About The Breed

Cane Corso are closely connected with the ancient history of Europe. The Molossi, imported by the Romans from their military campaigns and by the businessmen operating on the territory of the Roman Empire, are considered to be among the ancestors of the breed. Numerous documents of the past establish the ancient origins of the breed and several monuments of art and architecture conserve the silhouette of Cane Corso, the most prominent examples being the Sumerian plaque (2000 BC), the statue from Persepolis (V century BC), basso-relievo from Nineveh (850 BC) exhibited in the British Museum in London and the Roman sarcophaguses (II century AC). The force, endurance and intelligence of Cane Corso made it possible to use the dogs in such different activities as fighting in the wars, big game hunting, dog fighting, pasturing cattle and body guarding. During the Punic Wars, for instance, Cane Corso accompanied Roman legions. Although the battle near Heraclea in 280 BC is famous for the usage of war elephants, it should not diminish the merit of Cane Corso also fighting there.

After the Roman victory in 168 BC, during the triumphal parade with the defeated Macedonian king Persey, a hundred of trophy dogs were carried through the streets of Rome. The Celtic stem of Cane Corso might refer to the Gallic origins of the breed. According to legends, the Romans were impressed by brevity and fidelity of the dogs fighting side by side with their masters; when the master got killed the dog continued the fight not letting anyone approach the dead body of its master. In the Ancient Rome it was fashionable to have a guard dog Molossi and the first "Cave Canum" (Beware of the dog!) appeared.

During the Middle Ages Cane Corso was used as hunting and guard dog. The written documents praise the breed as tireless and brave hunters. Erasmo di Valvasone in his poem "La Caccia" (The Hunt) (1591) describing Cane Corso claims that they are swift and prompt as Russian wolfhound, vigorous and capable of great endurance and look solemn, brave and splendid. The Cardinal Scipione Borghese used Cane Corso for protection of his villa. The uniqueness of the breed is that more than two thousands years Cane Corso has been serving men as guardian of property, pasturing cattle, hunter, bodyguard, and always it has been the most faithful friend, ready to sacrifice itself for the sake of its master.