Cane Corso Breed Profile

Head: Somewhat brachycephalic to mesaticephalic in skull-type, moderately large in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. The length of the head, from the occiput to the tip of the nose, is approximately 1/3 the height measured at the withers. The skull is broad and substantial, with the width (measured from one side to the other just in front of the ears) being equal to or slightly greater than the length (measured from occiput to stop). The overall circumference of the head (measured at the broad zygomatic arches) equals twice the length of the head. The head is overall substantial, with strong bone and smooth-yet-prominent muscle, especially evident (although not prominent) in the cheeks and the temporal muscle areas, giving breadth to the face and skull. Viewed from the front, the topskull is broad and slightly arched. In profile, the temporal muscles and topskull form a unique, prominent arc that flattens toward the occiput. The head is mostly clean-cut and moderately dry; slight wrinkling may be visible when the dog is alerted, but it should never be profuse. A median furrow starting at the stop and disappearing toward the occiput may be present.

Eyes: Moderate in size, oval, almond, or lemon-shaped, and may range from amber or green to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Haw or whites should not be visible when the dog is looking forward. There should be no indication of entropion, ectropion, or other eye anomaly or defect.

Ears: Medium in size, set high on the skull above the zygomatic arches/cheekbones, wide apart, triangular in shape, dropped, hanging close to the head, with tips falling close to the cheeks. The ears are never long and never extend beyond the lower jawbone. The ears may also be cropped short into equilateral triangles.

Muzzle: Square and shorter than the topskull, being broad, deep, and full. The muzzle width is approximately equal to the length of the muzzle. The depth of the muzzle is approximately over 50% of the muzzle length. The level of the plane of the muzzle is parallel to the plane of the underline of the muzzle. The chin is set directly below the nose, forming a straight, perpendicular line from one to the other. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, are strong, well-developed, and never appear snipey or weak. The lower jaw is just slightly curved. From the front, the head is broad, with cheeks appearing to be the widest point of the head.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat in diluted colors such as blues, grays, or blue or gray fawns. The nostrils are large and well-opened. The nose lies directly above the chin, neither exceeding nor receding beyond the point of the chin.

Neck: Moderate length, equaling approximately 1/3 the height at the withers, powerfully muscled, with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is overall clean-cut, without excess skin, but light throatiness or a minimal dewlap is permissible.

Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but not prominent.

Body: Powerfully constructed, compact, solid, and substantial. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. The body is well-put-together, sturdy, and with solid bone.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail may be left natural (preferred) or docked short. Natural tails are of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Docked tails are cut to the fourth tail vertebrae.

Movement: Smooth, flowing, effortless trot with powerful and agile action. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither moving in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Cane Corso is a noble and majestic breed. Originally developed as a protector, hunters, catch dogs, and drovers, they are confident, self-composed, and well aware of their own capabilities. Their intelligence allows for easy training, making them capable of learning many disciplines and skills, such as agility and weight pulling. They are watchful, responsive, loyal, and affectionate to their family and people but can be somewhat stand-offish or indifferent towards strangers. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.