Cane Corso

General information and history: The Cane Corso is a large working dog. It is a descendent of the ancient Molossers. They are native to Italy and represent a modern day continuation of the war dogs that were pitted against lions in ancient Roman arenas. They possess great strength, courage, and have a stable temperament. They were used for hunting large game such as wild boar, stag, and as a cattle catching dog. Today the Cane Corso makes an excellent guard dog, extremely loyal to it's family and quite aloof with strangers. He has a very protective nature and yet is able to discern friend from foe. STANDARDS Head: Molossoid, massive, broad and flat across the skull, when viewed from the top, the lines of the skull are parallel. The upper longitude axes of the skull and muzzle are slightly convergent with a well defined stop. Muzzle: The muzzle should be almost as wide as it is long. The muzzle should not exceed 34% of the total length of the head. The muzzle should be deeper then it is long. When viewed from the front the muzzle appears as a slight trapezoid (widest at the bottom). Lips: The lips are thick and heavy. The upper lips are moderately hanging covering the mandible so the lower profile of the muzzle is framed by the lips. Should be pigmented. Nose: The nose must not stick out past the vertical line of the front of the muzzle. The pigmentation is black except in blue's where it is slate gray. Eyes: The eyes should be of medium size, almond shaped and wide-set. Dark eyes are preferred, but allowances may vary with coat color. The eyes should be tight fitting, although with all mastiff type breeds a minimal haw is acceptable. They should look intelligent and alert. Ears: Cropping varies greatly from close to the skull to triangular in shape. Uncropped ears are acceptable and should not be faulted/penalized. Bite: The teeth should meet in a level bite, however scissors and slightly undershot are acceptable. Full dentition is desirable. Neck: The neck should be muscular, powerful and well arched. The neck may have a moderate amount of dewlap, but should not be excessive. Forequarters: Shoulders should be muscular, well laid back and free in there movement. Elbows are straight and tight against the body. The front legs should be straight with heavy bone. Pasterns should be upright but must have flexibility. Feet are tight and oval shaped, with thick pads and toes well knuckled over. Feet should not turn in nor out. Rear dewclaws if any should be removed. Hindquarters: The hindquarters should be broad, well developed and very muscular. The thigh is moderately long and powerful. The stifles should be well angulated and commensurate with shoulder layback so as to produce a well balanced dog. Hocks are let down and parallel when viewed from behind. Body: The chest should be broad and deep, descending below the elbows with ribs well sprung. The topline should be straight and show no weakness. It should flow smoothly into the hindquarters, which are slightly rounded when viewed from the side. The belly is slightly tucked. The dog should appear longer than it is tall, (approx. 10%) Most important is that the dog appear balanced and athletic. Tail: The tail is set high as to appear as a continuation of the topline and is docked to one-third the length. When the dog is excited the tail is raised but never held straight up. Coat: The coat is short and dense, in the cold weather the Cane Corso develops a dense undercoat. Movement: The movement should be free flowing and powerful, yet effortless. The front legs should reach with long strides. The rear should thrust with great drive and extension. When viewed from the front the legs should move parallel to each other and cover a great deal of ground with each step. When viewed from the side the topline should remain on a level plane with a minimum roll or bounce and should converge as to single track. The dog should move with a great deal of ease and confidence. Temperament: The Cane Corso is very intelligent. He should appear self confident and alert. He should never be shy or vicious. Indifference to strangers should not be considered shy or vicious. Height: Minimum height for adult males is 24 inches. The minimum height for adult females is 22 inches Weight: Minimum weight for adult males is 100lbs. The minimum weight for adult females is 80lbs While the larger size is preferred, it should not come at the expense of the dogs working ability or movement. Color: Black, Blue, Chestnut, Fawn, Red, or any of these colors brindled. Tawny subjects often have a black mask. White is permitted on the chest, chin, toes and the back of pasterns. Faults: Excessively long muzzles
Wry mouth
Parrot mouth
Disturbingly undershot
Continuously ambling gait
Converging sidelines of the muzzle or skull
Excessive dewlap or wrinkle
Any departure from the standard shall be considered a fault. The seriousness of the fault shall be proportionate its degree, i.e. a very crooked front is a serious fault, a slightly crooked front is a slight fault, etc.
Disqualifications: Monorchis, Cryptorchid. Blue eyes, except in puppies. White on any other parts of the body, except where allowed. A few white hairs do not constitute a marking. Tail not docked. Rear dewclaws.