Most encounters with a Corso result in a sense of awe and admiration of the animal that conjure up a sense of need to possess. If one is intentional in exposing themselves to experience more frequently this awe, they begin to see that not all Corso are Corso and not all who breed them are breeders. If you are reading this, I would venture to say you are somewhere on this journey of understanding and experience. I began my journey seeking quality Corso from breeders stateside only to run into contracts that tied my hands in my estimation, yet in hindsight I can respect what at the time I felt as hinderances was a representation of the work, sacrifice and vison of those who where willing to allow me to own a product of their making. I then moved onto imports hoping to obtain quality dogs without these perceived hindrances, yet soon discovered the lack of consistency in type and temperament from the dogs I imported as well as those that I saw at confirmation shows stateside. The two barriers I needed to overcome where obtaining dogs that bred consistent type and temperament in the shortest amount of time, since life is short and none of us are promised tomorrow. These experiences led me to my breeding philosophy.
“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”
Joe Klaas
The Corso is a breed and as such should bear some common elements. Any other dog that has been called a breed has similar traits that lend to its identification. The Corso has not been defined as a breed very long, yet it is my humble opinion the reason it has not arrived at a tangible consistent cookie cutter type is because of the practices of breeding not being utilized by those who established other breeds. Go to a dog show to confirm my statement Irish Setters look like Irish Setters go to the Corso ring and the same cannot be said. There are very few Corso breeders who have bred in a way whereby their dogs are distinguishable from all others one such breeder is Derek Matson from Alcor Kennels a man whom I respect tremendously for his disciple, sacrifice and focus. The dogs we produce are a reflection of these principles which I have had the privilege to see modeled firsthand. There have been a handful of breeders that I respect and have learned a lot from. We appreciate their contributions and example and seek daily to examine ourselves to our bar that we have set for ourselves in light of the one who examines our efforts (Col.3:23). We are not a business that breeds dogs, we are in the business of bettering the breed.
We do not confuse dog aggression with protection prowess. We have established an environment where dogs are in the business of protecting that in which they have been appointed. Our puppies are raised in this environment and are shown this model by their peers. Selection of what we consider as worthy to bear the name Corso are measured in this environment to provide people with our vison of what a Corso is, a confirmation type animal with a protection focused mindset.