THE MAJESTIC CANE CORSO
SHAUNA DEMOSS CASTLEGUARD CANE CORSO
serious property guardian. After months of searching dog magazines (the internet was not readily available then), my eyes fell on the Corso. I knew in my heart and soul this was my dog. I took out a loan and bought my puppy from back East. They were unheard of in the middle of the country at that time. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 3. What, to you, is the ultimate hallmark of the breed? The imposing headpiece and powerful, athletic build create the prefect utility Molosser. 4. Describe the Cane Corso in three words: He is an unforgettable blend of power, mass and presence. 5. What makes this breed the ideal companion in the 21st century? The Corso is NOT the ideal companion for every 21st century family. It is only through owner diligence that he is able to overcome much of his genetic instinct and adapt. Fortunately, he is highly intelligent and always determined to please his master. Thus in the right hands, can blend fairly well into the high social demands of modern society. 6. What about the breed makes it a great show dog? There is nothing more thrilling than watching a Corso, which when static is the embodiment of power, mass and formidable presence, stretch out and float around the ring with effortless movement like he was on rails. 7. What, if any, are the traits breeders should focus on preserving? Correct head type, solid, functioning structure and impor- tance of healthy breeding stock is being lost in the drive to “get in on” the rising popularity of the breed. 8. What are the health concerns about which breeders should beware? Breeders need to be mindful of hips and elbows, hearts, EPI and autoimmune issues. 9. What advice would you give a newcomer? Get a mentor… get a mentor… GET A MENTOR! This breed is very difficult to master—everyone needs help. 10. What is your funniest experience at a dog show? It’s no secret that I am like a fish out of water at the end of a leash in the ring; awkward, self-consciences and inept are the words that leap to mind. By the time my kids were nine, they were shaming me with their talent and natural
BIO CCAA Board Member for 13 years; Director of Breed Education AKC breeder judge; 2011 CCAA Breeder of the Year. Producer of the following: 40 AKC CH, 13 AKC GCH, 7 CCAA Repro- duction Champions; National Specialty winners: BOB, BOW, AOM, 2009; CCAA Dog and Bitch of the Year, 2009; AKC 1# Corso all systems, 2010; Westminster BOS, 2012 & 2013; National Specialty
BOS & BOW, 2014; Puppy of the Year, 2014; Westminster BOB winner, 2015; National Show winner in France, Spain and Portugal, 2014 & 2015; Breeders’ Cup winner, 2015; BIS and Multiple Group placings worldwide. 1. Where do you live? What do you do outside of dogs? We live on the Western side of Colorado. Our 300-acre moun- tain property sits at 7300 feet above sea level and has been in my family for 6 generations. We run several agricultural businesses. My husband farms Blue Spruce trees for landscap- ing and we have both dairy and beef cattle that I attend to everyday. Our lives are filled with our children and grandchil- dren—most either live on the property or within 30 minutes of us. We live a simple life on a farm, growing our own food, working sun up to sun down and being close to the land we love. 2. Number of years owning and/or showing the Cane Cor- so? What attracted you to the breed in the first place? 2015 marks the 20-year anniversary of my love affair with the Cane Corso. I purchased my first puppy in 1995 as a fam- ily companion and guardian. We started showing in 1999. It was a family affair that included my mom, my husband and my kids. Sometimes we had to travel 1000 miles to a show because in those days we were rare breed and shows were few and far between. I was searching for a unique breed as companion; one that would adore my children and be a
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