Daniff Breed Details
Below are breed specs and details for the Daniff.
Daniff Dog Breed
English Mastiff Great Dane
Great Daniff
The Daniff is a hybrid dog which is bred by crossing a Great Dane with a Mastiff. As a hybrid dog the Daniff will inherit the physical and behavioral traits of both the Great Dane and Mastiff dog breeds. However, not all members of this breed will inherit the same characteristics (even if from the same litter). It is recommended to familiarize yourself with both the Mastiff and the Great Dane if you are planning on adopting a Daniff as the breed can have more characteristics of one parent breed than the other.
The Great Dane and the Mastiff are known for being gentle giants, and the Daniff is no exception. It is a very friendly dog with an affectionate disposition, and it will do well with families, children, and other pets. It may have a protective attitude towards strangers but should warm up to them quickly if their owner approves. These dogs do not require a lot of grooming and will make an excellent family companion or work dog.
Daniff Breed Description
The Daniff is very large-sized dog breed. The size of the dog may slightly vary based upon the size of the parent dogs used in breeding, but you can expect an adult to weigh between 115-200+ pounds and reach a height of 28-34+ inches.
These dogs love people and do well with children, though small children should not be left unattended with an adult Daniff since the breed's massive size can easily knock over kids unintentionally. This breed also does well with other pets, especially when they are introduced to them at a younger age. They willingly accept others into their family and will watch over them with a caring and protective eye.
This is a low maintenance dog breed. Their coat does not shed very much and should therefore not require much cleanup or brushing--once a week should be adequate. These dogs do need daily exercise; a 30 minute to one hour walk should be sufficient.
Daniff Breed History
The Mastiff and the Great Dane are ancient breeds with extensive history, but the Daniff itself is a fairly new dog breed and because of this does not have a very detailed history. It is likely that this breed originated in the United States in the past few decades. The International Designer Canine Registry recognized and began registering the Daniff in 2009.
Daniff Appearance
As a crossbreed, these dogs will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds. Not all Daniffs will inherit the same traits which means some may have more Mastiff characteristics, others may have more Great Dane characteristics, and some may show a mix of both parent breeds.
Most Daniffs have a Great Dane-like appearance, but are rounder and thicker due to their Mastiff side. They have an athletic, muscular build and a short, sleek coat. Their head is large and framed by two soft, floppy ears that fall forward onto the cheek. These dogs are great at conveying emotion through their dark, inquisitive eyes and their facial expression.
Daniff Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Daniffs.
Black
Black and White
Gold
Light Brown
Tan
Daniff Temperament
The temperament of this dog is dependent on the behavioral traits inherited from its parents. Some will inherit traits from the Great Dane, others the Mastiff, and some will have a mix of behaviors inherited from both parent breeds.
Despite their size, Daniffs are gentle and caring dogs. They will form a strong bond with their family and should be able to socialize with other pets. They are protective, though they are not aggressive, usually it will bark to alert its owner that someone unfamiliar has arrived. These dogs have no issue accepting others into their home if they see their owner's approval. Other than that, Daniffs should not bark a whole lot, and are generally pretty laid back. Training should not be particularly difficult as these dogs are perceptive and willing to please their owner.
Daniff Maintenance
Daniffs are not difficult to care for and should require low maintenance. Their coat does not shed often and will require minimal brushing. They will need daily exercise in order to remain healthy.
Grooming Requirements
This breed has a very low shedding coat and should only require brushing once or twice a week. They may need their nails clipped occasionally, and they should be introduced to this practice early in life. An adult Daniff is unwieldy and may be very difficult to clip if it decides that it does not want to be bothered.
Exercise Requirements
This is a large dog with a working ancestry and should be exercised daily. A 1-2 mile walk each day along with a play session or two will allow them to burn off extra energy.
Living Requirements
The Daniff can adapt to a wide variety of environments. Their large size makes a home with a yard ideal, though they can live in a small home or apartment if their owner is active and able to meet their daily exercise requirements. Though they love the outdoors, Daniffs will want to be inside with their people when nightfall arrives.
Daniff Health
As a hybrid dog breed, the Daniff has more genetic diversity than its purebred parents which helps with the breed's health and hardiness. These dogs have a life expectancy of 8-10 years. However, the members of this breed can suffer from health issues common in both the Great Dane and the Mastiff, and care should be taken not to let the weight exceed 135 pounds. Other health concerns to watch out for are hip dysplasia and bloat.
Daniff Health Concerns
Below are potential health concerns associated with Daniffs.
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
About this Article
Updated:August 30, 2016