Cane Corso

The Cane Corso (Kayn-kor-sow), or Corsi as they are called for short, is an imposing and muscular breed of working dog with a history dating back to ancient Rome. Originally bred as a guard dog, hunter, and even a skilled dog of war, the Corsi is a descendent of the now-extinct Molossus, an ancient Mastiff-type breed used in battle. However, today you're more likely to find the Cane Corso living as a family pet or loyal companion than on the battlefield. They are an incredibly protective, watchful breed and were aptly named for these qualities, with "cane" meaning "dog" in Italian, and "cohors" being Latin for "guardian" or "protector".