Former adopted dog owner here. I got her in Knoxville while in school. I took her before the rest of litter was taken off to the shelter. She was a Chow/Lab mix. I could write a book on what that dog meant to me but to keep it simple, I'll just say she was a great dog!
As far as advice, I adopted a dog and it ended up being a great decision. I'd definitely check it out before making a final decision.
Rescued August of 2013. Has a few medical issues which is why she was being passed by. Had been the longest tenured at the place we got her from. Would do it all over again.
Yes and no. The "Italian mastiff" isn't so much as a specific breed, as any mastiff who is originally from Italy. There are two mastiffs from Italy, the Cane Corso and the Neapolitan Mastiff. They're both "Italian mastiffs."