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Standard
History of CC La Storia del Cane Corso Evolution, origin Its origin stems from ancient times. The ancestors got into the area of today’s Italy with past migration from the east. The signs of molossers of those times can be traced in several countries, these dogs altered a lot depending on what their desired purpose of use was, and in what sort of territory, we can recognise the English Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Pyrenian Mastiff, etc. This list can be continued. This ancient huge molossoid type dog can be considered the ancestor of these breeds, among others, the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Cane Corso evolved in the area of today’s Italy stems from this dog. The common origin does not mean identity as the two had different roles. Already the old Romans used them separately, breeded them separately because different build-up and character was needed for different uses. At garrisons, battlefileds, a stiff, huge size, although somewhat more sluggish, slower dog, while at other areas of life different aspect were important as speed, dynamic, agility. Since ancient times, the usability for particular purposes defined the appearance and looks off dogs. We can recognise this similarity almost at first sight irrespective of nationality. Let’s look at some examples. The Italian Cane Corso, the Alano Espanol, the Perro de Presa Canario, the German Bullenbeisser (no more existing), or the Rottweiler, etc. In these different geographical areas, hunting big game at times of herding, these dogs worked at cattles, herds, as herding, escorting and protection dogs. Conrad Gessner, born in 1515, appreciates the Cane Corso already in his book “Historiae animalium”. “A great dog that is capable of catching up to and taking hold of getaway game thanks to its agility, huge body strength and especially strong bite. Its courage and endurance are amazing.” Besides hunting and herding, the dog was used as an effective service dog with toll-keeprs, rangers, moreover, written evidence supports the fact that it was used by police. A regional order from 1750 prohibits the use of Corso in tracking and catching escaped prisoners. Its distribution is considered primarily in the southern part of Italy, provinces of Calabria, Puglia, Bassilicata and Sicily. Simple people living in these areas appreciate and cherish the Corso since Roman days. Principally we have to thank them for protecting and preserving the breed. Due to this we can meet this hero Roman gladiator in an unchanged form. Previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Next |