The Rescue Barn

	Rescue, Rehabilitate and Re-home purebred Bullmastiffs ...and other Molosser breeds

	The Rescue Barn is a private rescue group intended to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home molossers/mastiff breeds in need. We are active members of The American Bullmastiff Association. Our Rescued Dogs stay in our personal care from time of surrender to time of adoption and are an immediate part of our Rescue Rehabilitation Training Program. To visit our Available Dogs, please call for an appointment or look thru the "ADOPTABLE" pages.


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	Available for Adoption: Rock Star Purebred Adolescent Male Mastiff (in training) "currently in socialization rehab"
	The Mastiff is a giant breed of dog, descended from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser. Today, "mastiff" is used to describe many different breeds around the world, all descended from the same root stock. In the US and other English speaking countries, "Mastiff" is used to refer to the "Old English Mastiff" (OEM), developed in England and nearly extinct after WW II. There is evidence of Mastiff-like giant dogs dating back as far as 2500 BC in the mountains of Asia. Bas-reliefs from the Babylonian palace of Ashurbanipal (now on display in the British Museum) depict Mastiff-type dogs hunting lions in the desert near the Tigris River. Other than being taller and leaner than current-day Mastiffs (as ours would be if raised in a desert and fed lightly), they are remarkably like our modern Mastiffs, despite the passing of nearly 4500 years. Marco Polo wrote of Kubla Khan, who kept a kennel of 5,000 Mastiffs used for hunting and war. When Hannibal, ‘a great Carthaginian leader’, crossed the Alps, he took with him several battalions of trained war mastiffs, who, during their long travels, "fraternized" with local breeds to produce what became the St. Bernard, once called the Alpine Mastiff, as well as other giant breeds. All of the massive mountain dogs of Spain, France, Turkey, and the Balkans can trace their size back to Mastiff blood in their ancestry. Of all the countries who used the Mastiff, it was the British who kept him in his purest form, and it is to them that we owe the Mastiff of today. They kept Mastiffs to guard their castles and estates, releasing them at night to ward off intruders. Henry VIII is said to have presented Charles V of Spain a gift of 400 Mastiffs to be used in battle. Mastiffs (OEMs) are generally very large dogs; fawn, apricot or brindle in color; all with a black mask and ears; possessing a medium to short coat with very little white (which, if it appears, should be confined to the chest but often appears on the toes as well). There is no upper height limit and no weight range in the Mastiff Standard. In height they generally range from the Standard's minimum of 27 1/2 inches up to 36 inches for the exceptionally tall ones. They can weigh anywhere from 110 pounds to the 343 pounds of Zorba, the world's largest dog, although most Mastiff males generally weigh around 160-230 pounds and females generally around 120-170 pounds. This breed is supposed to be very broad with a huge head, wide chest and large bone, and is longer in body than in height the Mastiff Conformation Standard. Mastiffs are not supposed to resemble Great Danes except possibly in height, nor Saint Bernards, except for the bone, width, chest and large head. They should not be as wrinkled as a Neapolitan nor as dome headed as a Dogue de Bordeaux, nor 'houndy' like a Fila Brasileiro. Mastiffs possess characteristics unique to the breed, especially the head with a broad, deep muzzle with flews hanging over the bottom lip, giving the head a square appearance. The Old English Mastiff should possess a calm, self assured temperament and be devoted to its family and friends. Mastiffs should not be aggressive to humans or other animals, including other dogs, although, unfortunately, some of them are. Mastiffs should be steady, gentle, eager for affection, good with children, calm and self assured, and used primarily as a family companion. Breeders today have bred the Mastiff for gentleness and have created an excellent companion, large enough to deter intruders and yet gentle enough to be dependable around children.


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	Available for Adoption: Batman Purebred Senior Cane Corso (available for adoption) Available in Connecticut


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *

	Available for Adoption: Coal Purebred Baby Cane Corso (available for adoption) Available in Connecticut “not speedy but impetuous, a fighter of great courage and incredible strength, to be employed against bulls and wild boar, undaunted even when confronted with a Lion”... “they were inflamed with the spirit of Mars the god of war” The Cane Corso is one of two native Italian “mastiff type" dogs that descend from the Roman the canis Pugnaces. Both the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff are the rightful heirs to this legendary war dog. The Cane Corso being the light version, adept at hunting game or a versatile farm hand. Sturdy, strong and athletic, equipped with a vigorous temper, ready to meet any challenge. The Neapolitan Mastiff, the heavy version, a stout, imposing and fearsome guard dog. The very sight of him would be enough to frighten away any with ill intent. Cane in Italian, even today means dog, a derivative of the Latin canis. Also in Latin, Cohors- this would mean bodyguard. Corsus, would be an ancient Italian provincial adjective which translates to sturdy or robust. The term however does not mean that the dog originates in Corsica. Cane Corso, however is a broader term that encompasses the breed’s diffusion throughout all of Italy and Sicily. The Romans gathered up dogs from throughout the Empire and separated them into three categories; celeres: those that ran down wild animals, pugnaces: those that attacked wild animals and villatici: those that guarded farms. These “groups” of dogs can be roughly translated into what would be modern day hounds, the Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff respectively. The fall of the Roman Empire predicated the fall of the Roman war dog. This Roman dog was transformed from warrior to a somewhat more peaceful existence as a farmer, hunter and guardian. His mettle forged on the battlefield and so versatile, would now serve him well in these daunting tasks in the invaluable aid of man. The Cane Corso was well suited as a flock guardian, often deployed in the war with the wolves. In these times the Cane Corso often wore steel “Vraccale” collars that were equipped with spikes. These collars would ensure that the dog would have an advantage when he encountered the now extinct Italian wolf, the extremely dangerous wild boar (a highly valued food source) and the prized game, The Badger. The Cane Corso today is a wonderful family guardian with an exquisite stature and flawless temperament, although it is a breed which needs a truly experienced owner as it's companion family. Watch for this beautiful black puppy Cane Corso named "Charcoal" on our Adoptable Pages.

	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	Sandy Survivor: Mugsy


	Cane Corso Mastiff Cross (available for adoption) Currently in Connecticut Mugsy is a Cane Corso Mastiff cross, a living survivor of Hurricane Sandy. He lost everything; his companion passed away, his home was destroyed and his life is starting over. Mugsy is currently in Rescue Rehabilitation for solving behavior misrepresentations stemming from a month of living alone in an unoccupied house ruined by the storm. Donations for this care are accepted thru ChipIn. Mugsy is a beautiful boy and is available for adoption. Mugsy will make a wonderful (and very good looking) companion to a special home.


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	A Unique Mastiff Needs You: Angel



	Presa Canario (available for adoption) Currently in Connecticut

	Presa Canario
	The Perro de Presa Canario is a large Molosser-type dog breed originally bred for working livestock. The name of the breed is Spanish, means "Canarian catch dog," and is often shortened to "Presa Canario" or simply "Presa." First introduced to the world outside of Spain's Canary Islands by the American anthropologist Dr. Carl Semencic in his books on the subject of rare breeds of dogs, the Presa Canario or "Canary Dog" is a large-size dog with a thick and muscular body. The head is broad, massive, square, and powerful. Proper head and good expression are part of the breed standard, and are manifest in the best breed specimens. The ears are normally cropped, both to create a more formidable expression and to prevent damage while working with cattle. If cropped, the ears stand erect. The upper lip is pendulous, although not excessively. Seen from the front, the upper and lower lips come together to form an inverted V. Presas are of strong character and are dominant animals requiring early socialization and obedience training.In some situations, the Presa can be aggressive toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers. Once the dog has been properly socialized and trained, this becomes the exception rather than the rule. Many Presas share their homes with children, other dogs, cats, horses and other farm animals. Presas are an intelligent breed, and with appropriate training can be very responsive to an owner. Due to the natural strength and power of the breed, positive reinforcement is best when training Presa Canarios. After maturity, it is common that Presas who are not actively working or used as game dogs can be very calm, lazy loveable dogs in the family home. Angel is in our Rescue Rehabilitation Program and is available for adoption with continued rehab assistance following placement.
	What An Angel


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	Available for Adoption: Buddha Purebred Senior Bullmastiff (available for adoption) Available in Connecticut The nature of the Bullmastiff has been determined by the type of work for which the breed was originally intended. The gamekeepers of England needed an agile, strong, and obedient dog that could make decisions when working on it's own. The original gamekeepers' dogs were more aggressive than is either necessary or acceptable in today's society. The skill for breeders at that time was to retain boldness, fearlessness, assertiveness and great determination while shedding the ferocity, undesirable aggression, and unpredictable temper. Bred to keep large estates and game preserves free of poachers, gamekeepers needed a dog that could track quietly, cover short distances quickly and pin and hold poachers without mauling them. The Bullmastiff is a working dog and is happiest when given a job to do. The breed is very adaptable to obedience training, which is an absolute must for any large, powerful guard breed. A Bullmastiff that is left to lounge around the house without stimulation will become bored and potentially pick up undesirable habits. Consistent, firm, kind training brings out the nature of this sensitive, yet massive breed. Loyalty comes naturally in this breed's character. The Bullmastiff takes it's entire family to heart and gives of itself at every moment. They will love and protect their own family at any cost to themselves. Each Bullmastiff has a personality of it's own. They can range from too aggressive to too passive. Aggression with other animals is common in this breed, especially males. Two adult male bullmastiffs will most likely end in a dog fight.


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	Rescue Neopolitan Mastiff Purebred Neapolitan Mastiff (adopted) The breed then existed on estates and farms across Italy for the past two millennia, known as the "big dog of the little man" -- the extraordinary dog of the ordinary man. The Neapolitan Mastiff also known as the Neo, Italian Mastiff, Mastin Napolitano and Il Mastino Napoletano. In its native country of Italy, is simply “Il Cane,” “The Dog” with unequal power, natural guarding instincts, and a breed type so unique that it sets itself apart from any other breed in the world. An ancient breed, rediscovered in Italy in the 1940's, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy. Over the centuries, breeders of the Mastino in the Neapolitan area of southern Italy focused on breeding this Roman war dog as guards for the homes and estate. They created a breed that retained the giant size, heavy, loose skin, and dewlap. This was an animal, which was a stay-at-home type, and was good with the family. It was bred to detect unwanted intruders and to deter them from the property under their care. Indeed, many say that the Neapolitan Mastiff's unique type was developed purposely as an alarmingly ugly dog whose looks alone were enough to deter any intruder. As a Neapolitan Mastiff owner, you are selecting a guardian breed - one that is steady and loyal to his owner. He is not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. He is a true guardian of his property and to the family entrusted to him. His attitude is calm, yet cautious, and he is extremely majestic and powerful. He is always watchful and does not take pleasure in strangers who intrude into his personal space. Owning a giant guard breed is no lighthearted task. The love of the breed is for his historical reputation as a "Gentle Giant" for which he is tremendously respected. At the same time his entire purpose is to protect his home, for which his owner shall give his utter attention to and provide the same protection in return. He is a Giant breed.. therefore with Giant "emotions". It is entirely the OWNERS responsibility to be sensitive to individual personality issues of "inappropriate" guarding behavior or extreme sensitivities (such as shyness, weariness).


	* URGENT * Foster Homes Needed * Adoptive Families Needed * Donations Needed * URGENT *


	Our Rescue Barn is a program set up to assist Molosser, Mastiff-Type, Bull-Breed owners who can no longer keep or house their animal due to unfortunate circumstances. Our Program offers housing and eventual placement for Bullmastiffs, Mastiffs, Corsos, Presas, Neos and other Molosser Breeds in need of care, rehabilitation or environmental change.

	Our Rescue Barn has available for adoption Molosser Breeds who have become homeless, have successfully completed our Rescue Rehabilitation Program and are ready for placement.

	Homeless mastiffs/molossers are found in shelters, surrendered by their owners, abandoned at vets or kennels or picked up as strays. Once accepted into our Rescue Barn Program they are individually evaluated for health and/or temperament issues, rehabilitated and eventually posted to the web site as "available for adoption". Our dogs range in age from youngsters to adults. Very rarely will we have a puppy under a year old available. Once available for placement our Rehabilitated animals have a clear understanding of proper manners and have been trained according to their rehabilitation needs and temperament concerns. We accept and house a small number of animals at one time and welcome new dogs when there is appropriate space and available time for our care. Please have continued patience while looking to add a rescued molosser to your home or when surrendering one to our Program.

	The Rescue Barn currently provides Rescue and Re-homing service for animal companions in Connecticut and the immediate surrounding states. We can offer and arrange transportation for surrendering and for adoptions outside of Connecticut.

	To inquire about adoption and to find a dog who will suit your current living situation use the following guidelines: Be prepared to fill out and submit the Adoption Application. Be completely honest with yourself when determining what is important to you in a lifetime canine companion. Once your application is on file with The Rescue Barn, frequent the "ADOPTABLE" pages and read the history and needs of each individual dog closely until you feel you have found an ideal match. Contact us to discuss the dog's specific needs in more detail and to set up an interview. We will review your application and possibly set up a home visit with you and a meeting with the available dog. Be honest with what you have to offer as a "family" and practice patience with finding a dog you will have the ability to provide for. Remember, we have a waiting list to accept dogs into our program, there will eventually be a match-made-in-heaven for you!!



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The Mastiff is a giant breed of dog, descended from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser. Today, "mastiff" is used to describe many different breeds around the world, all descended from the same root stock.

In the US and other English speaking countries, "Mastiff" is used to refer to the "Old English Mastiff" (OEM), developed in England and nearly extinct after WW II.

Mastiffs (OEMs) are generally very large dogs; fawn, apricot or brindle in color; all with a black mask and ears; possessing a medium to short coat with very little white (which, if it appears, should be confined to the chest but often appears on the toes as well).

There is no upper height limit and no weight range in the Mastiff Standard.

Mastiffs possess characteristics unique to the breed, especially the head with a broad, deep muzzle with flews hanging over the bottom lip, giving the head a square appearance.