Overview
The Cane Corso descends from the Roman war dogs and Italian farm molossers used to guard property, drive cattle and hunt boar. It is a large, muscular dog with a short coat in black, grey, fawn or brindle, a broad head and an alert, watchful manner. It is more athletic than most mastiffs and has become increasingly common in Britain.
Corsi are confident, loyal and intensely protective, with a strong instinct to assess everyone who approaches. Well-raised dogs are calm and discriminating; poorly socialised ones are a serious liability. A walker needs the owner's honesty about which they have.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day of steady, structured exercise suits most adults, split into two walks. The breed is athletic and enjoys a brisk pace, but it does not need to run free to be satisfied.
Young Corsi grow fast and should not be over-exercised or allowed to jump repeatedly. Heat affects heavy, broad-headed dogs; keep summer walks cool.
On the walk
- Control: Up to fifty kilos of muscle with a mind of its own. A strong harness or headcollar the dog accepts, a fixed lead and a route you know.
- Strangers: The dog will watch everyone. Keep people from approaching to pet it, and position yourself between the dog and anyone who gets close.
- Other dogs: Dominance with unfamiliar dogs is common. Lead on, solo, quiet routes, and avoid narrow paths where you cannot step aside.
- Recall: Good with its owner, less so with a walker it barely knows. Off lead belongs in secure areas only.
Tips for professional walkers
- Book two or three introductions with the owner there before the first solo walk, and let the dog come to you.
- Keep the walk calm and purposeful; the breed takes its cue from its handler.
- Keep a cloth handy for the jowls; drool follows every drink.
- Make sure your insurer is happy with large guarding breeds before you take the job.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog react to strangers and to other dogs, and what does it look like when it is about to react?
- What commands and equipment does the owner use, and what does the dog respect?
- Any hip, elbow or heart history, and are there exercise limits from the vet?