If you are looking for a large and loyal dog that can protect your home and family, you might want to consider the Cane Corso Great Dane mix. This designer dog, the Italian Daniff or the Great Corso, is a cross between two ancient and powerful breeds: the Cane Corso Italiano and the Great Dane. Let’s explore this massive dog’s history, appearance, temperament, health, and care.
History of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a relatively new hybrid with no straightforward origin story. However, we can learn more about this dog by examining its parent breeds.
The Cane Corso Italiano is a descendant of the Molossus, a large and muscular dog used for war and hunting in ancient Rome. The Cane Corso was bred to guard farms, hunt wild boar, and protect family members. The breed almost became extinct after World War II but was revived by enthusiasts in the 1970s. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the cane corso as a working breed 2010.
The Great Dane is also a descendant of the Molossus, but its development took place in Germany in the Middle Ages. The great Dane was bred to hunt large game animals such as deer and bears and later became a companion and guard dog for nobility. The breed was known as the German boarhound until the 19th century when it was renamed the great dane after its popularity in Denmark. The AKC recognized the great dane as a working breed in 1887.
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix combines the best traits of both parent’s breeds into one giant dog breed that can be an excellent choice for families providing enough space, exercise, and attention for this dog.
The Appearance of the Cane Corso Great Dane Mix
The Cane Corso Great Dane mixed breed is a very muscular dog with wide and strong bones. They closely resemble the features of a great Dane, but they are much broader, just like their cane corso parent. This designer dog has floppy ears, just like their parents, but sometimes they undergo ear cropping to make them look more intimidating.
The coat of the Cane Corso Great Dane mix is short and smooth and requires little care. The coat colors vary depending on the parents, but some common ones are black, blue, fawn, brindle, harlequin, merle, white, mantle, silver, red, and gray.
The size of the Cane Corso Great Dane mix can also vary depending on the parents, but they are generally very large dogs. The average height of this dog is between 34 to 36 inches at the shoulder, and the average weight is between 115 to 130 pounds. However, some dogs can grow even more significant than that.
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Personality Traits
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a gentle giant that loves its family and is loyal to them. They are intelligent; calm dogs trained easily with positive reinforcement. They are also protective dogs that guard their home and family from threats.
However, due to their size and strength, they are not suitable for inexperienced or timid owners. They need proper training and socialization from an early age to prevent them from becoming aggressive or dominant. They also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix can get along well with other pets and children from puppyhood if they are raised with them. However, they may have difficulty with strangers or new people due to their natural wariness. They may also need to be made aware of their enormous size and may accidentally knock over small children or objects.
Cane Corso Great Dane needs a large yard or farm to run freely and burn off their energy. They also need a lot of human interaction and do not like being left alone for long periods.
Health Issues of This Breed
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is generally healthy and can live up to 12 years. However, like any large breed dog, they are prone to some health problems that owners should be aware of. Some of these include:
- Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket, causing pain and mobility issues. This can be prevented by keeping the dog at a healthy weight and avoiding excessive exercise in puppyhood.
- Elbow dysplasia: This is a condition where the elbow joint does not develop properly, causing pain and lameness. This can be treated with surgery or medication but may also require lifelong management.
- Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, causing pressure on the organs and blood vessels. This can be prevented by feeding the dog small meals throughout the day, avoiding exercise right after eating and raising the food bowl to prevent air swallowing.
- Heart disease is when the heart becomes enlarged or weak, causing difficulty in pumping blood. It is mainly caused by genetic or environmental factors such as obesity or infection. This can be treated with medication or surgery but may shorten the dog’s lifespan.
- Cancer is a condition where abnormal cells grow and spread in the body, causing tumors and organ failure. This can be caused by genetic factors or environmental factors such as exposure to toxins or radiation and can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation but may also be fatal.
To prevent or detect these health issues early, owners should take their Cane Corso Great Dane mix to regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings. They should also provide their dog proper nutrition, exercise, and care.
Caring, Exercising, & Diet Tips
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a low-maintenance dog that does not require much grooming. Their short coat only needs occasional brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. They also need regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing to prevent infections and dental problems.
They are high-energy dog that needs at least an hour of daily exercise. They enjoy walking, jogging, hiking, playing fetch, or swimming. They also need mental stimulation such as puzzle toys, obedience training, or agility courses to keep them from getting bored or destructive.
Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a large dog that needs a lot of food to fuel its growth and activity. They should be fed high-quality dog food specially formulated for large breed dogs. They should also have access to fresh water at all times.
Cane Corso Great Danes are loving dogs that need attention and affection from their owners. They should be treated as part of the family and included in family activities. They should also be socialized with other people and animals from an early age to prevent them from becoming shy or aggressive.
Is the Cane Corso and Great Dane Mix Right for You?
If you are looking for a giant dog breed that can guard your home and family and have enough space, time, and experience to handle this dog, then the Cane Corso and Great Dane mixed breed might be right for you. However, it might not suit you if you are looking for a small or low-energy dog that only needs a little attention or exercise.
Before you decide to get a Cane Corso Great Dane mix, make sure you do your research and find a reputable breeder or rescue group that can provide you with more information about this dog. You should also meet the parents and the puppies in person to see if they are healthy and well-socialized.
The Cane Corso Great Dane mix is a rare dog found easily in pet stores or online ads. However, if you are lucky enough to see one of these gentle giants, you will have a loyal and loving companion for life.