Italian Daniff

115-125 lbs
35-36"
Unknown
Cane Corso
Great Dane
The Italian Daniff is a hybrid designer dog mix. It is a cross between the Cane Corso Italiano and the Great Dane. This massive dog stands 35 to 36 inches at the shoulders and weighs 115 to 130 pounds. The dog’s sheer size makes it less than ideal for a small home or apartment. However, for an owner with ample room, the Italian Daniff is a loyal, loving, protective companion. He is a gentle giant who adores children and other animals. His high intelligence and willingness to please make him easy to train.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Cane Corso Italiano, Great Dane

Italian Daniff Health

Average Size
Male Italian Daniff size stats
Height: 35-36 inches Weight: 115-130 lbs
Female Italian Daniff size stats
Height: 35-36 inches Weight: 115-125 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Allergy Tests
  • Wellness Check
  • Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap

Italian Daniff Breed History

The Italian Daniff combines the good characteristics of both of its parent breeds to create an outstanding breed. The brave Cane Corso Italiano is a direct descendant of the great war dogs of the Romans. Historically, he was used as a guard dog, farmhand, and to hunt game. Its name reflects its guard dog abilities. Cane is the Latin term for ‘dog’ and Corso is derived from the word ‘cohors’ which translates into ‘bodyguard’. The breed started to dramatically decline as many people moved away from conventional farms. In the 1970s, fanciers of the breed worked to bring it back from the brink of extinction. In 2010, the breed gained recognition by the American Kennel Club and was entered into the Working Group. Great Danes were originally ferocious hunters of wild boar. They were also used as guard dogs. The breed can be traced back to 3,000 BC, where it is depicted in drawings in Babylonia. The ancient Assyrians traded their behemoth dogs to Romans, who also favored the breed and continued breeding it. Originally, the large dogs were referred to as Boar Hounds because they were used to hunt wild boar. By the 1600s, the dogs had become a favorite pet of nobility throughout Germany. In the 1700s, the breed became known as the Great Dane. It is believed that the German breeders created the stable and loving dog that is common today. Modern Great Danes exhibit none of the fierce and aggressive characteristics of their ancestors. In 1889, the Great Dane was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club and granted admission into the Working Group.

Italian Daniff Breed Appearance

The Italian Daniff is a massive, muscular dog. His coat is short and rarely sheds. It is very similar to the Great Dane in appearance. The breadth of their chest is far wider than that of the Great Dane and is more similar to the Cane Corso Italiano. Their hindquarters are also well muscled and broad. The dog's overall appearance is that of sheer size and very intimidating to strangers. His head is large with a pronounced muzzle and long, floppy ears. Their feet are very large and they have a loping gait that is unique when compared to other dogs of a similar size.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Italian Daniff eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Italian Daniff nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Italian Daniff coat
Black
isabella Italian Daniff coat
Isabella
blue Italian Daniff coat
Blue
fawn Italian Daniff coat
Fawn
brown Italian Daniff coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Italian Daniff straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Italian Daniff Breed Maintenance

The short coat of the Italian Daniff rarely sheds. It requires very little care but he can be brushed every few days to keep his fur shining and remove any loose hairs. Some owners brush their dog’s teeth to remove plaque and keep the dog’s breath smelling acceptable. The long, floppy ears should be wiped clean of any debris every week. His toenails may wear down naturally but if they don’t, then you can use dog nail clippers to keep them short. He rarely has any physical doggy smell, but some owners opt to bathe their dog once a month to keep him smelling fresh.

Italian Daniffs often suffer from elbow dysplasia, bloat, and other serious health conditions. Secure pet health insurance today to avoid high veterinary care costs. Our pet insurance tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like Figo and Spot. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

Brushes for Italian Daniff
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Italian Daniff requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Italian Daniff Temperament

The Italian Daniff is protective but sweet to his beloved owners. He is a gentle dog who adores children and gets along well with other pets. He is highly intelligent and learns quickly. This dog’s personality is very laid back and easy-going. He rarely gets excited. If you are looking for a pooch that barks when he hears noises, then you will need to look elsewhere because the Italian Daniff rarely barks unless he encounters a sudden intruder.

Italian Daniff Activity Requirements

The large and muscular Italian Daniff requires a daily thirty-minute walk to keep his form tone. However, despite his big size, he does not require excessive exercise.  He is not a good jogging partner and rarely likes to run. Despite his dislike of running, he is a great canine to take to the dog park because he loves other dogs and people. He doesn’t jump well because of his large size. This big boy does enjoy a walk with his owner because it is a chance to interact with his beloved person.  When he becomes heated, he can drool a bit so it is a good idea to carry along a washcloth to clean his face.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Italian Daniff Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$45.00 - $65.00
food bag monthly cost

Italian Daniff Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Italian Daniff size stats at six months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 72.5 lbs
Female Italian Daniff size stats at six months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Italian Daniff size stats at 12 months
Height: 35.5 inches Weight: 122.5 lbs
Female Italian Daniff size stats at 12 months
Height: 35.5 inches Weight: 117.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Italian Daniff size stats at 18 months
Height: 35.5 inches Weight: 122.5 lbs
Female Italian Daniff size stats at 18 months
Height: 35.5 inches Weight: 117.5 lbs

Italian Daniff Owner Experiences

Stitch
10 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
cuddle time
Napping
Stitch has been an absolute delight and is just a giant kid. Only 10.5 months but had her since she was 8 weeks old. She loves the whole family and is very protective of my daughters. I tested this by hugging my daughters and having them pretend cry, scream and Stitch runs and pushes me off and or grabs me by the arm and pulls me away. Love her walks and just started taking her to a dog park and she loves it. Watching her play and protect other dogs is a joy. Couldn't be happier with this breed choice
5 months, 1 week ago
Rodney
4 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So far so good he’s very cuddly and guarded
6 months ago
Da'Vinci
2 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking
Got him at 8 weeks, he is a Velcro dog for sure. We are bestfriends in his eyes and he wants to be wherever I am always. Extremely protective, can be territorial, unaware of his size, thinks he is an actual baby.
1 year ago
Suki
8 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Playing
Dog Parks
She is a bit Cheeky but no one can get mad at her cute face
1 year, 6 months ago
Meshak
11 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bath time
Run
Tug-of-war
He is very smart and very sleepy he I 11 weeks and 27-30 lbs he is huge
1 year, 8 months ago
Smokey
14 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Smokey will smile at me when he sees me. Nibbles on my toes. Or when I take him out the first thing Smokey does put his mouth around my forearm then Smokey does my other forearm then he’s happy.
2 years, 5 months ago
Rosie
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rosie is almost 100 pounds, and is addicted to the dog park ! She would play over 12 hours a day if we wood let her …… Play time never seems to be enough for her. She is a beautiful blue girl with grey droopy eyes. Loves to sit on my on the couch, cuz she really doesn’t get that she is huge. Hope she mellows out real soon though !!! 💜
2 years, 9 months ago
Rio
5 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Woodland walks
Our Rio is very protective of the children and whole heartedly believes he is a human 🤣 He was easy to train and Is a very good boy, he barks more than he probably should at noises and is always on guard even when asleep he hears a pin drop and he is up. Lovely caring needy little (big) baby
3 years, 2 months ago
Rufus
10 Weeks
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Training / walking
Explore the woods
Super smart, easy to train, little shedding. We are used to Boxers. This cross breed is a great combination of size and good nature.
4 years, 4 months ago
Chivo
6 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking and lounging on the couch
He is a wonderful dog but very rambunctious due to his young age. He does not realize how big he is and can be dangerous to have around elderly people or small childrenuntil he mellows out and is better able to control his excitement.overall a wonderful dog in the making though
4 years, 3 months ago
Rufus
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Very intelligent, strong willed, but eager to please. We have had Boxers for the past 30 yrs. This is just a bigger package . Coloration is the first thing people react to. Very unique.
4 years, 3 months ago
Capone
4 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetc
Dog Parks
Walk
Hide & Seek
My Italian Daniff is about to be 4 months old. He is probably the most chill dog I’ve ever had! He has his spurts of energy but it doesn’t last very long. He’s extremely vocal (talks). He sometimes barks when he’s playing, when someone walks by or tries to walk up to me and he doesn’t know the person but other than that he doesn’t bark. He sleeps ALOT! He is 34 lbs and thinks he’s a lap dog! Eager to please and very intelligent! Doesn’t shed at all.
3 years, 10 months ago
THOR
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My dog Thor is the nicest dog ever he gets overly excited meeting any new human or any type of other animal. He is easy to train (with food) and great with my little one.I can leave food on my coffee table and leave for hours and when I come back it will still be there (he does let me Know it's there though). I have had 3 Great Danes and grew up with different Shepard breeds. The Daniff is my favorite breed and will be the only breed I will ever want to have.
3 years, 7 months ago
Stella Gibson
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Nap
Stella is a chill pup, which I absoultely love. At times she has spells of excitement but that does not last very long. She's very attached to me and super friendly with the rest of my family. My 3-year-old niece is timid around dogs but Stella is quite gentle around her.
3 years, 7 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

Considering dogs in the Mastiff family and Great Danes. Was wondering what all you would recommend? Parents had great danes up to when i was about 7 (im 28 now). I live alone in an apartment so it would be just the two of us. I dont mind hiring a sitter the first couple weeks until he/she is trained and comfortable at home until i get home (i leave at 6am and get home 3:30ish). I know i definitely want a “giant breed”. Complex has a dog park on site

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd