English Mastiff Mixed With Great Dane

What Is an English Mastiff Mixed With Great Dane?

The English Mastiff mixed with Great Dane — most commonly called the Daniff — is a designer cross between two of the tallest, heaviest dog breeds on Earth. When you combine an English Mastiff (AKC record holder for mass) with a Great Dane (AKC record holder for height), the result is a dog that can stand over 30 inches at the shoulder and tip the scales at 150+ pounds. This is not a mix for the faint of heart, the small of home, or the tight of budget.

Unlike Poodle-based designer breeds (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles), the Daniff has no established multigenerational breeding programs. Most Daniffs you'll encounter are F1 first-generation crosses — meaning one purebred English Mastiff parent and one purebred Great Dane parent. This matters enormously for predicting what your puppy will look and act like, because F1 crosses carry maximum genetic variability from both parent lines.

Parent Breed Breakdown: English Mastiff vs. Great Dane

Understanding the Daniff requires understanding both parents. These breeds share some traits (gentle temperament, drooling, short coats) but differ significantly in build, energy, and health profiles.

Parent Breed Comparison Table

Trait	English Mastiff	Great Dane
AKC Weight Range	120–230 lb (54–104 kg)	110–175 lb (50–79 kg)
AKC Height Range	27.5–30+ in (70–76+ cm)	28–32+ in (71–81+ cm)
Build	Massive, broad, heavy-boned	Tall, athletic, elegant
Coat	Short, straight, dense	Short, smooth, glossy
Energy Level	Low — couch potato supreme	Low to moderate — needs daily walks
Temperament	Calm, protective, loyal, stubborn	Friendly, gentle, people-oriented
Lifespan	6–10 years	7–10 years
Drool Factor	Extreme	Moderate to high
Shedding	Moderate, seasonal	Moderate, year-round

Source: AKC English Mastiff Breed Standard and AKC Great Dane Breed Standard

How Big Will an English Mastiff Mixed With Great Dane Get?

This is the question every prospective Daniff owner asks, and the honest answer is: very big, but the exact number is a gamble. Because both parent breeds are giant-class dogs, the Daniff will always be a giant dog. The variability lies in where within the giant spectrum your individual dog lands.

Daniff Size Range Estimates

Measurement	Low End (Dane-leaning)	High End (Mastiff-leaning)
Adult Weight (Males)	130–160 lb (59–73 kg)	180–220+ lb (82–100+ kg)
Adult Weight (Females)	110–140 lb (50–64 kg)	150–180 lb (68–82 kg)
Height at Shoulder	28–30 in (71–76 cm)	30–34 in (76–86 cm)
Time to Full Size	18–24 months	24–36 months (fills out to 3 years)

A practical note from experience: giant breeds grow slowly. A Daniff puppy may reach 80% of adult height by 12 months but won't finish filling out in chest width and muscle mass until age 2–3. This extended growth period is why giant-breed puppy food (formulated for slower growth rates) is critical — rapid growth in giant puppies dramatically increases the risk of developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia.

Temperament: What to Expect From a Daniff

Both parent breeds share a core trait: they're gentle giants who form deep bonds with their families. But "gentle giant" doesn't mean "easy dog." The Daniff's temperament falls on a spectrum, and where your dog lands depends on genetics, socialization, and which parent they take after more.

Best-Case Temperament Scenario

Your Daniff inherits the Great Dane's outgoing friendliness combined with the Mastiff's calm steadiness. The result is a dog who greets visitors warmly, lounges peacefully at home, tolerates children with patience, and responds well to positive reinforcement training. These dogs are often described as "the world's biggest lapdog" — they want to be touching you at all times despite weighing more than most adults.

Challenging Temperament Scenarios

Less commonly discussed but equally possible: your Daniff inherits the Mastiff's wariness of strangers and stubborn streak, combined with the Great Dane's size and occasional boisterousness. This gives you a 160-pound dog who is suspicious of guests, resistant to commands they don't see the point of, and physically powerful enough to drag an adult off their feet on a leash.

Some Daniffs also inherit a protective instinct from the Mastiff side. This isn't aggression — it's a watchful, positioning behavior where the dog places themselves between their owner and perceived threats. In a 180-pound animal, even mild protective behavior can be intimidating and requires early, consistent socialization.

Trait Variability: Predictable vs. Unpredictable

One of the biggest mistakes prospective Daniff owners make is assuming the puppy will be a perfect 50/50 blend of both breeds. F1 crosses don't work that way. Here's what you can and can't predict.

Trait Variability Chart

Trait	Predictability	Why
Size class (giant)	✅ Highly predictable	Both parents are giant breeds — no scenario where this is a small dog
Coat length (short)	✅ Highly predictable	Both breeds have short, single coats
Gentle with family	✅ Generally predictable	Both breeds are known for family devotion
Exact adult weight	❌ Unpredictable	90+ lb spread between lightest Dane and heaviest Mastiff
Head shape (broad vs. narrow)	❌ Unpredictable	Mastiff's brachycephalic tendencies vs. Dane's dolichocephalic structure
Drool level	⚠️ Somewhat predictable	Likely moderate to extreme — depends on lip flews inheritance
Protective vs. friendly to strangers	❌ Unpredictable	Mastiff's guarding instinct vs. Dane's openness — either can dominate
Coat color	❌ Unpredictable	Danes carry many color genes (harlequin, merle, mantle); Mastiffs are typically fawn/apricot/brindle

Is a Daniff Hypoallergenic or Low-Shedding?

No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic, and the Daniff inherits a short, dense coat that sheds moderately year-round with heavier seasonal blows (typically spring and fall). You will find short, stiff hairs embedded in furniture, clothing, and car upholstery.

On the grooming side, the Daniff is refreshingly low-maintenance:

• Brushing: A rubber curry brush (like the Kong ZoomGroom) or a bristle brush 2–3 times per week removes loose hair and distributes skin oils. During seasonal sheds, daily brushing with a deshedding tool helps.
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle canine shampoo — giant breeds have large skin surface areas and can develop dry skin if bathed too frequently with harsh products.
• Nail trimming: Every 2–3 weeks. Giant breed nails grow quickly and overgrown nails alter foot mechanics, contributing to joint stress. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
• Facial wrinkle care: If your Daniff inherits the Mastiff's facial folds, clean between wrinkles daily with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Moisture trapped in wrinkles leads to bacterial and yeast infections (intertrigo).
• Ear cleaning: Weekly checks; clean with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser if waxy buildup appears. Floppy-eared Daniffs (inheriting Mastiff-style ears) need more attention than those with Dane-style erect or semi-erect ears.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor Myth vs. Reality

Let's address this directly: the idea that mixed-breed dogs are automatically healthier than purebreds is a dangerous oversimplification. The concept of "hybrid vigor" (heterosis) does have a basis in genetics — increased genetic diversity can reduce the risk of recessive inherited diseases. But heterosis provides a statistical advantage at the population level, not a guarantee for your individual dog.

Here's the reality for Daniffs: both parent breeds share overlapping health vulnerabilities, which means crossbreeding doesn't eliminate risk — it may simply change which risks are more likely. A Daniff can inherit any condition common to either parent breed.

Inherited Health Conditions to Screen For

Condition	From Which Parent	Screening Method	Estimated Cost
Hip Dysplasia	Both breeds (high prevalence)	OFA/PennHIP radiograph	$200–$400
Elbow Dysplasia	Both breeds	OFA radiograph	$150–$300
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)	Great Dane (especially prevalent)	Echocardiogram + Holter monitor	$400–$800
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Both breeds (deep-chested dogs)	No screening — preventive gastropexy surgery	$300–$800 (prophylactic, during spay/neuter)
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)	Both breeds (giant breed risk)	No screening — monitor for limb lameness	N/A (treatment: $5,000–$15,000+)
Hypothyroidism	English Mastiff	Thyroid panel (T4, free T4, TSH)	$80–$200
Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylomyelopathy)	Great Dane	MRI or CT scan if symptoms appear	$1,500–$3,000 (diagnostic imaging)

How Much Does a Daniff Cost? Pricing and Availability

The Daniff is not a commonly bred designer mix, which creates an unusual market dynamic: there are fewer dedicated breeders, but also less demand than for popular doodle mixes. This can work in your favor on price but against you on availability.

Buying From a Breeder

• Typical price range: $800–$2,500 per puppy (2026 estimates)
• Low end ($800–$1,200): Usually backyard breeders or accidental litters. Health testing of parents is unlikely. Buyer beware.
• Mid range ($1,200–$1,800): Small-scale hobby breeders who may health-test parents. Ask for OFA hip/elbow certifications and a cardiac evaluation for the Great Dane parent.
• High end ($1,800–$2,500+): Breeders who perform full health panels on both parents, provide early neurological stimulation (ENS), raise puppies in-home, and offer health guarantees and take-back clauses.

Adoption and Rescue

Daniffs and similar giant-breed mixes appear in rescue with some regularity — often because owners underestimated the size, cost, or exercise needs of a giant dog. Check these resources:

• Great Dane rescue organizations (Great Dane Rescue Inc., Harlequin Great Dane Rescue) occasionally take in Dane mixes
• Mastiff rescue groups (Mastiff Rescue, Inc.) may encounter Mastiff mixes
• General giant-breed rescues and local shelters in areas where giant breeds are popular
• Adoption fees: Typically $200–$500, often including spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and microchipping

First-Year Ownership Costs (Beyond the Puppy)

The purchase price is just the entry fee. Giant breeds cost significantly more to maintain than average dogs:

• Food: $120–$200/month for high-quality giant-breed kibble (expect to feed 6–10 cups daily for an adult). Look for AAFCO complete-and-balanced statements and formulas specifically designed for giant breeds.
• Veterinary care (first year): $800–$1,500 (puppy vaccination series, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention, fecal exams)
• Heartworm prevention: $80–$150/year — dosing is weight-based, and giant-breed doses are the most expensive tier
• Crate: $150–$300 for a 54-inch extra-large wire crate (the minimum for a dog this size)
• Bed: $80–$200 for an orthopedic giant-breed bed — important for joint support
• Pet insurance: $70–$140/month for a giant-breed puppy (rates from major providers like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide as of 2026). Many owners consider this essential given the $5,000–$15,000+ cost of treating conditions like bloat or osteosarcoma.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Daniff?

The Daniff is a magnificent dog in the right home — and a disaster in the wrong one. Here's an honest assessment of fit.

This Mix Suits You If:

• You have experience with large or giant breeds (this is not an ideal first-dog choice)
• You live in a home with ample floor space — a single-story ranch or a house with large rooms, not a studio apartment
• You can commit to 30–60 minutes of daily moderate exercise (two leash walks plus yard time)
• You're prepared for the financial reality: $2,500–$5,000+ annually in routine care, plus emergency fund capacity for giant-breed health crises
• You want a calm, devoted companion rather than a high-energy working dog
• You're comfortable with drool, shedding, and a dog who will lean against you with 150+ pounds of affection
• You have a fenced yard (minimum 5-foot fence — Daniffs aren't typically escape artists, but their size means low fences are easily stepped over)

Look at a Different Breed If:

• You live in an apartment or small home with limited floor space
• You have very young children — a Daniff won't intentionally harm a child, but an accidental bump from a 150-pound dog can knock a toddler down
• You're a first-time dog owner with no experience managing large, strong dogs
• You cannot afford giant-breed food costs, veterinary bills, or pet insurance
• You want a hypoallergenic or low-shedding dog
• You travel frequently and need a dog who can easily stay with sitters (many boarding facilities have weight limits or giant-breed surcharges)

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Daniff?

The Daniff is a cross between the English Mastiff and the Great Dane. Both are recognized by the AKC as members of the Working Group. The English Mastiff is the heavier, broader breed, while the Great Dane is the taller, more athletic of the two.

How big will an English Mastiff mixed with Great Dane get?

Expect a male Daniff to weigh between 130 and 220+ pounds (59–100+ kg) and stand 28–34 inches (71–86 cm) at the shoulder. Females typically weigh 110–180 pounds (50–82 kg). The exact size depends on which parent breed's genes dominate, the size of the individual parents, and nutrition during growth.

What will the temperament be like?

Most Daniffs are gentle, loyal, and family-oriented — traits shared by both parent breeds. However, individual temperament varies. Some lean toward the Mastiff's calm, watchful nature and may be reserved with strangers. Others inherit the Great Dane's outgoing friendliness. Early socialization (exposure to diverse people, environments, and experiences between 8–16 weeks) is critical regardless of genetic tendency.

Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No. Both parent breeds have short, shedding coats. A Daniff will shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. They are not hypoallergenic and will produce dander. If allergies are a concern, this is not the right mix for your household.

What health issues might a Daniff inherit?

The most significant health risks include hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, particularly from the Great Dane side), gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), osteosarcoma, and hypothyroidism. Consult your veterinarian about a proactive health screening plan and discuss prophylactic gastropexy to reduce bloat risk. Regular cardiac evaluations are recommended starting at age 3.

How much does a Daniff cost?

Puppy prices range from $800 to $2,500 depending on the breeder's practices and health testing. Adoption fees through rescue organizations typically run $200–$500. First-year ownership costs (food, veterinary care, supplies, insurance) typically total $3,000–$6,000 beyond the purchase price.

How long do Daniffs live?

The expected lifespan is 7–10 years, consistent with both parent breeds. Giant breeds unfortunately have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. The most common causes of death are cardiac disease (DCM), cancer (particularly osteosarcoma), and bloat. Proactive veterinary care, maintaining a lean body condition score (BCS of 4–5 on the 9-point scale), and avoiding obesity can help maximize both lifespan and quality of life.

Are Daniffs good with children?

Generally yes — both parent breeds are known for patience with children. However, their sheer size creates an accidental-injury risk for toddlers and small children. Always supervise interactions, teach children not to climb on or startle the dog, and provide the dog with a retreat space. Never leave any giant-breed dog alone with young children.

This article provides educational information based on breed standards, veterinary references including the Merck Veterinary Manual, and AKC breed profiles. It does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health decisions regarding your individual dog.