The Cane Corso and the Great Dane are two of the largest dog breeds out there. So it’s no wonder that their crossbreed, named the Italian Daniff is a pretty large dog as well. This crossbreed is also often referred to as the Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Corso, or Dane Corso. But either way, this dog combines the best traits of both the Cane Corso and Great Dane.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix has a lot to offer. This is the dog for you if you want to share your life with a very huge canine that could easily knock you over when greeting you after you come back home. The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix, a cross of two huge breeds, will not disappoint in terms of how much space it will take up in your home. It’ll take up a lot of room in your heart as well! Because these dogs truly are gentle giants. They have a sweet personality and will become your best buddy immediately.
| Size | 35 to 36 inches |
| Weight | 115 to 130 pounds |
| Lifespan | Between 8 to 10 years |
| Color | Black, Blue, Brown, Fawn, and Isabella |
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Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Great or Dane Corso) origin and history
Tracing back the origin of any crossbreed is pretty hard. It’s no different for the Great Dane Cane Corso mix. We can’t be absolutely certain when they were first paired together. It seems as if it was pretty recently, which makes it hard to set a standard on how this breed is supposed to look or act. They still aren’t ‘official’, and probably won’t be in the near future. But that does not make them any less amazing.
However, we can take a closer look at the origin of each parent breed. That will help us understand not only the two parent breeds but also see what the Cane Corso Great Dane mix could end up like. While both of the parent breeds are large and muscular canines, they are still very different from one another.
The History of the Great Dane
The Dane is not Danish but of German origins. It is claimed that the breed has existed for around 400 years. Mastiff-like canines were developed by German nobility to protect country estates and hunt wild boar, and the Great Danes are descendants of these dogs. Great Danes were distinguished estate and carriage guardians in the eighteenth century. They were also famous among the upper class for hunting wild boars, as few other canines could do so.
In the 1800s, Great Danes that resembled those we know today were developed. The name Great Dane was prohibited in Germany in 1880, and the breed was renamed “Deutsche Dogge,” which means German mastiff; nonetheless, the breed is still known as Great Dane in English-speaking nations. These dogs are usually used as family pets, and despite their size, they have proven popular among city residents who keep them as a deterrent to robbers.
The History of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a Mastiff-like breed that descended from Roman war dogs and originated in Italy. The Cane Corso functioned as a farmhand, flock defender, property protector, family guardian, and hunting dog when the Roman Empire crumbled. The breed dwindled as a result of industrialization, and it was nearly extinct after the two World Wars. By the 1970s, only a few dogs remained in rural areas of southern Italy.
Giovanni Bonnetti, who remembers the dogs from his childhood, brought the breed to Dr. Paolo Breber’s notice in 1973. Dr. Breber purchased several of the dogs the next year and began a breeding program. The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in 1996. Some of the dogs had already been sent to the United States. In 1993, the International Cane Corso Club was founded in the United States, and more dogs from Italy were imported. The American Kennel Club granted recognition to the breed in 2010.
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Appearance of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
It comes as no surprise that this is a huge dog breed. They stand between 35 and 36 inches tall and weigh between 115 and 130 pounds. Just like with many other dog breeds out there, males are a bit larger than their female counterparts.
Due to their large size, they aren’t the best fit for people who live in small apartments without a garden. These dogs need their space, so if you are an apartment dweller, maybe rather go for a smaller dog breed. It will be easier for both you and your future dog.
Just like with any other hybrid dog, the physical characteristics will depend on which parent breeds he takes after most. The chances of your puppy being the perfect 50/50 combination of both of his parent breeds is pretty much non-existent. You can’t control which features your dog will inherit.
However, most commonly this is a very muscular dog who closely resembles the Great Dane. The chest is wider than that of the Great Dane parent and looks like that of the Cane Corso. But it could end up either way.
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix has a short coat that rarely sheds. It’s short, smooth, and glossy. Many dog owners will be thrilled to learn that their coat is pretty low-maintenance. However, you should still brush it at least twice a week to prevent shedding.
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His coat comes in five different coat colors, including black, blue, brown, fawn, and Isabella. Dogs in rare coat colors will be harder to get, and you will probably have to pay a higher price.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Personality
The Cane Corso’s temperament The temperament of a Great Dane hybrid will be heavily influenced by the disposition of its parents. Most of the time, this will be a loyal dog who will do everything in his power to protect his family. They form a very close bond with their owners, and these dogs enjoy spending time with their family members.
Before you adopt your new puppy, it would be ideal if you try to meet at least one of his parents. That will give you at least a rough idea of how your pup is going to act. Are the parents calm and lovable dogs? Well, chances are that your canine will be too if he gets the right training.
Many people believe that this designer dog is predisposed to be aggressive. However, that is just not the case! A Cane Corso Great Dane hybrid, like other dogs, does not come with a gene for being violent. Sure, they’re great protectors, but it doesn’t make them aggressive right away. A dog only acts aggressively if he is taught to do so.
Despite the fact that the Cane Corso is one of the largest and most threatening guard dogs on the market, the Cane Corso Great Dane cross also possesses Great Dane DNA. Great Danes are calm and well-tempered dogs that are literal gentle giants in the canine world. Because of this, most Cane Corso Great Dane mixes will have a fantastic personality, as they will be a perfect blend of both parents.
While they will continue to be excellent watchdogs, Italian Daniffs will maintain contact with their calm side, which is a Great Dane. They’ll be well-behaved for the most part, and if you’ve properly educated them, and if you start with the socialization process early on.
Are they good family dogs?
Now that we know that these dogs are gentle giants, there are still a few things left that you need to consider before bringing one of these designer dogs into your family.
A Cane Corso Great Dane hybrid is usually a calm dog who understands how to interact with children. They’ll be amusing, but they’ll also know when to be quiet. As a result, they make excellent children’s buddies! Its enormous size, on the other hand, can be a concern.
An adult Cane Corso Great Dane hybrid will be a large dog, and they could easily knock over little kids, especially toddlers. Your dog doesn’t have to be violent to hurt small children; he can simply knock them over during playtime or nip them during rough play.
Furthermore, many children are unfamiliar with how to interact with dogs. They’ll treat pets like toys, pulling their tails and ears, putting their fingers in their eyes and noses, and attempting to remove their food. Some may even try to mount such a large dog like it’s a pony. As a result of that, your dog could get hurt as well, or lose its temper and attack your children.
As a result, we would never recommend leaving your children and Italian Daniff dog alone without supervision. You never know when you’ll be involved in an accident. Always make sure you watch over their playtime sessions.
When it comes to other pets, a properly socializes Cane Dane mix should be fine with other dogs and cats in the household. However, you have to make sure you start introducing him to other animals while he is still a puppy.
Are Cane Corsos Good Family Dogs?
Training
Just like their parent breeds, this crossbreed dog is highly intelligent as well. However, due to their high intelligence, they can also get pretty stubborn. That can sometimes make them a bit hard to train. But in the right hands, they can form into sweet and calm pets.
You will need a lot of time and patience, and of course — consistency. Positive reinforcement, praise, and treats will do wonders. This dog does not appreciate being yelled at. Even when you lose your patience and he doesn’t obey, try to stay calm and friendly. That way you and your dog will form a stronger bond, and he will be more likely to listen to you.
In addition to training, socialization is also important. Early socialization can help your dog get along with other people and animals. Both breeds are hunting dogs with strong prey instincts. Therefore you will have to be careful with your dog being around small kids and animals no matter what. Try to introduce him to as many people and animals as possible while he is still a puppy. He will get used to different sounds and situations, and you will have it so much easier with him in public settings.
If you, however, do not manage to train this dog breed on your own, don’t shy away from professional dog trainers. Even though it will be more expensive, it could save both you and your dog from a lot of frustration.
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Grooming
When it comes to grooming — this crossbreed is relatively low maintenance. Their short coat does not require much grooming at all. However, you will have to brush their coat every few days to keep shedding at a minimum. During shedding season, their coat might start shedding a bit more, but you can brush them daily to keep their hairs from sticking all over your furniture.
It is also a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth to keep their breath smelling fresh. Oral hygiene is often overlooked by dog owners, but always remember that a healthy set of teeth will keep the quality of your dog’s life so much better. It also lowers the risk of periodontal disease. Always use a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth.
In addition to that, don’t forget to clean their ears regularly to lower the risk of ear infections. You can do that with a simple ear cleaning solution and a few cotton balls. The easiest way is to do it after your dog took a bath, as the warm steam will soften the ear debris.
And just like with every other dog breed — make sure to trim their nails when needed. Or ask your dog groomer to do it. Clipping dog nails is a bit tricky, so if you are inexperienced, rather leave it to a professional.
Exercise
To keep his fitness levels up, the massive and strong Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will need a 30-minute walk every day. And that is the bare minimum. Ideally, you should get him more than that. So if you are a couch potato, and you don’t enjoy the daily activity, this definitely isn’t the breed for you.
The Italian Daniff, despite his gigantic size, does not enjoy rough exercises. While a hike and a relaxed walk will be something he enjoys, sprinting around isn’t his favorite activity. Instead, confine your Italian Daniff to a fenced-in yard where he can engage in interactive dog toy play. He enjoys using his mind as well as his body and muscles.
Playing catch with your dog is a terrific method to get them moving and prevent health problems like obesity, as well as provide an outlet for any destructive behaviors. It will also keep him mentally stimulated and strengthen your bond with him. Despite the fact that most of these dogs dislike running, they make excellent dog park companions since they get along with both other dogs and humans. Just make sure you socialize your dog on time so that he doesn’t become a threat to strangers.
Because of their excellent cold tolerance, the Italian Daniff will thrive in colder climates. Extreme temperatures, on the other hand, should be avoided when exercising your dog. They can drool a lot if they are too hot, so bring a washcloth with you to wipe their face clean. In the summer months, try to schedule your walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the temperatures cool down, so your dog doesn’t get too hot.
Health Issues
Knowing which health issues could possibly affect your dog can help you prevent them. Both Cane Corsos and Great Danes are prone to a lot of different health issues. But getting your dog from a reputable breeder will lower the risks of your puppy growing up to be unhealthy. Always ask for health tests and screenings before buying a dog.
These are huge dogs, so they will suffer from the health issues that are commonly found in large breeds. Both dog breeds are prone to health problems such as bloat and hip dysplasia. Other health conditions include elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, and thyroid issues. Dog owners should take their dogs regularly to the vet, to get their vaccines and regular checkups. In addition to that, also make sure your dog eats healthy and gets his exercise needs to be met.
Based on the average lifespan of his parent breeds, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix will have a short lifespan as well. Most of them live from 8 to 10 years. But it’s up to you to make sure that he will stay healthy for as long as possible. These gentle giants need proper nutrition, regular activity, and health care to live for as long as possible.
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Most common health conditions
| Hip dysplasia |
| Bloat |
| Thyroid issues |
| Heart problems |
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disorder that affects dogs during their growing phase. It causes the hip joint to relax, resulting in pain and dysfunction. The cartilage and bone in the dog’s hip begin to wear away as he grows. This leads to arthritis, muscular atrophy, and decreased mobility over time. Large-breed dogs are the most typically affected, and research indicates that it is a hereditary disorder. Lameness (limping), reluctance to rise or leap, shifting of weight to the forelimbs, loss of muscle mass in the rear limbs, and hip pain are all indications of HD. A dog with hip dysplasia can have a normal, healthy life with adequate surgical and medicinal care. Every six months, your dog should get a physical examination with your veterinarian to ensure joint health and increase muscle strength and mobility.
Bloat
If left untreated, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a dangerous disorder that can be fatal. GDV, often known as “bloat,” happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and twists as a result. GDV appears out of nowhere and can progress swiftly. This is always a situation that requires immediate attention and medical care. Unproductive retching is a classic symptom of bloat (it looks like your dog has to throw up but nothing comes out). To the touch, the abdomen appears large and firm. Breathing may appear strained, and they may have difficulty standing or even collapse. Bloat and GDV do not go away on their own and necessitate immediate medical attention. In the majority of cases, surgery is required. Otherwise, the dog’s stomach would keep filling up with gas until it bursts.
Thyroid issues
Thyroid problems are more common in dogs who are middle-aged or older. The most common problems with the thyroid in dogs, like with other organs, are either too much activity (hyperthyroidism), or insufficient activity (hypothyroidism), which is more common. Skin illness, weight gain, lethargy, and susceptibility to cold temperatures are the most prevalent indications of hypothyroidism in dogs. Excessive shedding can cause their hair to thin or even leave some bald patches. The skin could be dry and flaky, with a predisposition for bacterial skin infections. While not all dogs suffer from hypothyroidism in the same way, the majority will exhibit some of these symptoms, which can develop slowly and go unrecognized. Hypothyroidism can affect any breed, however, it is more frequent in medium and large dogs, such as this hybrid dog breed.
Heart problems
Heart illness is a common problem in dogs, and it can be caused by a range of underlying disorders, such as heart valve degeneration, abnormal heart rate and rhythm (arrhythmia), and heart muscle disease, just as it can be in humans. There isn’t much you can do once your dog is born to prevent heart illness, but there are a few different heart-screening programs in place to prevent heart disease from being handed down from parents to puppies. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, make sure you do your research and find out what kind of screening your breed requires.
Buying a Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppy
As you already know, a Great Dane and a Cane Corso were crossed to create these puppies. The mother will almost always be a Great Dane, as it is always safer to guarantee that the larger dog gives birth. However, as there size difference isn’t too big, this can also change. Breeders rarely cross two Cane Corso Great Dane mixed dogs to produce the next generation of a crossbreed. When it comes to appearance, these dogs can look more like either one of their parents. You can never know for sure what you are going to get.
If you’re looking for Cane Corso Great Dane mix pups for sale, you’ve probably already located a few persons from whom you may buy or ‘order’ these canines. The one that is the most economical will most likely attract your eye. Still, it’s possible that this is the wrong decision. When purchasing a new pet, you should never strive to save money. What you save up front, you’ll almost certainly pay back later — and much more. Reputable breeders do a variety of health tests to ensure that both parents are healthy dogs with no underlying health problems.
While this does not guarantee that a dog will not become ill, it considerably reduces the risk. This is especially critical if you have a sick dog like a Great Dane. Furthermore, many breeders start training their puppies even before they are sold to new families. This implies you won’t have nearly as much problem training them as you would if they hadn’t been socialized from the start. You shouldn’t expect to pay less than $1,000 for a Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppy in general. Anything less could imply that you’re dealing with a backyard breeder who isn’t very knowledgeable about dog breeding.
Final words: Is the Italian Daniff the right dog for you?
Not everyone is suited to a Cane Corso Great Dane combination. They are powerful creatures that require a firm touch and a dog owner who can act like a pack leader. Both of these breeds are working dogs and you will have to devote much time to giving them the exercise and training they need.
If you’re a first-time dog owner, you might want to look for another breed, such as a purebred Great Dane, because this crossbreed contains Cane Corso blood, which can make them tough to train.
Even so, if you’re willing to spend a little more money on a professional dog trainer, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix can make a wonderful family dog. With a little help, these dogs can blossom into true sweethearts. They love kids and are close to all of their family members. But they usually form a special bond with one person.
Of course, no matter how well-behaved a dog is, leaving such a large dog alone with small kids is never a good idea. Accidents do happen with smaller children, and you don’t want to take the chance. These are big pups and they could easily knock over youngsters. In addition to that, these dogs could have a hard time around strangers if you don’t socialize with them on time.
Overall, the Italian Daniff is a difficult dog to train, but if you succeed, you will have a wonderful and affectionate guard dog who will stay by your side for a long time. Their strong musculature will make them an ideal workout buddy if you’re on the hunt for one.