The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian breed that has been around since the 16th century.
It is also known as the “Cane d’Oro” or “Golden Cane.”
These dogs were bred to work in the fields and to be guard dogs.
The Cane Corso was originally bred by farmers in Tuscany who wanted a dog that could protect them from thieves.
They were used to scare off intruders while they worked the land.
Today, these dogs are still used to work in the field but are also kept as pets.
The dogs have long ears with a natural curl at the tips which gives them a very distinctive appearance.
Their heads are small with a blunt muzzle that tapers down towards the nose.
The eyes are dark brown and set deeply into the head.
The eyes are covered with eyebrows like those of humans.
They have black noses and short muzzles.
The coat is straight and dense with a thick undercoat.
The hair on the body is longer than most breeds of dog.
There are no markings on the face, feet, tail or genitals.
The legs are muscular and powerful.
The dogs are active and alert with a strong desire to please.
They love to play and are good family companions.
The Cane Corso comes in two colors: gray and white.
The gray color is dominant over the white color.
The white variety is sometimes called “silver” because it can look silver when light hits it just right.
In addition to the two colors there is a rare black variety that has been bred out of existence.
History of the Gray Cane Corso
The gray cane corso (Canis lupus familiaris) originated in Italy and was brought to America by Italian immigrants.
It became popular among Italian farmers who used them as working dogs.
The name “Cane Corso” comes from the Latin word canes which means cane.
This is because the dogs were originally bred to work with sugarcane harvesting machines.
In the early 1900s, the Cane Corso’s popularity began to decline when the American Kennel Club recognized it as an independent breed and not a subspecies of the greyhound.
As a result, the Cane Corso has been placed in danger of extinction.
Today, there are about 25,000 purebred Cane Corso dogs living in North America.
There are also many Cane Corso mutts that have been bred since the 1950s.
How to Train a Gray Cane Corso
The gray cane corso is an intelligent, powerful breed that requires proper training from puppyhood through adulthood.
Training Tips
Start early!
Be consistent.
Reward your dog when he does what you want him to do.
Teach commands in small steps.
Keep your dog’s attention on you.
Use praise, treats or toys to reinforce good behavior.
Teach your dog how to behave around other dogs.
Don’t be afraid to give your dog some discipline if he misbehaves.
Do not feed your dog table scraps, bones or raw meat.
Tips for Grooming a Gray Cane Corso
The gray cane corso is an intelligent, athletic dog that will require regular grooming.
The coat is dense and requires brushing regularly.
There should be no shedding in this breed.
However, it does shed during periods of heat and humidity.
In addition, the coat can get tangled easily.
When you brush your cane corso’s coat, make sure to use a soft bristle brush so that you don’t damage the coat.
Avoid using a wire comb as this could cause tangles or breakage.
Cane corso puppies need to receive regular baths to keep them clean and free from fleas.
Bathing your puppy is important because it will help remove any dirt, debris, oil, and dead skin cells.
It also helps with the development of the puppy’s coat.
If you choose not to bathe your puppy, you may want to consider bathing your adult dog instead.
You must never leave your cane corso unattended while they are being bathed.
This is especially true if the weather is hot outside.
You should always have someone near who can watch over your pet while they take a bath.
If you plan on grooming your cane corso often, you might want to invest in some grooming tools.
A good set of grooming tools includes a slicker brush, a nail clipper, scissors, and a grooming glove.
You can purchase these tools at most pet stores.
However, there are many other things you can do to keep your cane corso looking great.
Health Concerns for the Gray Cane Corso
The health concerns that we will look at in this article include heart disease, cancer, hip dysplasia, eye diseases, ear problems, dental issues, skin conditions, allergies, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, behavior problems, and hearing loss.
Heart Disease
The most common problem with the gray cane corso is heart disease.
If you have a dog who has a history of heart problems, it’s important to take him or her to your veterinarian for regular checkups.
Your vet can perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to make sure there are no abnormalities.
Your vet can also perform a stress test on your dog to see how he handles exercise.
Cancer
Another serious problem for dogs is cancer.
In fact, cancer is one of the two leading causes of death for dogs.
Fortunately, cancer in dogs is rare.
However, if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, appearance, or appetite, it’s best to get your dog checked out by a veterinarian right away.
A good place to start looking for symptoms of cancer is the skin.
Changes in your dog’s coat color or texture could be signs of cancer.
Another symptom of cancer may be blood in your dog’s stool.
Hip Dysplasia
Dogs with hip dysplasia often limp when they walk or run because their hips don’t move properly.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the leg bones of the dog are not formed correctly.
It can cause pain and arthritis as the dog ages.
There is no cure for hip dysplasia.
However, if your dog shows any sign of discomfort while walking, running, playing, or jumping, it’s time to go to the vet. He or she can perform x-rays to determine whether your pet has hip dysplasia.
Eye Diseases
Dogs can develop eye disease just like people do.
This is especially true of older dogs.
Eye disease can affect vision, so it’s important to have your dog examined regularly by your vet.
One of the most common eye problems is glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a condition where fluid pressure builds up inside the eyeball.
This can lead to blindness.
Other eye diseases that can occur in dogs include cataracts, retinal detachment, and uveitis.
Ear Problems
One of the most common problems with dogs is ear infections.
Ear infections can become very painful.
You should bring your dog to your vet if he or she seems uncomfortable while sleeping or eating.
Your vet can examine your dog’s ears and provide treatment if necessary.
Dental Issues
If you notice any change in your dog’s teeth, it’s important to visit your vet.
Dental problems can lead to other major health problems if left untreated.
Some of these problems include gum disease, tooth abscesses, and jaw fractures.
Skin Conditions
Another common health issue for dogs is skin problems.
These problems can range from minor allergic reactions to more serious conditions such as mange.
It’s important to keep your dog clean and free from fleas and ticks.
Make sure his nails are trimmed frequently and that he has access to plenty of fresh water.
If your dog suffers from allergies, your vet can prescribe medication to help.
Allergies
Allergic reactions can be caused by many different things.
Dogs are known to be sensitive to certain foods, chemicals, and cleaning products.
If you suspect your dog has been exposed to something that might set off his or her allergy, you should bring your dog to the vet immediately.
Your vet can treat your dog’s skin condition or administer medications.
Obesity
Obesity is another concern for dogs.
Overweight dogs are prone to various health problems, including joint problems, high blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.
If you notice your dog gaining weight, you should schedule an appointment with your vet.
He or she can perform some tests to determine what is causing your dog to gain weight.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another serious health concern.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which results in high levels of sugar in the bloodstream.
Many breeds of dogs are predisposed to developing diabetes.
For example, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Boxers are all susceptible to diabetes.
When your dog develops diabetes, his or her body cannot process glucose effectively.
This leads to excessive urination and thirst. Diabetic dogs can also experience blurry vision, fatigue, and weight loss.
If you suspect your dog is diabetic, you should contact your vet immediately.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is another serious condition that affects dogs.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated seizures.
Seizures can occur at any age.
They are usually triggered by external stimuli such as visual or sound hallucinations, emotional distress, or sleep deprivation.
If you notice any sudden personality changes, seizure activity, or behavior changes in your dog, you should bring him or her to your vet.
Your vet can diagnose your dog’s condition and provide treatment if necessary.
Behavioral Problems
Many behavioral problems in dogs are related to anxiety.
Anxiety can manifest itself as aggression, separation anxiety, fearfulness, or obsessive behaviors.
If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, you should contact your vet.
Your vet can recommend ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety.
He or she can also prescribe medications to help manage some of the behavioral problems.
Hearing Loss
When dogs hear loud noises, they react by barking or growling.
This reaction is called “startle reflex.”
Startle reflex can lead to severe damage to the ear drum.
Your vet may recommend surgery if the damage to the ear drum is extensive.
If your dog experiences frequent startle reflex, he or she should wear hearing protection or even ear plugs.
Showing and Racing the Gray Cane Corso
The Cane Corso was developed by the Italians to be a working farm dog with great strength and stamina.
They were bred to be good herders, but also were used as watchdogs on farms and ranches.
In Italy, they are known as the “cane corso” which means “dog with a cane.”
In America, they are called gray cane corsos or simply cane corsos.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes two types of gray cane corsos: one that has a white blaze and another that does not have a white blaze.
The AKC requires that the dogs be registered with the organization.
They must also be vaccinated against rabies and microchipped.
The dogs should have a written health guarantee from a veterinarian and a clear history of genetic testing.
All dogs should have been exposed to at least three generations of purebred dogs before being registered with the AKC.
A judge will award points to the dog that best represents the ideal characteristics of the breed.
A dog can earn up to 10 points per show class and 20 points for winning a championship.
Judges look for soundness, symmetry, muscle development, coat quality, temperament and movement.
The American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) offers regional and national shows in the United States.
Showing your dog is an excellent way to gain experience if you want to become a professional handler.
There are many different organizations that offer training courses and competitions for the Cane Corso.
These include the Italian Greyhound Club of America (IGCA), Canine Partners International (CPI), National Cane Corso Club (NCCC) and several others.
The AKC recognizes these clubs as official kennels and registries, so dogs may be shown under the AKC’s rules or with any club.
The IGCA holds an annual national show every year in April or May.
This event includes classes for both novice and advanced handlers, along with obedience, agility, tracking, flyball, rally, lure coursing, dock diving and more.
There are also special events such as Cane Corso conformation and breeding championships, as well as specialties like herding trials, hunting tests and other activities.
The NCCC holds a national show each October.
This event features obedience, tracking, agility, lure coursing, dock diving, flyball, rally, conformation and breeding classes.
The club also hosts a specialty show in June where participants compete in a variety of events.
CPI also holds a national show each October.
This event includes obedience, tracking, agility, lure coursing, dock diving, flyball, rally, conformation and breeding classes.
It also hosts a specialty show in March where participants compete in a variety of events.
Cane Corsos in Pop Culture
In recent years, the Cane Corso has been gaining popularity as a companion dog.
This is partially due to the fact that many people have seen them on television shows like Lassie.
The Cane Corso was bred by the Romans to hunt wild boar.
It’s also known by the name “Molosser” (literally meaning “wolf hound”).
In fact, it’s believed that the word cane comes from the Latin word canis which means “dog.”
The Cane Corso is a great hunting dog, but they’re also very loyal and protective of their owners.
Their size and strength make them well suited for guarding homes and flocks of sheep.
They are generally good with children and other pets.
Many Cane Corsos live in kennels during the day, but come home at night to sleep under the
owner’s bed or even in the house!
This breed is not only one of the most popular dogs in Italy, but is also becoming increasingly
popular in the United States.
They’re often used as companions because of their gentle nature and ability to adapt to different
lifestyles.
Some breeds of dogs were originally developed to be companions, but over time, they became
more specialized and less suitable for this purpose.
The Cane Corso is still a versatile breed, however.
If you’d like to learn more about this breed, keep reading below.
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