Cane Corso:
Standards Provvisorio I.C.C.F*

		Minimum		Minimum
Height:	Males:	24 inches	Females:	22 inches
Weight:	Males:	100 pounds	Females:	80 pounds

While large size is preferable, it should not come at the expense of the dogs working ability of movement.

HEAD:
The head is massive, broad and flat across the skull, widest between the ears with the ear set in line with the widest part of the top of the skull. The muzzle should be wide and square with a deep, powerful undertow and denote great strength from any angle. It should not exceed more than 40% of the total length of the head. The muzzle should run parallel to the line of the skull, which has a well defined stop. The neck is strong, rather clean, muscular and well arched. The Neck may have a moderate amount of dewlap but should not be excessive. Nose color should correspond to the coat color.

DENTATION:
The teeth should meet in a scissors bite but level and slightly undershot are acceptable but not desirable. Full dentation is desired.

EYES:
The eyes should be of medium size, almond shape and wide set. Dark eyes are preferred but allowance may vary with coat color. The eyes should be tight fitting although with all mastiff breeds a minimal haw is acceptable.

EARS:
Triangular hanging with a large base, positioned very high over the zygomatic arches. Cropping varies greatly from close to the skull to triangular in shape. Uncropped ears are acceptable and should not be penalized.

BODY:
The chest should be broad and deep descending below the elbows with ribs well sprung. The top line should be straight and with no weakness. It should flow smoothly into the hindquarters which are slightly rounded when viewed from the side. The belly is slightly tucked. The dog should appear a little longer than it is tall. Most important is the dog appears well balanced and athletic.

FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulders should be muscular, well laid back and free in their movement. Elbows are straight and tight against the body. The front legs should be straight with heavy bone. Pasterns should be upright but must have flexibility. Feet are tight, oval shaped, with thick pads and toes well knuckled over. Feet should not turn in nor out. Rear dew claws, if any, should be removed.

HINDQUARTERS:
The hindquarters should be broad, well developed and very muscular. The thigh is moderately long and powerful. Stifles should be well angulated commensurate with shoulder layback so as to produce a well balanced dog. Hocks are let down and parallel to each other when viewed from behind.

COAT:
The coat is short, dense and should be harsh to the touch. In cold weather the Cane Corso develops a more dense undercoat.

COLOR:
Black, Blue, Fawn, Stag Red, or any of these colors brindled in any shade. Black and Tan or Blue and Tan are acceptable colors, but are not desirable. White is permitted only on chin, chest, and front of toes. Fawn subjects often have black masks.

MOVEMENT:
Should be free flowing and powerful. Front legs should reach with long strides and the rear should thrust with powerful drive. When viewed from the front, the legs should move parallel to each other and cover a great deal of ground with each step. When viewed from the side the top line should remain on a level plane with a minimum of roll or bounce. The dog should move with a great deal of ease and confidence.

FAULTS:
Any departure from the standard shall be considered a fault. The seriousness of the fault shall be proportioned to its degree.

DISQUALIFICATIONS:
Monorchid or crytochid. Blue eyes, except in puppies. White on other parts of the body, except where allowed. A few white hairs do not constitute a marking. Tail not docked.

* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The International Cane Corso Federation, and is gratefully used here with permission.

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