting Cane Corsi. [22] Make sure to check dog breed bans in your area.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cane-corso/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cane-corso/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/CaneCorso.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cane-corso-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.mastiffguide.com/where-are-cane-corsos-legal-or-banned.html
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cane-corso-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cane-corso-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cane-corso-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/cane-corso-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cane-corso
      12. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cane-corso
      13. ↑ https://www.mastiffguide.com/where-are-cane-corsos-legal-or-banned.html

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