Derived from the powerful mastiff dogs of Roman Times, the Cane Corso comes to modern man as an agile protector, a big-game hunter and an all-around working dog. This large and formidable Italian guard dog is currently enjoying a Renaissance in the new century as a recognized pure-bred dog, attracting many new fanciers every year. Not the dog for the inexperienced or the faint of heart, the Cane Corso is a strong-minded and strong-bodied protection dog, naturally suspicious of strangers and devoutly attached to his owners. This Special Rare-Breed Edition, the only book of its kind about this fascinating Italian Mastiff, offers an insightful history of the breed, an in-depth look at the breed’s characteristics and standard as well as puppy selection and rearing, obedience training and housebreaking, and health care and maintenance. Owners will welcome the author’s good advice on puppy-proofing the home, socialization and preventing puppy problems. In addition to an authoritative, comprehensive text, this book presents over 135 photographs in full color, which prove to be as informative as they are attractive.