Physical Attributes
Male: 28-31 inches (71-79 cm)
Female: 23-26 inches (57-65 cm)
Male & Female: 100-145 lb (45-66 kg)
Great Dane:
Working Group
Cane Corso:
Working Group
Lifestyle Guidance:
What are the reasons to get a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix (Italian Daniff)?
- A wonderful high-spirited family dog (click here for details)
- A balanced temperament (click here for details)
- Minimal grooming requirements (click here for details)
- A trainable dog (click here for details)
- Will generally get on with other dogs with early socialization in place (click here for details)
- Able to get along with cats (click here for details)
- A high-energy dog that will suit owners with an active lifestyle (click here for details)
What are the reasons not to get a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix (Italian Daniff)?
- A very large and powerful dog who may not suit frail or elderly owners
- This dog will only suit a home with large amounts of indoor and outdoor space
- It is possible that this dog will slobber
- A relatively short lifespan
- Potentially some health problems linked to owning a large dog breed
- Not suited to owners who cannot provide human company for most of the day
- Relatively expensive feeding requirements
What is a Great Dane and Cane Corso Mix?
The Great Dane Cane Corso Mix is a fascinating and formidable combination. The Cane Corso is a very muscular dog that brings strength, power and a good level of trainability. While the Great Dane brings a mellow, fun-loving and friendly temperament personality which is even bigger than their huge physical size.
But with any designer dogs, such as the Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, it is always important to research the parent breeds, the Cane Corso and Great Dane, in order to be in position to have guidance on both the physical attributes and the temperament.
This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate and how they will be configured in any particular dog.
For more information regarding the parent breeds and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide.
What are the history and origins of the Great Dane Cane Corso Mix?
In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development.
So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the Cane Corso.
The Cane Corso – Origins
The Cane Corso, also known as the Italian Mastiff, has roots extending back to the ancient Molossian war dogs from Ancient Greece. The other breed that descended from this Italian Mastiff is the Neapolitan Mastiff, the closest relation to the Cane Corso.
These huge and powerful hounds where then employed as the Roman empire expanded. The forebear of the Cane Corso, known generically as the Italian Mastiff, was used as a war dog, and to grace the amphitheatres in battles with a range of other creatures including bears and lions.
As the Roman Empire declined these dogs were highly prized as guard dogs protecting houses and farms. The Cane Corso was also employed in the hunting of large game such as boars and bears. In fact the name of the breed ‘Cane Corso’ translates as ‘catch-dog’.
Like the Great Dane and the Rottweiler in northern Europe a ‘catch-dog’, followed the lead of the Sight-Hounds, but was valued for its strength and size in holding down and restraining large prey until the hunters could arrive. Indeed, ‘Cane’ means dog and ‘Corso’ is Italian for ‘catch’ or ‘hunt’.
During the 20th century, following the two world wars, the Cane Corso went into serious decline, possibly due to the huge food requirements of this dog in times of hardship, and only vestiges of the breed remained in rural areas. But it was saved in the 1970s by a group of enthusiasts and by 1996 was recognized as a breed in Europe.
Interestingly the United Kingdom Kennel club remains the only registering society that has refused to officially accept the Cane Corso as a breed, but the AKC gave them full acceptance in 2010.
Due to the biddable nature of this Mastiff, the Cane Corso is now ranked as 25th most popular dog in the United States according to to the American Kennel Club 2020 registration data [1].
Great Dane – Origins
It is perhaps a reflection of the magisterial nature of this dog that national claims to ownership have been something of a big bone of contention in the history of this huge hound. Most sources agree that the Great Dane was, in fact, originally from Germany, although some accounts claim Scandinavian origins even before this.
There is even some evidence that these types of large dogs was extant in Ancient Greece, and there are some depictions of dogs in Ancient Egyptian tombs from 3000BC which bear a resemblance to the magnificent breed that we have today.
From the 13th and 14th centuries there are clearer pictorial and written records of the forebears of this giant breed. In Germany they were known as ‘The English Dogge’ owing to it being founded largely on the English Mastiff. Mastiffs are descended from the large and ferocious ‘Molussus’ dog who became historically famous as ferocious ancient Roman war dogs.
It is thought that extra size and speed was contributed to interbreeding with the Irish Woflhound, and possibly other Sight-Hounds such as the Greyhound. This added more of a lean, athletic frame while retaining the strength and power that we still associate with the Great Dane.
Although the role of these huge hounds was not to ‘sight’ the prey, but rather they were ‘catcher-dogs’ which ran alongside the horses. Once the prey had been discovered these dogs were sent in to bring down large powerful prey such as boars, deer and even bears.
In 1876 Germany declared the Great Dane as its national dog and pronounced that it should henceforward be known as the ‘German dogg’, but in Holland they continued to call this breed ‘The Dutch Dog’. Finally due to some anathema towards Germany most English-speaking nations settled on Great Dane.
Originally the companion of nobles and kings even to this day the Great Dane retains a sense of being an aristocrat amongst canines popular not only for its formidable strength and speed but also for its regal appearance.
Indeed this has further been elevated to divine heights and this dog is often referred as the ‘Apollo of dogs’ reflection its beauty and athleticism.
Linked Hybrid Breeds:
Great Dane Doberman Mix, Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, Great Dane Pitbull Mix, Great Dane Boxer Mix, Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane Greyhound Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Saint Bernard Mix.
Cane Corso German Shepherd Mix, Cane Corso Boxer Mix, Cane Corso English Bulldog Mix,
Cane Corso Neapolitan Mastiff Mix, Cane Corso English Mastiff Mix,
Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Mix, Cane Corso English Bullmastiff Mix, Cane Corso Rottweiler Mix,
Cane Corso Doberman Mix.
What is an interesting fact about the Cane Corso Great Dane mix?
It is perhaps no surprise given the size and strength of the Mastiff breeds which descend from the Molossus war dogs, that the Great Dane was indisputably also bred from this ancient stock. In this way the Great Dane and the Cane Corso might be characterized as distant cousins who share some genetic inheritance.
This is reflected not only in the impressive physical presence of both dogs, but also in the fact that they had a similar function.
So the Great Dane and Cane Corso Mix offers one of those exciting occasions when lines of origins, separated over many centuries, conjoin again in one very powerful and impressive package.
What is the personality and temperament of the Great Dane and Cane Corso Mix (Italian Daniff)?
Although there are some differences in the parent breeds, there is also both common heritage and characteristics. The following offers a general guide to the temperament of the Italian Daniff but with the caveat that a specific dog could favor either of the founding breeds more strongly temperament and behavior.
It is therefore also advisable to refer to a breed guide to research both of these founding breeds to get a full overview.
Both the Great Dane and the Cane Corso are excitable and energetic dogs. This means that they will require plenty of exercise when full-grown, as well as interactive play including tug and ‘treasure-hunt’ based games. The Cane Corso adds to this a need for plenty of mental stimulation as they are a working breed who are constantly looking for something to do or chase.
This means you can expect the exuberant playfulness inherent in the Great Dane to carry over into the Italian Daniff. But you can also expect the influence of the more biddable Cane Corso to mean that this large dog can be controlled more readily and learn a good range of commands in training.
Training and socialization is also further helped by the fact that both of the parent breeds are incredibly eager to please their humans.
A well-socialized Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is likely to have a very even temperament at home, and will be both loyal and affectionate to all family members. Neither the Cane Corso nor the Great Dane have the reputation of being ‘one-person’ dogs and will joyfully distribute their affections across the whole family.
These large dogs will be highly protective and tolerant towards children, although as ever, all play and interaction must be carefully supervised, particularly with very young children. It is also highly advised to continue to encourage ‘soft-mouth’ during the socialization of the Italian Daniff.
This means that as this dog starts to gain size and bulk any unintended injury to small children or any other smaller dogs in the household can generally be avoided.
Due to its ingrained protective instincts, the Cane Corso can be a little guarded towards unfamiliar people. This will be offset by the goofy friendliness of the Great Dane who has a tendency to love everyone that they meet.
Although the traits of one breed can always predominate, the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is likely to blend an ability to guard if their owners are in obvious distress, with a greater readiness to accept familiar and welcome guests. Although owners should place an emphasis on socialization to promote this acceptance.
It is important to be aware that the Cane Corso also has a high prey drive so the will require a careful and structured approach if you are introducing an Italian Daniff to a house with established felines.
Interestingly although sharing the ‘catch-dog’ heritage the Great Dane offers an example of a huge hunting hound that has lost its prey drive and has the reputation for being good with cats.
But to give the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix the best chance of co-habiting with a cat a gradual and sensitive approach should be adopted as outlined here.
The Cane Corso is also a little more guarded towards other dogs than the Great Dane, and can occasionally show domineering behavior towards dogs of the same gender. But the eternally friendly and playful temperament of the Great Dane is likely to take the edges of this, once again, particularly in the context of effective and consistent socialization.
This means that the Italian Daniff will generally be an affable and tireless play mate. Although the sheer size and strength of this hybrid breed will mean play with smaller dogs should be carefully monitored.
The Great Dane not only casts a large shadow, but literally becomes a a large shadow as it follows its owners around. The Cane Corso is equally ‘clingy’ and you can expect the Italian Daniff to be an unswervingly loyal companion.
The adaptability of both parent breeds (not typical of Mastiffs) means they will readily go on holiday with the family and not be too anxious if routines change. The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is happy as long as they are close to their beloved human pack.
For information relating to the different stages the development of a puppy and adult dog’s temperament please click here.
What exercise is required for the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
Both the Great Dane and Cane Corso are breeds that require and enjoy lengthy exercise of at least a couple of hours a day. This means that the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will be an athletic and outgoing companion happy to accompany their owners on walks, jog and hikes.
This mixed breed benefits from additional physical and mental stimulation such as ‘treasure-hunts’, retrieval of balls and Frisbees and chasing games.
As with the Great Dane and the Cane Corso, this dog should be kept lean and healthy and require a good level of physical and mental exercise. The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix should receive around 1.5 hours of walking each day and this ideally should include games such as fetching games such as Frisbee and ball games. If possible this should also include a good run off the leash.
This trainable hybrid breed would also thrive when offered frequent obedience drills as this working dog will enjoy learning a range of commands.
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is likely to be a giant dog. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the first couple of years.
This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially as the dog grows. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet.
Is the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff) a good family dog?
The Great Dane and Cane Corso are both big dogs, but are generally celebrated for having even bigger personalities. This means the Great Dane Cane Corso Mix will absolutely dote on its human family and will largely just want to have fun.
But this dog will quickly switch into guard mode and be fiercely protective of the family, eager to please and at the center of everything. They are likely to be very tactile, playful and gentle with children of all ages although, as with all dogs, they must be supervised.
Although very large, the trainability of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix means that this dog will be a delight to have around the house. But be aware that this mixed breed is very likely to slobber which may put off potential owners who are very house-proud. Although each bejewelled tendril of slobber is laced with love, owners need to be prepared with towels in each room or it could get a little bit messy.
Also the Italian Daniff can be a little clumsy so valuables need to be stored somewhere very safe and certainly not at tail-height.
Who is the ideal owner of a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff) ?
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will preferably require an experienced dog owner. It is even better if a prospective owner has experience with large and powerful breeds.
Alternatively this dog will prosper most with an owner who is willing to invest time in puppy socialization and training classes to ensure their dog is confident and entirely biddable both within and outside the home.
This is not a dog that does will do well at all when left alone, as both founding breeds tend to shadow their owners. So this mixed breed will best suit owners who can provide company most of the day.
An owner will also need to be fit and strong enough to handle this dog alongside ensuring leash training has been consistently put in place.
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will suit an owner or family with a very active lifestyle and who enjoy outdoor activities. A family home with plenty of outdoor space is also preferable to allow this dog to burn off energy in exploring, playing and patrolling in a safe, enclosed area.
What are the grooming requirements of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will have only minimal grooming requirements, and is only likely to shed a couple of times a year.
The short and glossy coat will only need brushing around once a week. But remember that this should be done daily in periods of hot weather to remove dead hair and keep the Italian Daniff cool. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.
The Cane Corso is double-coated, while the Great Dane is only single-coated. This means owing to the latter’s influence that this dog may be susceptible to the cold weather.
Both parent breeds have a reputation for being clean. This mixed breed dog will also generally be low maintenance aside from the from the likelihood of slobber.
How much space is required for a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
The Italian Daniff is not only going to be a giant dog, but is also going to be a dog breed with a lot of energy so the ideal is home will need to be fairly large with extensive outdoor space.
The athletic Cane Corso also has the reputation for being something of an escapologist so a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will need tall fencing and secure gates in place.
Apartment living is impractical for this mixed breed dog who will need constant opportunities to burn off excess energy and are also likely to cause damage in a confined space.
What is the lifespan of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
The lifespan of the Great Dane is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While the Cane Corso has slightly more longevity and can expect to live between 10-12 years.
The likely lifespan for a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is between 8-10 years.
What are the potential health problems for a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
Hybrid or designer dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds , but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix as it still possible that they may be inherited.
Italian Daniffs are going to be very large dogs and this can potentially lead to a range of health problems. These may include:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary Heart Disease.
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric Torsion
- Wobbler’s Syndrome
- Eye conditions (such as PRA)
- Skin allergies.
A reputable breeder should be able to offer the hip scores and medical records of the parents when you are looking at Cane Corso Great Dane Mix puppies.
What kind of training is required for Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
Click here for a general outline of the benefits of training. Click here for information on socializing a puppy and here for socializing an adult dog.
For the Italian Daniff, early socialization and consistent obedience training are an absolute priority. This will mean that this dog will generally be able to cope with a range of situations both inside and outside the home and forestall any potential domineering behaviors towards other dogs.
Both the Cane Corso and the Great Dane are intelligent dogs who have a willingness to please. The Mastiff grouping of dogs do have a reputation for stubbornness and taking a little longer to train. But this is not the case either of these founding breeds, although they can sometimes lose focus through distractions.
It is very important to prioritize the sit and wait command as well as heeling on the leash in order to make this dog completely manageable outside on a walk. This dog will also need time off the leash so early recall training is also important
With consistent training based around positive reinforcement, the Cane Corso and Great Dane Mix can be trained to a very good standard.
This is ably demonstrated by an Italian Daniff called Bloo who demonstrates his ability to learn a range of commands and cope with a variety of situations. Click here to see this impressive dog in action.
How big will a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff) get?
The Great Dane is the largest parent breed. The male is, according to breed standards, at least 30 inches (82cm) tall from the feet to the withers. While the female stands at 28 inches (72cm) or more.
The Cane Corso has a muscular and compact frame with the broad head that is characteristic of Mastiffs. The height range of the Cane Corso is generally between 24-27.5 inches (60-69cm) for the male with the female only slightly shorter between around 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) from feet to withers.
You can expect therefore the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix to reach the following size:
- Male – somewhere between around 28-31 inches (71-79 cm)
- Female – somewhere between 27-30 inches (69-76 cm)
How much is a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff) likely to weigh?
The Great Dane male typically weighs between 120 to 170 lb (54-74kgs) with the female at 110 to140 lbs (50-64 kgs). For the Cane Corso these lean muscular dogs weigh in at around 88-110 lb (40-50kg).
This means that a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is likely to weigh:
Male – somewhere between 100-145 lb (45-66 kg)
Female generally around 85 -130 lb (39kg-59 kg).
Where should I get a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix from?
If you are looking for a Great Dane and Cane Corso Mix puppy then always contact a reputable breeder and look out for the following
- You should always have the opportunity to see the Cane Corso Great Dane puppies interacting with the mother.
- If there is little interaction with the ‘mother’ be cautious as occasionally unscrupulous breeders can bring in another female dog for appearances.
- A breeder should also have details of the father available on request.
- You should have access to the medical records of both parents and any kennel club certificates.
If possible, adoption is a kind and rewarding option. But ensure that you thoughtfully discuss the details of a rescue dog with the charity or rehoming organization in order to offer a dog an appropriate forever home.
If you already have a dog , then please feel free to browse these tips on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.
What are the feeding requirements of a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff)?
It is always a good idea to consult with a vet or animal dietician regarding feeding requirements in the early days of ownership, as each dog will be unique. This professional advice is important in ensuring your Great Dane Cane Corso Mix receives high quality dog food or alternatively raw food options also provide proper nutrition.
This will ensure that your Italian Daniff will receive a balanced diet in the correct portions. It is also important to balance feeding against exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
As the Great Dane is prone to bloating it is advisable that owners should plan to exercise their Great Dane Cane Corso Mix at least an hour before they feed and at least an hour afterwards. This will help prevent bloat and other gastric conditions afflicting your dog.
Should I get a male or female Cane Corso Great Dane Mix?
Each dog is unique, so the following only offers a general guide rather than a rule but male and female dogs can have different dispositions.
In general the female Cane Corso Great Dane Mix tends to be less likely to try and dominate other dogs and a little more focused in training. The female Italian Daniff will also mature more quickly than their male counterpart.
The male dogs can might engage in dominant behaviors with other dogs and preventing this will be a focus of socialization. The males are also more likely to be stand-offish with unfamiliar people, and are also a little more energetic.
But both the male and female Cane Corso Great Dane Mix will make equally good guardians of the home and loving and playful family pets.
What colors are common for a Great Dane Cane Corso Mix (Italian Daniff)?
In general the Italian Daniff could potentially be any solid or partial color.
Black and brindle are likely to be common colors as they are frequently found in the both the Great Dane and the Cane Corso. Potentially other possible colors include shades of blue to grey as well as fawn.
Does a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix get on with other dogs (Italian Daniff)?
This Italian Daniff is able to cohabit with other dogs. This is also true of both founding breeds but ensure you follow clear steps in introducing established dogs to a puppy or another dog.
The Great Dane is a particularly gregarious dog and any hybrid with this gentle giant in the mix is unlikely to be aggressive.
It is absolutely vital to socialize a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix puppy consistently to cope with a range of situations and this becomes of paramount importance in the case of a hugely powerful dog like the Italian Daniff.
Does a Cane Corso Great Dane Mix (Italian Daniff) get on with cats?
If is introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that they can successfully live with these smaller pets. Cane Corsos do have a high prey drive, and without the correct socialization and training be prone to chase smaller animals.
But this can be balanced by the temperament of the Great Dane who as a breed are known to be disposed to get on with feline family members.
To promote the chances of a positive relationship between your and a cat ensure that they are introduced in a structured and sensitive way by taking the following steps:
Step 1
This should start with putting down items that belong to the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix puppy before the arrival to accustom the cats to the scent.
Step 2
The next step is to confine the puppy to an area. This should certainly include at feeding times. This could be a room with a baby-gate. The area of confinement should be circulated around the house as well as a safely enclosed outside area.
Step 3
When ready allow the puppy out on an appropriate leash or harness and proactively praise positive interactions and correct any chasing.
Step 4
Ensure the cats always have escape areas including high places to promote their sense of confidence and safety.
Does the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix make a good guard dog for the home?
As with most Great Dane based hybrid breed dogs, the Italian Daniffs make steady and controlled guard dogs. The temperament of the Cane Corso intensifies the guarding instincts of this hybrid breed and adds the essential wariness of strangers to the more mellow temperament of the Great Dane.
This means that this dog will be ready to spring into actions should the need arise, but at all times will be biddable and controlled. Also the booming resounding bark of this dog is very likely to act as an early deterrent in itself.
Where can I found out more?
If you are considering a hybrid breed such as the Great Dane Cane Corso Mix always research both parent dog breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of your mixe and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.
Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Cane Corso and many other dog breeds. Also a good breeder should be willing to offer you advice and guidance when you take your puppy home.
As noted above if you have any queries or doubts regarding the health or feeding of your Great Dane Cane Corso Mix puppy consult a professional vet or animal dietician at the earliest opportunity.
Links to related rescue centers are also listed below.
Other Great Dane Hybrid Breeds
Please click on the pictures below to find out more about these other fantastic Great Dane hybrid breeds:
Great Dane Pitbull
Mix
Great Dane Boxer Mix
(Boxane)
Great Dane Dalmatian Mix
(Great Dal)
Great Dane Doberman
Mix
Links:
Great Dane Rescue (USA)
DaneLine (UK)
Cane Corso Rescue (USA)
Must Love Corsos Rescue (USA)
Cane Corso UK and Molosser Rescue (UK)
