Do you have plenty of space in your house for a massive dog with a heart of gold? If so, then, you may want to consider a Cane Corso Great Dane mix. This gentle giant is sure to take up a huge space not just in your home, but also in your heart and soul.
The Corso Great Dane mix is a natural head-turner due to its distinctive look and colossal build. But with its size, would this dog be problematic around kids and other pets? How do they treat strangers? Are they highly energetic, and do they require meticulous grooming and special diets?
If you are curious about this majestic hybrid dog, then, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will talk about this dog’s history, appearance, temperament, potential health problems, exercise requirements, diet, suitable living conditions, training, and more.
Breed at a Glance:
Size: 30 to 36 inches (male); 27 to 32 inches (female) Weight: 120 to 190 pounds (male); 90 to 140 pounds (female) Energy Level: Moderate Energy Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Breed Overview
As its name implies, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a cross between a purebred Cane Corso and a purebred Great Dane. Other names for this giant dog include Italian Daniff, Great Dane Cane Corso mix, Dane Corso, Great Corso, Italian Great Dane, and Cane Dane dog.
This hybrid breed is relatively new because, despite the fact that both are descendants of a molossus-type dog, people never really thought about mating two dissimilar dog breeds that fulfill two entirely different functions.
In terms of appearance and temperament, Cane Corso Great Dane hybrids are a perfect blend of their parent breeds. They are clever and calm despite their frightening size and bulky form, making them great canine companions.
Due to the similarity of their parent breeds, they may first be mistaken for purebreds. You can see the distinctions, though, if you look closely.
Italian Daniff hybrid puppies are cute. Although they are currently puppies of the first generation, they are still developing. And they are anticipated to become just as well-known or perhaps more well-liked than other hybrid dogs over time.
It can be challenging to determine where a crossbreed dog originated. And the Great Dane Cane Corso combination is no exception to this.
We are unable to pinpoint precisely when the parent dogs were first paired. It's challenging to establish a set standard for how dogs of this breed should appear and behave because it seems like it was just developed recently.
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and most likely won't be any time soon just like other hybrid dogs. However, it does not lessen the fact that they are incredible.
And just like other crossbreed canines, the key to having a deeper understanding of the Great Corso is by looking at the history of its purebred parents. So, that's what we are going to do now.
The History of the Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a Mastiff-like breed that originated in Italy and descended from Roman battle dogs. When the Roman Empire fell, the Cane Corso served as a farmhand, flock protector, property guardian, family protector, and hunting dog.
Industrialization caused the breed to diminish, and after the two World Wars, it was almost extinct. By the 1970s, there were just a few dogs left in the countryside of southern Italy.
In 1973, Giovanni Bonnetti, who was familiar with the breed from his youth, brought it to Dr. Paolo Breber's attention. The following year, Dr. Breber bought a number of puppies and started a breeding program.
In 1996, the Cane Corso breed was approved by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Some of the dogs had previously traveled to America.
More Italian dogs were imported after the International Cane Corso Club was established in 1993. And finally, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010.
Despite the implication of its name, the Dane is of German descent rather than Danish. The breed is said to have been around for over 400 years, and they are believed to be descendants of the mastiff-like dogs that German aristocrats bred to guard and hunt wild boar in the countryside.
In the eighteenth century, Great Danes were prestigious estate and carriage guardians. Because few other canines could hunt wild boars, they were also well-known among the aristocratic class for doing so.
Great Danes that were similar to the ones we know now were developed in the 1800s. The name Great Dane was outlawed in Germany in 1880, and the breed was given the new name “Deutsche Dogge,” which translates to “German mastiff.”
However, the Great Dane term is still used in English-speaking countries. The majority of the time, these dogs are kept as family pets, and despite their size, they are well-liked by city dwellers who maintain them as a deterrent to burglars.
The AKC recognized the Great Dane as a breed in 1887. The official AKC Parent Club for the Great Dane was founded in 1889 and is called the Great Dane Club of America.
Coming from two huge purebred parent breeds, it’s no surprise that the Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a massive canine breed.
They weigh between 90 to 190 pounds and are between 27 to 36 inches tall. Similar to many giant breeds and other dog breeds, males of this particular breed are slightly larger than females.
And just like most crossbreeds, the majority of the physical traits of the Italian Daniff depend on which of his parent breeds he resembles the most.
Nevertheless, a Cane Corso Great Dane combination is a very muscular dog with broad, sturdy bones. They have facial characteristics that are quite similar to those of a Great Dane, yet they are broader, just like their Cane Corso father.
Like its parents, this designer dog has floppy ears, although occasionally they are cropped to give them a more frightening appearance. However, this solely depends on the owners, and ear-cropping is illegal in many nations due to ethical issues.
Like their Cane Corso or Great Dane parent, they have short coats that appear sleek and glossy and can come in a variety of colors.
The most typical hue is black; however, they can also have coats that are brown, Isabella, blue, or fawn.
If one or both of their parents carry the merle gene, it can also cause color patches in their hair, and they can also have merle coats. Compared to merle Cane Corsos, merle Great Danes are more prevalent.
In addition, they can appear lazy and slow to move unless they are really aroused, and because they are enormous dogs, they also have large heads.
Temperament
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix's temperament is heavily influenced by the disposition of its parents. This dog will typically be devoted and do everything in his power to defend his family. He appreciates spending time with his loved ones and developing strong bonds with his owners.
If you intend to get one soon, it's best if you try to meet at least one of the puppy's parents. In any case, you'll have a general notion of how your dog will behave in the future.
Are the parents loving and calm dogs? Well, if your dog receives the proper training, then chances are good that he'll be too. But of course, if your pup already came from two well-tempered parents, it will be easier on your part to tweak his behavior.
Many individuals think that this designer dog has a tendency toward aggression. That simply isn't the case, though! Like all dogs, a Cane Corso Great Dane cross is not genetically predisposed to violence.
They make excellent defenders, for sure, but that doesn't automatically make them hostile. A dog will only behave violently if it has been trained to do so. In other words, aggression in dogs is a trained behavior.
This hybrid requires relatively little upkeep in terms of grooming. It takes very little care to maintain their short coat. But to keep shedding to a minimum, you'll need to brush their coat once or twice a week.
While they may start to shed a little more during the shedding season, you can prevent their hair from getting stuck to your furniture by brushing them every day.
In order to maintain a fresh breath, it is also a good idea to brush your dog's teeth. It's common for dog owners to ignore oral care, but you should constantly keep in mind how much higher your dog's quality of life would be with a good set of teeth.
Periodontal disease risk is also decreased by having good dental hygiene. Brushing your dog's teeth requires using a specific dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
Additionally, remember to frequently clean their ears to reduce the chance of ear infections. You can accomplish it using some cotton balls and a basic ear-cleaning solution.
The simplest technique is to clean the dog's ears just after a wash because the warm steam will soften any ear debris.
And remember to cut their nails as necessary, just like you would with any other dog breed; or you can have your dog's groomer handle it. If you are inexperienced, it is best to leave nail trimming for dogs to a professional.
Common Health Issues
The lifespan of an Italian Daniff ranges from 8 to 12 years, depending on pedigree and proper care. During these particular years of their lives, they depend on their families to take care of them and meet all of their needs.
The source of your Italian Daniff is something more to think about when it comes to longevity and health. To assure their quality, you must buy them from reliable breeders.
A Cane Corso Great Dane combination also has hybrid vigor, like other designer dogs, which extends their lifespan beyond that of their parent breeds.
Hence, Great Dane Cane Corso mixes are generally healthy dogs, but illnesses can still develop, particularly those that are inherited genetically.
Knowing ahead of time which health issues can affect your dog is crucial since it enables you to give them the finest care, and it can also help you take action to prevent their occurrence as much as possible.
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is particularly vulnerable to the following health conditions:
Hip Dysplasia
Giant dogs like Italian Daniff puppies are frequently predisposed to hip dysplasia. Dogs who have this disease experience growth problems. It relaxes the hip joint, causing discomfort and dysfunction.
As the dog matures, the bone and cartilage in his hip start to deteriorate. Over time, this causes arthritis, muscle atrophy, and decreased mobility.
HD is characterized by lameness (limping), unwillingness to stand or leap, redistribution of weight to the forelimbs, loss of muscular mass in the back limbs, and hip pain.
With the right surgical and medical treatment, a dog with hip dysplasia can live a normal, healthy life. Your dog should get a physical check from your veterinarian every six months to make sure that his joints are healthy and to improve his muscle power and mobility.
Elbow dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia, with the exception that it affects the elbow joint. The underlying cause is the same: incorrect skeletal structure creation prevents joints from moving in their intended directions.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a dangerous medical condition that can be fatal if left untreated. GDV also referred to as “bloat,” occurs when a dog's stomach becomes overstuffed with gas, food, or liquid and twists as a result.
It can progress quickly and seemingly out of nowhere. This is always a situation that needs to be attended to right away and treated medically.
Retching without results (it looks like your dog has to throw up but nothing comes out) is a typical sign of bloat. The abdomen feels huge and hard to the touch. They can have trouble standing up or perhaps collapse, and their breathing might seem labored.
Bloat requires prompt medical intervention because they do not go away on its own, and the majority of the time, surgery is necessary. Otherwise, the dog's stomach would continue to grow larger and larger until it finally burst.
One of the many heart conditions that affect Great Danes is cardiomyopathy. Dogs with cardiomyopathy have weaker than normal heart muscles, which results in enlarged heart chambers and diminished cardiac functionality.
Thyroid Problems
Older or middle-aged dogs are more likely to experience thyroid issues. Like other organs, the thyroid in dogs is most frequently affected by either excessive activity (Hyperthyroidism) or insufficient activity (Hypothyroidism), with the latter being more prevalent.
The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs include skin problems, weight gain, lethargy, and sensitivity to low temperatures.
Excessive shedding may result in some bald patches or thinning hair in some animals. The skin may be flaky and dry, and it may be more prone to bacterial skin infections.
Although not all dogs with Hypothyroidism experience its symptoms in the same manner, most will show some of these signs, which might appear gradually and go unnoticed.
Ectropion
Ectropion is an issue with the eyelids that is seen in Cane Corso. Redness, swelling, and pain are brought on by the infected eyelid folding inside, which causes frequent rubbing against its eyeball. Your Italian Daniff is prone to irreversible eye damage if ectropion is not handled in a timely manner.
Cherry Eye
Dogs who get cherry eyes have enlarged, flaming, and swollen tear ducts (resembling a cherry). Although there is no pain associated with this illness, your dog's continual scratching may make it worse.
Allergies
Environmental allergens can cause allergic reactions in your Italian Daniff by causing its immune system to lose balance. These dogs inherit their susceptibility to allergies from their Great Dane parents, which manifest as itchiness on their skin.
Obesity
Obesity can lead to several health problems. Thyroid, joint, and heart illnesses are among the issues that overweight dogs experience. So, if you control your Italian Daniff's weight, it will have a better chance of living a long and healthy life.
Cancer
Unfortunately, Great Danes are more likely than other dogs to develop certain malignancies. Tumors of the bone, spleen, and lymph nodes can develop and swiftly enlarge to alarming sizes. Some malignancies can be treated quickly, but others need lengthy procedures and chemotherapy.
Wobbler’s Disease
Wobbler's disease is a spinal disorder that primarily affects Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes. It happens when the spinal ligaments swell and press up against the spinal cord, squeezing the spinal cord's delicate nerves and resulting in discomfort and functional decline.
How to Care for a Corso Great Dane Mix
Exercise & Living Conditions
The large and powerful Cane Corso Great Dane Mix needs a daily 30-minute walk to maintain his level of fitness. Ideally, you ought to give him more. Therefore, if you prefer spending your days on the couch and doing nothing, this breed is not for you.
Despite his enormous size, the Italian Daniff dislikes strenuous exercise. While he will enjoy a hike and a leisurely stroll, running around isn't his preferred pastime.
Instead, keep your Italian Daniff confined to a fenced-in area so he can play with interactive dog toys. This gentle giant loves using his muscles while engaging in mentally challenging activities.
Because of their size, they aren't the ideal choice for people who reside in small apartments without a garden.
Italian Daniffs make excellent family dogs since they are fiercely protective. Its affectionate character, which is seen when dealing with kids and other pets at home, balances out this behavior.
However, tiny children and animals should be well watched out for because these massive dogs have a tendency to knock things over even when they don't plan to.
It's also crucial to remember that a Cane Corso Great Dane mix typically dislikes strangers, so if you have visitors, a slow introduction is required.
They normally maintain their composure and avoid becoming agitated or excited. They make good guard dogs because they don't bark excessively in response to disturbances unless attackers enter your property.
Diet & Nutrition
At any stage of its life, a large dog like a Cane Corso Great Dane hybrid needs high-quality dog food to meet its daily nutritional needs. It's vital to remember that a puppy's nutritional requirements may differ from those of an adult.
Adults typically receive 2 to 3 meals per day whereas puppies typically receive 3 to 4 meals per day.
To ensure that the food they are receiving is of sufficient nutritional content, it is essential to consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist about precise meal amounts and feeding methods.
To prevent dehydration and encourage digestion, your dog should always have access to fresh, clean water.
Additionally, to maintain their health and meet their needs for coat maintenance, their diet should include vitamins and supplements.
Training
This crossbreed dog is very smart, just like its parent breeds. They are extremely intelligent, yet they can also be very stubborn. As a result, they may become a little challenging to train. But when they are in the right hands, they can develop into gentle and loving pets.
You will require a lot of time, patience, and consistency, of course. Treats, praise, and constructive criticism work wonderfully. This dog doesn't like to hear its name called out.
Even when you lose patience and the dog disobeys, make an effort to maintain your composure and good nature. Your relationship with your pup will be stronger as a result, and he will be more receptive to your commands.
Socialization is equally as crucial as training. Early socialization can improve your dog's compatibility with other animals and people. Both of its parents are hunters with keen prey instincts.
So, you must always exercise caution while letting your dog near young kids and other animals. While he is still a puppy, try to expose him to as many people and animals as you can.
Once he becomes accustomed to new sounds and surroundings, you will find it much simpler to interact with him in public settings.
However, if you are unable to teach your Cane Corso Great Dane mix on your own, don't be afraid to seek the help of qualified dog trainers. Even though it will cost extra, you and your dog might avoid a lot of frustration if you do it.
Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
As you are already aware, these puppies are the offspring of a Great Dane and a Cane Corso. The mother is usually always a Great Dane since it is always safer to make sure the bigger dog gives birth. It is possible for this to alter, though, as the size disparity is not great.
Breeders hardly ever combine two mixed-breed Cane Corso Great Dane dogs to create the following generation of the cross. When it comes to appearance, these dogs can be unexpected, which makes them a little challenging to sell.
Finding a reputable breeder of first-generation Cane Corso Great Dane mix can be challenging since this hybrid is relatively new, and so the pups are not widely available.
Joining dog forums and searching through regional dog breeder networks are highly advised. Another fantastic strategy to discover Cane Corso Great Dane Mix puppies for sale is to regularly browse the most recent puppy classifieds.
You can find healthy Italian Daniff puppies for sale by networking with other dog lovers and owners and letting them know that you are interested in purchasing this specific designer dog.
Once you have your list of potential breeders, you may be tempted to stick with the one that offers the cheapest pup. However, oftentimes, this is not the right choice.
You shouldn't try to cut costs when getting a new pet. You will almost surely pay back what you initially save plus much more. Reputable breeders conduct a number of health examinations to confirm that both parents are sound dogs with no underlying conditions.
While there is still a chance of a dog getting sick, this greatly lowers the likelihood. Additionally, many breeders begin training their puppies before they are offered for adoption by new homes. This means that training them won't be nearly as difficult as it would be if they weren't socialized from the beginning.
The cost of a Cane Corso Great Dane mix depends on a number of variables, including your location, the breeder's credentials, the pup's pedigree, and the color of its coat. Healthy puppies with rare coat colors typically cost substantially more than pups with common coat hues.
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppy shouldn't cost less than $1,000 overall. Anything less than that could be a sign that you're working with an amateur backyard breeder who doesn't truly understand how to breed dogs.
The Takeaway
A Cane Corso Great Dane mix is not for everyone. They are strong beings that demand a firm hand and a dog owner who can assume the role of the pack leader.
Both the Great Dane and the Cane Corse are working dogs, so you will have to spend a lot of time making sure they get the training and activity they require.
And since this crossbreed contains Cane Corso blood, which can make them difficult to train, you might want to search for another breed, like a purebred Great Dane, if you're a first-time dog owner.
Even so, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix can be a wonderful family pet if you're ready to invest a little more money in a competent, professional dog trainer. These canines can develop into wonderful sweethearts with a little assistance.
They are connected to all of their family members and enjoy the company of children. But they typically develop a close bond with a single person.
Of course, keeping such a large dog alone with young children is never a good idea, regardless of how well-behaved the dog is. You don't want to take the chance because accidents do occur with younger children.
These are large puppies, and they might easily topple small children. In addition, if you don't socialize these dogs with others right on time, they could be uncomfortable around strangers.
Once again, choose a Cane Corso Great Dane mix if you have plenty of living space, older children, and previous experience with handling large dogs.
On the other hand, if you're looking for your first pet dog and live in a small apartment, have young children, or have small animals at home, we advise that you consider other options.
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He is a seasoned writer who has more than 10 years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content for various platforms and audiences. He has worked on diverse projects ranging from articles, social media posts, newsletters and ebooks, covering different topics and niches.
