Cane Corso

The "corso" part of my name comes from the Latin word cohors, meaning farmyard or enclosure, and that's what we "Cane" (canine dogs, obviously) were developed to protect in the 16th Century. We're sizable (23-27 inches at the shoulder) canines, descended from the ancient Roman molosser dogs, so we're pretty effective hunters, too. The Cane Corso was recognized by the AKC in 2010, as a property watchdog and large game hunter, and placed in the kennel club's Working Group.

• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Aloof and proud
• Always alert
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Energizer doggie
• Even-tempered, good-natured

• Hardy hunter
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Lives to work
• Loves kids and vice-versa
• Dominant toward other dogs
• Novice owners might be challenged with this breed
• Outdoor enthusiast
• Caters to the country, tolerates town
• Ready to romp
• Socialization and training must start early
• Spirited
• Steadfast and strong
• Willing watchdog

I may be the biggest beast in puppy kindergarten, but I need you to start my training and socialization early -- otherwise I'll grow up to be a really big, unhappy handful. Please acquaint me with ever kind of dog, human, and situation I might encounter in the wonderful world that awaits. I can't stress the children and strangers part enough. I love kids, but my breed can be distrustful of strangers and I really need to learn about children I haven't met before.

Possible hip dysplasia, skin conditions (including mange), eye disorders (both entropion and ectropion as well as cherry eye), and bloat.