Facts & Origin
Origin of the Bull Daniff (Great Dane × Bullmastiff)
The Daniff originally refers to the crossing of a Great Dane with a Mastiff (usually the English Mastiff). However, in practice the term is often used for the mixture Great Dane × Bullmastiff - a confusion that occurs quite frequently. A clearer term for this variant would be Bull Daniff or Bullmastiff-Dogge mix, but is rarely used consistently.
The aim of the Great Dane × Bullmastiff cross was to combine the size, elegance and gentleness of the Great Dane with the strength, alertness and robustness of the Bullmastiff. The dog was to function as a friendly, imposing family dog, which on the one hand is gentle in the house, but also has a certain willingness to protect.
The deliberate breeding of such crossbreeds probably began in North America, when large, family-friendly dogs that combined strength and good-naturedness were in demand.
Name synonyms for the Daniff
The term Daniff is often used generically - both for the Great Dane × English Mastiff cross and for Great Dane × Bullmastiff. Sometimes the latter is also referred to as Bull Daniff or Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, although these names are rarely clearly established in practice.
Criticism of the Daniff
Criticism of this hybrid breed mainly concerns the uncertainty regarding health, temperament and final size. Both parents - Great Dane and Bullmastiff - carry health risks such as joint problems, heart problems and a rather short life expectancy.
In addition, it is difficult to predict whether the dog will show the playful gentleness of the Great Dane or the calm, mature seriousness of the Bullmastiff. Without structured training, the Daniff can be difficult to control due to its sheer mass, which can be particularly challenging for inexperienced dog owners.
In addition, the physical strain caused by its weight and size should not be underestimated - the dog needs early health care, appropriate training and plenty of space.
Suitability of the Daniff
With loving, consistent leadership, the Daniff (Great Dane × Bullmastiff) is a loyal, calm and family-friendly companion. It is best suited to experienced dog owners who have the space, time and strength to get involved with a gentle giant.
He needs moderate but regular exercise and a calm environment. His friendly, even-tempered nature makes him - when properly socialized - a pleasant companion who is also protective without being aggressive.
| Alternate Name | Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix |
| Origin | England - Germany |
| Life expectancy | 8 - 10 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average - average to high |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Possible character traits of the Daniff
A Daniff made from Great Dane and Bullmastiff is generally a friendly, calm and family-oriented dog. He loves to be close to his people, is usually gentle and calm in everyday life, but can be alert and protective in an emergency. Despite his strength, he is often sensitive and needs clear, loving guidance. His intelligence enables him to learn well if he is trained calmly and consistently.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Possible diseases of the Daniff
Health challenges in the Daniff mainly include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems (e.g. cardiomyopathies), gastric torsion and wear and tear of the joints due to the body mass. The rather short life expectancy of around 6 to 10 years is also typical of very large dog breeds.
Controlled rearing, healthy growth, appropriate exercise and good care can help to reduce health risks.
This is what a Daniff can look like
The Daniff usually looks like a mixture of the elegant height of the Great Dane and the strong compactness of the Bullmastiff. It reaches a shoulder height of around 70 to 85 cm and weighs between 55 and 75 kilograms or more, depending on gender.
Its build is muscular and powerful, often with a broad chest and an imposing head. The coat is short, smooth and easy to groom, with colors such as fawn (sand-colored), brindle, black or gray being typical. The facial expression is dignified and friendly.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | square, hefty, slim, strong, sporty, square |
| Size ♀ | 61 - 86 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 45 - 59 kg |
| Size ♂ | 64 - 81 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 50 - 90 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
rolled Eyelid
A rolled eyelid (entropion) is an eyelid malposition in dogs
Teat Tumors
Tumours of the mammary gland, also known as mammary tumours, are among the most common cancers in dogs.
Gastric torsion
Gastric torsion is a disease in which the stomach rotates around its own longitudinal axis. The cause of the disease is not known.
Cancer
May be common in older dogs.
Bone Cancer
May occur with age.
Ataxia
Ataxia (from Greek ἀταξία ataxia 'disorder' 'irregularity') is a generic term in medicine for various disorders of movement coordination. Ataxia can occur even when there is no paralysis (paresis), that is, when there is normal muscle strength.
dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle in which it becomes enlarged (dilated) and shows poor contraction (poor pumping ability).
Joint problems
Especially due to overweight, joint problems can occur in dogs.
FAQ
-
A Bull Daniff is a hybrid of Great Dane and Bull Mastiff - not to be confused with the Great Dane × English Mastiff mix.
-
Usually between 70 and 85 cm shoulder height, with a weight of 55 to 75 kilograms.
-
Life expectancy is around 6 to 10 years.
-
Yes, with good socialization he is gentle, loyal and child-friendly.
-
No, it is more suitable for experienced owners with plenty of space.
