Italian mastiff: description of the breed, photo

Italian mastiff (cane corso) is a national pride. This clever and strong dog can be not only a good defender, but also a true loyal friend. The breed has an interesting history. Although it has existed for a long time, official recognition was received only a couple of decades ago.

History of the breed

The ancestors of the mastiff are Molossian dogs, which were once grown in ancient Rome. They accompanied the legionnaires in campaigns, defending houses from robbers. It was this breed that was used in gladiatorial fights, because the Cane Corso is very strong animals.

And at the same time, for a long time, dogs played with children, helped the owner on the hunt. Found even ancient figurines of such breed of dogs. The Italian mastiff became widely known after the publication of the researcher Breber. He studied the Italian villages, where the Cane Corso was simply an indispensable assistant.

The nature of the mastiff

Terrible appearance of the dog evokes all respect. She is completely devoted to her family. If necessary, the animal will not hesitate to sacrifice his life to save the owners. Such exceptional devotion can rarely be found. The Italian mastiff can be perfectly trained. But still his main task is to protect. And at the same time, such a strong dog has a tender soul, she strongly experiences separation from her master.

Cane Corso is a large animal, so it will be more comfortable for him to live in a private house. For an apartment it is better to take smaller breeds.

The Italian mastiff, whose character is very calm, sometimes likes to play pranks. For example, a little spoil the flowers on the flower bed or dig a hole in the middle of the garden. And of course, like all dogs, mastiff likes to gnaw all sorts of things. Therefore, you need to make sure that he has enough different toys, otherwise he will go looking for new, interesting items for fun.

The Italian mastiff (shown in the article) is a calm and balanced dog. She is friendly with familiar people. But the strangers are very wary. But at the same time, it will never manifest itself without good reasons for aggression.

Behavioral characteristics of the mastiff

Cane Corso is a guard. Therefore, if a stranger invades the territory protected by him, he will fulfill his duty. The Italian mastiff is a powerful breed with a strong character, and therefore the dog can test the owner for strength. It is necessary to be able to become the chief. Every member of the family must be able to control the animal.

Regular early training will help to correctly prioritize and show who is the main one in the family.

In the rest, the Italian mastiff is a calm, faithful dog, loving its loved ones. The animal follows its owner everywhere and even sometimes can be afraid of separation if it is left for a long time.

The Italian Mastiff Cane Corso (pictured) usually dominates over its congeners. Can even aggressively behave with other dogs. In a foreign territory, they, as a rule, will not run into a fight, but they will not leave it when provoked. For the dog to socialize, it is necessary that in the age of the puppy she should communicate with other dogs and people. This will help to properly shape her character.

Italian mastiff: description of the breed

Cane Corso is a large, athletic-built dog with short hair. She has a practically square skull. The eyes of the dog are intelligent and expressive, the ears hanging and highly planted. The animal has a muscular neck. The tail is taken on the fourth vertebra. However, in a number of countries (Germany, Finland, Sweden and others) long ago abandoned relief.

Coloring of mastiffs can be very different: gray, black, all shades of brindle coloring, pale. On the neck there can be a white tie.

The color of the animal's eyes depends on the color of his coat. The height of the dog at the withers does not exceed seventy centimeters, and the weight varies from forty-three to fifty kilograms. Female individuals have more modest parameters (height - up to 58 cm, and weight - up to 45 kg).

Unfortunately, the Italian mastiff can not be attributed to long-livers. The average life expectancy varies from five to ten years. Of course, this is not enough for such a strong and beautiful animal.

Mastiff care

An undeniable advantage in the care of the Italian mastiff is the presence of short wool and a thin undercoat. The pet should be combed with a massage mitten or a rubber brush a couple of times a week. This procedure will help remove excess wool from the animal and activate blood circulation.

Cane Corso does not have a characteristic unpleasant odor of a dog. But as regards saliva, some people are concerned about this moment. In this case, you can only advise always at hand to have a towel.

To swim a dog too often is not worth it. It is enough a couple of times a month, it is better to do it as pollution. Alternatively, you can consider dry cleaning with special shampoos. At pet stores now a very large selection of such funds.

When dry cleaning after treatment, wool should be wiped with a towel. It is very important to monitor the dog's ears. Take a rule every week to look into them, checking for inflammation.

Healthy ears should not have brown discharge with an unpleasant odor. Dirt should be removed with cotton wool discs, but do not go deep into the ear canal. To the ears should be very attentive. If you notice that the dog is shaking his head, an unpleasant smell has appeared from it or there is a purulent discharge, then you urgently need to turn to the veterinarian.

Nursing is required and the teeth of the mastiff (for the prevention of tartar). To do this, the diet should contain solid food and tomatoes. There is even a treat for cleaning teeth. But only the veterinarian can remove stones and plaque.

You can grind your claws once a month on your own at home with the help of a special peg.

Regularly inspect the eyes of the mastiff. In a healthy dog they are shiny and without any excretions. Sour eyes are washed with a decoction of chamomile.

What to feed the Cane Corso?

Italian mastiff can be fed with natural food or dry food, but you should adhere to certain rules:

1. The diet should contain absolutely all the necessary substances for the healthy development of the dog (fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins).
2. The dog should always have access to water.
3. Active mastiff should not be fed earlier than two hours after a walk.
4. When using natural food, you should give the dog also mineral fertilizing.

Power should be such that the following parameters are maintained:

1. The daily norm of proteins is 220-270 grams.
2. Fats - 50-70 grams.
3. Carbohydrates - 450-470 grams.
4. Fiber - 40 grams.
5. At least one liter of water per day.

Diseases of the dog

Having an Italian mastiff, you should know about the diseases that the breed is exposed to in time to catch up with any symptoms:

1. Epilepsy.
2. Allergy.
3. Bloating.
4. Hypothyroidism.
5. The turn of the century.
6. The cherry eye.
7. Hip dysplasia.
8. The turn of the century.

Some nuances of care

If you decide to have an Italian mastiff, then remember that this is a very active sports dog. So do not count on the fact that by purchasing a puppy, you will lie on the couch. Mastiff will require regular walks and upbringing. Such an animal can not be kept only in the courtyard of a private house. The dog should have access to the house, because it will be cold, this is due to his short coat.

How to choose a puppy?

It is difficult to find a dog of good quality. When acquiring a puppy, carefully study the pedigree. Be sure to look at the parents of the baby.

The Italian mastiff in St. Petersburg, for example, can cost from thirty-five thousand rubles and more. It all depends on the pedigree. A good puppy will cost much more.

As a guard and guard, you will not find a better breed than the Italian mastiff. The characterization of the rock, however, is of a very general nature. We must understand that every animal has its own temperament. To get a good dog, you need to regularly deal with it with education and training. Then your pet will unquestioningly listen to you and love you. Do not forget to show caress to him.

Before purchasing a puppy, you need to decide for what purposes you need it: for home and coziness or for exhibitions. In the first case, you can buy a cheaper animal by ad.

But the show-class dogs are quite expensive. And this must be understood. Puppy must have all the necessary documents about the pedigree, they are provided by the breeder or nursery.

The price of a show class animal in some regions reaches seventy thousand. Much depends on the puppy's parents. If they have champion titles, then, of course, the kid also has valuable genes. Therefore, the price will be appropriate.

If you just want to have a good friend and guard, then you should not chase the titles and the pedigree. Whichever animal you choose, it will require a lot of attention and care from you, but in return you and your family members will receive boundless love and devotion from the dog.