Introduction: A Breed Steeped in History
The Cane Corso, a breed with roots stretching back centuries, boasts a history intricately woven with the tapestry of Italian civilization. Once a formidable presence in Roman military campaigns and later a steadfast guardian of Italian estates, this powerful and noble dog has weathered periods of decline and resurgence to stand today as a distinguished canine companion. The breed’s journey from ancient warfare to its modern-day role offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of both dog and human society. This exploration delves into the rich historical background, linguistic origins, and significant events that have shaped the Cane Corso into the breed we know and admire.
Etymology and Early Documentation
The exact origins of the name “Cane Corso” remain a subject of debate among enthusiasts and historians. Several theories propose Greek and Latin roots. One credible hypothesis suggests “KORTOS,” meaning wall, or from the Latin “COHORS,” implying a guard of the courtyard. While historical documentation citing the breed was scarce until recently, with a few poems and prose dating back to the 16th century being the oldest known references, a significant study published in 1998 by the Associazione Italiana Cane Corso (A.I.C.C.) unearthed evidence of the Cane Corso’s military use as early as 1137 in Monopoli di Sabina, near Rome. The discovery of kennels from that period further solidified the breed’s deep connection to Roman history.
The Cane Corso’s Enduring Legacy
The Cane Corso is considered a principal descendant of an ancient breed that has maintained its distinct characteristics through centuries of natural selection. This enduring lineage links the breed to the agricultural economy preceding the industrial revolution and even further back, connecting it to the great civilizations of the past, including the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and modern times.
A Companion of Resilience and Purpose
Throughout history, the Cane Corso has closely adapted to its environment and the roles assigned by humans. In times when a dog’s value was purely economic, tied to its ability to perform work, the Cane Corso proved its worth. This breeds’ consistent morphological and behavioral traits, honed by its working demands, highlight a remarkable harmony of form and balanced character. The breed’s ancestral ties to the Molossi of Epirus and the Roman “pugnaces” equipped it with an aggressive and combative nature, essential for warfare and fighting. However, through centuries of social interaction with humans, the Cane Corso learned to temper this aggression, reacting only when necessary and becoming an adept interpreter of human gestures. This adaptability has allowed the breed to thrive, particularly in the smaller settlements of southern Italy where traditional, multi-purpose dogs remain essential partners.
The Struggle for Survival and Revival
The modernization of agriculture, changes in breeding practices, and the decline of traditional hunting methods led to a significant reduction in the Cane Corso’s traditional uses, resulting in a drastic decline in its population after World War II. By the early 1970s, the breed’s survival was precarious, with a dwindling number of individuals and a lack of recognition in official dog-fancying circles, despite the efforts of dedicated individuals.
A Turning Point in the 1970s
A pivotal moment arrived in 1976 when Dr. Breber, an enthusiast of rural Italian traditions, brought the Cane Corso to public attention through an article in the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) magazine. This led to the formation of a rescue mission by a group of enthusiasts who connected with Dr. Breber. In October 1983, these dedicated individuals established the Società Amatori Cane Corso (S.A.C.C.) with the shared goal of preserving the breed.
Evolution of the S.A.C.C. and Breed Standardization
The S.A.C.C. faced its first significant challenge in 1986 when Dr. Breber departed from the society. Despite this, the organization continued, with its focus shifting to kennels in Mantova run by Giancarlo Malavasi, with Stefano Gandolfi, Gianantonio Sereni, and Ferdinando Casolino playing key roles in the breed’s breeding program and the society’s management. The drive to advance the breeding program at all costs led to a centralized, and at times, undemocratic, running of the association.
Towards Official Recognition
The S.A.C.C. actively pursued official recognition for the Cane Corso, achieving notable results. A significant milestone was the creation of an official breed standard, edited by Dr. Antonio Morsiani and ratified by the ENCI judging committee in 1987. Some inaccuracies, perhaps intended to differentiate the Cane Corso from the Neapolitan Mastiff, were introduced into this standard, leading to considerable discussion, particularly regarding the required slight prognathism. In 1992, ENCI initiated the “Libro Aperto” (open book) to record births of Corsos from parents verified by judges, considered heads of bloodlines. This data was later transferred to official books upon the breed’s official recognition on January 20, 1994.
Challenges and International Recognition
The growing enthusiasm and increased number of registrations, while contributing to recognition, also led to an uncontrolled increase in litters, consequently reducing the average quality of offspring. The S.A.C.C. was criticized for not actively managing this phenomenon, instead opting to publicize the breed and its role in its preservation. This focus on numerical increase over zootechnical aspects ultimately aided in political ratification. On May 22, 1996, the Cane Corso was presented at an international level, and a few months later, in November 1996, the breed achieved international recognition.
Post-Recognition Landscape
This international recognition, while a positive outcome, also presented new challenges. Enthusiasts from outside Italy acquired the breed without adequate information or consideration, often influenced by availability, color, or price. The subsequent years revealed a significant lack of a serious information service and management of the breed on an international scale. Communicating with the S.A.C.C. proved difficult for those attempting to organize Cane Corso enthusiasts in their respective countries, with the S.A.C.C. sometimes perceived as hiding shortcomings behind arrogance.
Tracing the Cane Corso’s Ancient Roots in Montopoli
The inhabitants of Montopoli di Sabina, known as “Montopolesi,” bear the historical nickname “Corsari” (Corsairs), a term whose origins have been debated for a long time. While the nickname might evoke images of pirates and naval battles, historical evidence suggests a different lineage. The first instances of piracy in the regions typically date to the 16th century and occurred in distant seas, far from the landlocked Montopoli, whose inhabitants traditionally engaged in agriculture.
Unraveling the Nickname’s Medieval Connection
Research into the nickname’s origins has linked it to the Middle Ages, similar to other town nicknames derived from territorial characteristics. An ancient manuscript from Montopoli, preserved at the Alibrandi archive, details the town’s history up to the 16th century. Within this document, it is stated that the inhabitants of Mons Operis (Montopoli) were traditionally known as strong, armed men who utilized Cane Corsos for their own defense and the protection of their lands, thus earning the name “Corsari.” This suggests the nickname’s roots are tied to the breed’s historical role as a protector.
The “Cane Corso Kennel”: A Cryptic Discovery
The old area of Montopoli, with its medieval charm, features small, low-ceilinged rooms (approximately 4-6 square meters with a height of 1.30-1.40 meters) at the ground floor of some dwellings. These unusual rooms were unsuitable for livestock like cows or sheep and were not ideal for raising pigs. Some were excavated to gain usable height, a process evidenced by exposed foundation stones. These rooms bear a striking resemblance in size and entrance to those found in amphitheaters, used for housing animals involved in gladiator fights, dating back to 80 B.C.
Roman Influence and the Montopoli Territory
The name Montopoli itself originates from the Roman general Caius Asinius Pollionis, who owned a villa in the area during Augustus’s reign. This settlement was initially known as Mons Pollionis, evolving into Mons Operis, referencing the industriousness of its inhabitants, and later Mons Opulens, denoting the fertility of the land. The enduring presence of ancient Roman land divisions, such as Centuriazioni and Jugeri, further attests to the significant Roman influence in the territory. These findings support the assertion that the Cane Corso is a direct descendant of the Molossian hounds and the “Pugnaces Britanniae” used by the Romans in warfare and arena spectacles.
The Destruction of Triburco Castle: A Pivotal Event (1138)
The history of the castle of Triburco is intrinsically linked to the Abbey of Farfa. The Abbey, founded in the 6th century on the ruins of a Roman villa, endured periods of destruction and reconstruction, notably under S. Tommaso Da Moriana and with the support of Faroaldo II, Duke of Spoleto. Farfa’s influence grew, supported by imperial privileges, and it maintained its own army to contend with local lords for control of estates, including those of Triburco and Bocchignano. During the struggle for investitures, Farfa aligned with the Emperor Henry IV, later gaining papal protection.
The Montopolesi’s Role in Avenging an Injustice
The castle of Triburco consistently challenged Farfa’s feudal authority. A monk from Farfa was brutally mutilated—blinded, with his tongue and ears cut off—an act that incited outrage and a forceful response from the Farfensi. According to a document from 1862, the inhabitants of Montopoli, known for their bravery and their use of Cane Corsos for defense, were among the first to rally to avenge this atrocity. Supported by the Faresi, the Abbot of Farfa commanded the Montopolitani and Faresi to attack Triburco, drive out its inhabitants and the usurper Crescenzo, and raze the castle. The ensuing battle was fierce, lasting nearly a full day, with the large dogs playing a significant role in the attack, their aggression heightened by a prolonged period without food. The rebels were ultimately forced to flee and abandon the castle.
Imperial Involvement and the Secret Passage
Further details of this event, published in the magazine “Mondo Sabino” in 1992, suggest the direct participation of imperial troops under Emperor Lotharius II, who was in Italy during that period to quell rebellions that were damaging the Abbey of Farfa. The Cane Corso’s presence is again noted: Montopolesi discovered a secret passage into the fortress, through which Cane Corsos, starved and deprived of water for days, entered the castle. Their ferocious attack on the inhabitants, driven by extreme hunger, caused a massacre and led to the exhausted defenders abandoning the fight and fleeing into the Farfa river. Today, only remnants of the castle ruins remain near Pontesfondato, close to Montopolo Di Sabina.
Montopoli and the Cane Corso: A Shared Future
The assistance provided by the Montopolesi to the Abbey of Farfa throughout the centuries was handsomely rewarded. In 1390, Abbot Niccolo’ II granted them half of the territories belonging to the destroyed castle of Triburco. Later, in 1489, Cardinal Gianbattista Orsini made another significant donation. These bequests brought considerable prosperity to the Montopolesi, protecting them from subsequent famines. In recent years, a project named “Montopolandia” has been developed, envisioning an international pleasure ground to further enhance Montopoli’s income and global recognition. The historical significance of the Montopolesi and the Cane Corso has inspired a new project: an international dog meeting to celebrate the breed in 1999, marking a fitting conclusion to this chapter of their shared story at the close of the second millennium.
