Are you looking to buy a guard dog but think a challenging pup such as a Cane Corso or Dogo Argentino would be too much for you? Cane Corso Great Dane mix might be more suited for you!
Designer breeds have become increasingly popular in the 21st century. However, when we say that a pup is a designer dog, most people would imagine doggies such as a Goldendoodle or a Pomski.
The truth is, a designer dog is any mixed breed that was born as the result of intentional crossbreeding of two purebred dogs.
This includes not just small and cute puppies (although I would have to argue that any dog is cute!), but also large breeds such as a Cane Corso Great Dane mix.
But, what is the deal with this particular crossbreed, and why do more and more people want to own one?
Let’s learn all there is about this mighty mixed breed!
Italian Daniff Breed Characteristics
| Height | 23.5 – 32 inches |
| Weight | 85 – 120 pounds |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat color | Many colors, mostly black |
| Temperament | Protective, social, territorial, dominant |
| Good with kids | Sometimes |
| Good with other pets | Sometimes |
| Lifespan | 8 – 12 years |
Breed Origin
To fully understand a crossbreed and its background, you must first learn about the origin of its parent breeds.
Let’s start with the powerful Cane Corso, an old breed that was worshiped even in ancient Rome.
This powerful mastiff-type dog was used as a war dog and in battles to fight alongside soldiers. Later on, it became one of the best guard dogs out there, and many people used it to keep their homes safe.
Unfortunately, as time passed and modern cities developed, there was no more need for such a large dog, and Cane Corso almost went extinct.
Luckily, in the 1970s, a group of breed enthusiasts from Italy helped revive the breed, and in the late 20th century, Cane Corso spread worldwide. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2007, and the rest is history.
Great Dane is a large dog breed originating from Germany. It was developed in the 17th century by mixing mastiff-type dogs with hounds to create the huge, long-legged dog Danes are today.
The purpose of this dog was to hunt large animals such as boars, deer, and even bears, but also to be a loyal companion and to share a bedchamber with royals at night.
It is unknown when these two breeds were first combined. They were likely the result of owners wanting a large dog but not wanting to deal with a Cane Corso’s somewhat aggressive temperament.
While not accepted by any kennel club, this crossbreed still has a unique name: Italian Daniff.
Due to its perfect blend of protective yet social temperament and huge size, the Italian Daniff quickly became loved worldwide.
Appearance
It’s challenging to predict the appearance of mixed-breed dogs as there are so many genetic combinations and possible outcomes.
The Italian Daniff will likely look like a perfect blend of both its parent breeds. This includes a muscular body, a large head with droopy cheeks, and floppy ears.
Yes, both Great Danes and Cane Corsos are born with floppy ears, but most breeders will crop their Corso’s ears while they are still puppies. This is why you might think this breed has short, upright ears.
Great Danes are colorful dogs that can come in many shades. On the other hand, while there are several Cane Corso colors, a black coat is the most prominent one.
As a result, most Cane Corso Great Dane mixes will have at least portions of their short, double coats in black.
Merle is another common pattern, as it is a prized shade of Great Danes.
Except in the case of merle or blue Italian Daniffs, most of these pups will have dark brown eyes
Size
One thing is sure: Italian Daniff is a huge dog.
Both Cane Corso and Great Danes are big dogs, which means their offspring will be big, as well.
Cane Corsos typically reach a height of 23.5 to 27.5 inches, with a weight of approximately 85 – 110 pounds.
Great Danes are known for being one of the largest dog breeds in the world. They can reach an amazing height of 32 inches and weigh somewhere between 90 and 120 pounds.
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix will stand anywhere in between.
Temperament
As mentioned before, temperament was one of the main reasons behind the creation of an Italian Daniff. Let me explain.
Due to their history as war dogs, Cane Corsi were trained to be protective, territorial dogs. They weren’t meant to be used as family pets, so friendliness wasn’t an important factor.
Unfortunately, this means that the modern Cane Corso is one of the most challenging dog breeds to keep.
While not outwardly aggressive, this is a dog with a high prey drive that doesn’t do well with small animals.
Also, as it was kept as a watchdog, it isn’t friendly to strangers.
When you combine this with its large size, you get a dog that can become dangerous if it isn’t owned by a determined and persistent owner who can show him who the alpha dog is.
To mellow down Cane Corso’s temperament without affecting its large size, breeders came up with an idea: To crossbreed them with Great Danes, one of the most social canines known as the dog world’s gentle giants.
As their mix, Italian Daniffs are well-rounded guard dogs. They still have their protective nature while being loveable dogs suitable for a wider array of families.
They can be friendly and cuddly, with a playful side to them. Some might even try to be lap dogs, unaware of their size!
Still, it’s important to remember that this dog is partly a Cane Corso. Proper training and early socialization are crucial to eliminating any possible signs of aggression, something that might happen with any Cane Corso mix.
Of course, it’s important to remember that each individual dog has its own personality that might be different from the rest of the breed.
Trainability
One of the best aspects of Cane Corso Great Dane mixes is their trainability. These dogs are usually very easy to train!
There are many stories about the intelligence of the Italian Daniff dog. Both parents belong to some of the most intelligent breeds out there.
However, both also have some traits that can make them tricky to train.
Great Danes are known for their playful temperaments and short attention spans. Cane Corsos, on the other hand, can be too dominant to allow anyone to be their boss just like that.
Luckily, these two characteristics should minimize each other, leaving you with a puppy that is much easier to train.
This doesn’t mean that the Great Dane Cane Corso mix is a good beginner’s dog. They have high training needs and require expert training methods.
As a result, they require experienced owners who know how to handle large breeds.
Exercise Needs
Another important aspect of caring for a dog is taking care of their exercise needs.
When it comes to this special mix, it’s quite clear that this is a dog with high energy levels and tricky maintenance.
Daily walk sessions, while mandatory, are not enough for this breed. You need to give them regular exercise and heavy-duty training sessions.
Not only that, but due to their intelligence, they need plenty of mental stimulation. If they get bored, they can become destructive and aggressive.
Is Italian Daniff A Good Guard Dog?
One of the main reasons why one would get a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is to get a proper watchdog. So, is this a good dog for that purpose?
Italian Daniff is one of the best guard dogs you can get. This pup will do anything possible to keep his human family safe.
Also, as he’s easier to train than his purebred parents, he’ll be more obedient and learn different cues much quicker.
Is Italian Daniff A Good Family Pet?
Another important aspect is whether a Great Dane Cane Corso mix is suitable for young kids and large families. The truth is it depends on the temperament of each individual dog.
If the Italian Daniff is of good behavior and a bit more on the Great Dane side of the family, he can be an amazing nanny dog to small children!
However, some pups are more aloof and shy and might not be a safe environment for toddlers or other pets.
Of course, with proper training and early socialization, most dogs can become suitable for large families.
Common Health Issues
Crossbreeds are generally known for being healthier than their purebred parents. However, at the same time, they are also prone to any health conditions that plague their parents.
Some common health issues Cane Corso Great Dane mixes might struggle with include:
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Demodex mange
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat
- Wobbler syndrome
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Happy tail syndrome
- Cancer
Italian Daniff puppies and seniors are generally more prone to illnesses than adult dogs, although most of these conditions can happen to pups of any age.
Lifespan
Sadly, most large dog breeds don’t live very long. There is a genetic reason for this, among other things.
As they need to grow at a faster rate as puppies, their cells are dividing much quicker. This leads to an increased chance of various types of cancer.
Also, their bodies need more strength to work properly, and their heart and bones are under a larger amount of stress than smaller breeds.
Great Danes are one of the shortest-lived breeds of dogs, with an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Cane Corsos live a bit longer, and their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
In general, this means that a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is likely to live between 8 and 12 years.
Of course, this, too, depends on many factors, such as health problems, genetics, and the amount of care you provide your dog with.
To make sure your dog is as healthy as possible, provide him with the best quality dog food that will satisfy his dietary needs, regular exercise, and regular vet visits.
Also, make sure to buy your pup from reputable breeders who conduct genetic testing, ensuring you end up with a healthy dog.
Where Can You Get A Cane Corso Great Dane Mix?
Now that you know all about caring for this distinctive dog, you might be wondering: Where can you get an Italian Daniff for yourself?
There aren’t many Italian Daniff breeders out there, mostly because this crossbreed isn’t recognized by the AKC, which makes ethical breeding and selling somewhat trickier.
Some rescue groups and shelters might have Cane Corso Great Dane mixes if you’re lucky. Adoption fees are also lower than breeder prices, which is another plus. Not to mention, you’ll be doing a good deed by helping save an abandoned dog.
Keep in mind, though, that by adopting, you are taking in a dog with an unknown background. If a pup has been abused, he is likely to experience some behavioral problems.
On the other hand, chances are the pup has some genetic health problems you know nothing about.
This isn’t to say I am against adoption – quite the opposite. However, you need to be aware of the possible downsides so you can provide your new pet with a safe environment and that you two are the best fit possible.
Getting The Best Dog Possible
If you happen to run into a Cane Corso mix breeder in your area, make sure to check their credentials.
Take some precautionary measures. Are they breeding too many breeds of dogs, or do they specialize in Cane Corsos, Great Danes, and their offspring alone? If they have too many crossbreeds in their offer, chances are they are a puppy mill.
There are no strict regulations for breeding crossbreeds, making this entire market somewhat sketchy. Of course, this doesn’t mean that good breeders don’t exist. You are simply at a greater risk of running into a scam than you would be when looking for a purebred pup.
By making sure your dog comes from a good breeder, you are not only making sure your dog is in good health but also supporting ethical practices, which will further help improve the mix.
Whether you choose to buy or adopt your dog, I am certain you will be an amazing pet owner and that you and your Italian Daniff will have a wonderful time together.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.