115-125 lbs
35-36"
Unknown
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.
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.
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.
Written by a German Shepherd lover Kimberly Sharpe
Published: 01/02/2018, edited: 02/24/2021
More articles by Kimberly Sharpe
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
