Cane Corso, The importance of correct research!

Doing research on an unfamiliar breed of dog can be a daunting task. Whether it’s your first purchase or you simply wish to know more about the breed you own, knowledge is power.

As most will agree after a little research that there is ALOT of conflicting information about the Cane Corso here in the United States. Everyone seems to have an opinion about most every subject concerning the Corso and thanks to the internet, most people aren’t afraid to share their view point. But who’s information should you believe? The sometimes over zealous, but well intended new dog owners in social media groups? What about the amateur hobby breeders that wish to be involved with this historical breed, or the more seasoned show ring breeders that always seem to have their same viewpoints no matter the breed of dog? Then there are the self proclaimed experts here in which greed and fame prove to be their motivation. Don’t forget the many dog clubs and registries that wish to be involved with this breed all having their view points and different standards.

Understanding the truth about the Cane Corso doesn’t have to be a complicated subject if approached in a logical manner. When there is a seemingly complicated subject that has much conflicting information it’s best to start your research by locating what is known as a primary source of information. After establishing the primary source of information secondary sources can be filtered fairly effectively.

So when it comes to research what exactly is primary and secondary source information? Great question! I’m glad you asked .

1. Primary source information = A primary information source provides direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art etc.  Primary sources provide the original materials on which other research is based and enable students and other researchers to get as close as possible to what actually happened during a particular event or time period.   Published materials can be viewed as primary resources if they come from the time period that is being discussed, and were written or produced by someone with firsthand experience of the event

2. Secondary source information = Secondary sources describe, discuss, interpret, comment upon, analyze, evaluate, summarize, and process primary sources.  A secondary source is generally one or more steps removed from the event or time period and are written or produced after the fact with the benefit of hindsight.  Secondary sources often lack the freshness and immediacy of the original material.  One of the problems with secondary source information is that it can sometimes become skewed and biased.

All of this in layman’s terms simply means it’s always best to start with information that comes “Straight from the horse’s mouth “ whenever possible.

What we see here in the United States is an abundance of secondary source information that has been greatly skewed from the primary source information. A quick google search will quickly reveal much conflicting information from enthusiasts, breeders, dog clubs etc. Many of these secondary sources of information never do the correct research on the subject matter they give information about.

Whenever there is so much conflicting information about a subject such as the Cane Corso, It’s necessary to first locate
the primary source of information then the incorrect secondary sources can be quickly identified.

So what’s considered the primary source of information as it pertains to the Cane Corso during modern history? Another great question with a simple answer! That would be the work of Dr. Paolo Breber.

Dr. Breber is the biologist that is directly responsible for the recovery of the Cane Corso which was on the verge of extinction. Without his work you would not be reading this article today and chances are you would have never heard of the Cane Corso. His life’s works has basically been about the proper recovery of this breed. His work with this breed began in the 1970’s and continues today. Being a professional Dr. all of his work has been correctly documented, sourced and published throughout the years. To say that Dr. Breber’s work with the Cane Corso is the best primary source of information available anywhere in the world would almost be an understatement. His first hand information concerning this breed is priceless.

So once you understand the importance of primary source information, research becomes a lot easier! Again knowledge is power. With the correct knowledge we can all do our part to keep this once illusive legendary breed thriving and historically accurate. We should always keep this breed true!…OCC