The ancestors of Cane Corsos arrived to the territories of Italy
with the ancient raiding from the East. That large, molossoid type
of dog is assumed to be the ancestor of the Napoletan Mastiff as
well as the Corsos. The ancient Romans bred dogs based on their
usability. A lighter, quicker, slimmer and more elegant breed
appeared aside of the large bodied, very strong, though slow dog.
They were used by the Romans for hunting and guarding the livestock.
After
centuries Cane Corsos became the "right hand" for
policemen, custom officers. There are several written proofs of
their existence in police duty. In 1750, a regional regulation
forbid the use of Corsos for tracking fugitives. It's ought to be
mentioned as a proof for the ancient-time existence of Cane Corsos
that, typologically the Cane Corsos are similar to the disappeared
ancient German breed "Bullenbeiser" (i.e.. bullbiter).
Their altered version can be found in some popular breeds, only. But
the Cane Corsos, thanks to the caring Italian people and, later on
to some enthusiastic Corso-fans, is still with us, and Cane Corsos
have been loving, loyal partners of their owner, ever since.
The First and Second World War made breeding impossible. The
breed, what remained was genetically tortured. In 1973, prof.
Giovanni B., Stefano Gandolfi, Giancarlo Malavasi and a few other
experts in the field started a risky and long lasting regaining
program of the breed, and to establish the standard. After
completing the job ENCI accepted the plan for the standard. As of
February 20, 1994 the Cane Corso became a full member of the FCI.
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