One look at the majestic Cane Corso breed is enough to convince anyone of its noble and worthy ancestry. This imposing canine has a rich lineage that can be traced back thousands of years. Its ancient ancestors played an important role in combat as Roman war dogs. Let’s take a closer look at the origins and evolution of this magnificent canine combatant.
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is a Molossoid or Molosser breed of dog that traces its roots to ancient Greece. According to historical references, the Molossers were used as guardians for livestock by Greek livestock keepers as they were nimble and strong enough to chase and fight off predators. It is believed that Molossers are the predecessors of a large group of Mastiffs and Mastiff-type dogs that we know today.
During the Roman invasion of Greece in the 2nd century BC, the Romans became acquainted with Molosser dogs. They took some of these dogs back to Italy where they were crossbred with native dogs of the region. This resulted in a heavier-set Mastiff-type dog known as Canis Pugnax.
The Romans trained Canis Pugnax to go into battle with them, and these dogs wore collars and anklets with large spikes and treacherous curved blades. They would be sent in ahead of the cavalry to weaken the enemy’s lines. Canis Pugnax was also used as “pireferi,” harnessed up with buckets of flaming hot oil with which they would charge into the Roman opposition. These dogs were renowned for their fearlessness and bravery.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire around the 5th century, Roman war dogs took on a more sedate and domestic role, similar to their Molosser ancestors. They were valued as farm guard dogs, livestock herd protectors, and hunting dogs. The name Cane Corso is derived from the Italian word for dog, “cane,” and there are various interpretations for the word “Corso,” none of which are conclusively accepted.
By the end of World War I, the Cane Corso’s numbers had begun to decline, and it was rare to encounter one of these dogs at all. Thankfully, a group of Cane Corso devotees managed to recover the breed in the 1970s in Italy. By the 1990s, it had become a well-known breed throughout Europe.
The Cane Corso made its debut in the USA in the 1980s but was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club relatively recently, in 2010. In modern times, the Cane Corso is a beloved pet and an intimidating part-time family guard dog. Despite its military roots, the breed can be mild and even-tempered if adequately socialized and trained.
The Cane Corso is also an excellent family pet in most instances, but it is crucial to note a few caveats. These dogs require stimulation and need adequate exercise, socialization, and training, including obedience exercise. They thrive on jobs that can challenge their smart and energetic personalities. These massive yet gentle giants may not be ideal for first-time dog owners and for homes with very small children due to their wilful personalities and size.
In conclusion, the Cane Corso breed’s role in human society has drastically changed from its ancient beginnings. Yet, the once noble war dog remains a guardian of our beloved families, providing pure devotion to their human fur parents. Despite their relatively recent climb to popularity, we feel confident that the Cane Corso will continue to ascend the popularity ranks in the years to come.
