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HOME AND ESTATE GUARDIANS

Protection Dogs International are able to offer exclusively to our clients hand selected puppies from our very own Cane Corso breeding programme.

Our bloodlines have been developed over several years to consistently produce dogs of strong character who are devoted to the family and excel in the role of family and home guardian.

THE ULTIMATE HOME AND FAMILY GUARDIAN

In our modern society with violent crime and home invasions at an all time high a trained deterrent or protection dog is an invaluable asset and will bring you and your family complete peace of mind.

OUR SELECTION OF CANE CORSO

Throughout the centuries big strapping dogs have been used to guard the homes and estates of affluent families. Usually these would have been Mastiff type dogs selectively bred with strong territorial traits and characteristics.

With careful selective breeding the dogs were genetically programmed to watch over a territory and protect the family at all costs. In recent years with alot of the old Mastiff type dogs becoming popular in the show ring it has become increasingly more difficult to find a dog bred in this way to naturally fulfil the role of a guardian.

Over the last decade we have gone to great lengths to find the perfect type of dog for this job and after much searching we found our breed. The Cane Corso. 

OUR SELECTION OF CANE CORSO
Cane Corso programme

After first making contact with farmers in the South of Italy we decided to aquire and export two specimens from Puglia in Italy.

After a short time bonding with the dogs we started to see the natural traits shining through and after more temperament and health testing we realised this was the breed we had been searching for.

After importing several more subjects from South Italy over to our kennels in Central Europe we had the foundation for our own breeding programme with the goal of producing the ultimate home and family guardian.

Within this time our Cane Corso programme has become internationally renowned with us exporting our dogs all around the world including several puppies back to the breeders in Italy we originally acquired our foundation dogs from.

CANE CORSO HISTORY

Cane Corso History

The Cane Corso, a majestic and powerful breed, has earned its place as one of Italy’s most revered dogs. With its muscular build and alert eyes, it commands respect wherever it goes. This breed, native to South Italy, has a long history that stretches back to ancient times, deeply intertwined with the culture and lifestyle of rural Italians. Initially bred as a working dog, the Cane Corso has served many roles—from guarding livestock to protecting homes, and even aiding in hunting.

Despite its growing popularity worldwide, the traditional Cane Corso still holds a special place in the hearts of many Southern Italians, particularly in regions where its legacy lives on. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the origins, physical characteristics, personality, and lasting impact of the Cane Corso in Southern Italy.

The Cane Corso’s roots can be traced back to ancient Italy, where its ancestors were used by the Romans as large, powerful dogs bred for war. The breed’s name itself, “Cane Corso,” comes from the Latin word cohors, meaning “guardian” or “protector,” reflecting its original purpose. While the exact origins of the Cane Corso remain somewhat unclear, it is believed that the breed is a descendant of the Roman Molossian dogs, which were large and strong enough to fight in battle and guard against predators.

In the medieval and post-Roman era, these dogs adapted to the needs of rural Italian families. They were utilized primarily as guard dogs for both farms and livestock, often working alongside shepherds in the rugged southern landscapes. The Cane Corso was also employed as a hunting companion, particularly for wild boar. Over time, the breed became a central figure in South Italian villages, known for its loyalty and unwavering protection of families and property.

Cane Corso’s roots
The Cane Corso is a striking dog with a large, imposing physique

By the early 20th century, however, the Cane Corso faced a decline in popularity, as agricultural practices modernized and machinery replaced many of the tasks the breed once performed. Despite this, dedicated enthusiasts kept the breed alive, and in the 1980s, efforts to revitalize the Cane Corso were successful, ensuring its survival and eventual spread beyond Italy’s borders.

The Cane Corso is a striking dog with a large, imposing physique that conveys both strength and agility. Males typically stand between 25-28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 90-120 pounds, while females are slightly smaller. Their muscular frame is perfectly suited to their working history, built to endure demanding physical tasks like herding, guarding, and hunting.

Their short, sleek coat comes in various colors, including black, gray, fawn, and brindle, often with distinctive markings. The Cane Corso’s face is wide and powerful, with a pronounced muzzle and expressive eyes that seem to observe everything around them. Their ears, which were historically cropped for protective and practical reasons, are now commonly left natural in many places, adding to their noble appearance.

What sets the Cane Corso apart from other breeds is not just its size, but its agility. Despite being large and heavy, these dogs are known for their speed and quick reflexes, which make them excellent protectors and formidable hunters.

The Cane Corso’s face is wide and powerful

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