A New Way To Think About The Gladiator Danes

Last Updated on December 31, 2020

Gladiator Danes are cross hybrid between a purebred Great Dane and English Mastiff. The mix dogs are revered as a designer breed all over the world. The Gladiator Danes are huge alike its parent Dogs. The dogs are loyal and warm dogs in addition to being protective and loving. They are a recognized designer breed canines by D.B.R. and I.D.C.R.

Gladiator Danes are also alluded to as MastiDanes and Daniff dogs. Gladiator Danes are first generation hybrid of the breeds Great Dane and English mastiff. Like other large breed dogs Gladiator Danes also entail specific food, and exercise to maintain their health. These designer dogs hold amazing temperament. They are exuberant, waggish, possessive towards owners, and loyal no less. The lifespan of a Gladiator Dane is around 12 years. The Cost of a Gladiator Dane puppy ranges from $600-$800.

Gladiator Danes

Gladiator Danes are first generation hybrid between Great Dane and English Mastiff. Which indicates the dogs inherit half set of its traits form Dane parent and the other half from mastiff parent. Anyhow there could be a probability of 60%-40% or 70%-30% hybrid dog as well.

Gladiator Dane an overview

Occurrence

Cross between Great Dane and English Mastiff

Type

Designer

Size

Large 

Male dog

Height: 30-35 inches

Weight: 115-150lbs

Female dog 

Height: 23-28 inches 

Weight: 115-125lbs

Name

Gladiator Dane

Daniff

Mastidane

English Daniff

Great Daniff

Lifespan

8-12 years

Exercise

High level

Characteristic traits 

Loyal, inquisitive, waggish, friendly, lively, and easy going

Family dog

Watchdog

Grooming

Minimal

Diseases

Bloat

Hip dysplasia

Osteosarcoma

Cost of a Gladiator Dane puppy

There are some breeders selling the Gladiator Dane puppy at higher and even for a lower price than broached above. Mainly the price of dog is determined by the location and the breeders you are buying a puppy from. You can get a Gladiator Dane by paying less fortune as around $400. Moreover there are other expensive breeders selling this designer first generation hybrid dog at an extravagant price of $1000 as well. 

Gladiator Dane Appearance

Gladiator Danes exhibit the characteristics of Great Dane and Mastiff breed through their appearance. The complete composition of the dog is a typical amalgamation of parent breeds. This Great Dane mix dog holds noteworthy behemoth existence. The overall stature of the dog is bulky and muscular taking after mastiff  yet sturdily built like a Great Dane. Given the long legs of the dog it holds distinctive strides. The dog’s legs are a bit bigger than Mastiff limbs and a little less in length than Great Dane mighty legs.

Features Alike Great Dane

The Daniff dogs takes after Great Dane’s floppy ears and elongated muzzle. Moreover, Its long and lean body is alike a Great Dane. Other main features of the dog encompass its blockier and muscular body and big paws. 

Similar to English Mastiff

The Gladiator Danes have potentially muscular shoulders which gives the dog’s a somewhat broad appearance. This feature is inherited form a mastiff. The dog’s particular lower lip is also similar to the mastiff dog.

Daniff and Dane differences

The daniff dogs can be distinguished from Great Danes as

• The former dogs have broad chest. 
• The frontal limbs area of a Gladiator Dane appears rather thin but with visible muscles
• The rear portion of a daniff is comparatively bigger than a Great Dane’s hind limbs. The rear end of the body is extra defined then the same of a great Dane dog, i.e, its back legs and hips area.

Coat and color of a Gladiator Dane

Gladiator Danes or Daniffs have medium long, straight, and smooth coats. Texture of the dog’s coat is neither too dense nor sporadic. Its coat generally gives off an excellent shine when brushed properly.

Daniff can hold fawn, brindle, blue, black, or white coat with a black hued snout.  

Gladiator Dane mix breed recognition

Given the dog’s hybrid pedigree, the Gladiator Dane is not a favored breed by the A.K.C. Nonetheless, daniff is a registered designer or hybrid breed by the following canine clubs and organizations;

• A.C.H.C. (American Canine Hybrid Club)
• D.B.R. (Designer Breed Registry)
• D.D.K.C. (Designer Dogs Kennel Club)
• D.K.C. (Daniff Kennel Club)
• D.R.A. (the Dog Registry of America, Inc.)
• I.D.C.R. (International Designer Canine Registry)

Gladiator Dane history

Gladiator Dane is a designer breed which mainly got known in recent decade and a half. Since then this Great Dane mastiff mix is getting more and more attention. Given the cult of designer breeds in 2009, international designer canine registry recognized the Daniff hybrid cross breed.

Since the authentic breed origins of the Gladiator Danes can not be found, it can not be forwarded who initiated this Great Dane mix. Albeit the mix breed’s unestablished roots it can be suggested that the Daniff is one of the most popular Great Dane mixes. 

Daniff Parent Breeds

The daniff mix dogs belong to one of the most rich lineages as suggested by chronicles. Its parent breeds hold distinguishable and prominent historical backgrounds.

The Great Dane breed

Great Dane dog breed is one of those breeds holding threads to reach quite far in history. You might have heard about the ancient Egyptians? their relics have pictures of dogs similar to the Great Dane. These items are believed to be from 3000 BC. Paintings from 14th-13th century BC of ancient Greece also depicts Great Dane dogs. Chinese literature also illustrates Great Danes dating back to 1121 BC.

Historically, Great Danes were used for boars hunting. Hence alluded to as boar hunters. Later on when the canine became a companion dog, its temperament got evolved as well. The dogs became more amenable and warm. Meanwhile, the Great Danes were used to protect royals and nobles as their guard dogs. 

Before being called as Great Dane, the dogs were given a lot of other names as well. 

English Mastiff

English Mastiff breed is also alluded to as simply Mastiff. The dogs encompass in large breed canines owing to their huge existence. Their occurrence is rumored to exist in 6 century BC. Some people reason that dogs similar to Mastiffs can be found almost 1000 years ago.

The Mastiff dogs have innate penchant for their owners. Famously, the Mastiff of Peers Legh protected him for hours in a battle after he was wounded. As the dogs are highly protective of their family therefore can be taken as an ideal guard dog. 

Besides Mastiffs were used as fighting dogs in wars, and as a herding dog as well. However the dogs retain their protective instinct till now, and have turned to be rather gentle and friendly.  

Are Gladiator Danes Protective?

Daniff or Gladiator Danes can be found as extreme loyal and loving canines. Given the dog’s deep affection and amenability in its temperament, the Daniff can become a good family dog. These dogs are usually good around children and other pets as well. 

Additionally, a Gladiator Dane is quite active hence the dog would require a lot of physical activities. Even though, the dogs hold lively and exuberant temperament naturally, yet lack of activity can mar its temperament.

The dog’s protective temperament makes it an ideal guard dog. This guarding instinct is inherited by the Gladiator Dane from its parents. As mentioned earlier, both parent breeds are known for their congenital protective temperament.

Despite their intimidating and rather ferocious appearance, Gladiator Danes are gentle and amenable dogs to keep. However, the Gladiator Danes are sharp and intelligent dogs they can be stubborn at times. Therefore, training and socializing such a dog is recommended.

Training a Gladiator Dane

The Gladiator Danes possess temperament which entails training. The dogs inherit protective instincts from the former war dog Mastiff, and Great Dane the famous hunters. Hence training and proper socializing is more important and consequential for a Daniff dog.

Daniffs or Gladiator Danes are intrinsic fast learners. The dogs are known to have an appeasing disposition which proves quite helpful for training. Particularly, obedience training becomes easier and efficacious with an easy going and complaint dog.

Tips to help training a Gladiator Dane

Training a Gladiator Dane calls for persistence and patience. The following are some tips on training a Daniff or Gladiator Dane;

• Although, the dogs are enthusiastic to learn and follow, yet it is important to employ positive training methods. 
• Use a lot of treats and toys to train and teach the dog.
• If you do not want your dog to become aggressive, show kindness and do not reprimand the dog. The dog will learn ultimately what you teach it, so behaving well with the dog is an integral part of efficacious training.
• Instead of long tiring sessions, try to keep training sessions short but productive.
• Never neglect to praise the dog when it behaves well. Either if it is following orders properly, or being an obedient dog when friends are around. You must give your dog a treat to make it learn good behavior brings favors.

Training is easier and more successful when commencing with a puppy. If you find yourself unable to train your puppy, it is not a bad option to look for a trainer. Puppy training classes could be an option as well. Proper socializing and training is essential to avert aggressive temperament in the dog. Training a daniff would not be difficult if you put your heart and soul into it.

Socializing a Gladiator Dane

Socializing is crucial for a dog to inhibit aggression towards people and other animals. Particularly if you own a huge dog with a natural inclination towards protection, socializing would be an integral part of training the dog.

Frequent visits to dog parks, regular exposure and meeting people including friends will help the dog to socialize. Such activities for the Daniff dog would help it to realize the presence of a ‘no threat zone’ in people around it. Hence relegating its protective or aggressive instincts.

Gladiator Dane Diet

Daniffs are huge dogs and are grouped in large breed canines. Such dogs consume amount of food relative to their stature. Hence, the dogs require more food than small or medium sized dogs.

It is suggested to divide the dog’s daily food in two or three meals. The more the number of meals the better for the dog. So, three meals are better for the dog than two, to avoid bloat. Additionally, the food for Gladiator Dane dog and puppy must be those specifically crafted to cater the needs of large breed dogs.

Moreover, raw diet could be a worthy food source. As it comprises of natural diet, the dogs feeding on raw diet are healthier, with visible optimum development. The coat of such dogs also appear shinier and finer as compared to the dog without raw diet.

Note;

If your dog is allergic to some ingredients present in kibble or dry dog food, switch to raw diet for you dog. It can help the dog by alleviating the problem.

Physical activities for a Gladiator Dane

Owing to their active disposition, Daniff dogs are bouncy creatures. The dogs prefer to wander around, and playing with owners. The span of physical activity for the dog should be one hour to half an hour depending on the age of the dog. Usually Gladiator Dane puppies require more activity than older dogs. 

The temperament of the dog can be maintained only if the dog is indulged in suitable physical activities like walking. For instance, game of fetch is particularly for this dynamic dog. 

Exercise

Given the Gladiator Dane’s bulky and muscular physique, the dogs have a potential to gain weight. Besides the benefits on mood of the dog, exercise is the only way to keep this Great Dane Mastiff mix in required weight range. Lack of routine exercise can make the dogs overweight which in turn would be detrimental to the dog’s health and capability.

Therefore it is recommended to engage your Daniff dog in daily exercise. The dogs are suggested to walk at least 2 miles regularly to maintain health and physique.

Gladiator Dane Diseases

Gladiator Danes are prone to some ailments they inherited form Great Dane dog. The dogs are not prone to any allergies or infections. The diseases a Gladiator Dane has the latency to develop are;

Bloat

Bloat or G.D.V.(gastric dilation volvulus syndrome) in Great Danes or other dogs is an agonizing condition which develops when the dog’s stomach fills with air, similar to a balloon. It twists 180 degrees clockwise on its side halting any escape for the gas through the oesophagus or duodenum.

Gastric dilation occurs when the stomach fills with air but without twisting. Though Both situations can be fatal for a dog, yet later is less dangerous as it takes longer for the dog to die of it.

Gastric torsion is another name for bloat. The condition occurs when the large breed dog eats rapidly or eat a lot. Moreover, bloat is a lethal emergency that entails surgery to repair damage.

Signs of bloat

Given the perilous nature of bloat it is imperative to enumerate some typical signs and symptoms of the condition for Gladiator Dane dogs;

• Depression and inconsistency both in temperament and physically
• Troubled and uneasy appearance
• The stomach is hard at touch
• Absence of digestive sounds
• Staring at its stomach
• Panting
• Pacing
• Whining
• Convulsing
• Standing with a curved back and outspread legs
• Collapse

Prevention

Some of the most agreed upon bloat prevention ways for large breed dogs like Gladiator Danes are;

• Giving meals to the dog comprising of normal sizes. Two to three or even four meals a day are advised for your dog than a single meal break.
• Avoiding any sort of physical activity right before and after a meal can reduce the risk of bloat.
• Adding moisture to your Daniff’ food might be of some help.
• Inclusion of canned food to your dog feed is also seen as a preventive way of bloat.
• Water must be at your dogs reach always, so that it may not indulge in excessive drinking. 
• Having a relaxed, contented and placid disposition can also lessen the peril of bloat for your dog.

Hip dysplasia 

Hip dysplasia is a joint disorder present mainly in large breed canines. Great Danes being large dogs are often found suffering from the disease. Similarly Gladiator Dane can also suffer from hip dysplasia.

This condition is also regarded as one of the most common Great Dane diseases.

Hip dysplasia is a chronic disease which affects the mobility of a dog. In this condition dog is mainly attacked on its lower part i.e hind limbs. Leaving the dog passive and even not willing to move.

Signs 

The following are precursors of hip dysplasia in dogs;

• Pain or reluctance during physical activity
• Lameness
• Discomfort or stiffness in getting up
• Passiveness
• Refusal to rise from an initial position
• Walking or running with stiffness
• Lack of muscle tone in hind limbs or back legs

Prevention 

 You can take the following measures to help your dog escape the chances of hip dysplasia;

• To reduce potential of hip dysplasia the paramount way is to opt for responsible breeding.
• Secondly Great Dane owners must strive to maintain robust bones and joints of their dogs. Getting proper diet is crucial for bone and joint strength but do not let your dog overeat. 
• Do not use stairs for your dog to walk up and down through. Rather employ other devices like gates or ramps to save your dog from hip dysplasia.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma, commonly known as bone cancer is another Great Dane disease. There are many dogs spotted with this condition making it a recurrent ailment of Great Dane breed.

Signs 

Osteosarcoma manifests itself in dogs with following precursors;

• Formation of clusters or lumps in different parts of the body.
• Inflammation
• Pain in joints or bones
• Lameness
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Skin problems

The Daniff dogs are at a higher risk of getting bleeds. As the dogs hold delicate skin it can get ruptured easily even with scratch or minor injury. 

Lodging

Due to the dog’s huge size and active, exuberant, and bouncy disposition it is suggested to keep the dog in a wide place. The dogs can not do well in cramped places to begin with. A home with a backyard where the dog can run to its heart’s content and play with its owner would be suitable for a Gladiator Dane. Get your Daniff dog an xxl bed according to its size.

Adoption and buying tips for Daniffs

Buying a dog needs to be thoroughly brooded over idea. Make sure to buy puppy from reputable breeders. Good breeders adhere to moral breeding norms. This would ensure the puppy’s lineage and health as well. 

Moreover,

• Although , the puppies at good breeding kennels are healthy at large. Good breeders can ensure the pup’s potential diseases and conditions. As they do all recommended tests before breeding dogs.
• You can find a good breeder in your area by conducting a survey yourself. Consulting with local vet might be helpful. Friends and the people who are already a dog parent can also provide support to find a good breeder. Local newspapers and other advertising devices have the potential to locate probable places to find a good breeder near you.
• It is not recommended to buy a Daniff or any other puppy from puppy mills or breeders not following breeding principles, as the pups are not capable and healthy. There is a higher possibility of getting an ailing and sick puppy.