Cane corso << KAH nay kohr so >> is a large breed of dog that was developed in Italy during ancient times. It was originally bred as a guard dog and a hunter of difficult game, such as wild boar and bear.
The cane corso stands 23 1/2 to 27 1/2 inches (60 to 70 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. It usually weighs more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms). It has a short, coarse coat. The coat is thick, providing waterproof protection, and becoming thicker in colder weather. A cane corso may be black, gray, fawn, or red, all with or without brindle (streaked light and dark).
The cane corso is muscular and athletic. Typical life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
