This Valentine’s Day do you have room in your heart for some of the RSPCA’s most overlooked animals…?
This Valentine’s Day, the RSPCA has revealed the dog breeds waiting months for their new home.
While most RSPCA dogs are rehomed within an average of 41 days, American Bulldogs, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers can wait up to 80 percent longer in rescue centres.
American Bulldog cross-breeds wait the longest at 74 days, with American Bulldogs waiting 65 days, the same as Boxer crosses..
Sadly the most commonly seen dog at the RSPCA - the Staffordshire Bull Terrier - waits an average of 62 days before finding their forever home. However, new homes have been found for 887 Staffies and 387 Staffie crosses by RSPCA centres over the last three years.
Dogs waiting the longest number of days for their new home:
American Bulldog Cross: 74
American Bulldog: 65
Boxer Cross: 65
German Shepherd Cross: 62
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross: 62
Rottweiler: 57
Husky Cross: 52
Staffordshire Bull Terrier:51
Mastiff: 48
Crossbreed: 47
The dogs waiting the least amount of time are spaniels with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel waiting an average of 12 days, the Cocker Spaniel waiting 16 days and the Springer Spaniel waiting 18 days.
The statistics relate to dog breeds with 30 or more adoptions over the last three years.
Alice Potter, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The staff who care for our animals every day know just how loveable each and every one is and how different they are from one another but we do find that some breeds take longer to find their perfect match.
“This is probably due to a combination of reasons. For example, size or beliefs about particular breeds and types may stop people from even considering the possibility of adopting an American Bulldog or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. And with so many of the same type of dog in our care it can be difficult for individuals to stand out from the crowd despite their great potential. Sadly in some cases, animals are overlooked just because of how they look.
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“We would urge anyone looking for a pet to remember that every dog is an individual with a unique personality - the reputation of a particular breed or type is often undeserved. They should find out if they are a good match for that particular animal to see if they can offer them a loving home.”
This Valentine’s Day, the RSPCA has a number of pets who have been waiting for homes for a while or may have been overlooked due to the way they look or a medical need. All RSPCA animals available for rehoming can be seen on the website.
This gorgeous boy has been in the care of the RSPCA since January 2017 and has been available for rehoming since July last year. Arthur was found abandoned in a small wire kennel with just a little bit of straw bedding. Luckily for Arthur the RSPCA stepped in and now he would like to find a forever home to settle down in.Eight-year-old Mastiff cross Arthur is very excitable and loves playing and long walks. He will make a fantastic pet for an experienced owner.
Two-year-old Mastiff Bruno was originally found abandoned and tied to a gate in May 2016. He was rehomed fairly quickly but sadly was returned to the RSPCA in January 2017 and has not been able to find a new home since. He is a very soppy overgrown puppy who loves his cuddles and even has his own favourite teddy that he carries around in his mouth. He is very boisterous and is unaware of how bouncy and overpowering he can be but he is a really lovely boy who just needs some guidance. He is looking for an adult home and will need a large garden with high secure fencing. He will make a lovely pet for someone someone who is an experienced owner of large breeds and who will actively take him to professional training classes.