That’s exactly what I almost missed when I walked past a young brindle mastiff lying quietly at the front of his kennel. He had the big, soft eyes of a puppy, and his posture suggested confidence—or so I thought. But when I turned back for a second look, I noticed the small, telling tremor in his front leg. Then another. He wasn’t lounging confidently. He was frozen. Trapped in his fear.

This was not just a scared dog. This was a dog in shutdown.

A Name That Foreshadowed a Tragic Past

Staff told us the mastiff’s name was “RIP.” Whether it was meant as a name like “Rippy” or as an acronym for “Rest In Peace,” it felt like a cruel accident—or a grim prophecy. The moment I heard it, I knew: this name had to go. A dog with this much soul, even in trauma, needed something softer. Something hopeful. We renamed him “Moose.”

But behind the tough exterior and massive frame, Moose was struggling.

His story wasn’t unusual—just unbearably sad. He’d first entered the shelter as a six-month-old stray, found dodging traffic. Someone had adopted him but never neutered him, and later, he was returned after a tragic incident involving the family’s cat. The cat didn’t survive. We’ll never know exactly what happened, but the trauma clearly went both ways: for the family—and for Moose.

Trapped in Fear, Crying Out for Comfort

Moose didn’t bark, lunge, or growl. He simply lay there, rigid and trembling. His stillness was a red flag. This wasn’t the classic “fight or flight” response. This was collapse—what happens when a dog’s nervous system doesn’t know what to do except freeze.

When I stepped into his kennel, I made myself small. I avoided eye contact. I talked softly. I let my voice fill the space and tried to make him curious. When I said the word “treat,” he perked up slightly—his first real reaction. That was my opening.

Slowly, Moose began taking jerky treats from me. First near him, then closer. Eventually, he even accepted one from my palm. It was progress, but his back legs continued to tremble. Still, he wanted connection. And that mattered.

Signs of a Painful Past

Kelly, my wife, found some notes in his shelter file. Moose was reportedly “afraid of men, loud voices, and vacuums.” Typical fears for some dogs—but this felt different. His reactions weren’t just to stimuli. They were to memories. From what we’d learned, after the incident with the cat, a male figure in the home had “come down hard” on Moose—physically and emotionally. It wasn’t discipline. It was punishment driven by grief.

Too often, when dogs end up in shelters, they’ve been failed by people who didn’t know how to manage trauma—either theirs or the dog’s.

Moose had been labeled “hyperactive” and “destructive,” but what I saw was a dog longing for safety, not chaos.

From Frozen Fear to Lap Dog

Moose slowly let me touch him—first on the back, then his head. He even accepted some scratches between his eyes. The shaking never fully stopped, but something had begun to shift. I tried the “scoop”—where I pull a large dog onto my lap to provide warmth and compression, similar to a thunder shirt. It’s a vulnerable act, and not every dog accepts it. But Moose did.

And for a moment, he melted.

We read fan mail, shared treats, and just sat. When Kelly joined me, he curled in between us. His eyes began to close. That was the moment I knew he had a chance.

A New Name, A New Life

A few days later, we came back to visit Moose—and the change was night and day. He approached me, tail softly wagging. He took treats confidently. His eyes looked brighter. Best of all, he had a hold: someone had seen his video and wanted to adopt him.

That someone was Faith, a woman who had previously adopted another mastiff from the same shelter. She and her husband knew the breed and were prepared for the energy and care Moose required. They already had a gentle giant at home named Leia, and Moose’s meet-and-greet with her went beautifully.

Today, Moose lives with his new family—and his new name: Kenobi.

Yes, Kenobi and Leia. Star Wars fans, but more importantly, people who understood the power of giving a shelter dog a soft name and a safe place. A name that invites joy and familiarity. Not fear.

A Dog Who Deserved Better—And Finally Got It

Moose, now Kenobi, is thriving. He naps beside his sister, plays gently with children, and has left the trauma behind. His fear of men? Gone. His trembling? A thing of the past. He’s just a dog now. A happy one.

His story is a reminder that trauma doesn’t have to define us—or our dogs. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to sit on the floor and whisper, “You’re a good boy,” until they believe it.

Want more stories like Moose’s?
Dive into Sitting With Dogs Book and discover the dogs—and moments—that heal. 📖🐾

^{Source: www.instagram.com/animalfriendsofthevalleys}

Jasmine wasn’t the kind of dog who had to try so hard to charm her way into people’s hearts; her calm demeanour and sweet nature alone made it easy for her. So when one family came to the shelter on a random day and met Jasmine, they instantly fell in love with her and decided to offer her a forever home. Adoption papers were quickly signed, beautiful pictures were taken, and a joyful Jasmine walked out of the shelter doors with her head high, ready to embark on the forever chapter of her life with her new family. 

Unknown to Jasmine, her fresh start wouldn’t last very long. The family that initially vowed to keep her forever returned her to the shelter soon after, claiming they couldn’t deal with Jasmine’s jealousy toward the other dogs in the home.

Full of Love, But Misunderstood

Jasmine’s return to the shelter left her confused and deeply heartbroken. It wasn’t her fault that she wanted her humans all to herself and didn’t like sharing them with other dogs since that’s just who she is: a pup that loves a bit too much.

Her family misunderstood her. Instead of viewing her big heart as a good thing, they considered it a flaw. Jasmine’s short-lived happiness saddened everyone at the shelter, but they remained hopeful that she’d find her match. All Jasmine yearned for was a family that would cherish and understand her as she is. A family that would not at any point be turned off by the fact that she’s a super affectionate pup who likes to be the center of your world. A family that would need her as much as she needed them.

The desire to find such a family weighed heavily on Jasmine’s heart from the moment she was brought back to the shelter. Thankfully, it didn’t take long before the universe heard her silent plea and made it a reality, giving her more than what she wished for. 

Jasmine’s Happy Ending 

After days of waiting and wondering whether her dream family would ever locate her, Jasmine recently landed a loving home where she is the only dog. She’s now part of a family where she never has to compete with other dogs for her humans’ attention because she receives it in unlimited doses. Truly, Jasmine is exactly where she belongs; with a family that understands and adores her to bits. 

“Jasmine’s happy ending is proof that there’s always a perfect family out there for every dog returned to the shelter. No dog is flawed — they just need to find their match,” pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka says. 

Well, this is what happened with Sarge, a Mastiff mix, who was found tied to a “No Dumping Sign” while the temperature was soaring to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. The poor dog was alone for who knows how many days, battling heat and hunger. 

From Sweltering Heat To Safety

Fortunately, Sarge was taken in by Mesquite Animal Services in Texas. The shelter staff describe him as an incredibly sweet and well-mannered dog. After getting abandoned by his family, he is now looking for a second chance at love, care, and safety (watch the video below).

Source: @cleartheshelters

He was nervous at first which is understandable. However, it wasn’t long before Sarge opened up and turned out to be a gentle giant. After knowing about Sarge and his disposition, it is quite shocking how can his parent abandon such a sweet dog in the middle of nowhere without any food, water, or shelter in the scorching heat.

In the comments, Sarge received an outpouring of support. Debbie Wades commented, “How do these people live with themselves 😢” and Jenni Lakaso wrote, “What a sweet face😍.”

Can You Give Sarge A Second Home?

It is not easy for abandoned dogs to feel safe and secure in a new environment, but Sarge seems to be an amazing dog who will adapt pretty quickly to a new home. His initial apprehension has turned to a friendly, affectionate, and sweet attitude. 

All Sarge craves is someone to love him because as a shelter staff describes, he once tried to get on their lap to get some attention. Additionally, he is laid-back and isn’t too fond of the outdoors.

So, if you’re looking for a dog to love and receive a lot of love in return, Sarge might be the perfect companion for you. Visit Mesquite Animal Services to get more details about Sarge and how to adopt him.

When a neighbor found a grey Mastiff mix alone in an alley, dutifully waiting for owners who never returned, it was a heartbreaking sight. The loyal dog, now named Zeppelin, had been cruelly abandoned by his previous owners – backyard breeders who discarded him once he was no longer needed. Despite this betrayal, Zeppelin waited patiently and hopefully, his faith in humanity still intact.

Lost But Loyal 

Long Beach, CA resident Nikki left her house to go to work in the morning, she found the dog alone in an alley, waiting diligently for his family to come back and get him. 

However, when Nikki returned from work later that day, the dog was still there. While it was clear nobody was coming for him, he was patiently waiting with hope in his eyes, a truly heartbreaking sight. 

Bad News Breeders

Zeppelin’s family were Nikki’s neighbors, and she knew that he had been kept in a garage and used for breeding. Heartlessly, when he was no longer needed, they abandoned him in an alley, forcing Zeppelin to fend for himself. 

Many backyard breeders and mills put profits over puppies, sacrificing animal welfare so they can make a buck. And unfortunately, it’s also exacerbating the issue of shelter overcrowding. Shelters have been so overcrowded that Los Angeles County, where Zeppelin was found, recently put a moratorium on giving permits to dog breeders, since there has been an increase of pure breeds being dropped off at shelters. 

This issue has affected Zeppelin directly, who’s more than a statistic. He’s a very faithful dog who needs someone to love him and much as he’ll love them. 

There to Save the Day 

Fortunately for Zeppelin, Nikki was there to save the day. Heartbroken and Zeppelin’s situation, Nikki scooped him up and took him to LA Adopt for a chance at a new and better life. 

He’s since been medically cleared by LA Adopt’s vet and is now waiting for his forever home! 

Ready and Waiting for Adoption 

Zeppelin is believed to be between three and five years old, and is 95 pounds of pure love. According to Yoko at LA Adopt, Zeppelin is an incredible dog. “He’s very calm, loves to take naps and has a mellow temperament,” says Yoko. He’s also very athletic, but still well mannered. He’ll walk right by your side on a leash! 

Looking For Love in Better Places

Many backyard breeders don’t bother to socialize their dogs properly, and Zeppelin is no exception. While he’s a very sweet dog, he will do best in an only pet household. 

However, Zeppelin has more than proved how loyal he is, since what he’s been through has tested his patience – and he’s passed with flying colors. “He will be a very loyal and loving companion who’ll enjoy an easygoing home environment with older kids,” says Yoko. 

Zeppelin deserves a better life than the one he had. “Zeppelin’s come a long way since arriving to our care and ready to find a family he’s never had,” says Yoko.  

If you’re looking for a dog who will love you unconditionally, look no further than Zeppelin, who shows us that a dog’s emotional attachments are forever. 

For information on how to foster or adopt Zeppelin, contact LA Adopt E: laadopt@gmail.com

The Daniff is a Mastiff Great Dane mix with massive features and a gentle, loyal, loving personality. While mixed-breed dogs have become more popular in the past few decades, there are legitimate reasons to be suspicious of “designer” breeds like the Daniff. Does combining these giant breeds enhance health or well-being, or is it simply a marketing tactic to sell puppies? 

Let’s explore the world of the Great Dane mix with Mastiff and learn a little about what it might take for you to make one of these beautiful dogs a member of your family. 

Meet 9 Daniffs from Instagram

Daniffs are a mix of Great Dane and any variety of Mastiff. The American Kennel Club recognizes at least a dozen varieties of Mastiffs: 

• Boerboel (South African Mastiff)
• Broholmer (Danish Mastiff)
• Bullmastiff
• Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
• Dogo Argentino (Argentine Mastiff)
• Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
• English Mastiff
• Neapolitan Mastiff (Italian Mastiff)
• Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Tosa (Japanese Mastiff)

Great Danes are also a variety of Mastiff from Germany, so a Daniff is a mix of two different types of Mastiff, but one must be a Great Dane. There are also several other Mastiff breeds not recognized by the AKC that are recognized by international kennel clubs. These breeds are not common in the United States, but would still create a Daniff dog when mixed with a Great Dane. 

With this in mind, let’s take a look at a handful of giant, adorable, and diverse Daniffs from around the world!

1. Moose

Moose is a super tall Italian Daniff—which means he’s part Great Dane, part Italian Mastiff AKA Cane Corso. A total goof who loves to play with his mama’s patience, Moose is a lifelong troublemaker who enjoys life to the fullest at all times. 

2. Tank

Look at that smile! Tank is a super playful Bullmastiff mix Great Dane from Sydney, Australia! A big boy, Tank was 100 pounds at just 36 weeks old with lots more growing to do. 

3. Penelope

Beautiful Penelope is a Great Dane English Mastiff mix who has the long legs of a Dane and the beautiful wrinkly face of a Mastiff! This sweet girl loves everyone including her doggie besties, and she can find a comfortable spot to nap no matter where she is. 

4. Hamilton

^{Source: @SGallsworthy}

Hamilton is a senior Bullmastiff mix with Great Dane from Ontario, Canada who loves to spend as much time as possible with his humans—especially his human “kid” who he enjoys watching during their soccer games. What a patient boy!

5. Arlo

^{Source: @TheGreat_Arlo}

Arlo is an affectionate Italian Daniff (Great Dane Cane Corso mix) who moved from the US to Canada with his family members. Arlo loves people and especially kids, but he’s also always ready to play with other dogs when he gets the chance. 

6. Kreed

^{Source: @KreedTheMastiff} 

Kreed is a French Daniff—a Great Dane Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) mix! Kreed has the classic French Mastiff fur color and some of the face wrinkles the breed is also known for, but he’s much leaner than the average Dogue de Bordeaux thanks to his Great Dane parentage. 

7. Bear

Bear is a beautiful English Mastiff mix with Great Dane with a ton of personality. A little weird but so entertaining, Bear has the funny and expressive face many Mastiffs have. Don’t worry, she’s not judging you…probably. 

8. Benjen

This beautiful boy is Benjen, an English Mastiff mixed with Great Dane who inherited a gorgeous brindle merle coat that makes him one of a kind. Just one year old, Benjen is about full-size, but he’s still got some puppy playfulness in his nature. 

9. Lando

When you own a giant breed, they can do things other dogs can’t—like drink from the human water fountain! Lando is a Great Dane mix Bullmastiff from Chicago who spends as much time as possible playing at the park and going outside with his humans. 

Great Dane Mastiff Mix Basic Info

The term “designer dog breed” is something of a misnomer. The term was created as a marketing tactic to sell mixed-breed dogs, and it has worked pretty well. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand that breeds like the Daniff aren’t purebred dogs or recognized by the American Kennel Club or other reputable breeder organizations. 

Daniffs are unique even among designer mixed breeds since a Daniff can be a combination of Great Dane and more than one dozen other breeds. In the United States, Daniffs will most commonly be Great Dane mix with Bullmastiff or an English Mastiff Great Dane mix, but this isn’t the rule. Any Mastiff x Great Dane mix qualifies as a Daniff. 

Because there is even less standardization amongst Daniffs than other mixed breed dogs, it can be quite difficult to predict things like temperament, size, and health. This said, we’ve done our best to compile general information about living with a Great Dane Mastiff mix—just remember, every dog is an individual and these pieces of information may not apply to every Daniff dog.

Daniff Temperament

Gentle, affectionate, and patient, Daniffs are known to be fabulous family dogs who often love children, other dogs, and even small animals. Courageous and protective, Daniffs develop deep bonds with their families and may be slightly nervous of strangers or suspicious of new situations until they see that everything is safe. Generally cheerful and goofy, many Daniffs act like giant puppies and enjoy gentle tussling, playing with toys, and opportunities to make a little mischief. 

My “Daniff” 7yo is one of the best damned dogs I’ve ever known. I feel the mix lets the Dane side help mellow the otherwise nervous tendencies that Cane [Corsos] can have. He’s not wily but is very smart and really just wants everyone to be happy,” says a Reddit user sharing their experience with a Great Dane Mastiff mix in a comment. “He has a slightly less “jowly” look than a full mastiff but you can still see the droop. Longer nose, giant floppy ears. His tail is a weapon … any man around 6′ tall may well want a cup because we’re the perfect height to get the tip of the tail whopping us right below the belt. It’s like getting smacked by a pit bull tail that is 18″ higher reach.”

Intelligent and energetic though still easy going and sometimes tentative, Daniffs do especially well with positive reinforcement training and early socialization to weed out any nervousness or shyness. Quick learners, Daniffs are very receptive to training and enjoy routine to help them feel secure in their home lives. Because of their enormous size, Daniffs need training and socialization to be safely handleable and to safely interact with other people and dogs. 

Daniff Size

Daniffs are big dogs—the term “giant breed” isn’t an exaggeration, and most Daniffs pass 100 pounds before age one. On average, Daniffs range from 27–33 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 115–190 pounds when fully grown. Of course, the adult size of your Daniff will depend on what type of Mastiff they are mixed with, the most common being English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs. 

To give you an idea of Daniff size range, take a look at the height and weight of 12 of the Mastiff breeds recognized by the AKC. Remember, Great Danes are typically 28–32 inches tall and weigh between 110–175 pounds. 

Height & Weight of Common Mastiff Breeds
Breed	Height	Weight
Boerboel (South African Mastiff)Source: @BoerboelBilly	22–27 inches	150–200 pounds
Broholmer (Danish Mastiff)Source: @BroholmerBuddies	27.5–29.5 inches	90–150 pounds
BullmastiffSource: @Bullmastiff_BobbyWaffles	24–27 inches	100–130 pounds
Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)Source: @Oskar_469	23.5–27.5 inches	100–130 pounds
Dogo Argentino (Argentine Mastiff)Source: @ShimmyShimmyKokopup	24–26.5 inches	80–100 pounds
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)Source: @RussellDeBordeaux	23–27 inches	110+ pounds
English MastiffSource: @TaterOnTheGram	30+ inches	120–230 pounds
Neapolitan Mastiff (Italian Mastiff)Source: @Barnabas.And.Madeline.The.Neos	24–31 inches	110–150 pounds
Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)Source: @Ofelia_The_Presa	22–26 inches	84–110 pounds
Tibetan MastiffSource: @BabyWallyBear	26+ inches	70–150 pounds
Tosa (Japanese Mastiff)Source: @TosaDanny	21.5–23.5 inches	100–200 pounds

Daniff Health

Giant dog breeds are unfortunately plagued by a number of health conditions that can significantly shorten their lives, and the number one cause of death amongst Great Danes is bloat. A serious and life-threatening condition, bloat is especially common in large, deep chested dogs like the Daniff. Other health issues to be aware of if you own a Daniff include:

• Joint problems (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia)
• Eye and vision problems
• Heart issues
• Thyroid issues 

Where To Find Daniff Puppies for Sale

We do not recommend buying a Daniff puppy—or any mixed breed dog—from a breeder. If you have your heart set on Great Dane or Mastiff mix, we recommend visiting your local shelter or working with breed-specific rescues that specialize in giant breeds. Mixed breed dogs are bred purely for profit and not for health or temperament, and it is best not to support backyard breeding programs that produce designer breeds like the Daniff. 

Daniff Dog FAQ

Don’t scroll away just yet! We have answers to your pressing questions about Great Dane Mastiff mixes. 

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