Cane Corso Breed Standard

FCI Standard no 343 with comments of AICC, SACC:

Medium-large sized molossoid, unicolor, compact, with a strong skeleton, muscular and athletic, it moves with considerable ease. Its head is massive, with a dignified and proud expression. It has had a selection parallel to that of the mastiff, it comes from lighter progenitors but has maintained that original conformation. It has always been a property watchdog and hunter of difficult game, such as the boar. It originated in the central-southern regions of Italy where it was used as a cowherd for cows and swine raised in the wild. It also defended travelers and carters from highwaymen. Its name is the one by which it has always been known in the south, having the same root as corsiero (courser), the medieval war horse; perhaps it derives from the Latin cohors (courtyard, bodyguard). Due to environmental changes, the Courser risked extinction. A few enthusiasts initiated its recovery which today is complete. Its modern functions are watchdog, defending people and their belongings. An adaptable and courageous worker, of proverbial loyalty, alert and reactive, able to withstand difficult environmental conditions and experiences due to its solid equilibrium. A strong build but not without elegance. Built on rectangle, it absolutely must no resemble the Neapolitan Mastiff. Its skin adheres to its body and does not form wrinkles.

Brief historical summary

Its direct ancestor is the Canis Pugnax (the old Roman Molossian) of which he is the light version employed in the hunting of large wild animals and also as an auxiliary warrior in battles. For years he has been a precious companion of the Italic populations. Employed as property, cattle and personal guard dog and used for hunting purposes too. In the past this breed was common all over Italy as an ample iconography and historiography testify. In the recent past he has found a excellent preservation area in Southern Italy, especially in Puglia, Lucania and Sannio. His name derives from the Latin Cohors which means "Guardian, Protector".

General appearance

Medium-big size dog, strongly built but elegant, with powerful and long muscles, very distinguished, he expresses strength, agility and endurance. The general conformation is that of a mesomorphic animal whose body is longer than the height at the withers, harmonious as regards the form and disharmonious as regards the profile.

Important proportions

The length of the body is about 11% over the height at the withers. The total length of the head reaches 36% of the height at the withers. The length of the muzzle is equal to 34% of the total length of the head. The height of the thorax is 50% of the height at the withers and it is equal to the height of the limb at the elbows.

Behavior and temperament

Intelligent, active and even-minded, he is an unequaled watch and protection dog. Docile and affectionate with the owner, loving with children and with the family. If necessary, he becomes a terrible and brave protector for people, house and property. He is easily trained.

Head

Brachycephalic. Its total length reaches 36% of the height at the withers. The bizygomatic width, which is equal to the length of the skull, is more than half the total height of the head, reaching 66%. The upper longitudinal axes of the skull and of the muzzle are slightly convergent. The perimeter of the head, measured at the cheek-bones, is more than twice the total legth of the head, even in the females. The head is moderately sculptured with zygomatic arches stretched outwards. The skin is firm and sticking to the tissues underneath, it is smooth and quite stretched.

CRANIAL REGION

Skull

Seen from the front it is wide and slightly curved, seen from the side it draws an irregular curve that, accentuated in the subregion of the forehead, becomes flat along the external saggital crest. Seen from the top, it looks square because of the outstretching of the zygomatic arches and the powerful muscles swatching it. Frontal sinuses well developed and stretched forward, deep forehead hollow and visible median furrow. Occipital crest not much developed. Supraorbital fossae slightly marked.

Stop

Very marked because of the very developed and bulging frontal sinuses and because of the prominent superciliary arches.

FACIAL REGION

Nose

It is on the same line as the nose pipe. Seen from the side, it mustn't stick out from the front vertical margin of the lips but be, with its front, on the same vertical line as the front of the muzzle. It has to be voluminous, rather flat on top, with wide nostrils, opened and mobile, wet and cool. The pigmentation is black.
SACC and AICC comment: It should be expected to be dark grey in color for the subjects of grey color, grey brindle and fawn with a grey mask.

Muzzle

Very broad and deep. The depth of the muzzle must be almost equal to its length, which reaches 34% of the total length of the head. Due to the parallels of the muzzle sides and to the fullness and the width of the whole jaw, the anterior face of the muzzle is flat and square. The nasal bridge has a rectilinear profile and it is rather flat. The lower side profile of the muzzle is determined by the upper lips, the suborbital region shows a very slight chisel.

Lips

Rather firm. Seen from the front, the upper lips form at their disjunction and upside down "U" and, seen from the side, hang moderately. The commisure is rightly evident and it always represents the lowest point of the lower side profile of the muzzle. The pigmentation is black.

Very wide, strong and thick, with a very slight shortering of the upper jaw with a subsequent light prognatism (undershot mouth). The branches of the lower jaw, well accentuated forward, points out well the marked chin. The incisors are firmly placed on a straight line.

Cheeks

The masseter region is full and evident, but not hypertrophic.

Teeth

White, big, complete in growth and number. The lower jaw incisors pass only slightly (about 0.5 cm) their correspondent ones on the upper arch, so the bite is slightly undershot.
SACC and AICC comment: The bite should be slightly undershot (maximum 0.5 cm) or level. A scissor bite would be tolerated only if all the other parameters (length of the muzzle. parallel muzzle sides, the upper longitudinal axes of the skull and of the muzzle are slightly convergent) are correct.

Eyes

Of medium size compared to the size of the dog, in a sub-frontal position, well spaced. Rima palpebrarum nearly oval, eyeballs slightly protruding, adherent eyelids with the borders pigmented with black, the eye mustn't let the sclera be seen. Third eyelid strongly pigmented. Iris as dark as possible according to the color of the coat. Look intelligent and alert.
SACC and AICC comment: Color for the subjects with a black muzzle (black, fawn and brindle): iris as dark as possible. For the subjects with a grey muzzle (grey, formentino and grey-brindle): light brown color, lighter colorations are approved.

Ears

Of medium size in relation to the volume of the head and to the size of the dog; covered with short hair, of triangular shape, with rather pointed apex and thick cartilage, in a high position, much above the zygomatic arch, with a wide bottom. Hanging, they stick to the cheeks without coming down to the throat. Quite outstretched and slightly protruding at the joint, they become semi-erect when the dog is watchful. They usually get amputated in a equilateral-triangular shape.

NECK

Top line

Slightly arched.

Length

36% of the height at the withers, that is equal to the total length of the head.

Shape

Of oval section, strong, very muscular, with a marked disjunction form at the nape. The perimeter, at half length of the neck, is about 80% of the heigth of the withers. Harmoniously joined with the withers, shoulder and chest, the neck has its ideal direction at 450 from the ground and at right angle with the shoulder.

Skin

The lower margin of the neck is practically without dewlap.

BODY

Compact, strong and very muscular. Its length is 11% over the height at the withers, with an allowance of +/- 1%.

Top line

The back region is rectilinear with a slightly lumbar convexity.

Withers

They clearly rise on the dorsal line and over the rump level, high, long, wide. They are lean and join harmoniously the neck to the back.

Back

It is wide, very muscular as the whole upper line of the trunk, slightly climbing from the back to the front and with a strictly rectilinear profile. Its length is approx. 32% of the height at the withers.

Loins

The lumbar region has to be short, wide, well joined to the back and to the rump, very muscular, very solid and seen from the side, slightly convex. Its length, slightly higher than its width, is equal to 20% of the height at the withers.

Croup

Long, wide, slightly inclined.

Chest

Well developed in three dimensions, reaches to the elbow.
SACC and AICC comment: Its width, in close relation with the width of the thorax, reaches 35% of the height to the withers, the breast-bone is at the same height as the tip of the shoulders. Seen from the side, the chest is outstretched forward between the fore legs and slightly convex Thorax - it has to be well grown in the three dimensions with long, oblique, wide and well hoped ribs with wide intercostal spaces. The 4 false ribs are long oblique and open.

Tail

Set on fairly high; very thick at the root. The tail is docked at the fourth vertebra. In action carried high, but never curled nor erect.

LIMBS

Forequarters

Shoulders

Long, oblique, very muscular.

Upper arm

Strong.

Forearm

Straight, very strong.

Carpal joint and pasterns

Elastic

Forefeet

Cat feet.

Hindquarters

Upper thigh
Long, wide, back line of thigh convex.
Lower thigh
Strong, not fleshy.

Hocks

Moderately angulated.

Metatarsals

Thick and sinewy.

Hindfeet

Slightly less compact than the forefeet.

GAIT / MOVEMENT

Long stride, extended trot. The preferred gait is the trot.

COAT

Skin

Fairly thick, rather close fitting.

Hair

Short, shiny, very dense with a light undercoat.
SACC and AICC comment: Short hair but not smooth, with vitreous texture, shiny, adherent, stiff, very dense, with a light layer that becomes thicker in winter (but never crops up on the covering hair). Its average length is approx. 2-2.5 cm.

Colour

Black, lead-grey, slate-grey, light grey, light fawn; stag red and dark fawn; brindle (stripes on different shades of fawn or grey); in fawn coloured and brindle dogs the black or grey mask on the muzzle should not go beyond the line of the eyes. A small white patch on the chest, on the tips of the feet and on the bridge of the nose is acceptable.

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Height at withers: Males from 64 to 68 cm, females from 60 to 64 cm. Tolerance of 2 cm more or less.
Weight: Males from 45 to 50 kg, females from 40 to 45 kg.

FAULTS

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

SEVERE FAULTS

• Axes of muzzle and skull parallel or too converging; lateral surfaces of the muzzle converging.
• Partial depigmentation of the nose.
• Scissor bite; pronounced undershot mouth.
• Ring-tail, tail in vertical position.
• Permanent amble when trotting.
• Over-or undersize.

ELIMINATING FAULTS

• Aggressive or overly shy.
• Axes of muzzle and skull diverging.
• Total depigmentation of the nose.
• Bridge of nose very hollow, rams's nose.
• Overshot mouth.
• Partial or complete palpebral depigmentation. Wall eye; strabism.
• Tailless, short tail (docked or not).
• Semi-long, smooth or fringed hair.
• All colours not indicated in the standard; large white patches.

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities shall be disqualified.

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Translation: Tim TAYLOR and Raymond TRIQUET
Date of publication of the valid original standard: 14.04.1995
Sketches by Sylvie GUIGNARD

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:
The dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds, probably a descendant of the Alans and, in particular, the alan vautre of which Gaston Phebus (or Febus), Count of Foix, said in the 14th century, in his Livre de Chasse that " he holds his bite stronger than three sighthounds". The word "dogue" first appeared at the end of the 14th century. In the middle of the 19th century these ancient dogues were hardly renowned outside the region of Aquitaine. They were used for hunting large animals such as boar, for fighting (often codified), for the guarding of houses and cattle and in the service of butchers. In 1863 the first French dog show took place in Paris in the Jardin d'Acclimatation. The dogues de Bordeaux were entered under their present name. There have been different types : The Toulouse type, the Paris type and the Bordeaux type, which is the origin of today's dogue. The breed, which had suffered greatly during the two world wars, to the point of being threatened with extinction after the second world war, got off to a fresh start in the 1960's.

• GENERAL APPEARANCE :
  Typical concave lined brachycephalic molossoid. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a very powerful dog, with a very muscular body yet retaining a harmonious general outline. He is built rather close to the ground, the distance sternum-ground being slightly less than the depth of the chest. Stocky, athletic, imposing, he has a very dissuasive aspect.

• IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS :
  The length of the body, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock, is superior to the height at the withers, in the proportion of 11/10.
  The depth of the chest is more than half the height at the withers.
  The maximum length of the muzzle is equal to one third of the length of the head. The minimum length of the muzzle is equal to one quarter of the length of the head.
  In the male, the perimeter of the skull corresponds more or less to the height at the withers.

  A: height at the withers = perimeter of the skull B: chest mesurement (taken behind elbow) = height at the withers + 25 to 30 cm C: Length of the body D: Length of the head = occipital bone to nose = F x 3 E: Cranial Region = occipital bone to stop = F x 2 F: Lenght of the muzzle (max. = D / 3, min. = D / 4) G: width of cranial at the front = big base of trapezium H: width of the muzzle = small base of trapezium

• BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT :
  An ancient fighting dog, the dogue de Bordeaux is gifted for guarding, which he assumes with vigilance and great courage but without aggressiveness. A good companion, very attached to his master and very affectionate. Calm, balanced with a high stimulus threshold. The male normally has a dominant character.

• HEAD : Voluminous, angular, broad, rather short, trapezoid when viewed from above and in front.
  • CRANIAL REGION:
    In the male : the perimeter of the skull measured at the level of its greatest width corresponds roughly to the height at the withers. In bitches : it may be slightly less. Its volume and shape are the consequences of the very important development of the temporals, supra-orbital arches, zygomatic arches and the spacing of the branches of the lower jaw. The upper region of the skull is slightly convex from one side to the other. Fronto-nasal depression or stop is very pronounced, almost forming a right angle with the muzzle (95° to 100°). The frontal groove is deep, diminishing towards the posterior end of the head. The forehead dominates the face. However it is still wider than high. The head is furrowed with symmetrical wrinkles, each side of the median groove. These deep ropes of wrinkle are mobile depending on whether the dog is attentive or not.

• FACIAL REGION:
  

  Fig. 1: the front of the trapeziform Head Fig. 2: head correct (profile) Fig. 3: fronto-nasal depression or stop almost forming a right angle with the muzzle (95° to 100°) Fig. 4: the line of the muzzle forms to the upper region of the skull a very obtuse angle upwards Fig. 5: correct undershot of the mouth with a good curve of the lower jaw Fig. 6: Ears too loose

  • Nose:
    Broad, well opened nostrils, well pigmented according to the mask. Upturned nose (snubbed) permissible but not if it is set back towards the face.
  • Muzzle:
    Powerful, broad, thick, but not fleshy below the eyes, rather short, upper profile very slightly concave, with moderately obvious folds. Its width hardly decreasing towards the tip of the muzzle, when viewed from above it has the general shape of a square. In relation to the upper region of the skull, the line of the muzzle forms a very obtuse angle upwards. When the head is held horizontally the tip of the muzzle, truncated, thick and broad at the base, is in front of a vertical tangent to the anterior face of the nose. Its perimeter is almost two thirds of that of the head. Its length varies between one third and one quarter of the total length of the head, from the nose to the occipital crest. The limits stated (maximum one third and minimum one quarter of the total length of the head) are permissible but not sought after, the ideal length of the muzzle being between these two extremes.
  • Jaws:
    Very powerful, broad. Undershot (the undershot condition being a characteristic of the breed). The back of the lower incisors is in front of and not in contact with the front face of the upper incisors. The lower jaw curves upwards. The chin is well marked and must neither overlap the upper lip exaggeratedly nor be covered by it.
  • Teeth:
    Strong, particularly the canines. Lower canines set wide apart and slightly curved. Incisors well aligned especially in the lower jaw where they form an apparently straight line.
  • Upper lip:
    Thick, moderately pendulous, retractile. When viewed in profile it shows a rounded lower line. It covers the lower jaw on the sides. In front the edge of the upper lip is in contact with the lower lip, then drops on either side thus forming a reversed wide V.
  • Cheeks: Prominent, due to the very strong development of the muscles.

    Fig.1: correct profile of the head Fig.2: Undershot too long Fig.3: both jaws have the same length = no or too short undershot Fig.4: Cranial region and muzzle run parallel Fig 5: Hypertypical bulldoggy Fig.6: long muzzle, stop ins't well pronounced

• Eyes:
  Oval, set wide apart. The space between the two inner angles of the eyelids is equal to about twice the length of the eye (eye opening). Frank expression. The haw must not be visible. Colour : hazel to dark brown for a dog with a black mask, lighter colour tolerated but not sought after in dogs with either a brown mask or without a mask.

• Ears:
  Relatively small, of a slightly darker colour than the coat. At its set on the front of the base of the ear is slightly raised. They must fall back, but not hang limply, the front edge being close to the cheek when the dog is attentive. The tip of the ear is slightly rounded; it must not reach beyond the eye. Set rather high, at the level of the upper line of the skull, thus appearing to accentuate its width even more.

• Neck:
  Very strong, muscular, almost cylindrical. The skin is supple, ample and loose. The average circumference almost equals that of the head. It is separated from the head by a slightly accentuated transversal furrow, slightly curved. Its upper edge is slightly convex. The well defined dewlap starts at the level of the throat forming folds down to the chest, without hanging exaggeratedly. The neck, very broad at its base, merges smoothly with the shoulders.

• BODY :
  • Topline:
    Solid with a broad and muscular back, withers well marked, broad loin, rather short and solid, rump moderately sloping down to the root of the tail.
  • Croup: Moderately sloping down to the root of the tail.
  • Chest:
    Powerful, long, deep, broad, let down lower than the elbows. Broad and powerful breast whose lower line (inter-axillae) is convex towards the bottom. Ribs well let down and well sprung but not barrel shaped. The circumference of the chest must be between 0,25 to 0,30 m greater than the height at the withers.
  • Underline:
    Curved, from the deep brisket to the rather tucked up, firm abdomen, being neither pendulous nor whippety.

• Tail:
  Very thick at the base. Its tip preferably reaching the hock and not below. Carried low, it is neither broken nor kinked but supple. Hanging when the dog is in repose, generally rising by 90° to 120° from that position when the dog is in action, without curving over the back or being curled.
  • Fig. 1+2: good tail
  • Fig. 3: Tail deviated
  • Fig. 4: Tail deviated and fused (no admition for breeding)
  • Fig. 5: Tail too shoort (no admition for breeding)
  • Fig. 6: Tail knotted

• LIMBS:
  • Forequarters: Strong bone structure, legs very muscular.
  • Shoulders:
    Powerful, prominent muscles. Slant of shoulder-blade medium (about 45o to the horizontal), angle of the scapular-humeral articulation a little more than 90°.
  • Arms: Very muscular.
  • Elbows: In the axis of the body, neither too close to the thoracic wall nor turned out.
  • Forearms:
    Viewed from the front, straight or inclining slightly inwards thus getting closer to the median plane, especially in dogs with a very broad chest. Viewed in profile, vertical.
  • Metacarpial region:
    Powerful. Viewed in profile, slightly sloping. Viewed from the front sometimes slightly outwards thus compensating for the slight inclination of the forearm inwards.
  • Feet:
    Strong. Toes tight, nails curved and strong, pads well developed and supple : the dogue is well up on his toes despite his weight.

• Fig. 1: Forequarters correct Fig. 2: Feet correct (in profile /from the front) Fig. 3: Forefeet turning inwards Fig. 4: Forefeet turning outwards Fig. 5: down in pasterns Fig. 6: Feet turned outwards, arms are bent Fig. 7: down in pasterns with affected foot from the front

  • Hindquarters:
    Robust legs with strong bone structure; well angulated. When viewed from behind the hindquarters are parallel and vertical thus giving an impression of power even though the hindquarters are not quite as broad as the forequarters.

    Fig. 1 + 2 : good angel of the hock Fig. 3 + 4 : angel of the hock too open (straight angulation)

• Thigh: Very developed and thick with visible muscles.
• Stifle: In a parallel plane to the median plane or slightly out.
• Second Thigh: Relatively short, muscled, descending low.
• Hock: Short, sinewy, angle of the hock joint moderately open.
• Metatarsus: Robust, no dewclaws.
• Hindfeet: Slightly longer than the front feet, toes tight.

  Fig. 1 : Hindquarters correct Fig. 2 : Hindquarters too close Fig. 3 : Hocks to close (cow hocks) Fig. 4 : Hindquarters too open

• MOVEMENT :
  Quite supple for a molossoid. When walking the movement is free, supple, close to the ground. Good drive from the hindquarters, good extension of the forelegs, especially when trotting, which is the preferred gait. When the trot quickens, the head tends to drop, the topline inclines towards the front, and the front feet get closer to the median plane while striding out with a long reaching movement of the front legs. Short gallop with vertical movement rather important. Capable of great speed over short distances by bolting along close to the ground.

• SKIN: Thick and sufficiently loose fitting.

• HAIR: Fine, short and soft to the touch.
  • Coat: Self-coloured, in all shades of fawn, from mahogany to isabella. A good pigmentation is desirable. Limited white patches are permissible on the chest and the extremities of the limbs.

• MASK:
  • 1. Black mask
    The mask is often only slightly spread out and must not invade the cranial region. There may be slight black shading on the skull, ears, neck and top of body. The nose is then black.
  • 2. Brown mask (used to be called red or bistre)
    The nose is then brown; the eyerims are also brown.
  • 3. No mask
    The coat is fawn : the skin appears red (also formerly called "red mask"). The nose is then reddish or pink.

• SIZE : Height should more or less correspond to the perimeter of the skull.
  Dogs : 60-68 cm at the withers - Bitches : 58-66 cm at the withers.
  1 cm under and 2 cm over will be tolerated.

• WEIGHT: Dogs : at least 50 kg - Bitches : at least 45 kg.

  Fig. 1: Front correct Fig. 2: inter-ars concave Fig. 3: wrong curve of the ribs

• BITCHES: Identical characteristics but less prominent.

• FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
  • Serious Faults:
    • Hyper aggressive, timid
    • Head short and round with protruding eyes
    • Hypertypical bulldoggy : flat skull, muzzle measuring less than a quarter of the total length of the head
    • Important lateral deviation of the lower jaw
    • Incisors constantly visible when the mouth is closed
    • Arched back
    • Fused but not deviated vertebrae of the tail
    • Forefeet turning inwards (even slightly)
    • Forefeet turning outwards too much
    • Flat thighs
    • Angle of the hock too open (straight angulation)
    • Angle of the hock too closed, dog standing under himself behind
    • Cow hocks or barrel hocks
    • Stilted movement or serious rolling of rear
    • Excessive shortness of breath, rasping
    • White on tip of tail or on the front part of the forelegs, above the carpus and the tarsus
  • Disqualifying Faults:
    • Long, narrow head with insufficiently pronounced stop, with a muzzle measuring more than a third of the total length of the head (lack of type in head)
    • Muzzle parallel to the top line of the skull or downfaced, Roman nose
    • Twisted jaw
    • Mouth not undershot
    • Canines constantly visible when the mouth is closed
    • Tongue constantly hanging out when the mouth is closed
    • Tail knotted and lateraly deviated or twisted (screw tail, kink tail)
    • Atrophied tail
    • Fiddle front with splay feet
    • Angle of the hock open towards the rear (tarsal deviated towards the front)
    • White on the head or body, any other colour of the coat than fawn
    • Identifiable disabling defect

• N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.