HISTORY
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 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".
The molosso appears in all bibliographical medieval and Renaissance texts, through icon representation, by having Cane Corso name. Cane Corso's features as fighter are present also with big animal such as bulls, big felines or other kind of big dogs.
Due to the 1st and 2nd world wars, hunting activities decreased in a very drastic way. Consequently the race was near to extinction also. During this century, as agricultural production modernised, the need of this breed decreased, numbers of the population felt drastically and become very rare. From the 1950's up to the early 1980's Cane Corso was kept alive by just a few shepherds and farmers in isolated parts of Southern Italy. Thanks to some precious information regarding the existence of some Cane Corso, it was possible to recuperate this race starting from some subjects.
Cane Corso has always been a precious help for humans, suitable for any kind of use and situation. The features of this dog have been consolidated by centuries of activities. It has been hunter, drover, custodian on farms, great friend of carters and reliable body guard. The affection for humans, the strength, power and the great character allowed Cane Corso to be exceptional for its special features.
Cane Corso was inevitably considered to have had, since former times, a great importance to human which led to the reconstruction of the breed. A dog which is surely most antique domesticated animal that in the course of centuries achieved privileges in the human community reached by no other animal.