Cane Corso vs. Great Dane: What are the 8 Key Differences?

Great Danes
Jesus Souto/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jennifer Gaeng

Published: September 15, 2024

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Both the cane corso and the Great Dane can be a good fit for your family looking for a new pup. If you’re interested in learning about the differences between these dog breeds, you’re in the right place. The Great Dane and the cane corso have a lot in common, but they also have many differences, eight of which we explore here. Let’s go!

Cane Corso vs. Great Dane: A Comparison

Cane Corso  vs Great Dane
Cane corsos and Great Danes can both be wonderful dogs.
Key DifferencesCane CorsoGreat Dane
SizeLargeGiant
Weight90 to 110 lbs.120 to 200 lbs.
Coat/Hair TypeShort / DenseShort / Sleek
ColorsChestnut, Brindle, Grey, Fawn, Black, RedBlue, Fawn, White, Brindle, Merle, Black
TemperamentPlayful, Loyal, Social, QuietFriendly, Gentle, Loving, Reserved
TrainabilityHighly TrainableVery Trainable
Life Expectancy10 to 11 Years7 to 10 Years
Energy LevelsHigh Energy LevelsExtremely High Energy Levels

Key Differences Between Cane Corsos and Great Danes

The main difference between these two breeds is that Great Danes are taller and weigh more than cane corsos. In addition, cane corsos are working dogs that require more activity while Great Danes were bred to be more family-oriented dogs. Cane corsos also generally live longer than Great Danes, who have a lifespan that rarely extends beyond 10 years.

Let’s dive into the key differences between these two breeds in more detail.

Appearance and Basic Info

White Animals - White Great Dane

A white Great Dane has a genetic mutation that makes its fur white and its eyes light blue.

Size

While both are large breeds of dogs. Cane corso’s are smaller than Great Danes. Great Danes can grow to a height of 32 inches. In comparison to cane corso, the Great Dane can grow an additional 7 inches in height! Incredibly, the largest Great Dane ever was named Zeus, and he reached 44 inches in height at his shoulders. When standing up, Zeus measures 7ft 4in, which is taller than all but the tallest humans on Earth!

Weight

Great Dane can weigh up to 200 lbs. and may weigh 89 pounds more than cane corso! Even female Great Danes weigh more, with an average of 115 lbs. compared to the average of 105 for an adult male cane corso. While cane corsos are one of the largest Mastiff breeds, they can’t compare to the size of fully grown Great Danes!

Coat Hair Type

The Great Dane coat is short and smooth, requiring little to no maintenance. The cane corso has a short coat as well, but their fur is denser, although still easy to maintain.

Colors

Fawn hues, gray, red, brindle, or black colors are seen in the coat of the corso. The chest, chin, toes, and sometimes the nose are all popular areas for white marks. The Great Dane can come in a variety of hues, including white, black, and brindle.

Characteristics and Temperament

Strongest Dog Breed Bite - Cane Corso

This cane corso, or Italian mastiff, was bred to hunt

wild boar

and today acts as a guard dog.

Temperament

The corso is a working dog that requires a great deal of mental and physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. Inquisitive and confident, the cane corso is ready to face anything, making this dog the perfect candidate for someone capable of taking charge and showing leadership abilities.

The Great Dane was designed to be a gentle giant, able to get along with other dogs, youngsters, and members of his human family.

Trainability

Training and socialization are necessary for the cane corso to develop into an affectionate, obedient pet who has a good relationship with the rest of the household and other pets. When it comes to training, they are bright and react well. Thanks to their ability to train, cane corsos are considered one of the best guard dog breeds.

Training and socialization are still necessary for Great Danes, even though their gentle giants. When they are in the home, you’ll want to ensure they’ll obey your commands, especially because of their large stature and ability to knock things over easily.

Health Factors and Life Expectancy

Scariest Dogs

Great Dane purebred laying in a fall field. Despite their daunting size, Danes are highly affectionate.

Life Expectancy

One of the saddest distinctions between the cane corso and the Great Dane is their life span. Great Danes are known to live seven to 10 years on average, but cane corso’s can live 10 to 11 years on average, and even longer in exceptional instances. Both types are prone to typical health problems that affect many dog breeds; however, both of these lifespans are shorter than the average dog lifespan of 10 to 13 years.

Energy Levels

Energy levels are strong in both the cane corso and the Great Dane. There are certain differences in exercise requirements between cane corso’s and Great Danes, though. For example, the cane corso requires more active exercise as they are more playful in nature, while the Great Dane does well with daily walks.

Wrapping Up

Cane Corso laying outside in dirt

The cane corso has an average lifespan of 10 years.

Even though they are very distinct breeds, both the cane corso and the Great Dane make excellent family pets. First-time dog owners should keep in mind that neither of these dogs is the greatest choice due to their high-maintenance personalities.

For pet owners who are happy with only one dog and enjoy spending time with it, the cane corso can be a fantastic choice for you. Most of the time, for those who enjoy going for walks and having a loyal family companion, the Great Dane may be the right dog for you.

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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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