Black Cane Corso: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)
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| Height: | 23 – 27 inches |
| Weight: | 90 – 120 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Colors: | Black |
| Suitable for: | Active families with large dog experience. Firm hands with patience and love |
| Temperament: | Intelligent and very active. Protective and can be aggressive. Loyal and affectionate |
The Black Cane Corso is a large, powerful breed of dog that originated in Italy. It is descended from the old Roman Molossus and was used for guarding property and hunting wild boar. The breed was once thought to be extinct, but it has been re-established thanks to dedicated breeders. Today, the Black Cane Corso is highly sought after as a family pet and guard dog. Let’s learn more about this breed.
Black Cane Corso Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Black Cane Corso in History
The Black Cane Corso has a long and storied history, with some breeds tracing their roots back to ancient times. As early as the 9th century, records show that black dogs of the Molosser family were used for hunting wild boar in Italy. By the 1800s, these dogs had spread throughout different regions of Italy, and the breed had become known as the Cane Corso. Soon the breed spread to other parts of Europe, and eventually to the United States.
How Did This Breed’s Role in Human Society Change Over Time?
Throughout its history, the Black Cane Corso has been used for a variety of purposes. In ancient times, it was primarily used by hunters to track and catch wild boar. As time passed, however, these dogs became more adept at guarding property and were sought after by nobility as guard dogs. Today the breed is still seen as a superb guard dog, but it is also popular with families as a loving and loyal companion.
How the Black Cane Corso Gained Popularity
The popularity of the Cane Corso began to spread during the 20th century. In 1992, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in the United States and Canada. The AKC also gave this breed its own standard and started holding dog shows for it. This helped popularize the breed throughout North America, and today the Cane Corso is considered one of the most popular breeds in the US and Canada. Black is one of the breed’s standard colors, along with fawn, gray, gray brindle, red, black brindle, and chestnut brindle.
Formal Recognition of the Black Cane Corso
Due to its loyal temperament, impressive size and strength, the Black Cane Corso was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992. It is now part of the Working Group, which includes other large breeds such as Rottweilers and Boxers. The AKC also recognizes this breed in Canada through its Canadian Kennel Club affiliate.
The breed standard is described as a large, powerfully built dog with a natural protective instinct. For the black Cane Corso, the coat should be black in color or a combination of black and tan.
About the Black Cane Corso’s Coat
The Black Cane Corso has a short, thick coat. The hair is usually black in color with occasional tan markings. As the breed matures, its coat can often become lighter in color. This breed has minimal shedding and requires only regular brushing to keep it looking healthy and beautiful. They get this color as a result of their ancestry as a Molosser dog.
Top 10 Unique Facts About the Black Cane Corso
1. Descendant of Molossus dogs
The Black Cane Corso is a descendant of the Molosser family of dogs, which includes breeds such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Boxers.
2. Though to be extinct
This breed was once thought to be extinct but has since been re-established thanks to dedicated breeders.
3. Recognized in 1992
The Black Cane Corso was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.
4. They are powerful
The Black Cane Corso is a large, powerfully built dog with a natural protective instinct and an impressive size and strength.
5. They are loyal
This breed is highly sought after as both a family pet and guard dog due to its loyal temperament.
6. About their coat
The Black Cane Corso has a short, tight coat that should be black in color or a combination of black and tan.
7. They need regular exercise
This breed requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy and is best suited for an active lifestyle.
8. They need a lot of care
The Black Cane Corso can live up to 12 years if well cared for, but may suffer from a number of health issues if not given proper care.
9. They are smart
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly but needs firm and consistent training for best results.
10. Excellent watchdogs
The Black Cane Corso is an excellent watchdog that will alert its owners to potential threats, making it an ideal guardian for family and property.
What Are the Temperament Characteristics of the Black Cane Corso?
The Black Cane Corso is known for its loyalty and devotion to its family. It makes for an excellent guard and watchdog, as it is quick to alert its owners to potential threats. This breed is intelligent and trainable, though it can be stubborn at times. It does best with firm but consistent training.
The Black Cane Corso requires regular exercise, both physical and mental, in order to stay healthy and happy. This breed does best with an active lifestyle and can be a great companion for owners who love outdoor activities.
Appearance
The Black Cane Corso is a large and muscular breed that stands between 22-28 inches at the withers. It has a short, glossy coat that can be black or fawn in color. The head is usually large and square with a broad muzzle, strong jaws, and alert ears. The tail is both long and thick, usually reaching the hock. The eyes are dark brown and slightly almond-shaped.
The Black Cane Corso gets its color from a gene called the melanistic mask, which gives it its black or fawn coat. Some may also have a white patch on their chest and/or feet, though this is not common.
The Black Cane Corso has a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming and maintenance. This breed should be brushed at least once a week to remove dirt, dead hair and other debris. Regular baths are also recommended to keep the coat healthy and clean.
Does the Black Cane Corso Make a Good Pet?
The Black Cane Corso is a loyal, devoted, and intelligent breed that makes an excellent guard dog and loving companion. With proper care and training, this breed can be a great addition to any family. It does best with an active lifestyle and ample exercise. The Black Cane Corso should also be socialized from a young age in order to ensure that it is well-behaved around people and other animals.
Featured Image Credit: Lucie Malouin, Pixabay
