Cursinu Dog Breed - Facts and Information

Appearance
According to the breed standard, the Cursinu is a rustic and sturdy dog breed with medium size and average build. The height is typically between 46-58 cm, which is 18-23 inch and weight is normally around 42 pounds, which is 20 kg. The females are slightly smaller than males.

The Cursinu is famous for its great looking brindle coat. The color is brindle in all shades of fawn. Some white markings on chest and paws are allowed as well. Overall, the coat is relatively short, very thick and smooth. Some patches of long hair may be found.

This is a very athletic and slender dog, with well proportionate body and head. They have oval shaped eyes that comes in brown color, triangular ears and long tail that hangs down at rest but frequently curls up over the back. This dog has a very tight skin and there is almost no wrinkling on their body.
Temperament
The Cursinu is highly valued for its people oriented temperament and versatility. And indeed, this breed just love its people, it is very docile and loyal dog, that is very attached to its owner. On the other hand, they are known for being suspicious and alert around strangers, but they should not be agressive without a reason.

This breed is known to be pretty laid back and calm when its indoors at home, but when they are outside, they are full of energy and they definitely need daily longer outdoor walks or hikes. This is very athletic, endurant and agile dog.

I mentioned, that this is very versatile and adaptable breed and it is true. Throughout the history, they were used for three main purposes which are protecting the livestock, herding it and hunting. They are very courageous and they would stand up against very strong predator to keep the livestock or its family safe. When they are hunting ,they typically hunt wild boar and their main hunting weapons are their speed and very good sense of smell.

Because of their hunting history, they might try to hunt some other smaller household pets like rabbits, but they can live with other dogs or even with cats, especially if they are socialized together from the puppyhood. They are also good patient companions for kids, but you should never leave any dog breed with a very youn child unsupervise.

Important thing to know is, that this dog likes to bark, which makes it better fit to live in a house, rather than in apratment where the barking can be little bit problematic.

History
These dogs are pretty old and they have been known on Corsica since the 16th century. Corsican dogs have always been working dogs and up until the 20th century they were used as sheepdogs and hunters.

But in the 19th century, the numbers of Cursinus declined a lot. They almost went extinct. There are two main reasons why this happened. The first is decline of farms, agriculture and hunting. Because of that, even the hunting dogs and sheepdogs were not that needed anymore. The second reason is import of foreign breeds which started to be a competition for Cursinu. In the 1980s, the Cursinu was on the verge of extinction.

Luckily, in 1988 people had begun expressing concern about the future of this breed, and the following year the Corsican Dog protection society was established with a goal of preserving this breed. Today, the breed is not on the verge of extinction anymore and there are several breeders in Corsica, but it is still very rare breed especially outside this island.
Health and grooming
Great fact about this breed is, that it is usually a very healthy dog breed with no specific health issues. The lifespan is typically between 12-14 years.

The maintenance is also quite easy and even without any grooming at all, the Cursinu coat will stay in good shape. You should regularly check the dogs ears, because the Cursinu is somewhat prone to developing ear infections. You should also regularly check the teeth, eyes and nails and clip them or clean them if needed.