If you’re looking for a dog that will turn heads with its large size and unique looks, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix is one of the best pets you can get. Not only is it an affectionate dog, but both parent breeds have equally fascinating histories, which we share below, along with other helpful information about this loyal dog. Despite their intimidating demeanor, these gentle giants have plenty to offer and may just be your next best friend.
What is the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix?
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is also known as the Great Corso, Cane Dane dog, or the Italian Daniff dog and is a cross between the Cane Corso Italiano and the Great Dane breeds. This resulted in a muscular dog of enormous size; while this may seem “scary” to some people, many dog owners recognize this dog as a calm and intelligent breed and are praised as an excellent companion. Furthermore, the Great Dane Cane Corso mix is the perfect combination of both dogs, which exhibit the character and appearance of their parents.
When you first look at it, this dog may seem like a purebred dog because the parents look so similar but once you give it a closer inspection, you will be able to tell the difference. You’ll also find that Italian Daniff puppies are among the cutest furbabies; these first-generation pups are still evolving, and aren’t well-known yet. But as time passes, experts believe that they will be a lot more popular than many of today’s favorite breeds.
History of Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
While both the Great Dane and the Cane Corso descended from a molossus-type dog (dogs kept by the Molossians, an ancient Greek tribe), the exact details about the origins of these dogs are unknown. What we do know is that the Great Dane has been around even before Roman times, and is believed to have descended from wolf dogs. Known for their prowess in hunting wild boar as well as big bears, they also worked as guard dogs for people’s homes.
The dogs were initially known as Boar Hounds but by the 1600s, they were so popular in homes that they were kept as pets and companions, and by the 1700s, the name Great Dane was given to them. As the years passed, they became more affectionate and lost their aggressive and hunting traits. In 1889, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and was classified as working dogs.
The Cane Corso, on the other hand, is a direct descendant of the Molossus dog, and was used as a war dog in ancient Rome, while its name translates to “bodyguard dog.” While this dog has been around since ancient times, a lack of interest pushed them to near extinction. Luckily, breed enthusiasts bred them again in Italy, and their numbers grew once again.
It was in 2010 when the AKC recognized the Cane Corso as a purebred dog and categorized it under the Working Group breed. However, just like every other mixed breed dog, the Italian Daniff dog isn’t recognized as a breed of its own. Even so, they are a great breed with parents who come with a rich history and will make for fantastic family dogs.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Appearance
Because they’re a relatively new breed, there are no specific breed standards for the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix and there’s no way to tell which dominant parent genes will appear in each litter. One thing is for sure though; you can expect to get a big pup with strong bones that will grow into a massive dog. They also tend to resemble their Great Dane parent more but will also have a more muscular body like the Cane Corso.
Since they’re such large dogs, you expect them to grow as heavy as 130 pounds and stand between 34 to 36 inches tall, and will quickly become bigger until they are fully grown after a year. Even so, this designer dog can still grow an inch or two and weigh even heavier depending on its nutrition and pedigree. But because of their size, they’re not the best dogs to have around small homes and can become bored without a lot of space for moving.
This designer breed comes with floppy ears much like its parents and will have a glossy and smooth coat that comes in various colors such as isabella, brown, fawn, and blue. However, if either parent has the merle genes, their offspring can come with merle coats, which result in having color patches throughout the coat. This dog also comes with a large head due to its massive size and will often move slowly or appear lethargic unless they’re excited by something.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Temperament
The Cane Corso Great Dane Mix is a very protective dog with a balanced temperament and is known to be an affectionate dog that can get along with kids and other pets. Just keep in mind that supervision is needed when they interact with animals and small children because their big bodies can get in the way even if they don’t intend to. You should also know that these dogs don’t like strangers, so be sure to introduce new people gradually.
They will typically exhibit a calm side and won’t usually get excited or jumpy; these dogs won’t usually bark at noises unless an intruder comes inside your property, making them an excellent choice for guard dogs. But even with their great personality, early socialization is still a must for all kinds of pups and will help them become more comfortable with meeting new faces. Overall, the Great Dane Cane Corso mix is a stable, mild-tempered dog that will produce similar offspring.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Training and Exercise
Much like their large breed parents, Cane Corso Great Dane mixes are very intelligent dogs, and when given proper training and socialization can learn basic commands as puppies. Treats and positive reinforcement can go a long way when training them, but you can be sure that you won’t have a hard time teaching these natural learners. Just watch how many treats they eat since this dog can gain weight quickly.
Luckily, Great Dane Cane Corso mixed dogs won’t need much exercise compared to other large dog breeds. Among the largest dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd, these dogs don’t need much exercise, and taking them on a 30-minute walk around the park is all they need.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Grooming
Fortunately for pet parents looking for a pooch that won’t shed and trigger their allergies, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix comes with a short coat. These dogs are also low-maintenance but that doesn’t mean that you should get lazy with them. Their fur will need brushing twice or thrice a week while bathing should only be done once a month depending on their activities.
Furthermore, it’s best to brush your dog’s teeth daily to maintain their mouth health and to give them fresh breath while dental chews and chew toys can strengthen their gums and teeth. Their ears will need a good cleaning to remove debris and to help them avoid ear infections. Much like every other dog, nail clipping is a must; not just for hygiene but also to keep your pooch comfortable and injury-free.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Diet
When you own a huge dog breed, nothing is more important than providing it with proper nutrition, so you’ll need to give it high-quality dog food at every life stage. But you should also understand that puppies will come with a different set of dietary needs compared to adults. While puppies will need 3 to 4 times of feeding every day, adults should only be fed between 2 to 3 meals each day.
If you’re unsure about the specific kind and amount of food to give to your pooch, be sure to consult your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist for the right advice. Be sure to always provide your dog with clean and fresh water to help with digestion and prevent dehydration. Furthermore, you should include supplements and vitamins in their daily diet to help giant dog breeds maintain their coat and health maintenance needs.
Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Health
These dogs will come with a life expectancy of around 8 to 12 years depending on their lineage and whether they get proper care which will be entirely up to their family. Another thing to consider is where you get your Cane Corso Great Dane mix; be sure to only speak with a reputable breeder to ensure they are free from genetic defects. Generally speaking, they are healthy dogs but they may still face potential health issues, which include the following.
- Cherry Eye: As the name suggests, cherry eye is a painful condition where the dog’s eyelid may pop out. When left untreated, it may lead to conjunctivitis and eye ulcers but can be corrected with surgery.
- Hip Dysplasia: Large breed dogs, including the Great Dane, Italian Mastiff, and their offspring will be prone to this condition, which results in the instability of their hip joints. It may lead to a decrease in mobility and may cause them pain.
- Heart Disease: While there’s not much you can do to prevent heart disease once your dog is born, it’s a good idea to check for heart-screening programs that can prevent the parents from passing it on to their pups.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Much like the condition above, it causes pain and lower mobility in dogs but affects the skeletal structure of the elbow instead of the hips.
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV): This condition is also called bloat and happens when the dog’s stomach fills with too much air, which results in a twisted stomach. As such, it’s considered a surgical and medical emergency that will need immediate attention.
- Obesity: Pet owners should always take an active part in ensuring their dog’s health by preventing too much weight gain. Obesity takes place when dogs eat too much food but don’t get enough exercise, leading to excess weight.
Apart from buying your Cane Corso Great Dane mix from a trusted breeder, the best way to keep your dog in top shape is to take it to regular vet visits. You can also look into getting your dog a series of genetic and health tests to help determine the risk for health problems early on.
How Much Does the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix Cost?
On average, a Cane Corso Great Dane mix puppy will cost between $800 to $1,000 when purchased from a good breeder but may cost as much as $1,500 depending on its lineage. They come with such a high price tag because both parents are recognized by the AKC and are famous around the world. Unfortunately, getting your hands on this hybrid breed can be difficult because it’s still quite new.
You should also remember that the cost of the puppy is just the start of your expenses with this breed. All of the essential things for their care and nutrition should already be available once they come home with you. Consider the various costs that you’ll need to pay for, which will include the following.
- Food: Around $100 to $120
- Water and bowls: Around $15 to $35
- Crate: Around $60 to $500
- Bed: Around $50 to $200
- Toys: Around $30 to $50
- Leashes and Collars: Around $15 to $50
- Grooming Essentials: Around $40 to $180
- Dog License: Around $10 to $20
- First few vet visits: Around $100 to $300
- First few vaccine shots: Around $75 to $200
- And more
As a responsible dog owner, you will need to be prepared for everything that your pet will need while under your care. It’s not enough to be willing to adopt one of these big dogs; you will need to be dedicated to raising them properly so be sure to start preparing to give them a life in your home.
Where to Adopt Your Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
As mentioned, the Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a relatively new breed and you should take some time doing research on where to best get your puppy to ensure it will come from somewhere reputable. Unfortunately, there are currently no breeders that exclusively produce this breed but you can look for Cane Corso or Great Dane breeders online that may also breed this hybrid. If you have no luck here, you can try to adopt one which is much more affordable; you don’t just save money but you’re also saving a life.
This is a win-win situation, so be sure to look into the following organizations and rescue shelters that will hopefully have these great dogs:
- Must Love Corsos Rescue
- Great Dane Rescue
- Cane Corso Rescue
However, before you contact any organization or breeder, be sure to do some research online on how to purchase or adopt a puppy, especially if this is your first time. This will help you become better equipped during your hunt for the right dog for your home and family. You should also stay away from backyard breeders and puppy mills — their prices might be cheaper but this will come with unethical and questionable breeding practices.
Conclusion
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a big, yet calm dog that loves spending time with its humans; while they are prone to certain health conditions, this loving dog won’t ask for much. Fortunately, it only needs the best dog food but not much activity to live a healthy lifestyle. If you’re taking one home for the first time, you may need a professional dog trainer to keep it well-behaved.
It won’t take much time for them to become great family pets as long as you’re willing to give them the love and care they deserve.
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