The Cursinu is a breed of dog originating in Corsica. Present for several centuries, the breed almost disappeared at the end of the XNUMXth century. Fortunately, the work of a few enthusiasts allowed it to regain its letters of nobility and to be recently recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC). The Cursinu is a versatile dog, which can be used as a sheepdog as well as for hunting. It is a dog of the primitive type, quite independent and having rather high activity needs. In good conditions, it will be an ideal companion for a very active owner.

The Cursinu is a dog from Corsica. Rustic, the Cursinu has historically been used as a herding dog, but also used as a hunting dog or warrior dog. The breed has been present in France since the 1980th century. At the end of the 1990th century, it almost disappeared. Luckily, an association for the protection of Cursinu was created in the 2004s. It was able to benefit from the support of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and the local hunting federations. Together, they then set out to write the basics of what will become the breed standard. “Mostre”, that is to say, exhibitions of the breed were organized from the beginning of the 2012s and the breed was finally recognized by the SCC in XNUMX at the national level with the creation of the first standard. In XNUMX, the breed obtained definitive recognition, which then opened the creation of a Book of Origin and the genetic monitoring of Cursini.

They are large dogs, with a withers between 46 and 58 cm. Adults, their weight varies between 20 and 28 kg.

The Cursinu has a straight, muscular body. His coat is provided and short to mid-length. Its coat is generally fawn brindle, but with nuances which can vary from sand to black according to the individuals. Often, they have white markings on the chest and the ends of the legs. The head of the Cursinu is lupoid type, with a short neck. The skull is flat, the ears set high and sometimes drooping. The chamfer is straight to slightly convex. The tail of the Cursinu is long, reaching at least the hock. 

The Cursinu is a rather independent dog, which can have a strong instinct for protection and hunting. It is therefore difficult to make it cohabit with smaller animals of other species, unless it has been accustomed to their contacts from an early age.

Due to its history, the Cursinu is a versatile working dog. It can be used as a sheepdog, in particular to search for and take free-range animals, or as a hunting dog for rabbits, foxes or wild boars. More anecdotally, it is also found in stables, in mantrailing, in agility, in canicross or in truffle research activities. There is a versatile natural aptitude test (NAT) in the Cursinu, in order to maintain the versatility of the breed.

The Cursinu is a dog very attached to its owner, but also quite suspicious. Also, he will make an excellent watchdog. On the other hand, this last character trait means that it is not necessarily recommended when you have young children. 

The Cursinu absolutely needs an active owner. To be happy, he needs at least 2 hours of physical activity in freedom per day, in addition to hygienic outings. He is suitable for living in a house with a large garden and spending a lot of time with him will be essential. Indeed, a dog left alone in the garden for 2 hours will not play and will not exercise enough. Apartment life does not suit him. If it does not have sufficient activity, the Cursinu can develop destructive or even aggressive behaviors.

As with all dogs, a positive education from an early age is imperative to build a relationship based on respect and trust with its owner. The Cursinu is a very independent dog. It requires an assured and experienced owner. Also, this is not a recommended first dog dog.

Hygiene

The Cursinu is a rustic and robust dog. It is a breed that requires relatively little maintenance. Individuals with medium-length hairs may exhibit significant shedding periods. Regular brushing is therefore necessary.

Food

In terms of food, these are dogs that are not very picky. Good quality food is essential for them to be in good shape and to live a long life. We must exclude the grain-free diet, which can cause digestive disorders and seems to be the cause of heart defects. A household ration is possible, but it will then be necessary to be vigilant on the balance of the ration, in particular in terms of vitamins and minerals. Often it is essential to supplement the ration for proper growth. Otherwise, a diet based on good quality kibble is quite possible.

Health

They present relatively few specific health problems. Like all large dogs, you will need to be vigilant against osteoarthritis and the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. The ideal is to take it in a line where the parents have been tested and to be careful not to put too much strain on the joints during the growth of the puppy. Kept in good conditions, it is a dog that will be able to live up to fifteen years, with an average life expectancy of 11 years.