If you’re a fan of big dogs, you might want to consider the Cane Corso Great Dane mix. This breed is one of the largest you can find! As a mix of two giant dog breeds, the Cane Corso Great Dane can take up quite a bit of space in your home, but they’ll also take up a lot of space in your heart.
Although these two breeds have different purposes and backgrounds, they share a common ancestor – the molossus-type dog. The Cane Corso and Great Dane have been around for a long time, so while the mix is new, the parent breeds are not.
The crossbreed has its own name that many prefer: the Italian Daniff. Let’s look at this impressive Great Dane Cane Corso mix and what you need to know about raising one in your home.
Image by Christiane from Pixabay
Contents
- 1 Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Origins | Where Do They Come From?
- 2 The Great Dane
- 3 The Cane Corso
- 4 The Hybrid Breed: Italian Daniff Build and Appearance
- 5 Taking Care of an Italian Daniff
- 6 6. Common Health Concerns
- 7 Pros and Cons of Owning an Italian Daniff
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions: Great Dane Cane Corso Mix
- 9 Final Thoughts on Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Origins | Where Do They Come From?
While we don’t have much concrete information about the Italian Daniff’s origins, it’s estimated that this wonderful breed emerged around fifteen years ago. However, we can learn a lot about the dog by looking at its parent breeds — the Dane Corso and Great Dane.
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The Great Dane
The Great Dane is itself a hybrid breed of dog that some say can be traced back to ancient Babylon. Others believe that the Great Dane is believed to originate from a giant dog breed in Tibet. Images of large dogs resembling them can be found in several temples, some dating back to the 12th century BC.
Officially, the Great Dane, as we know it today, was first bred in Germany. Originally bred for hunting, Great Danes eventually became popular as giant pets. They have been kept as part of the family for a long time, even before many of the smaller, more cuddly breeds.
Great Danes are known for their enormous size, reaching up to 32 inches in height at the shoulder and weighing up to 175 lbs on average. Despite their bulk, they have an elegant appearance and an easy gait.
These dogs are gentle giants who prefer to laze around the house rather than guard it. Because of its easygoing and sometimes goofy nature, this breed has been used as a model for the famous cartoon dog Scooby-Doo. They are also intensely loyal to their family and have immense patience. Great Danes make great family pets due to their gentle nature, loyalty, and adaptability to being part of the family.
Great Danes have a variety of coat colors and markings, including black, blue, chocolate, fawn, and white. Their smooth coat can also come with markings such as black mask, blue mask, and brindle.
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The Cane Corso
The Cane Corso has existed for some time. There are several bits of evidence of its existence through the centuries, with mentions of its ancestors found in Ancient Roman documents. Initially bred to serve as watchdogs, their large size made them ideal for keeping intruders away from the property.
Despite their historical significance, the breed almost went extinct until it was “recreated” in Italy under the same name around 30 years ago.
As described by the American Kennel Club, the Cane Corso is a muscular dog with a blocky head that exudes confidence and can grow to be as tall as 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh over 100 lbs.
Their short and coarse coats come in various solid colors like black, fawn, gray, gray-brindle, red, black-brindle, and chestnut-brindle. Show regulations prefer a solid coat, but a black or gray mask is acceptable.
Due to their intimidating appearance and confident demeanor, Cane Corsos often serve as guard dogs.
The Hybrid Breed: Italian Daniff Build and Appearance
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is also referred to as Italian Daniff, Corso Dane, or Great Corso. It is worth noting that the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the Cane Corso Great Dane mix.
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The Great Dane Cane Corso mix is a designer breed that can grow even taller than some Great Danes. They usually stand between 27 to 33 inches and can weigh anywhere between 115 to 190 lbs.
These big pups have powerful and massive bodies, inheriting strong musculature from both their parents. One of the notable characteristics they inherit is the Cane Corso’s broad chest. They also have a more square and pronounced head with a defined snout, and their ears are floppy. Generally, they inherit colors and markings from both their parent breeds.
Taking Care of an Italian Daniff
These delightful dogs aren’t too hard to take care of, provided you understand the needs of large breeds in general.
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1. Exercise
The Great Dane Cane Corso mix requires about 30 minutes of daily activity to stay healthy. There is a potential for knee problems due to their size, and this breed doesn’t enjoy excessive exercise or running around for extended periods. Jumping activities are also not recommended for them.
2. Training
When it comes to the Italian Daniff breed, early socialization and consistent obedience training is crucial. By prioritizing training, you can prevent potential domineering behaviors toward other dogs.
The Cane Corso and Great Dane breeds are known for their intelligence and willingness to please. While some Mastiff breeds can be stubborn, this is not true for the Cane Corso or the Great Dane.
However, they may lose focus due to distractions, so consistent training is still important. It’s good advice to seek the help of a professional trainer in the beginning at the very least. The Dane in this pup makes him playful, and its size may make it a handful for novice owners.
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3. Grooming and Maintenance
Neither the Cane Corso nor the Great Dane is hypoallergenic. They can still cause allergic reactions because of their drooling and dander. Consult your doctor before adopting any animal, especially if you have allergies.
Fortunately, the Italian Daniff is a large breed that doesn’t require constant brushing like some other breeds. Their single coat needs only weekly brushing with a good brush for large dogs to keep it in good condition and minimize hair shedding on your floors.
4. Food and Diet
Choose a high-quality dog food that is proven to provide the necessary nutrition for proper body development. This is especially important for large dogs requiring plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Be mindful of the food you’re giving your dog, as large dogs are prone to bloat. A high-carb diet can worsen their digestive system and increase the possibility of this deadly disease. So, it’s best to choose food that is low in carbs and high in nutrients.
Avoid giving your dog too much dry food, which can cause kidney issues and dehydration. These problems can lead to heart and blood vessel problems. However, it’s okay to include dry food in moderation.
Tip: Bigger dogs don’t particularly like bending down that far to eat or take water. Your super large dog may like an elevated dog bowl for comfort.
You might like to read my article on getting your first Cane Corso.
Image by Martin Tajmr from Pixabay
5. Temperament and Personality
The cane corso mixed with great dane is a calm and patient dog that takes after its Great Dane heritage, making it an excellent family pet. It’s known to be a loyal dog and enjoys spending time with its owners. The breed is not very active and prefers to relax with you at the end of the day, even if it takes up a lot of space in the process.
6. Common Health Concerns
While mixed-breed dogs can be just as healthy and wonderful as purebreds, it’s important to recognize that all dogs can be prone to certain health issues due to their shared genetic makeup. In the case of the Italian Daniff, the parent breeds again offer clues to potential issues.
Common Health Problems for a Great Dane
One of the most significant health risks for Great Danes is bloating (see below). This condition occurs when the stomach twists and cuts off the blood supply, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated. Great Danes are particularly susceptible to bloat; so if your dog has had it once, they may be more likely to experience it again.
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Great Danes are also susceptible to cardiomyopathy, which leads to heart enlargement. Joint and bone diseases such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common in Great Danes, ultimately affecting their quality of life.
Joint supplements might be in order. Glucosamine and chondroitin may help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of arthritis, especially when used as an early intervention.
Thyroid problems are another health concern that Great Danes may experience. Autoimmune thyroiditis is a common cause of hypothyroidism in Great Danes, but it can be easily monitored and regulated with medication.
Common Health Concerns for a Cane Corso
Like all large dogs, including the Great Dane, Cane Corsos can suffer from bloat. More on that below.
Cane Corsos have been known to suffer from cataracts. This is when the eye lens becomes white and cloudy, often resulting from protein build-up. It can lead to impaired vision or blindness in severe cases.
Slightly related, cherry eye is a condition where the gland in the third eyelid prolapses, causing a visible swelling or bulge in the eye. While not typically harmful, it can be unsightly and may require treatment if it affects the dog’s vision.
Hip dysplasia is a common joint disorder that can affect many dog breeds, causing pain and discomfort as the ball and socket joints of the hip do not fit correctly. Arthritis is progressive inflammation and deterioration of bone joints, which can be painful and limit a dog’s mobility.
7. A Note on Bloating
Bloating is a condition that affects tens of thousands of dogs every year. However, the good news is that it’s entirely preventable, and you can take measures to keep your dog from experiencing it. It is a severe condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
It happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, and water, causing it to flip and twist. If you suspect your dog has bloat, you should immediately call the nearest animal clinic, as it’s always an emergency.
If a dog’s stomach has bloated but hasn’t flipped, it may resolve independently. However, it’s best to bring your dog to a vet to have it checked by trained professionals. A bloated stomach can restrict blood flow, while twisted bloat can limit blood flow to major organs, which can overwhelm the dog’s system with toxins, leading to shock.
Although all breeds can experience bloat, large and giant dogs like the Great Dane are more susceptible. The AKC reports that the Great Dane is five to eight times more likely to experience bloat than dogs with a different chest-to-height ratio.
Several factors can contribute to bloat, including eating too quickly, overeating, drinking large quantities of water in a short period, raising food bowls, stress, exercising after eating, genetics, and increased age.
Image by Christiane from Pixabay
Pros and Cons of Owning an Italian Daniff
Here’s a quick summary of the ups and downs of being a dog owner of a Great Dane mixed with Cane Corso.
Pros
- Despite their reputation as guard dogs, Cane Corso Great Dane mixes are not inherently aggressive. While they make great watchdogs, they also have a calm side inherited from the Great Dane.
- They are a wonderful combination of their parents’ looks and can have an amazing personality.
- If properly trained, these dogs won’t show any signs of aggression and will know how to behave around children and family members.
- They have great stamina and are capable of reacting quickly to threats.
- Their working qualities are deeply ingrained, making them excel at duties like guarding your property or doing service work.
- These intelligent dogs are people-oriented and highly trainable, which makes them perfect companions.
Cons
- While they can be loyal, loving pets, their size can also be a concern, particularly if you have small children or limited space.
- It’s important to remember that even if your dog is not aggressive, accidents can still happen if they play too roughly with children or knock them over during playtime
- Keeping your pup entertained and focused during longer training sessions may be challenging.
- Some countries have laws requiring owners of giant or aggressive breeds to complete professional training courses. These help ensure you and your pet are safe and happy.
- These dogs require a lot of indoor and outdoor space and may slobber.
- They may also have a relatively short lifespan and require more expensive feeding due to their size.
- If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet or don’t have much time to devote to human company, this breed may not be the best choice.
Image by Christiane from Pixabay
Frequently Asked Questions: Great Dane Cane Corso Mix
Here are some common questions people ask about these wonderful dogs.
Are Great Danes and Cane Corsos Related?
Great Danes and Cane Corsos share some genetic inheritance and can be characterized as distant cousins. They both descend from the Mastiff breed, which originated from the Molossus war dogs. Unsurprisingly, both dogs have an impressive physical presence and share a similar function.
How Long Does a Great Dane and Cane Corso Mix Live?
The common wisdom around lifespan for this breed suggests they may live between eight and ten years. There are a few factors to consider, though.
Determining the life expectancy of a Great Dane Cane Corso mix can be difficult because crossbreeds inherit a unique combination of genes from both parents. However, hybrid breeds often have something called “hybrid vigor,” which means their offspring are more likely to inherit the best genes from both parents.
When trying to predict the life expectancy of a mixed-breed dog, it’s important to consider the health issues and genetic predispositions of both parent breeds, as well as the specific bloodline of the individual dog.
Is a Cane Corso Bigger Than a Great Dane?
Cane Corsos may look fierce but are usually smaller than Great Danes. On average, Cane Corsos grow to be around 28 inches tall, while Great Danes can reach up to 32 inches in height, according to growth charts.
It’s important to note that there can be significant size differences between male and female Cane Corsos. Females are generally 3 to 4 inches shorter than males.
To sum up, if you’re interested in getting a Cane Corso Great Dane mix, you can expect a large dog, but the actual size may vary depending on the individual dog and its gender.
Final Thoughts on Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
When considering the Cane Corso and Great Dane mix, it’s essential to remember the temperament of both parent breeds. The Cane Corso is known for its loyalty and protective nature, while the Great Dane is often described as friendly and patient. When these traits are combined, the result can be a dog with a sweet disposition that’s ideal for families.
Consistent training is key to ensuring that this hybrid breed thrives in a home environment. With proper training and socialization, they can become well-behaved pets that are obedient and responsive to commands. The Cane Corso and Great Dane mix may require a firm hand during training, as they can be strong-willed at times.
Researching and getting to know the individual dog before adopting is crucial to ensure they will be a good match for your family and lifestyle.
Overall, the Cane Corso and Great Dane mix is a delightful hybrid breed that can make a loving and loyal companion for the right family. With consistent training, socialization, and lots of love, they can thrive and become a valued household member.
For more on another Cane Corso mix, take a look at the Bullmastiff Cane Corso Mix.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.