A family thought they brought home fully-bred cane corso puppies, but as the animals grew, so did the owners' suspicions.

Authorities launched an investigation earlier this month after a viral social media clip showed Frey "striking a cane corso dog on the head with a riding crop," the Sheriff's Office said.

The main difference between these two breeds ... 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.