The Italian Corso.

 

The etymology of the name "Corso" is still uncertain. The most credible hypothesis are those which indicate Greek origins: KORTOS = wall and from the Latin: COHORS = guard of the courtyard. Until recently the oldest documentation citing the name of the "Cane Corso", consisted of a few poems and some prose dating from 1500. In 1998 the A.I.C.C. or "Associazione Italiana Cane Corso" published a breed study  highlighting the military use of the "Cane Corso" in 1137 in Montopoli di Sabina (near Rome), also breeders from the period and the close links between the race and Roman history. All of this gives the picture of the "Cane Corso", maintaining particular characteristics over the centuries, from the industrial revolution, back to the Roman empire, the middle ages and modern time the success and the survival of the "Cane Corso", is due to natural selection over the centuries for his ability to perform the function intended of him. The "Cane Corso", we admire today is the best evidence of a breed displaying characteristics relating to the work it is required to do, then that race shows harmony of construction and balanced character.

 

 

In small settlements in the south of Italy where they have maintained an archaic system of agriculture and a multi purpose dog is an essential partner. The modernization of agriculture and systems of breeding, in particular the disappearance of breeding in the wild and semi-wild state. The disappearance of wild game and the use of firearms with the consequently different techniques of hunting have reduced the traditional uses of the "Cane Corso". It is for this reason that the diffusion of the "Corso" has suffered drastic reduction since the Second World War. The situation at the beginning of the 1970�s was worrying for the very survival of the race, it was reduced to a small amount of corso's and no longer fashionable in the dog circles in spite of the efforts of Count Bonatti and Professor Ballotta. It was in the 1976 that an enthusiastic dog lover and fancier of the rural Italian traditions, Doctor Breber, brought the "Cane Corso", to the attention of the public and official dog fancying circles in an article published in a number of the ENCI (Italian Kennel Club) magazine. This was followed by the establishment of a breed rescue mission by a group of enthusiasts. 

On May 22nd 1996 at Arese the best "Cane Corso" were gathered. CH Boris was used as the model for the presentation of the characteristics of the race at the upper levels of the F.C.I. A few months later in November 1996 the "Cane Corso" was recognized at an international level. The  A.I.C.C. In few time this new Association was be able to conquer the confidence and the estimation among the passionate in Italy and in the world, for this the Italian kennel club (E.N.C.I.) had decided to start the papers to recognize A.I.C.C. officially.
The original text for this article was derived from the article written by Renzo Carosio, from the web site of the Association Of Italian Corsos. Many thanks to Renzo Carosio, and the association for the use of this text and their support.
to read the full article please go to  http://www.canecorsoitaliano.com/articoli_carosio3.htm       Hand Drawn Artwork By Sharron Hulley

All Italian Corso photos belong to Famoso Corso Kennels Queensland. The Hand drawn sketch is Itacor Cougar NSW.

Italian Corso Breed Delegate: Claudia Felsch  0422 859 079

 

Breeders.

FAMOSO 0422 859 079. MOLOSSI.  0419792979.      Breed Standard. 

The  breeders and links represented are those members of the Association of All Mastiff Breeds Victoria Inc. The Association does not accept any responsibility in respect to  information provided, or suitability of  dogs sold by these members. All members are current financial members of their ANKC state body and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of these bodies.

 

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