Over the last decade, the Neapolitan Mastiff has become more popular in the United States. Consequently, an increasing number are being surrendered by owners and placed in shelters and then likely put to sleep. The Neapolitan Mastiff is an amazing breed, but it is not a good fit for the
inexperienced dog owner. Without proper breed education, they too often end up with an incompatible owner or in an unsuitable home environment. As a result, many Neapolitan Mastiffs find their way to rescue. Ideally, rescue helps displaced Neos find the very best owners with suitable homes that are tailored to the individual dog’s needs.

 

FINDING A RESCUE

As the only breed specific Neapolitan Mastiff rescue currently in the United States, Mastino Rescue, Inc. (MRI) was unanimously endorsed as an approved rescue by the USNMC Board of Directors in March 2022. The partnership between USNMC and MRI solidifies our shared goal of PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THIS NOBLE BREED.
Should you decide to adopt a Neapolitan Mastiff from a shelter or non-breed specific rescue , please ensure that the staff or volunteers are knowledgeable about the breed. All too often shelters or non- breed specific rescues place Neapolitan Mastiffs unknowingly into another inappropriate home and family situation, setting the dog up for failure once again. The dogs then often end up being euthanized or eventually placed with a breed specific rescue. Unlike most rescues and shelters, MRI takes serious steps to ensure that the dogs in their program receive all necessary medical treatment and behavioral training before they are placed in adoptive homes. Because the MRI organization is familiar with the common problems that affect this unique breed, we can quickly identify what needs to be done and more adeptly place a dog into an appropriate home. This also enables us to find the best fitting dog for the adopter’s home, as well. A thorough application process that includes asking for personal and veterinary references is part of our due diligence to find suitable adopters.

 

RESCUING A NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF

The first thing that most people want to do when they bring home a newly rescued dog is to shower them with love, cuddle them, indulge them with treats, and let them on the furniture. These are all the wrong moves for a newly rescued Neapolitan Mastiff! A Neo takes at least a few weeks to decompress in its new home. Give the dog space and quiet time, allowing him/her to become familiar with the new surroundings. Do not let him/her directly interact with other pets in the residence. A Neo in a new home requires a slow introduction to other dogs and pets in the household. The shelter or rescue should be able to tell you about the dog’s personality and any potential or ongoing health or behavioral issues. They should be able to provide advice should issues arise. When MRI places a dog in a new home, our pledge is to provide a lifetime of support for the adopters and their
adoptees. MRI is prepared to help navigate the many challenges of this breed or any specific to the individual dog.

 

SURRENDERING A NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF

If you find that you must surrender your Neapolitan Mastiff, contact the dog’s breeder first. A reputable breeder should take the dog back under any circumstance OR provide assistance in rehoming the dog. In fact, the contract with your breeder may require that you contact them first before rehoming or surrendering to a shelter or rescue.

If your breeder is unavailable for assistance in rehoming, please contact MRI. We discourage trying to rehome the dog yourself to strangers or over the internet, especially if the dog has not been spayed or neutered or has medical or behavioral issues. The best way to ensure that your dog will be safe and will go to an appropriate home is by contacting a breed specific rescue. Often, Neos who are rehomed by their owners end up with MRI eventually because the second home was unsuitable for the dog.

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