Are you a fan of large dog breeds? Then, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix might be the perfect choice for you! You can hardly get any larger than this!
As it’s a mix of two giant dog breeds, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is bound to take up a lot of space inside your house. However, it will certainly take a lot of space inside your soul as well.
Up until recently, no one probably even thought about mixing a Great Dane with a Cane Corso, but as the popularity of crossbreeds rises, so do all the possibilities.
Now, you may have many mixed breeds between dogs such as German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Wolfhounds, Poodles, even Chihuahuas!
One such crossbreed that will certainly catch all the attention is, of course, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix. How could such a huge dog ever go unnoticed?
Here’s what you need to know about this huge mixed breed dog.
Cane Corso Mixed With Great Dane
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix is, as its name suggests, a mix between a purebred Cane Corso and a purebred Great Dane. It’s also known under the name, Italian Daniff.
This is a fairly new mix, as people didn’t really consider cross breeding two distant dog breeds that also serve different purposes – although both are descendants of a molossus-type dog.
Despite this being a new crossbreed, its parent breeds are everything but new. In fact, they are quite ancient.
Cane Corsos have existed for centuries. In fact, even Ancient Roman documents mention ancestors of this breed.
Unfortunately, these dogs have been almost extinct until around 30 years ago, when the breed was ‘recreated’ in Italy under this name.
On the other hand, the Great Danes were mentioned even in the era of great Babylon, as there are images of these large dogs on the various temples – some as old as the 12th century BC!
The breed is supposed to originate from a giant dog breed that lived in Tibet.
Cane Corsos were mostly bred to be watchdogs. Their large size made them perfect for keeping intruders away from your property.
Great Danes were bred for hunting, but they were also kept as giant pets, so they adjusted to being a part of the family a long time ago. In fact, they were probably kept in homes much sooner than many cuddly breeds, such as Retrievers.
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), just like any other crossbreed. This isn’t a surprise, as creating a specific breed standard would be quite difficult.
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Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Size
The first thing that falls into the mind of anyone who has learned about the existence of the Italian Daniff is the size of this dog. Both Cane Corsos and Great Danes are huge dogs, so their mix has to be gigantic as well.
These big pups are usually around 30 inches tall, and weigh around 120 lbs, although they can be bigger. Some of these dogs can weigh 180 to 190 lbs!
Is A Cane Corso Bigger Than A Great Dane?
The size of a crossbreed depends on the size of its parent breeds. In the case of a Cane Corso Great Dane mix, there aren’t many surprises. Both are very large breeds that are similar in size.
While Cane Corsos have that dangerous look to them, they are still somewhat smaller than a Great Dane, although this can vary from dog to dog.
While just a few Cane Corsos will grow to be taller than 28 inches, if you look up the Great Dane growth chart, you will see that Great Danes can reach up to 32 inches in height.
Of course, there is a difference in size depending on the individual canine, and the dog’s gender. For example, there is a significant height difference when it comes to male vs. female Cane Corsos, and females are usually 3 to 4 inches shorter than males.
Any way, it’s easy to guess that a Cane Corso Great Dane mix will be a giant dog, even if its parents are on the smaller side.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Appearance
Other than their noticeable height, there are plenty of other features that make these dogs stand out.
These big pups have powerful, massive bodies, with very strong musculature; something they’ll inherit from both of their parent’s sides. They have a large head and wide and strong bones that make them look really terrifying.
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix has floppy ears, but some dog owners opt for cropping them. Many people deem this cruel, but others just like the appearance that cropped ears give them. Fortunately, for dogs, many countries forbade ear cropping and tail docking.
Since they belong to the molossus type of dogs, they can appear a bit lazy. They might even be rather slow, unless they are truly excited about certain things.
They might even try to be lap dogs, and they’ll love to sit on your couch, unaware of their huge size. You might even have to buy a larger sofa just for them!
When it comes to the coat colors and the type, these dogs will have short, sleek coats that are fairly easy to maintain.
You won’t spend too much time brushing them or grooming them. They do shed, but this shedding isn’t as bad as some breeds with longer fur.
Cane Corso isn’t a hypoallergenic dog. Neither is a Great Dane. As such, these dogs aren’t hypoallergenic. Even if they happen to shed very little, these dogs will likely drool. Dog saliva is another common allergen, with proteins found in the dog’s dander.
If you’re someone with dog allergies, consult with your doctor before you get yourself a Cane Corso Great Dane mix.
Both Cane Corsos and Great Danes come in a huge variety of colors. Because of this, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix can come in virtually any coat color! This includes black, white, brindle, mantle, sable, blue, fawn, or even a mix of several of these!
In most cases, pups will resemble one or both of their parents, at least when it comes to the coat color. While recessive genes can express themselves suddenly, this happens rarely, so you’ll likely be aware of all the possibilities.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Temperament
The temperament of a Cane Corso Great Dane mix will greatly depend on the temperament of its parents. Most of the time, this will be a loyal dog that will do all he can to protect his family members.
The offspring can take more or fewer characteristics of one parent, so make sure you’ve met them before you adopt your new pet. Otherwise, you may end up unpleasantly surprised once some trait becomes noticeable.
To understand the Cane Corso Great Dane mix temperament better, here’s a brief overview of the behavior of the parent breeds:
What Is The Temperament Of A Cane Corso?
If you’re a Cane Corso dog owner, be prepared to not have any time for yourself. These dogs demand plenty of socialization and exercise, which will take away most of your time!
This is a working dog and a guard dog, and when you combine these two, you get a somewhat temperamental mix.
Cane Corsos can be very friendly and affectionate toward members of their own household. However, don’t expect them to be much friendlier than that. These pups won’t like strangers, and it’s extremely challenging to fix this.
These are sensitive, loyal, and serious dogs that will do all they can to keep their owner safe. They are always alert, and they’ll carefully examine any stranger who walks inside your house.
Photo from: @canecorso_union
This protectiveness can lead to aggression that can be pointed toward any type of stranger – no matter if they stand on two or on four legs. This is why socialization is important from an early age. Otherwise, your pup might become a danger.
If you’ve trained your Cane Corso properly, you will quickly notice how calm and confident he is.
These canines can learn to ignore strangers – both humans and animals – unless they clearly threaten you, them, or your household. As they are very intelligent dogs, they will be able to sense true danger.
What Is The Temperament Of A Great Dane?
While large in size, Great Danes are among the sweetest dogs out there. They are gentle and affectionate pets that are extremely relaxed, yet playful from time to time. Their calmness can make them amazing family pets, as they will be very good with children of all ages.
These pups will want to stay with their family all the time. They are very friendly and sociable, and they’ll be happy about most strangers. In the end, more people around them means more cuddles and playtime.
Many Great Danes will behave as lap dogs, not as dogs that can weigh more than an average human. They won’t care that you think they are too big – they’ll try to sit as close to you as possible.
Of course, just as with any other dog breed, early socialization is essential for the good development of a dog’s personality. Still, you’ll have much less trouble with them than if you were having a somewhat introverted Cane Corso.
Is A Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Aggressive?
Just like most dogs, no matter their reputation, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix isn’t inheritably an aggressive dog. Sure, they make amazing bodyguards, but that doesn’t immediately make them aggressive.
Despite a Cane Corso being one of the largest and most dangerous guard dogs out there, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix also has the genetics of its other parent, the Great Dane.
This wonderful mixture means that most Cane Corso Great Dane mixes will have an amazing personality, as they’ll be the perfect combination of both of their parents.
While they’ll still remain great watchdogs, Italian Daniffs will stay in touch with their calm side, which is, in fact, a Great Dane. They’ll be well-behaved pups most of the time, and if you’ve trained them well, they won’t show any aggression signs.
Is A Cane Corso Aggressive?
A Cane Corso is a dog you should be careful around. Socialization is a must for this dog breed, and there are plenty of reasons behind that.
Most notably, these pups have been bred to be guard dogs for centuries. The aggression toward strangers was encouraged, as this would mean that these dogs are doing a better job of keeping your property safe.
In fact, it wasn’t until a few decades ago that Cane Corsos became pets instead of being used as working dogs. Because of this, they might not be used to tolerating strangers – humans and pets alike.
These are dominant dogs that need to be adequately trained in order to avoid any possible temperamental flaws they might have. As they aren’t small dogs, they can be quite a danger if you didn’t socialize them the right way.
Is A Great Dane Aggressive?
Despite their huge size, Great Danes aren’t considered to be dangerous dogs. While they might be, just like any other dog breed, this will happen only due to the negligence of the owner.
These pups are calm and gentle, and they’ll love to play with everyone. They’ll hardly ever show any signs of aggression, and most of the time, you really have to provoke them for them to lash out.
Of course, any dog can become aggressive, especially if they were raised by inexperienced people who didn’t know how to deal with huge dog breeds. If this does happen, a Great Dane can be a very dangerous dog.
They are huge canines that can hurt a grown adult. They have a strong bite, and their significant size can make them almost impossible to control.
So, while a Great Dane will almost never be aggressive, if it is, you likely won’t be able to do much to stop it from hurting someone.
Is A Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Good With Kids?
After reading all of this, you may wonder whether these dogs are good with kids, or should you avoid combining the two.
Most of the time, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a mellow dog that will know how to behave around children. They will be playful, but they’ll also know when to sit calmly. This makes them perfect companions for kids!
However, its huge size can be a problem. A Cane Corso Great Dane mix adult is much larger than a child, especially a toddler.
Your pup doesn’t have to be aggressive to cause harm to little children, as he may knock them over during playtime, or nip at them during rough play.
Also, many kids don’t know how to behave around dogs. They’ll think pets are toys, and they’ll often pull their tail and ears, put fingers in their eyes and noses, or try to take their food away. Some might even try to mount a large dog, such as a Cane Corso Great Dane mix!
Because of this, we would never advise you to keep your children and your Italian Daniff pooch alone, without supervision. You never know when an accident might happen.
If you do have a small child and a Cane Corso Great Dane mix, make sure that you’ve trained not just your pet, but your kid as well. Teach your children how to behave around dogs, and what they can and cannot do. This will prevent a lot of accidents.
Working Qualities
Many people are interested in a Cane Corso Great Dane mix not just because of its good looks, but because they make amazing working dogs. They could be a great choice if you’re in need of a dog that’ll know how to do things.
These intelligent dogs excel at duties such as guarding your property or doing service work. Working qualities are deeply ingrained in these pups due to their Cane Corso genes, so they will be naturally good at such things.
Not just that, but these pups have amazing stamina; they are strong, and they are capable of reacting quickly if something happens. Also, they are known for their intuition and the ability to recognize threats very quickly.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t train your dog to learn all of these tricks. Even the smartest pup still needs to be trained a little bit, especially if he has such an important task.
Is A Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Easy To Train?
These dogs can be effortless to train. Not only are they people-oriented, but they are also highly intelligent. This means they are eager to learn, and they will learn quickly.
These puppies can get bored, though, so make sure you know how to entertain them during longer sessions. Positive reinforcement always helps, as it gives your pet a sign that he can earn something by behaving how you want.
Training should begin from a very early age. The same goes for socialization. These are large, strong dogs that can easily grow up believing that they are untouchable. They won’t listen to you if they figure out they don’t have to.
It’s essential that you do this properly. Your dog will attract attention no matter where you go, and this can be both a blessing and a curse. You don’t want the whole dog park looking at your 200 lbs dog disobeying you!
If you don’t have the time or the skill to train your Cane Corso Great Dane mix the right way, contact a professional dog trainer who might help you. You may even enroll your pup in a group class, which will help with the socialization.
Some countries even make it mandatory to train giant breeds or dog breeds that are deemed aggressive. This means owners have to have a certificate that proves that their dog has undergone professional training.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Lifespan
photo from @cane_coso_mix
Predicting the life expectancy of any dog is challenging, but it can be even more tricky when you have a crossbreed. The genetics of both parents have to come into play, and even this is more complicated than it seems.
To understand this, you have to consider the weaknesses of both parent breeds, and also the genetic predispositions of a certain bloodline. This is why it’s important to buy from a reputable breeder – but more on that later.
Hybrid breeds have something that is called hybrid vigor. This means that the dog’s fetus will likely ‘pick’ only the good genes if it has the option to choose. Because of this, designer dogs, such as the Cane Corso Great Dane mix, usually live longer than their parents.
When it comes to breed-specific health issues, all giant breeds are prone to musculoskeletal issues, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Even a crossbreed such as the Italian Daniff is likely to suffer from them.
Other than that, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix can inherit any of the health problems its parents had – although the chances are somewhat smaller.
With all this considered, the lifespan of the Italian Daniff is 8 to 12 years, which is pretty standard for such a large dog.
There are a few things you can do to try to have your family dog with you for as long as possible.
Giving him only high-quality dog food can help him get proper nutrition, which is essential for good body development. This is essential for such a huge dog, as his body needs a lot of vitamins and minerals to function.
Also, as large dogs are prone to bloat, you need to be careful about the food you’re giving them. A food that is high in carbs can worsen the condition of your pooch’s digestive system, which can increase the possibility of this deadly disease.
Don’t go overboard on dry food, as it can cause kidney issues and dehydration. This can lead to problems with the heart and blood vessels. Of course, you shouldn’t entirely avoid dry food, and your pup will be fine eating it every once in a while.
The right amount of exercise is also important in order for your Cane Corso Great Dane mix to stay healthy. Take him on regular walks, and make sure his stamina is depleted before nighttime. This is the best way to keep his joints and bones healthy.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Cane Corso?
When it comes to the lifespan of the Italian Daniff’s parent breeds, Cane Corso dogs live somewhat longer than most giant breeds, as their lifespan is 9 to 12 years.
The Cane Corso breed is prone to some health conditions that make his lifespan short. These include:
• Hip dysplasia
• Entropion
• Ectropion
• Epilepsy
• Gastric Torsion (Bloat)
What Is The Lifespan Of A Great Dane?
Unfortunately, these gentle giants don’t live for a very long time, as their lifespan is only 8 to 10 years. Many, however, don’t live longer than 6 to 7 years.
This short lifespan is one of the main reasons behind creating many Great Dane crossbreeds, such as the Corgi Great Dane mix, the Doberman Great Dane mix, the Great Danoodle, or even a Great Dane Chihuahua mix!
Some of the health issues that Great Danes are prone to include:
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Bloat
• Skin allergies
• Thyroid issues
• Cancer
Great Dane Cane Corso Mix Puppies
Finding Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppies can be tricky, as is the case with many unpopular breeds.
These dogs are bred by mixing a Great Dane and a Cane Corso. Most of the time, the mother will be a Great Dane, as it’s always safer to ensure that the larger dog is the one giving birth. However, as the size differences aren’t that significant, this can vary.
It is very rare for breeders to breed two Cane Corso Great Dane mixed dogs to get the second generation of a crossbreed. These dogs can be unpredictable when it comes to their appearance, making them somewhat tricky to sell.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix For Sale
If you’re trying to find Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppies for sale, chances are you have immediately found several people who you can buy or ‘order’ these dogs from. Your eye will most likely catch the most affordable one. Still, this could be the wrong choice.
You should never try to save money when buying your new pet. What you’ll save on the initial cost, you’ll likely pay later – and much more.
Reputable breeders conduct various health tests that can ensure both parents are healthy dogs without any underlying health conditions.
While this isn’t a guarantee that a dog won’t get sick, it lowers the chances significantly. When you have a sickly dog such as a Great Dane, this is something important.
Also, these breeders begin training their pups even before they are sold to their new households. This means you won’t have as much trouble training them as you would if the puppies weren’t socialized from the first weeks of their lives.
Responsible breeders might also let you meet at least the mother of the puppies, if not the father as well. This can help you understand the future temperament of your new pup.
How Much Does A Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Cost?
The price of a Cane Corso Great Dane mix varies on many factors, such as your location, the breeder’s qualifications, bloodlines, and the coat color of the pup. Healthy dogs in rare coat colors will usually cost much more than standard pups.
Overall, you shouldn’t expect to pay less than $1,000 for your Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppy. Anything lower than that might indicate that you’re dealing with a back yard breeder who doesn’t really know much about dog breeding.
As for the highest price, you should know that crossbreeds can be quite expensive. Don’t be surprised if a breeder wants several thousand dollars for a puppy! It is up to you to determine whether or not it’s worth the price.
Best Cane Corso Mix
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix isn’t the only Cane Corso crossbreed that is sure to leave an impression. These dogs were bred with many other breeds in an effort to try to make the most impressive hybrid dog.
This includes mixing with canines such as Boxers, Italian and English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Bulldogs, and so on. There is even a Cane Corso Pitbull mix!
The one mixed dog that everyone is talking about is actually a crossbreed between three dogs breeds. These breeds are the Cane Corso, the Great Dane, and the Neopolitan Mastiff.
Great Dane / Cane Corso / Neapolitan Mastiff Mix
The Neopolitan Mastiff – or the Mastino – is a dog that is very similar to a Cane Corso, but with one significant difference when it comes to appearance. This Mastiff has plenty of face wrinkles that aren’t seen on a Cane Corso.
Since the Neopolitan Mastiff is as tall as a Great Dane, although it can be somewhat heavier, the crossbreed between these two and a Cane Corso can turn out to be a true beast of a dog.
However, despite its huge size and old appearance, the Mastiff is much more docile and somewhat friendlier than a Cane Corso.
On the other hand, there are several ‘inappropriate behaviors’ common in this breed, such as drooling, slobbering, wheezing, snorting, grunting, and flatulence.
In other words, by adding the Neapolitan Mastiff to the mix, you’ll get an even larger but lazier dog that will fart and drool a lot!
What Is The Difference Between A Mastiff And A Cane Corso?
Despite its name, a Cane Corso is, in fact, a type of Mastiff from Italy. This is why you may find it under the name, Italian Mastiff.
Mastiff dogs are similar to a Cane Corso in many ways, but there are some differences when it comes to English and Neapolitan Mastiffs and Corsos.
For example, English Mastiffs were bred to be dogs used in fights before they settled in as family pets while Cane Corsos were and still are used as guard dogs.
Also, Cane Corsos were bred to have a more elegant appearance, so they are less likely to drool and slobber – although this is still a common sight.
One thing’s for sure: Both are giant dogs that no intruder or trespasser would want to deal with!
Should You Get A Cane Corso Great Dane Mix?
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix isn’t a dog for everyone. They are mighty animals that require a steady hand and a dog owner who can let them know who the pack leader is.
If you’re a first-time owner of a large dog, you might want to consider finding some other breed, such as a purebred Great Dane because this crossbreed has Cane Corso blood in it, and this can make them somewhat difficult to train.
Still, if you’re prepared to pay a bit more money to a skilled professional trainer, then a Cane Corso Great Dane mix can make a great family dog. These canines can be true sweethearts with just a little bit of guidance.
Of course, no matter how well-behaved a dog is, we would never recommend leaving such a huge pup alone with children. Accidents can happen with much smaller breeds, and you shouldn’t want to risk it.
Overall, the Italian Daniff is a dog that requires a lot of work, but if you manage to train him right, you will have the perfect and cuddly guard dog that will stay by your side for many years.
