Fill out an Adoption Application

Denali is a Presa pup who is 8 months old and ready for her new home. She is up to date on shots and has been spayed already. Please research the breed to make sure the Presa is the right dog for your lifestyle.

History: The breed is originally from the Canary Islands in the 1700s, notably Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Its exact ancestry is unknown, but enthusiasts believe that an already established farm dog from the Canary Islands by the name of Majorero (Perro de Bardino Majorero) was crossed with the Mastiff of England and Old-Style Bulldogs that were brought from Europe to the Islands by visitors and colonists, creating the foundation for the modern Presa Canario.

“Perro de Presa Canario” means the Canarian Dog of Prey. It is sometimes referred to as a “Presa.”

Appearance: The Presa should be powerful, balanced, and imposing in appearance. It is heavily built, but able to move with great athleticism. The breed is also known, incidentally, for the ability to adapt to various climates.

Size: Females average between 22-25 inches at the withers and weigh between 90-120 pounds, Males average between 23-26 inches at the withers and weigh between 115-140 pounds, Generally speaking, exceeding the weights listed above could lead to a number of health problems. Too much weight is also known to compromise the dog’s athleticism and working ability.

Coat and color: One of the characteristics of the breed is the diversity of markings. Fawn comes in silver fawn, gold fawn, and red fawn. Brindle comes in colorings of black (and may appear solid), brown, and all shades in between. The ideal coat is medium length and “rustic,” that is, slightly coarse to the touch. The breed is known for its very minimal shedding. Presa Canarios have thick skin and short fur that comes in all shades of fawn and brindle. White is allowed up to 20 percent and is most commonly found on the chest and feet, and occasionally on a blaze on the muzzle. The breed standard requires black pigmentation and dogs should have a black mask that does not extend above the eyes. No shades of blue are allowed in competition.

Temperament: The Presa Canario breed is known for its calm temperament, which is often referred to as the “island temperament.” It is considered “gentle and noble” with the family, and distrusting of strangers. The Presa Canario forms a strong bond with its master and human family and can be very protective. The breed is intelligent and is known to possess a “severe gaze.” It is also known to do well with children. Despite its one-time notoriety, the Presa Canario is not a breed known for its man-aggression. In some situations, the Presa can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. Once the dog has been socialized and trained, this becomes the exception instead of the rule. Many Presas share their homes with birds, cats, dogs, horses, reptiles and other animals.Presa Canario is a dominant breed (a characteristic common to all bullbreeds) and requires socilialization as a pup and throughout its life. Basic obedience training is also recommended.

Trainability: Due to its temperament, the Presa Canario is highly trainable under the right circumstances.

Lifespan: The average lifespan for the Presa Canario is 8-12 years.

Application Fees, Adoption Donations and Rescue Policy:

Please know that 100% of our fees and donations pay for the costs of rescuing dogs. These include but are not limited to pull fees from shelters, veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medications and care, microchips, neuter/spay surgeries, heartworm treatments, behavior evaluations, and foster care, as needed.

Important notes before applying.

• Approved adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina and Kentucky.

• You must be at least 21 years of age to apply and legally sign our contract for adoption.

• Applications must be completed by the homeowner. 

• We do not adopt giant breed dogs to renters.

  • If you are renting, and you are applying to adopt a dog that is not a giant breed, permission to adopt an animal must be obtained from the landlord or property owner.

• We do not adopt giant breed dogs to homes with children under 6 years of age.

  • Homes with children should have a fenced yard.

• Applications will be denied if anyone residing in the household has a record indicating drug/alcohol abuse, theft, or violence.

• Pets currently in the applicant's home must have a history of appropriate veterinary care.
• Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption.  Proof of any of the following exceptions is required:
  1. The intact dog is a working member of a law enforcement, or search and rescue/recovery team.
  2. The intact dog is registered under the auspices of the American Kennel Club and is actively being shown.
  3. A veterinarian has determined the sterilization procedure would harm the intact dog. 

• We believe in Force Free Training Methods and do not approve of methods or devices using pain or force to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior. 

• Homes with highly varnished steps must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. **We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit.
  • ​Any inside steps to which the dog(s) have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface.

  • Homes with highly varnished floors must have non-slip area rugs or mats wherever your animal walks or rests frequently. 

**Puppy Adoption Policy**

To ensure proper house training and socialization, puppies will only be adopted to homes where an adult will not be away more than an hour per day, per month of age of the puppy, up to 6 months.
Certain large-breed dogs should not be sterilized prior to 12 - 18 months of age.  If you adopt an intact puppy, you will sign an adoption contract agreeing to have the dog sterilized at your expense at the time your veterinarian recommends.
Proof of sterilization must be provided to Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue as soon as the procedure is completed.  If the puppy is not sterilized as required, Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to claim legal ownership of the dog. 

For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts@gmail.com

**Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to approve or deny any adoption that occurs through this organization without disclosure.  We reserve the right to make exceptions for special circumstances.

**PA Kennel License: 05845

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