Rotticorso -- Rottweiler X Italian Corso Dog

		Rotticorso
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Italy -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Rotticorso

The Rotticorso is a cross between a Rottweiler and a Cane Corso, both strong, big dogs. The Rotticorso inherits the strong, robust appearance of both dogs. Best when busy, this is a dog that needs work. Rarely content to sit idly, they are ideal for breeding, guarding or when engaged in rigorous training. Strong-willed yet loyal and devoted, Rotticorso can be a handful to train because they want to be bosses, but managed with patience and firm but gentle methods, they will respect you as a leader and be ready to obey. Rewards, lavish praise and affection for when they've behaved well will always work better than harsh methods, which should be avoided in any dog training. These dogs tend to be family-oriented, devoted, affectionate and protective of the whole family. But they tend to be politely exposed with friends or extended family members. They get on well with children, but always supervise them together and make sure your dog has had plenty of early socialization as a young puppy. The more people and animals they meet during their youth, the more rounded their personality will become. Rotticorso are not a dog for the inexperienced owner, they need firm leadership and the right training to bring out the best in them. Neglected, they can become aggressive and unruly.

History of the Rotticorso

The Rotticorso is a new hybrid dog and, as such, has no history to trace its development. For their personality traits, we have to turn to the parent dogs.

	A little of the Rottweiler
	Rottweiler ancestry dates back to when Roman legions crossed the Alps, taking their dogs with them to guard their livestock. They were also used to hunt wild boar. By the Middle Ages, these dogs had arrived in the German town of Rottweil and were crossed with local sheepdogs to create the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, otherwise known as the Rotweil Butcher Dog. Local butchers used these strong dogs to drive and guard their livestock as they made their way between towns. Driving cattle became illegal in 19th century Germany, and the hard-working Rottweiler became less popular and diminished in numbers. That was until 1914, when they proved their usefulness and bravery when used in war. It was in the 1930s that the breed arrived in the USA, and in 1935, the Rottweiler was accepted by the American Kennel Club. Rotties are known for their agile, capable running and jumping prowess, as well as for their bravery and courage.

	Standard of the Rottweiler


	A little of the Italian Corso Dog
	The Cane Corso is a powerful, athletic dog developed for guarding property and hunting big game like wild bears. They are descendants of the Mastiff-type dogs that were Roman war dogs. A true working dog, they have also become a good farm hand and a useful dog. The word “cane” is Latin for dog and is derived from the word “canis”. Corso is from an old Italian word meaning robust or strong. Changes in farming methods brought the Cane Corso almost to the point of extinction, as mechanization replaced the use of working dogs. But in the 1970s, Dog Fanciers began working to rebuild the Corso. They formed a society in 1983 and the breed was recognized in 1996. It was a man named Michael Sottile who imported the first litter of Corsos to the United in 1988, followed by a second litter in 1989. The International Cane Corso Association was formed in 1993 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010. The breed is now governed by the Cane Corso Association of America. For now, it seems that this bold, proud breed has a place among its peers and a devoted following of dog owners.

	Standard of the Italian Corso Dog

Appearance of the Rotticorso

The Rotticorso has a solid body shape, slightly longer than it is tall. Their attractive coat of short straight hair fits firmly to the body and compliments the dog's appearance of power and strength. Their legs are strong yet elegant, and their paws are rounded and well padded, enabling fast action from running to chasing. Their chest is deep and supports a muscular neck. Rotticorso have a blocky head, with a strong narrow muzzle and teeth that meet in a scissor bite. Their eyes are a deep amber or brown, and often edged in black, giving them a very expressive face. The nose is black with large nostrils. The ears can vary according to the genetic influence of the parent dogs, but generally they are held back from the face and are triangular in shape, which are floppy at the top. The Rotticorso has the appearance of a dog that is comfortable in its own skin, and is intelligent and affectionate as a companion and worker in times of need.

Temperament of the Rotticorso

Although a big dog, the Rotticorso doesn't like to be left alone for long, they get bored easily and want to be with their owners and family, the “pack”, if you like. They are devoted and loyal dogs, and are very active dogs, coming from a working dog background. These dogs are best in a home with a secure yard to explore and do their own thing. They'll follow you around the property and into the house just to see what you're up to. The Rotticorso dog is intelligent, a little stubborn and will try to be the boss. They need a strong owner who can put them in their place, someone they can respect. The savvy owner can bend the Rotticorso dog to do his bidding by praising them when he does well, and rewarding good behavior and obedience with tasty treats. Your dog will soon be too willing to adopt training only if it's fun and gets your individual attention. These dogs are good family dogs, often forming strong bonds within the family group, but can remain reserved and politely aloof with family friends or distant members. Socializing your Rotticorso dog while it's a young puppy will help them become a well-rounded dog in the wild. Be sure to meet a variety of people and other dogs so they get used to the noise and activity of a group of people and pets. Rotticorso dogs have strong hunting instincts, so they'll go after neighbors' cats and other small animals. Keep them behind a strong, contained fence to avoid problems, and keep them on a leash when walking. While your Rotticorso dog looks impressive, acts impressive and is undoubtedly impressive in personality, he can also be a mellow weakling when it comes to affection and cuddles.

Needs and activities of the Rotticorso

The Rotticorso dog comes from a back yard and, as such, they're not the kind of dog who wants to sit idle all day. These dogs need a daily walk, or two if possible, to get rid of some of their energy. They make ideal jogging or cycling companions, and will happily accompany you into your training zone. Keep them on a leash, as they have strong hunting instincts and may take off after a small, fast-moving animal they consider prey. Having to chase your dog to regain control is not much fun. They'll enjoy playing at home in a well-fenced yard - these dogs need that fence to hold them back, and will even love a few toys to play with. Rotticorso can be reserved for strangers, including children, as well as other dogs, so make sure you're there to handle any play. They're a big dog and can be unintentionally rough with small children, so supervise their playtime in case little ones get knocked over and hurt. Rotticorso dogs will also enjoy water play and love to cool off in the summer in a river or the sea. Keep these dogs well exercised and working and you'll have a fluffy, affectionate dog.

Maintenance of the Rotticorso

Rotticorso are relatively easy to maintain and groom, they have a season shedding which will mean instead of weekly brushing, they will require daily brushing, but apart from that, they are minimal care. While brushing, this is the ideal time to check your dog to make sure they don't have any cuts or abrasions that need attention. Their ears need constant checking in case infection sets in, and check that their eyes are clear and tear-free. Using a mild dog shampoo will keep their skin healthy and preserve natural oils. Oral hygiene requires that your dogs' teeth be brushed at least twice a week to keep their teeth healthy and their breath sweet. Finally, a light nail trim will finish off your Rotticorso's grooming and reward your dog with a healthy treat for being such a good dog.