With well over a hundred people in attendance, Sunday's Corso Carting event was the highlight of the British Cane Corso calendar. An a amazing event, with something for everyone, it has cemented the BCCS as THE organisation in Britain for this amazing breed.

The Cane Corso Carting Day (try saying that with a mouthful of crisps) held at the Wix Equestrian Centre on Sunday 26th April was a huge success; with more owners, dogs and potential owners than ever before – thank you all for your support and for making the journey.

Outside guests were greeted by the fabulous ‘Pimp My Cart’chariot or pink cart being pulled by one of the Boleyn dogs, it was great to see so many of you trying out the cart – a lot of dogs have found a fabulously fit new hobby we hope, remember though to keep your dog safe whilst carting, read through the information presented on the FOCC before you start.

Inside the hall, it became apparent how many owners and dogs had arrived! With interesting articles on every wall, pictures of Corsos from around the world and a free 9-page newsletter to take home attendees were immediately spoiled with informational choice on arrival!

The BCCS website launched on the day of the event and we couldn’t have had a better advert for what we are going to achieve, enthusiasts and breeders and pet owners alike, learning from and supporting one another.

With blue ribbons gracing the necks of the less- sociable dogs there was very little in the way of conflict, and a large crated area was provided for when it all got too much for some of the more boisterous attendees

Please note: SO useful was this area we ran out of crates very quickly and will be asking you to bring your own to the next event this summer.

The large indoor arena featured an enclosed area for Sujay, our on-site professional protection dog trainer, who spent the entire day assessing attendee’s dogs in high temperatures wearing scratch trousers and a heavy bite sleeve – it was an impressive sight and a great balance to the fun and games going on in the main arena. The BCCS are very proud to host a trainer who has shown us that a well-trained protection dog does not have to be an aggressive dog. Sujay assessed 21 dogs on the day - including several of the younger dogs and a Boerboel the size of a lion.

The main conformation show was an extremely difficult one to judge, partly because none of the dogs had ever been in a show before and partly because in spite of that, the standard was very high, the cup eventually being taken by:

1. Boleyn’s Teatro owned by Roy and Jackie
2. Foxtrot di Fosso Corno owned by Anna and Jo
3. Telesto’s Rocco owned by Jason
4. Boleyn’s Palito owned by Valerie and Shaun

And now onto the results you’ve all been waiting for…..FASTEST SIT AND DOWN! After two all-in musical chairs type heats and much disagreement, the finals were won in a dead heat by

Rumba di Fosso Corno owned by Jo

and

Boleyn’s Kalani owned by Ali and Jo

(we think Jojo and Ali put magnets in their collars before the show so quick was the ‘down’….) with a special mention going to:

Fandango di Fosso Corno, who this time last year would have been unable to compete due to temperament – to see him skipping, yes skipping, through an arena full of dogs and competing so well was a real credit to his owner Carlie who has worked so hard with him.

Best condition in show (now forever to be known as the shiny dog award) went to the fabulously sparkly:

Cane9Corso's Tico owned by Mariana

with a very close second being taken by:

Boleyn’s Neo owned by Katie and JJ

who then went on to get himself all muddy having fun in the protection arena… third was:

Telesto’s Silo owned by Andrew and Kelly

One of the highlights of the show was the stand of Mr Kenny James of CaneXI Cane Corso with information and a chance to meet one of the rustic Cane Corso of Dt. Flavio Bruno as well as the charming Volpino who works alongside them (talk about the odd couple!) Ciccio PIC was a great attraction and Kenny and his wife Georgina enjoyed sharing their passion for these dogs with you all.

Also roaming the arena was Mr Jon Sheldon of Hunter kennels, looking every inch the gentleman in his wellies and shirt, he brought along not only one of his beautiful Neapolitan Mastiffs in the form of 6.5 month old:

Grace

but a rather mighty Boerboel called:

Saint

who from the back was easily mistaken for a lion – but was so brilliantly behaved it often snuck up without you noticing! Also attending was Mr Nino Lo Raso from Lo Raso Cane Corso, Mr George Argent from Argent Cane Corso, Mariana of Babinta Cane Corso, Miss Ali Bark of Telesto Cane Corso and of course Joanne Lueck of Boleyn Cane Corso!

We were also pleased to welcome Gilly and Sharon from Cane Corso and Molosser rescue UK for rescue Cane Corso and to support the fantastic and tireless work they do please visit Cane Corso UK Molosser Rescue.

Vet Richard Pettit was in attendance answering many of your health and diet and fitness questions.

There are many people to thank; from the 40 strong team of volunteers who organised everything from tills to tea, to every single owner and prospective owner who made the trip to find out more about this wonderful breed.

There are so many things planned for the summer event, we can’t wait to see you there. Visit the new BCCS website to find out more and to learn when the next event is planned, www.canecorso.org.uk

The BCCS Team