The Great Dane and Cane Corso are both large, powerful dogs. Behind their muscular bodies, they have gentle hearts and intelligent minds. What happens when these two popular pooches are bred? You have the Great Dane Cane Corso.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Facts
The Great Dane Cane Corso mix is also known as the Italian Daniff. The result is a massive dog, with a regal form. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are loyal and loving.
History of the Great Dane Cane Corso
Like most designer or hybrid dog breeds, no one knows when or where the Italian Daniff first appeared. It is believed that the first Great Dane Cane Corsos were created in the early 2,000s, but that’s all that we know about the origins of this hybrid.
However, the history of the parent breeds are well known.
Both the Great Dane and Cane Corso are Mollosser breeds, which have ancient origins.
The Cane Corso has its ancestors in ancient Rome. The dogs were originally used to fight along soldiers. After the war, the Corso found other jobs.
They would hunt wild boar. They were also used as guard dogs. They would guard property, people, and livestock. In fact, Cane Corso translates to “bodyguard dog”.
The Great Dane originated in ancient Babylon. The Assyrians traded these magnificent dogs to the Romans. Like the Cane Corso, Great Danes were used as guard dogs and boar hunters.
The original Great Dane was fierce, and were far from ideal pets. In the 1600s they became popular with the nobility. In the 1700s, German breeders focused on the Great Dane as a companion, rather than an aggressive hunter.
Today’s Great Dane is gentle and noble thanks to these German breeders. However, both the Cane Corso and Great Dane are fierce fighters when necessary.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Appearance
The Great Dane and Cane Corso have a lot of similarities when it comes to their appearance, partly because they are both Mollosser breeds. However, there are some significant differences as well.
A Great Dane Cane Corso mix will typically look more like one parent than the other, with aspects of both.
Physical Appearance of the Great Dane Cane Corso
The Great Dane Cane Corso can vary in appearance. However, there are some features that they typically have.
They have a large head and a body that is proportional. They have a long and strong muzzle. They possess large bones and a heavy muscle mass.
Their chest will be wide and muscular, with a wider chest than the Great Dane. They naturally have large floppy ears. However, some owners choose to clip their ears, which makes them look even more intimidating.
They have brown eyes and a black nose.
When it comes to the coat colors and the type, these dogs will have short, sleek coats that are fairly easy to maintain.black, white, brindle, mantle, sable, blue, fawn,
Italian Daniff Coat and Colors
The Great Dane Cane Corso has a short sleek coat which it inherits from both parents. A Great Dane’s coat can be black, blue, fawn, brindle, harlequin, mantle, and merle.
Cane Corso colors include black, gray, fawn, chocolate, Isabella, and red. Brindle coloring is also acceptable.
The Great Dane Cane Corso’s coat is typically black, Isabella, fawn, blue, or chocolate. Other colors of the Great Dane or Cane Corso may also be possible. Since the hybrid is relatively new, it’s difficult to know all the potential colors and patterns with certainty.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Price and Expenses
Great Dane Cane Corso mixes usually cost $800 to $1,000. They can cost as much as $1,500, depending on their appearance and bloodline.
Of course, the cost of the pooch itself is the beginning of your expenses. Before getting an Italian Daniff, you’ll need to be prepared for the cost of caring for them.
Ownership Expenses
You can expect to spend between $250 to $1100 in initial expenses and supplies for your pooch. This includes toys, a crate, and a dog bed.
You’ll also need to consider initial veterinary expenses. This includes vaccines, spay or neutering, and veterinary exams. This will cost $315 to $1,260.
Because they are a large breed, they need a lot of food to support their bodies. You’ll spend about $80 to $100 on food each month.
The total initial expenses for your Great Dane Cane Corso will be $670 to $2,450.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Rarity
The Italian Daniff is a new breed, which means it’s still relatively rare. Over time, it’s likely that they will become more common, as more breeders begin breeding them.
There’s another reason these pooches are rare as well. The Cane Corso is the 40th most owned dog in the U.S., and the Great Dane is 17th.
Since both these parent breeds are relatively rare, their hybrid offspring will be rarer still.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Life Expectancy
Predicting the lifespan of a hybrid breed can be challenging. The longevity of the parent breeds must be considered, along with the potential health effects.
Great Dane Cane Corsos can live for 8 to 12 years. This makes sense when looking at the parent breeds. Great Danes live for 8 to 10 years, and Cane Corso typically live for 9-12 years.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Size and weight
Great Dane Cane Corsos are large breed dogs, just like their parents. How big do they get? Most are at least 30 inches tall, and weigh more than 100 pounds.
To get a better idea, let’s take a look at the parent breeds.
Female Great Danes will reach 28-33 inches in height, and weigh 99-130 pounds. Males will grow to 30-35 inches tall, and weigh 120-200 pounds.
Cane Corsos are a bit smaller. Female Cane Corsos are 23-26 inches tall, and weigh 85-99 pounds. Males will grow to 25-28 inches tall, and weigh 90-120 pounds.
Great Daniffs will typically be 30-34 inches tall, and weigh 115-130 pounds. Like their parent breeds, males are bigger than females.
Some may weigh even more, because Great Danes can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Health
Great Dane Cane Corsos are at a risk of many health conditions that are common in their parent breeds. However, they also have hybrid vigor.
It’s theorized that hybrid dogs may be less likely to develop health issues because of their broader gene pool. This can be true in some ways. However, it doesn’t apply to all potential diseases and health conditions.
Bloat
Bloat is a life threatening condition. It occurs when the gas in the dog’s stomach can’t be released. Why this occurs still isn’t completely understood.
Once the gas becomes trapped, the pressure continues to increase as food is digested. If it’s not treated quickly, this will cause the stomach to twist. This is known as gastric torsion.
When this occurs, only 50% of dogs survive, even with veterinary treatment. When a dog gets treatment before the stomach twists, 80% survive bloat.
The signs of bloat include extreme stomach pain, bloating, inability to pass gas, and retching or gagging without productive vomiting. They may also be unable to pee or poop.
It’s important to know that bloat happens very quickly. Your dog can go from being symptom free to dying within just a few hours.
Any dog can develop bloat, but large breeds, including the Daniff, are at a higher risk.
You can reduce the risk of bloat by feeding them at least two times a day. If they are fast eaters, consider a slow feeder bowl.
Don’t allow them to drink large amounts of water. You should also prevent them from exercising immediately after eating. This is similar to not swimming right after eating.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems for dogs, particularly large breeds. Their extra size and weight puts more pressure on the joints, which can cause these skeletal issues.
Dysplasia occurs when the joint doesn’t fit together properly. Genetics determine your dog’s risk of the condition. Genetic testing before breeding can help reduce this problem.
In addition to genetics, your dog’s weight and exercise can increase or reduce the risk. Dogs who are overweight are more likely to develop dysplasia. Dogs who exercise too much or not enough are also at a higher risk.
Dysplasia can cause pain with movement. If your dog begins limping or showing signs of pain when walking or running, they may have hip or elbow dysplasia.
Genetic testing can reveal your pooch’s risk of the condition. If they are at a higher risk, you should speak to your vet about the proper exercise and diet for your pooch.
The condition can develop as early as 5 months old, but it can also show up later in your dog’s life.
Cherry Eye
Cherry eye is a common condition in Great Danes and Cane Corsos, which puts the Daniff at a high risk of the issue as well.
Cherry eye causes a red mass in the bottom corner of your dog’s eye. Technically, it occurs when the nicitans gland, which is typically under the eyelid, prolapses.
In simple terms, the gland becomes swollen and red. Normally, it’s not visible, because it sits under the eyelid. When cherry eye occurs, the swelling causes it to grow and become visible.
It’s typically not very painful, but it can cause irritation or itching. Your pooch may rub at the eye with their paw, or rub their face on the ground. Unfortunately, these actions lead to a risk of eye infection.
The treatment is typically minor surgery, which repositions the gland. If your Daniff develops cherry eye, you’ll need to visit the vet.
Obesity
Over 50% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Great Dane Cane Corsos may be at a higher risk than most breeds, because they have a large appetite.
Obesity can lead to a host of health problems, similar to obesity in humans. These include diabetes, heart conditions, and arthritis.
Feeding your pooch a healthy diet in the right portions is the easiest way to prevent obesity. If they do become overweight, it’s best ot work with your vet to create a diet and exercise plan.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
Great Dane Cane Corsos are generally calm and well behaved dogs. Let’s take a deeper look into what you can expect when owning one, starting with the temperament of their parent breeds.
Cane Corso Temperament
Cane Corsos embody the bodyguard stereotype. They are calm, reserved, and watchful. They love their family, and need lots of time with them. They may not be the most affectionate pooches, however. They love their family deeply, but they may not be quick to show it.
It’s important to note that they are not friendly towards strangers. They can be trained to get along with strangers and other dogs. However, you can expect them to keep a watchful eye on them, and not be enthusiastic about meeting them.
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane can be considered the world’s largest lap dog. Despite their massive size, they believe their place is in your lap.
They are highly affectionate. They are calm, and content to spend time just hanging out with their family or taking a nap. Like the Cane Corso, they are excellent watch and guard dogs.
They are generally friendly with strangers and other dogs, but some can be standoffish. With proper socialization, you can expect them to get along well with strangers, while the Cane Corso will only tolerate them.
Great Dane Cane Corso Temperament
Just like physical characteristics, Great Dane Cane Corsos can inherit personality traits from either parent.
They have many characteristics in common. They are both highly protective, loyal, and gentle. Your Daniff may be highly affectionate and expect to sit in your lap, like a Great Dane. They may be a bit more reserved like the Cane Corso.
How well they do with strangers and other animals will also vary. The good news is that with proper socialization, you can expect your pooch to get along with other humans and animals. The variation comes in whether or not they will enjoy being around strangers.
How to care for a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix
Great Dane Cane Corsos are easy to care for in some aspects, and more difficult than others.
How much exercise do Great Dane Cane Corso Mixes need?
Great Dane Cane Corsos are very energetic. Both parent breeds have high exercise needs. However, they are also happy to relax. When they get enough exercise, they are calm most of the time.
Cane Corsos need 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day. Great Danes require at least 2 hours of exercise daily. Both breeds lack high endurance, so it’s best to split their exercise into a few sessions.
Cane Corsos enjoy running, but Great Danes prefer to walk.
The Great Daniff has a lower activity requirement than their parent breeds. They should receive at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and many may do better with 1 hour of exercise daily.
When it comes to intensity, let your pooch determine this. Some will love to run, while others will prefer a leisurely walk.
Do Great Dane Cane Corso Mixes shed a lot?
No, the Daniff doesn’t shed a lot. They have a short coat, like their parent breeds. You can expect them to shed in the spring and fall, to prepare for changing temperatures. However, their short coat will mean they are easy to care for when shedding.
Do you need to groom Great Dane Cane Corso mixes often?
Grooming your Great Dane Cane Corso is simple. They will need to be brushed a few times a week. When they are shedding, it’s recommended to brush them at least every other day to remove shed hair.
However, brushing them only takes a few minutes due to their short coat length.
You can bathe them every week, or up to every 6 weeks. This will depend on their lifestyle. If they get dirty often, they’ll need more baths. Keep in mind that bathing them too often can irritate and dry their skin. They shouldn’t be bathed more often than once a week.
Do you need to train Great Dane Cane Corso Mixes a lot?
The Great Dane Cane Corso is easy to train, but they do require lots of training. Their sheer size makes training them well a requirement. It also means that you must train them well early on.
Once they are near their full size, if you haven’t established your authority, they will easily think they can do whatever they want.
Another reason to train this massive pooch is their intelligence. Like their parent breeds, Daniffs are highly intelligent. This means they need a lot of mental stimulation.
You can provide this by playing games with them and socializing them with people and other dogs. However, training also helps exercise their mind.
Lastly, training them helps them feel like they belong. It provides a job for them to do. It gives them a way to please you. These pooches have more than a desire to please. They have a need to do so.
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Diet
It’s important to feed any dog a healthy diet, but it’s particularly important with giant breeds like the Daniff. Their diet supports their growth, health, and energy levels.
You’ll need to choose a food designed for your dog’s lifestyle. Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different nutritional needs. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a food designed for large breeds.
Puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day. Once they reach 1 year old, you can feed them 2 times a day. Feeding them once a day is not recommended, because they are at a higher risk of bloat.
Are Great Dane Cane Corso Mixes good family pets?
Yes, a Great Dane Cane Corso is an excellent choice for a family pet. They are loving and extremely loyal. Their protective nature means that they will keep their family safe.
They are calm, like their parent breeds. This makes them a good choice for younger children. They are also very patient, and slow to anger. If a child accidentally steps on their paw or pulls their tail, this breed won’t get angry or aggressive.
How do you buy a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix?
Buying a Great Dane Cane Corso mix starts with finding the right breeder. This can be challenging, because the designer breed is rare.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
The easiest way to find a reputable breeder is usually to find breeders who sell registered puppies. However, designer breeds like the Daniff can’t be registered, because they are considered a mixed breed.
This means that you’ll need to take the time to research a breeder before purchasing a Great Dane Cane Corso.
Where to Find a Breeder
The best way to find a breeder is through an internet search. You can sometimes find puppies on puppy listings, like Greenfield Puppies. You can also do an internet search for Great Dane Cane Corso puppies.
How to Determine if a Breeder is Ethical
To determine if a breeder is ethical, you should ask some questions. How do they determine breeding pairs? How do they ensure the health of their puppies? What is their motivation for breeding?
You should also expect the breeder to ask you questions. Reputable breeders will want to ensure that their puppies are going to a good home.
They may ask about your intentions with the pooch, and what their living conditions will be.They may also ask about your previous dog ownership experience.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to visit the breeder’s home. It can be tempting to order a puppy and have it delivered to your home. However, visiting the breeder will allow you to see the dog’s living conditions, and meet the parents of the puppies.