The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a natural head-turner due to its unique look and colossal structure. They are fascinating creatures that are also affectionate to their families.
The Cane Corso Italiano breed and the Great Dane have equally interesting histories, which make the Italian Daniff quite special.
Moreover, there is no specific breed standard for a Cane Corso Great Dane mix. Since it’s a hybrid, we can never tell what dominant parent gene will appear in a litter.
If you’re curious about this gentle giant, you’ve come to the right place. Read along and learn more about this stunning dog. I’ll cover a lot of helpful information, and maybe you’ll end up with a furry best friend.
What Is a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix?
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A Cane Corso Great Dane mix, also known as Italian Daniff or Great Corso, is a crossbreed between a Cane Corso and a Great Dane. Despite their muscular build and intimidating size, they are intelligent and calm, making them excellent companions.
Cane Corso Great Dane mixes are a perfect combination of their parent breeds in terms of appearance and character. Although their parents descended from a molossus-type dog, the crossbreed is relatively new.
At first glance, they can be mistaken as purebreds because of how similar their parent breeds are. However, if you look closely, you will see the difference.
Italian Daniff puppies are adorable hybrids. They may be first-generation pups as of now but they are still evolving. Over time, they are expected to be just as famous or even more popular than other mixes.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Origin and History: Where Does The Italian Daniff Come From?
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix comes from the natural breeding of Cane Corsos and Great Danes. However, it’s pretty challenging to find specific details regarding the exact origin of this hybrid dog.
Looking through their parent’s heritage will help you know more about this mixed breed.
Great Danes can be traced back to 3,000 B.C., and they are believed to be descendants of wolf dogs. They were also found in early paintings and drawings in Babylonia.
Aside from being known as wild boar hunters, they were also used as guard dogs. They used to hunt mature bears too.
Initially, people called them Boar Hounds, but during the 1600s, they became favorite family companions and pets.
In the 1700s, they were officially known as Great Danes. Due to constant improvement in breeding practices, they became much more stable and affectionate.
The highly evolved Great Dane breed exhibits none of its hunting and aggressive traits from then on.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Great Dane breed in 1889, and they were also classified as part of the Working Group.
On the other hand, Cane Corsos are direct descendants of ancient roman war dogs. They were also used as war dogs, and their name directly translates to “bodyguard-dog.”
Cane Corsos have been around for centuries until they almost reached extinction. Luckily, in the 1970s, they were bred again in Italy, and they still exist until this very day.
The AKC also recognized them and was categorized as the Working Group breeds in 2010.
Unfortunately, like other mixed breeds, the Italian Daniff breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they are still beautiful dogs with outstanding personalities, molded from their parents’ rich histories.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Appearance: What Does an Italian Daniff Look Like?
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A Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a very muscular dog with wide and strong bones. They closely resemble the features of a Great Dane, but they are much broader, just like their Cane Corso parent.
This designer dog has floppy ears, just like their parents, but sometimes they undergo ear cropping to make them look more intimidating.
This entirely depends on the owners, but many countries forbid ear-cropping due to ethical concerns.
They have short coats that appear to be sleek and glossy, and they can also have different colors, just like their Cane Corso or Great Dane parent.
The most common color is black, but they could also have brown, isabella, blue, and fawn coats.
They can also have merle coats if one or both of their parents have merle genes, resulting in color patches in their hair. Merle Great Danes are more common than merle Cane Corsos.
In addition, they also have large heads since they are massive dogs and can appear lethargic and slow to move unless they are very excited.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Italian Daniffs Get?
Since they are from large breeds, you can’t expect less when it comes to the size of this designer dog. The typical Cane Corso Great Dane mix weighs between 115 and 130 pounds and stands around 34 to 36 inches in height.
Moreover, Italian Daniff puppies tend to be full-grown at 12 months. However, they can still grow a few more inches and weigh more pounds here and there, depending on pedigree and proper nutrition.
They are great family pets in large homes with wide yards. They are not suitable for small to medium-sized homes because of their size. They can also be stagnant and bored if they don’t have ample space to move around.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Temperament: Do Italian Daniffs Make Good Family Dogs?
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An Italian Daniff is highly protective, making them good family dogs. This behavior is balanced with its affectionate nature, evident when interacting with children and other pets at home.
However, proper monitoring should be done in the presence of small children and pets because they can easily knock them over even if they don’t mean to.
It is also important to note that a Cane Corso Great Dane mix doesn’t usually like strangers, so a gradual introduction is necessary if you have guests.
They are typically calm and don’t get jumpy and excited most of the time. Also, they don’t bark a lot at noises unless intruders enter your premises, making them excellent guard dogs.
Early socialization is still vital for raising your pups despite the dog’s personality.
Nonetheless, both the Cane Corso and Great Dane are considered stable dogs so their offspring are pleasant to be with too.
The video below shows how a Cane Corso Great Dane mix behaves during training:
Bloo, 16 month Great Dane/Cane Corso mix. OC trainer-2 week board & train<a href="https://youtu.be/x-PASNsSuxM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fx-PASNsSuxM%2F0.jpg" alt="Bloo, 16 month Great Dane/Cane Corso mix. OC trainer-2 week board &amp; train" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Great Dane: Which Is Better?
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Italian Daniffs Healthy Dogs?
An Italian Daniff has a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years, depending on lineage and adequate care. These specific years of their lives rely on their families to care for them and provide for their needs holistically.
Another factor to consider when it comes to life expectancy and health is the source of your Italian Daniff. It is essential to acquire them from reputable breeders to ensure their quality.
In addition, like other designer dogs, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix has hybrid vigor, making them live much longer than its parent breeds.
Generally, they are healthy dogs, but there are still possible health conditions to arise, especially genetically-acquired ones.
Some common conditions and disorders that Italian Daniffs are prone to are listed below:
Hip Dysplasia: Since Italian Daniff puppies are giant dogs, they are typically prone to hip dysplasia. This condition results in the instability and malformation of a dog’s hip joint and may cause pain and decreased mobility.
Elbow Dysplasia: This condition is practically the same as hip dysplasia. However, elbow dysplasia occurs on the skeletal structure of the dog’s elbow, resulting in pain and decreased mobility.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV): This condition is also known as bloat. This happens when air accumulates in the stomach, causing the stomach to twist by itself. This can be considered a medical and surgical emergency because it can lead to your dog’s death.
Cherry Eye: As its name suggests, cherry eye is an uncomfortable condition wherein a dog’s eyelid prolapses or pops out. Dogs that are affected by this condition may need surgery to be better. Furthermore, if it remains untreated, this condition can lead to eye ulcers and conjunctivitis.
Obesity: As pet owners, it’s important to take some measures to prevent your Cane Corso Great Dane mix from having this condition. Obesity occurs when a dog is overweight due to excess body fat. Proper nutrition and exercise must be done to prevent this condition.
Aside from purchasing your Italian Daniff from a reputable breeder, make sure not to miss regular and much-needed vet visits to ensure your dog is in tip-top shape.
Providing a series of health and genetic tests are also helpful in determining the risk for diseases earlier.
How to Take Care of Your Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
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Having giant breeds in our life is great, especially if they are well-behaved. However, physical attributes and an amazing personality are not enough.
Aspiring dog owners should be able to handle them and provide for their day-to-day needs.
If you are sure and committed to owning a Cane Corso and Great Dane mix, here are a few essential tips on how to take care of your giant dog.
Food and Diet
A large dog like an Italian Daniff requires high-quality dog food to meet their daily nutritional requirements at any stage of its life. It’s important to note that a puppy may have different dietary needs from an adult.
Puppies are usually fed 3 to 4 times a day, while adults are given 2 to 3 meals daily.
For specific amounts of food and kinds of feeding, it is best to consult your vet or pet nutritionist to ensure what they’re getting is of enough nutritional value.
Fresh and clean water should also be available for your dog every time to avoid dehydration and promote digestion.
Moreover, vitamins and supplements should be part of their diet to maintain optimal health and cater to their coat maintenance needs.
Cleaning and Grooming
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix has a short coat that rarely sheds. They are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Still, owners should not be lazy about it.
Their fur needs to be brushed only a few times every week, and bathing can be done every month, especially if they are filthy. However, their paws need to be wiped clean after they go outdoors.
Moreover, brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can keep their breath smelling fresh and improve their dental health. Chew toys and dental chews can also help strengthen their teeth and gums.
Also, since their ears are floppy, cleaning them to remove dirt and debris is advisable. This can also help prevent ear infections.
Like other dogs, nail clipping should be a non-negotiable, not just for hygienic purposes but also to keep your dog comfortable while walking or standing.
Training and Exercise
Like their parent breeds, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is highly intelligent. They will need early socialization and proper training to know how to behave appropriately and know basic commands at a young age.
Positive reinforcement and treats are key components during training time. Nonetheless, you will not be having a hard time teaching them since they are natural-born fast learners.
However, one thing to note is the number of treats you give your Italian Daniff since they are prone to obesity. Make sure you are mindful of it to avoid health problems in the future.
Their daily requirement is about 30 minutes of walking when it comes to exercise.
Compared to other large dogs, an Italian Daniff has moderate energy, which means they do not require excessive exercise. Taking it to the dog park daily will do.
How Much Does a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Average Italian Daniff puppies cost around $800 to $1,000 from a reputable breeder, but they can go as high as $1,500 depending on various factors, such as bloodline.
They usually have a high price tag since their Cane Corso and Great Dane parents are AKC-recognized breeds and famous worldwide. However, acquiring the hybrid may be pretty challenging since it’s relatively new.
In addition, the puppy cost is just the start of this breed’s expenditures. You will need to purchase essential items for your Italian Daniff before you open your home for their arrival.
To help you plan your budget, here’s a list of initial expenses you can look through:
Being prepared is one of the traits of a responsible pet owner, and if you’re dedicated to owning a Cane Corso Great Dane mix, you should be able to sit down with what they need as early as now.
To get an idea of their recurring costs, check out our article on how much does a Cane Corso cost.
Places to Find Cane Corso and Great Dane Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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As you know, an Italian Daniff is a new crossbreed. It will take a lot of time, research, and breeder checks to find places where you can purchase one from a reputable source.
Currently, there are no breeders dedicated to this hybrid. However, there are still possible areas where you can try your luck searching.
Here is a list of a few reputable places where you might find your next Cane Corso Great Dane mix:
Keystone Puppies – What’s great about Keystone Puppies is they are very strict when it comes to breeding. This advertising website only lists puppies from accredited breeders to ensure health and quality. Cane Corso and Great Dane mixes may be available from time to time, so it’s best to check their site regularly.
Greenfield Puppies – This is another puppy listing website that offers several mixed breeds, including Cane Corso Great Dane mixes. They advocate against puppy mills and irresponsible breeders, ensuring perfect matching for puppies and new owners.
Lancaster Puppies – Hybrids of both Cane Corsos and Great Danes are available on this website as well. They ensure that puppies are from reputable breeders, and they exist to find loving homes for all dog breeds and hybrids.
You can also check out our articles on Great Dane and Cane Corso breeders for more options on where to find a Cane Corso Great Dane mix.
Aside from these places, you can also try adopting one for a much lower cost. You get a loyal companion, plus you save their lives too. It’s undoubtedly a win-win situation.
Here are some rescue shelters and organizations you can look through for your Italian Daniff:
Must Love Corsos Rescue – This is a community-based, non-profit rescue organization dedicated to saving Cane Corsos. With a little bit of luck, you might find your Cane Corso Great Dane mix on their list. Just browse through their site or contact them directly for information on dog availability.
Cane Corso Rescue – This organization is dedicated to Cane Corsos, but they may also take in Cane Corso Great Dane mixes. With a little bit of patience, your next furry companion will be with you in no time.
Great Dane Rescue – This is a non-profit group dedicated to saving Great Danes since 1993, but there might be instances that they take in Great Dane mixes as well. Adopting here will allow you to participate in great advocacy of attempting to end animal cruelty in this dog breed.
You can also check out our list of Great Dane rescue groups to further help you with your search.
Before you contact any breeder or organization, you might want to view our specific guides on how to adopt a dog and purchase a puppy wisely, making you more equipped in your hunting journey.
Also, it’s best to stay away from puppy mills or backyard breeders. Their prices may be cheaper, but they have very unethical breeding practices.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix
All dog breeds have advantages and disadvantages. Just like us humans, no dog is bound to be perfect. Sometimes, they may be a handful, but they are still worthy of love and care, whether they are purebred or mixed breeds.
To help you decide to own an Italian Daniff mixed breed, I’ve listed down some of its pros and cons.
Here are the pros of owning a Great Dane Cane Corso mix:
Natural head-turner: Since an Italian Daniff is a massive dog, it will be hard for people to miss it. It has a stunning look that dog lovers will surely appreciate.
Excellent family pets: Aside from being guard dogs, Great Dane Cane Corso mixes make great companions for family members, including kids, other dogs, and even other animals. They have calm temperaments that make a dog owner’s life easier.
Highly intelligent: A Cane Corso Great Dane mix is naturally brilliant and easy to train. This hybrid is also great as a guard dog because it can instantly expose intruders.
Low-maintenance in grooming: Since their short coat rarely sheds, they do not need a lot of demands when it comes to grooming. They are initially clean and don’t smell fast. This can help you save time, money, and effort.
In comparison, here are the cons of owning an Italian Daniff mix:
Limited sources: Finding a Cane Corso Great Dane mix can be very challenging since it’s a new hybrid. Joining an online community of breeders or asking licensed vets about it may help you a lot.
Short average lifespan: This may be a standard lifespan for giant breeds, but they grow quickly compared to other dogs. It’s best to be there as much as you can and make memories sooner than later.
Takes a lot of space: As a large dog, this hybrid can already be considered a giant breed. Small to medium-sized homes are not suitable for them since they take up much space.
Going through the pros and cons can help get a clearer view of what you can expect when deciding to own this dog. It’s also a great list that can help you assess if you can handle such a dog breed in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Italian Daniffs Good Dogs?
An Italian Daniff is not just a good dog but an excellent one. They are loyal, protective, easy to deal with, and friendly. Plus, they are beautiful canines.
With their character, they won’t only take space in your home but surely your heart, too.
Are Cane Corso Great Dane Mixes Aggressive?
Typically, this hybrid is not aggressive. They are very relaxed. However, you should still train them and expose them to early socialization. This will help them adapt to people and your environment.
Do Cane Corso Great Dane Mixes Shed a Lot?
A Great Dane Cane Corso mix rarely sheds. Brushing them from time to time just to get off loose hairs and debris is already enough for them.
Although they tend to shed just a little more than usual when it’s shedding season, they’re still very low-maintenance.
Are Cane Corso Great Dane Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is not hypoallergenic. This is because Cane Corsos and Great Danes can also trigger allergies.
It’s best to consult your doctor first if you or any family member has dog allergies or are sensitive to allergens of any kind before you have one as a pet.
Final Thoughts: Is an Italian Daniff the Right Dog For You?
An Italian Daniff comes from its parent breeds, the Cane Corso and Great Dane. Regardless of gender, both dog breeds are massive, so their offspring are naturally of the same size.
They may need active owners to take care of them from puppyhood until they are fully grown. Although they are low-maintenance pups, they still have essential needs that need to be provided to live a happy life.
However, owning a dog does not stop at providing shelter, food, and water. You should also be able to provide vet care, hygiene essentials, and, most of all, unconditional love.
There are many factors discussed earlier with owning a Cane Corso Great Dane mix, and now that I’ve tackled everything, you may have a conclusive decision to make.
If you have any experience in owning a Cane Corso Great Dane mix or other mixed breed dogs, leave your story in the comment section below!
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