The Italian Daniff is as close to a real-life gentle giant as you can get. This massive breed is famous for its docile and friendly nature, two things you wouldn’t expect from a breed as big as this one. Italian Daniffs are a Great Dane and Cane Corso crossbreed. These are two huge dogs themselves, and so, it’s no surprise the Italian Daniff is quite as large as it is.
The Great Dane and Cane Corso were originally used as a farm and hunting dogs, so it’s surprising their offspring is as docile and low-energy as it is.
In this post, we’re exploring everything that makes the Italian Daniff the unique and lovable breed it is. By the end of this post, you’ll know if the Italian Daniff is the perfect pooch for you or if this breed is just too big to have a place in your heart and your home.
Also Read: Large Dog Breeds List A-Z with Pictures
What Is A Italian Daniff Breed Dog Breed?
We’ve established that the Italian Daniff Breed is a cross between the Great Dane and Cane Corso, but what else do we know about this big cross-breed? Well, sadly not very much. As is the case with most cross-breeds, there’s a lack of information on where this dog exactly originates from.
It’s presumed that the Italian Daniff Breed was first bred in the USA in the last ten to fifteen years. We’re not sure the reasons behind its initial breeding, but we are thankful someone had the initiative to bring this lovable pup into the world!
Italian Daniff Breed Dog Breed Quick Facts
Italian Daniff Breed Characteristics
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Loving
- Protective
- Compassionate
- Friendly
- Sweet
- Gentle
- Affectionate
- Docile
- Devoted
Where Is The Italian Daniff Breed Dog Breed From?
It’s presumed that the Italian Daniff was first bred somewhere in the USA over the past few decades. It’s parent breeds both have rich and interesting histories, making the Italian Daniff a descendant of some pretty impressive ancestry.
Today, the Italian Daniff is DRA (Dog Registry Association) recognized a beloved breed by millions of Americans.
Italian Daniff Breed Dog Breed Physical Appearance
The Italian Daniff is one of the most striking breeds you’ll ever come across. Standing at over thirty-five inches, this dog is massive. Although big, these pups are still adorable with their drooping eyes and big heads.
As is the case with all cross-breeds and designer dogs, your dog could end up looking more like either one of its parents. Your dog could look more like a Great Dane than a Cane Corso. We think this is what makes owning a cross-breed so special! No two dogs ever look the same.
As well as being big, the Italian Daniff is extremely muscular dogs. With a short coat, big build and a long muzzle, the Italian Daniff can be an intimidating breed to those unfamiliar with them.
Big floppy ears are part of the Italian Daniff’s signature look and can give some Daniff’s a somewhat droopy appearance. These oversized ears, combined with their big glassy eyes, make it difficult for your heart not to melt when you see an Italian Daniff. It’s no wonder this breed is increasing in popularity.
The majority of Italian Daniff’s tend to look more like the Great Dane, but their Cane Corso lineage is evident to those who know what they’re looking for.
An Italian Daniff’s coat comes in a variety of colors: fawn, brown, blue, black, and Isabella. All Italian Daniff’s have the same short fur coats as their parent breeds. Having a short coat means grooming the Italian Daniff tends to be pretty low maintenance.
This breed sheds very rarely. If you want to, you can groom your Italian Daniff with a short bristled brush every few days simply to guarantee its shine. Otherwise, as an owner, your grooming responsibilities are at a minimum with the Italian Daniff.
As is the case for all dogs, checking and trimming their claws every few weeks is necessary. In addition to this, because the Italian Daniff has such large ears, you need to pay special attention to these. Clean your dog’s ears every few weeks to stop the build-up of fluids and irritants that may affect your dog’s hearing.
Oral hygiene is particularly important for the Italian Daniff. Make sure you’re brushing your Italian Daniff’s teeth with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste frequently. If your Daniff’s claws haven’t naturally worn down, clip these with dog nail clippers every few weeks.
Italian Daniff Dog Breed Exercise And Training
You might not think it looking at the size of the Italian Daniff, but the Italian
Daniff is actually a pretty low-energy breed. Some even categorize the Italian Daniff as being lazy! An Italian Daniff only requires one walk of thirty minutes per day.
Although walking needs might be at a minimum, space is very important for a dog of this size, which means an apartment is not appropriate for the Italian Daniff. You need to live in a large house with outdoor space if you’re looking to invest in an Italian Daniff.
Despite being low energy, the Italian Daniff is a friendly breed and will love socializing at the local dog park with other dogs and their owners. Socialize your Italian Daniff pup from a young age to bring out their innate sociability.
Italian Daniff’s love lively environments. Their friendly and docile nature makes them ideal for a home with children. Just be cautious of the size the Italian Daniff will grow to. A large dog might not be a good idea with very small children.
Make sure your Italian Daniff doesn’t get too lazy by engaging them in training and providing them with mentally stimulating dog toys. The Italian Daniff is a clever breed which means they respond well to training.
Some owners have experienced a little stubbornness when it comes to training their Daniff. When their lazy attitude gets the better of them, persevere with training and use reinforcements. Be firm with your Italian Daniff and provide treats when they do as they’re told. The Italian Daniff is a protective dog who is always eager to please. Even if it’s initially a struggle, the Italian Daniff will get the hang of training eventually.
Like all puppies, the Italian Daniff can be remarkably energetic when young. Make sure you’re feeding your Italian Daniff enough dog food to account for these high-energy levels. The Italian Daniff is a big dog, and it needs all the nutrients it can get when growing!
Just be careful not to overfeed the Italian Daniff, these dogs are susceptible to bloat and obesity. Speak to a vet if you’re at all concerned about your Italian Daniff’s eating habits or weight.
Italian Daniff Breed Dog Breed Health
Overall, the Italian Daniff is a pretty healthy breed. As is the case with most cross-breeds, there aren’t too many major health concerns to be aware of. If you’re an Italian Daniff owner, or soon to be one, there are a few health concerns you need to be aware of. These include:
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
- Bloating
The Italian Daniff has a good life expectancy, ranging from eight to twelve years. As long as your dog is kept up to date on their vaccines, exercised daily and trained well, there’s no reason when they shouldn’t live a long and happy life.
To prevent skin irritation and stop your pup from getting chilly in winter, dress your Italian Daniff in a warm dog coat. The Italian Daniff’s short fur can result in them catching a chill in colder environments.
Italian Daniff Breed Parents
The Italian Daniff has two pretty impressive parents. The Great Dane and Cane Corso are two of the most interesting and historically rich dog breeds in existence.
Both these breeds were bred for hunting and guarding.
While the Italian Daniff has inherited its parent protective instincts, their docile nature hinders their ability to be a good guard dog. The Italian Daniff is a quiet dog that won’t bark or get excited very often. If an intruder does enter your home, the Italian Daniff might try to make you aware, but we wouldn’t rely on them to guard your home.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a descendant of an ancient roman war dog. Originally bred for hunting and farming, these dogs are popular guard dog breeds. Their name, ‘Corso’ is a development from ‘Cohors’ which translates to bodyguard in Latin.
In the 1970s the Cane Corso breed was brought back from the verge of extinction. The decrease in the need for dogs of this nature on farms meant the demand for the Cane Corso dropped significantly. Thankfully, lovers of the breed brought them back, and now the Cane Corso is a beloved dog breed across the globe.
Cane Corso’s are a fierce-looking breed with muscular faces and bodies, and a height that can reach up to seventy centimeters. Despite their intimidating appearance, the Cane Corso is a loving, affectionate and loyal breed.
Great Dane
Great Danes are a formidable hunting breed. Initially bred for hunting large animals, the Great Dane is one of the most impressive dog breeds around. The Great Dane has been known to take down animals as big as a bear!
Today, the Great Dane has been domesticated and takes up residency as a loving and loyal pet in millions of Americans homes.
Slightly more elegant that the Cano Corso, the Great Dane has long and lean features and big floppy ears. Despite their size, the Great Dane has a look of innocent playfulness about it.
The Great Dane might still have the body of the fighter, but inside, this breed is as soft as can be. Having a gentle temperament and a love for play makes the Great Dane the perfect pet for families and children. Of course, this dog is one of the biggest in existence, and it’s important to be aware of this if you have a Great Dane in the home!
We think that the Italian Daniff has inherited the Great Dane’s best personality traits.
Summary On The Italian Daniff Breed Dog Breed
The Italian Daniff dog breed is a breed unlike any other. This breed can best be described as a big friendly giant. Despite its towering exterior, the Italian Daniff is a loving and devoted dog.
With a calming and docile temperament, the Italian Daniff is a kind and affectionate accompaniment to any home.
Easy to train, protective, and kind, there are countless reasons why the Italian Daniff makes the ideal pet. Unfortunately, being small in size isn’t one of them. The Italian Daniff is famous for its magnitude, which means this cross-breed isn’t appropriate for small apartment living. Whilst their energy might be low, the space they need isn’t. You need to make sure your Italian Daniff has all the space they need.
Being a cross-breed means the health concerns surrounding this hybrid pup are minimal. For the most part, Italian Daniff is a healthy and happy dog with minor health issues. If you’re an Italian Daniff owner, or soon to be, make sure to familiarize yourself with these possible problems.
Whether you’re an individual, a couple, or a family, the Italian Daniff is a kind and compassionate companion. The Daniff’s love for people makes them ideal pets for a number of circumstances.
As long as you train your dog well and give it the space and love it needs, you and your Italian Daniff should have a long and happy life together.
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.