The spotlight shines on a dog representing a breed not seen in agility often – the Cane Corso, a mastiff breed that originated in Italy. Bjorn defies expectations, effortlessly jumping 24-inches and helping his Regulation Freshman win the Winter Season Reserve Championship! He is athletic and loves to please his owner Destanee, who is a Novice A handler and doing a great job with her first agility partner. She tells us more about this majestic breed
Call Name: Bjorn
Breed: Cane Corso
Age: 2 years
Registered name: Sicario’s The Verdicts In RN CGC TKN
League team and division: Adventuretails Alphas – Regulation Freshman
Owner: Destanee Malott
City/state: Fort Wayne, IN
How long have you owned Corso’s and how did you discover the breed?
Bjorn is my first Corso. I am pleased to say he has been a great first Corso. My first dog, Coda, was a Siberian Husky; he was my first heart dog and he taught me a lot when it comes to dogs. He was perfect, loved everyone and everything, but unfortunately he passed away due to cancer and had continuous health problems. Over the years of owning him, I worked in a vet office, obtained an associate degree in Applied Science of Veterinary Technology, and became a dog groomer, now going on 11 years. With that, I was prepared to look into a breed that fit my lifestyle, find a reputable breeder, and something easy to groom. I wanted a dog that had a good off switch, something active but can settle in a house, and a family dog that will love my family and not every stranger. I wanted a large breed and something that wanted to work to please me.
I discovered the Corso through my best friend Ann. Even though she had an English-style Mastiff, she introduced me to the world of mastiffs. After screening all the Mastiffs, I was attracted to the Cane Corso – the Italian Mastiff. Even though they are a large breed, they are lean athletes, and smart, working dogs. I had the time, energy, and the determination to put into this breed. I wasn’t sure what my end goal was, but I knew socialization, consistency, and leadership were keys to having a balanced, fulfilled, and happy Corso. Since Bjorn was my first working guardianship breed, I knew making sure he was fulfilled was important, and he became my gateway to the word of possibilities in AKC events.
Tell us a little about the breed’s history
The Cane Corso was an auxiliary warrior during the Roman War and also used for hunting large game, like wild boars. There were two Italian Mastiff breeds, the “Light Version,” known as the Cane Corso, and the “Heavy Version,” which was the Neapolitan Mastiff. Cane Corso name means guardian or protector. After the wars, the Cane Corso was able to adapt to the continually changing roles over the years and became protection for property and livestock. But after farming became more modernized, the breed almost went extinct in 1960’s. In 1970’s they adapted to becoming family protectors and the companions that we see today. The first Cane Corso arrived in the US in the 1980’s, and AKC recognized them in 2010.
They are not for first time dog owners as they tend to have a dominant personality and are very protective. They are naturally intuitive and suspicious of change. They need strong and consistent leadership, and they bond very closely with their family. It is very important to find a breeder who focuses on temperament in their breeding line.
What gave you the idea to pursue agility with Bjorn?
Bjorn is my first and only agility dog. One night after rally class, Bjorn and I watched the agility class that was being held next to our class. Something sparked in Bjorn; he seemed excited and wanted to go. We started the Foundations to Agility class and worked our way to run Novice courses. He loves the movement and what his body can do. He seems free, light and happy. We both have fun and a great way to burn excess energy.
What is Bjorn like to train and compete with?
Training, competing, and working with Bjorn have given me insight that I never would imagine was possible. He taught me patience, fairness, and perseverance. So, when Bjorn and I achieve our goals, it feels surreal, and it keeps both of us going to the next of our never-ending goals. He is very smart and driven. He loves to work and please me, and he knows the work he puts in gives him more freedom when we go do fun things like swimming and hiking. When we compete, we tend to draw a lot of attention. Most people don’t see his breed doing the things he does and have different expectations of the breed. It makes me proud of how far we have come and how we are setting a new view for others to have of the breed.
What is his favorite reward?
His favorite reward, other than play or treats, is my excitement and love. Once he sees, feels, and hears my excitement and love, he mirrors it, returning it ten-fold, and no toy or treat can compare to that.
What do you enjoy most about League and how has it helped your training?
The Agility League has helped improve our bond and communication. His off- leash recall has improved; his stays became more solid; and it helped build his confidence within his body. We enjoy the League since it keeps his body and mind in top shape, and I enjoy the friends that become family and who support you in your never-ending Journey.
Does he compete in other sports?
Bjorn participates in rally, obedience, Fast CAT, and dock diving. We are still new to a lot of them and are working hard to continue to earn more titles.
What advice do you have for others with large heavy-bodied breeds who may be considering agility?
My advice is to keep safety in mind. Focus on their body; build the muscle; exercise and never skip stretching. This starts before you join any sports. Be proactive in their health; keep them at a healthy weight; check their hips, knees, and elbows to make sure they are structurally sound. Dogs that stay moving will develop strong muscles, and this will help keep them healthy even as they get older. You may even be surprised to see the joy that they radiate once they feel how light and confident they are in their body.