What Were Cane Corso Bred For?

This Dog Has A Long And Fascinating History

The Cane Corso is a large Italian, Mastiff breed of dog. With this breed being intelligent, strong, and athletic, it’s no wonder many people ask, “What were Cane Corso bred for?” As it turns out, this particular canine was helpful for many tasks.

The Cane Corso was bred to be used as a guard dog, and their name even translates as “guard dog” in Latin. These dogs were used in combat by Roman soldiers. They were also used as hunting dogs and for protecting livestock after the Roman Wars.

In this article, I will be talking more in-depth about the history of the Cane Corso. I will be covering how people used them in wars and how they were affected after those wars. In addition, I will also discuss their roles in society today.

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What Was the Original Purpose of a Cane Corso?

So what were Cane Corso bred for?

Cane Corso, or Cane Corsi for plural, was bred to protect their families from intruders. They also assisted in hunting mid- to large-range game, such as wild boar, deer, or bears. They would herd livestock around the farm when they weren’t protecting or providing.

They truly helped their owners by doing everything shy of raising their children for them.

The Cane Corso was bred in Italy to be a guard dog. The Cane Corso shares a similar genealogical history with its relative, the Neopolitan Mastiff. Both breeds appeared when the Romans invaded Greece and brought some molossus dogs, large Greek canines, to breed with their own local dogs.

The Appearance and Temperament of a Cane Corso

This dog is a powerful and solid animal. The Cane Corso has intense eyes that can be shades of brown, blue, or amber. Most of the time, owners crop their ears, which adds to the ferocious look of this dog. Its body is lean and covered in a short, thick coat. They occasionally have a brindled pattern but are usually one of the following colors:

The Cane Corso is a very loyal breed with a relatively easygoing temperament. They're confident, assertive, and alert. All these qualities mean the Cane Corso is always on the lookout for suspicious activity. They're natural hunters and protectors, so any sudden movements in their presence will have them off on the chase.

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Is a Cane Corso a War Dog?

But what were Cane Corso bred for before they became natural choices for guard dogs?

With Cane Corso being such a large breed of dog, it makes sense that people wondered if they were ever used in war.

The Cane Corso was once a war dog. The Romans used them, or at least their ancestors, during their wars. The Cane Corso is the descendant of Roman Molossian dogs, an ancient dog breed. This breed, now extinct, was also bred by the Romans to be used as guardians and war dogs.

In battle, Roman soldiers would use the Cane Corso by attaching buckets of flaming oil to their backs. This earned them the name piriferi, or fire bearer. Once equipped with ammo, the soldiers would release the dogs to charge across enemy lines. If running at the foe with fire was not enough, the soldiers would often not feed the dogs before a battle so they would be extra ravenous.

This dog was fierce on the battlefield and made a name for itself as a warrior.

Their Build Aided Them As War Dogs

Cane Corso dogs are very large canines with an incredibly muscular build. They can be as tall as 27 inches (just a little over 2 feet, or 685.8 millimeters) and weigh as much as 120 pounds (54.43 kilograms).

The Cane Corso has a broad body, a wide skull, and intense eyes. All of these characteristics made these animals very intimidating. Their menacing look and desire to please their owners made them the perfect ally in the war.

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The Role of the Cane Corso After the War

At the end of the Roman wars, their days of charging enemy lines were over and the dogs had to adjust to a less brutal routine. The farmers would task the Cane Corso with managing and protecting the animals on the farm.

With their yearning to always have a goal to accomplish, the Cane Corso adjusted well to a more rural, simplistic life.

Wars Almost Led to the Extinction of the Cane Corso

After World Wars I and II, the Cane Corso almost didn't make it out of the 20th century. Many men from Italy were sent to war, leaving their furry companions jobless and purposeless. The dogs were so loyal that, even with the extended absence of their owner, they weren't persuaded to leave their homes so they would survive.

A group of people who cared deeply about the Cane Corso sought to bring back this majestic breed from the brink of extinction in the 1970s. By finding the existing Cane Corsi, they were able to breed them until, slowly, the dogs evolved into the Cane Corso we have today.

As Cane Corso numbers increased, the breed was introduced to other countries. People first brought them to the United States in 1988, but the American Kennel Club did not recognize them until 2010.

The Cane Corso and the Evolving World

Although the fierce Cane Corso is still a popular guard dog breed, that's not all it is. Like other typically "fearsome" breeds (pit bulls, rottweilers, etc.) Cane Corsos are also loving house pets. You're just as likely to find them curled on the couch as barking ferociously at the door.

Since the Cane Corso was bred for strenuous jobs, ensuring they have ample activities to entertain them, such as hiking, is essential. The Cane Corso thrives with work, so using them as a working dog is often the best thing for them. Examples of jobs for them would be military work or tracking.

From Warrior to Modern-Day Companion

Nowadays, keeping this dog as a pet requires a lot of time and effort. Since they're an athletic breed, they need a large yard with sufficient room to run around. In addition to having ample space in the home, they should also be taken out for walks to help burn off energy.

They are easy to train; however, you must constantly challenge them. The Cane Corso doesn't like to be left alone, and if they are, they'll likely start misbehaving. They need a leader who will show them that they're the alpha. Any slip-up in dominance and the Cane Corso will try to take the title as their own.

These dogs are instinctively territorial of their properties and families, making them excellent family dogs. Bringing them into the family early on in their lives is essential, especially if other pets are in the house or if there are small children.

What Were Cane Corso Bred For...Conclusion

These dogs are instinctively territorial of their properties and families, making them excellent family dogs. Bringing them into the family early on in their lives is essential, especially if other pets are in the house or if there are small children.

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About the Author...
Ken Alden, a dedicated Mastiff owner for over eight years, is acclaimed for his expertise in care, grooming, and training. Read more About Me and my dog Shadow.

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