Traditional Temperament of the Cane Corso

Let's begin by distinguishing two commonly misconstrued terms:

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Personality: The unique set of thoughts that comprise an individual, formed over time by environmental and genetic factors.

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Temperament: The innate genetic foundation of an individual's behavior.

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The key distinction between the two is that personality is an evolving collection of habits formed by both nature and nurture, while temperament is biologically determined. The measure of an individual dog is weaved in a thread of complexity, but nothing can escape genetics. It should be made clear that dogs are not machines; the personality of a single dog is shaped over years of interaction. It stands to reason that the representation of temperament on an individual scale can present as a spectrum of behavior.

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There have been changes to the verbiage of the standards, but the breed has previously been described as "aloof." While "responsive" has been the more forward-facing label more recently, the former was used-- as in its textbook definition-- to describe a dog unruled by fear and unburdened by apathy. The word "responsive" is a broad term that is simply used to denote a dog with a sense of responsibility. There will always be exceptions (subtle or otherwise) to these expectations.

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That said, the behaviors defined within the standard and by breed historians should not come as a surprise. It is critical to keep in mind that even if you think of your Corso as your "baby," you should not hold it against them when the sharpness of their character draws in range to cut. 

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Most traditionally-bred corsi will not desire to be everyone's friend. This doesn't mean they should want to go at any person who lays eyes on them, but that they will pick and choose accordingly. Dogs of traditional temperament are selective in the bonds they make. Their loyalty does not come freely.

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As such, your Cane Corso puppy may test you in a number of ways from the time you bring them home until you prove yourself as their shepherd. Bearing a strong working history and eclectic resume, these dogs thrive under unwavering leadership. You cannot get away with refusing to train a Cane Corso, let alone ANY dog. Left to their own devices, this breed is guaranteed to train YOU.

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None of this is to excuse unmannerly behavior. Your Cane Corso should get enough environmental exposure to be non-reactive in a public setting. The word "unstable" is overused within the breed, but a Cane Corso who is a threat to public safety fits the bill.

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At home? In their territory? Different story. Corsi are naturally suspicious of those who do not belong, and take zero shame in letting you know when it's the case. The traditional dog does not show his belly to any and everyone, but living up to your role as leader means setting the tone for any interactions that occur in his home.

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Like any balanced guardian, your Corso must tolerate who you tolerate and dismiss those you do not. They do not need to be taught to protect, but they should have guidance in decision-making. The key word is and always will be BALANCE.

 

The misunderstanding of these behavioral nuances are often to the detriment of the breed. It seems these days it's all too easy to find a Cane Corso watered down to a shell of its former presence or in the form of an armored train with no brakes. Some corners of the public sphere will tell you that your dog should be a happy-go-lucky couch cushion who begs the neighborhood for head pats, while others will lead you to think he should be a weapon that fires indiscriminately.

 

The truth, like all things, is not black and white. The Cane Corso is defined by its absence of excess. They should be extreme in NO way. No litter of puppies is completely uniform, so you must be prepared to work with the dog you end up with. In turn, do not expect your Corso not to be a Corso.

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Set clear boundaries from the start and give them the grace to be their best self.