General Appearance
An ancient Italian Molossus breed of medium-to-large size. The Cane Corso Family dog is sturdy, strongly boned, muscular, and athletic, moving with both power and elegance. Historically, it has served as both a property guardian and a fearless hunter of challenging game such as wild boar.

Size, Proportion, Substance
A muscular, balanced, large-boned dog with a rectangular build. The body length, measured from shoulder to buttock, is about 10% greater than the height at the withers.

• Height: Dogs 25–27½ inches; Bitches 23½–26 inches.

• Weight: Proportionate to height.

Head
Molossus in type—large and commanding, approximately one-third of the height at the withers. Slightly convergent skull and muzzle planes; firm, smooth skin. The head circumference at the cheekbones exceeds twice the total head length.

• Skull: Wide, slightly curved, square in shape from above.

• Stop: Well defined due to prominent frontal sinuses.

• Expression: Alert, attentive, with light wrinkling on the forehead when focused.

• Eyes: Medium, almond-shaped. Dark brown preferred with black muzzles; lighter shades allowed with gray muzzles. Yellow or blue eyes are disqualifying.

• Ears: Set high, triangular. Cropped in an equilateral triangle or uncropped, close to cheeks.

• Nose: Large, well-opened nostrils. Pigmentation matches coat pigment.

• Muzzle: Broad, deep, trapezoidal from the front, one-third the length of the head.

• Lips: Moderately hanging, forming an inverted “U.” Pigmentation matches coat pigment.

• Bite: Slightly undershot (≤ ¼ inch) or level preferred; scissor acceptable. More than two missing teeth, wry mouth, or undershot beyond ¼ inch are disqualifications.

Neck, Topline, Body

• Neck: Strong, slightly arched, one-third the height at the withers, with minimal dewlap.

• Body: Deep chest (to the elbow), broad and muscular front, well-sprung ribs, moderate tuck-up.

• Back: Strong and level; loin powerful and well-joined; croup long, wide, slightly sloping.

• Tail: Set as an extension of the backline. Thick at the base, tapering, carried low at rest and level or slightly above back in motion. Docked at the fourth vertebrae or natural (to hock). Natural tails that are atrophied, knotted, or twisted are disqualified.

Forequarters
Strong and muscular, balanced with hindquarters.

• Shoulders: Muscular, laid back.

• Forelegs: Straight, strong bone.

• Feet: Round, catlike, with hard pads. Single front dewclaws may remain or be removed.

Hindquarters
Powerful, matching the forequarters.

• Thighs: Long, wide, well-muscled.

• Hocks: Low, wide set, parallel when viewed from behind.

• Hind feet: Slightly oval. Rear dewclaws removed.

Coat
Short, dense, stiff, and shiny with a light undercoat that thickens in cold climates.

Color
Acceptable colors: black, gray (light or dark), fawn (light or dark), red, with brindle allowed. Solid fawn and red must have a mask (black or gray) not extending past the eyes. White patches allowed on chest, throat, chin, pasterns, and toes. Any coat with tan pattern markings (black-and-tan type) is disqualified.

Gait
Powerful, free-flowing, and efficient, with strong reach and drive. Viewed from the front or rear, feet converge slightly toward the centerline at speed. Topline remains firm and level.

Temperament
The Cane Corso Family dog is an incomparable protector of home and loved ones—intelligent, trainable, noble, and powerful. Despite its commanding presence, it is affectionate and devoted to its family, patient with children, and gentle with those it loves.

Summary
The Cane Corso Family represents the ideal balance of strength, elegance, and loyalty. Every feature—from head to movement—reflects its role as both guardian and companion. Deviations from the standard are penalized relative to their degree.

Disqualifications:

• Yellow (bird of prey) or blue eyes

• More than two missing teeth; wry mouth

• Undershot bite over ¼ inch

• Tan pattern markings

• Natural tail atrophied, knotted, or twisted

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.” – Michael Anderson