Cane is the Italian word for dog. It is believed that the word Corso comes from the Greek word Cohors "guardian of the courtyard". The Cane Corso history is ancient and dates as far back as at least the early 1500s where one can find written works which mention the breed. It is supposed that this is one of the massive guarding dogs of the early Romans and there is no doubt that at some point this was one of the breeds used for fighting in the gladiator exhibitions of Rome. However there is much in the agricultural history of Italy which speaks of a large guarding dog which kept enemies away from the courtyards and rural homes alike and it is here that the Cane Corso also played a part.

The Cane Corso , like many European breeds, very nearly became extinct after World War II. It wasn't until 1976 when the numbers of the Cane corso breed were very drastically reduced that there was an article published in the Italian Kennel Club publication, an article by Dr. Breber. This article awakened the interest of dog fanciers in Europe and an organization called the S.A.C.C. (lovers of the Cane Corso) was formed to protect and preserve the breed.

The Cane Corso is considered a medium sized large dog, not a "giant " Breed. It will weigh from 105 to 115 pounds as an adult. The skull is Brachycephalic (a Brachycephalic muzzle is one in which the nasal passages are foreshortened and tipped upwards, with less "breathing space" than other breeds with a straight muzzle). This type of structure often indicates that care should be taken during extremely hot weather for this type of dog often overheats quickly. The dog has powerful jaws and neck with a quite "leathery" skin for protection and there should be no wrinkling and very little "dewlap" (large wrinkles in the neck region.) The color of the Cane Corso can be brindled, fawn, black, gray and striped. A white patch on the chest and tips of toes and bridge of nose is acceptable.

The Cane C orso is first and foremost a powerful and highly intelligent dog which has a great loyalty and affection towards his human companions. This breed served mankind through history as a dog of war, a circus dog and a farm worker, pulling carts and guarding property. He is naturally protective and his general appearance can be threatening simply because of his size, however he is generally a quiet dog and will only use barking or attacking as a defense when he feels his family is threatened. He is affectionate and extremely loyal towards his family and is gentle with children and devoted to them. The male Cane Corso is dominant by nature and needs to have a dominant or alpha person as his pack leader or he will take over the position. They are a large dog and obedience training should be done early, for they can reach the weight of 60 pounds by the time they are six months old.