Some bigger breeds take seven times longer to find new homes
These 13 dogs may need an extra bit of luck this Adoptober.
Gentle giants, big softies and larger than life characters – the RSPCA has every kind of big dog. However, new data from the charity* reveals that it can take up to seven times longer for some larger dog breeds to find a new home compared to smaller dogs.
This means that Shar pei Luna, Doberman cross Labrador Shadow and Siberian Husky Elsa have the odds stacked against them and are overlooked time and time again.
Research from the RSPCA also found that while the average time for all breeds of dogs between being ready to rehome and then finding a loving forever family is 41 days, larger breeds of dogs can wait much longer.
This Adoptober (an annual rehoming drive which aims to shine the spotlight on rescued pets looking for homes) the RSPCA is issuing an urgent plea for adopters to consider larger breeds of dogs – who are often left waiting longer than others for their forever homes.
It is hoped that perceptions about specific dogs or breeds are put to one side and more potential adopters consider bigger dogs. To view all the dogs looking for a home this Adoptober please visit our Findapet website.
Thirteen ‘harder to rehome dogs’ – across England and Wales
Shar pei (number 3 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 80 days)
Shar Pei Luna is around four-years-old and is one of the long stay residents at RSPCA Sussex West Branch’s Mount Noddy Animal Centre in Chichester. Luna is currently in a foster home – and sadly has only had one application in the 230 days she has been looking for a home.
Animal Care Assistant Clare Mansfield said: “Luna is a lovely girl. She is active and bright and is looking for a new home who can appreciate her quirky and funny character. She has such a big personality and will often make everyone here at the centre laugh, she can be very goofy.”
Luna is looking for an adult-only home or a home with older secondary children. Luna can be reactive and strong on the lead, and shows no interest in making dog friends and would be best living away from other dogs.
Her new owners would benefit from being taken to training classes or work with a positive reward based trainer to help teach her life skills. Luna has food allergies so is currently on hypo food as well as having regular baths for her skin. If you are interested in Jenny or Luna please email [email protected].
Greyhounds (number 4 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 74 days)
Four-year-old Reggie is under the care of the RSPCA Lancashire East Branch and is full of personality and has been looking for a home since July.
Susan Abraham from the branch said: “Reggie is a sweet and loveable greyhound who has lots of personality and is just so happy to spend time with you.
“He is a couch potato but equally he is always up for exploring and has a playful side to him.
“He walks well on lead and loves meeting new people, mostly for the treats! Reggie gets excited to see other dogs out on his adventures and always wants to make new friends. He does require some basic training to help keep him calm but support will be given with this throughout the adoption process”.
Reggie can be nervous, particularly in new surroundings. He also finds going up and down stairs and steps difficult and is worried about walking on hard/slippy surfaces.
This means his future adopters will need to be aware that to ensure he is comfortable, pathways (mats/rugs) may need to be made so he can walk on these surfaces with confidence. However, he is showing steady progress and he is becoming more confident and calm with each day. However, his future home will need to continue with his confidence building training.
Reggie will do well in a home with another dog similar to his temperament but this is not an essential rehoming criteria and will be fine being an only dog household. He can be rehomed with children aged older than 10 who are dog savvy, but no cats.
Doberman (number 5 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 73 days)
Doberman cross Labrador Shadow is just a year old and has been waiting 162 days for a home.
“Shadow is a bundle of energy and affection, and gets along great with everyone he meets – whether they’re familiar faces or new pals,” said Trina Hood from Danaher Animal Home in Essex.
“His sociable nature makes him a hit with everyone and he’s sure to charm you with his friendly ways.
“He’s looking for an experienced owner who understands the joys and responsibilities that come with large breed dogs. “Shadow is full of life and loves a good romp around, making him the perfect match for someone who appreciates an active lifestyle.
“Having lived with children before, Shadow is well-suited to a home with teenagers who are used to the playful antics of a big, bouncy dog. If you’ve got room in your home and heart for a lovable, lively companion, Shadow might just be your perfect match.”
For more information and to complete the online application form please visit the relevant dog’s profile page on Danaher Animal Home’s website.
Mastiff and Bull Mastiff (number 7 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 65 days)
Sweeny is a young Bull mastiff who staff and volunteers at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Centre in Frankley are desperate to find a forever home for!
Kennel Supervisor Kelly Legg said: “Mastiff fans are going to adore his goofy character, desire to play and need for fuss and love!
“Sweeny is a clever lad who learns fast – particularly when there is a treat involved! He loves going for quiet walks on his long line and running and playing in our off-lead areas.”
Sweeny will need to be the only dog in the home with adopters experienced with mastiffs or similar breeds and who have the space and time to provide all the love and training Sweeny needs. Children in the home would need to be teenagers or older.
Kelly added: “Sweeny may be a big boy but he’s a puppy at heart and just needs the loving guidance that he missed out on when he was very young. “Please get in touch via the online application form if you think you can help this amazing, gentle and big-hearted lad find his forever home.”
Boxer (number 8 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 64 days)
Boxer crossbreed staffie Shadow is being cared for by RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire.
Four-year-old Shadow is a sweet and active dog who is ready to find his forever home! With a friendly disposition, Shadow thrives on human companionship.
Animal Care Assistance Assistant Emma Daggett said: “His walks are the highlight of his day especially if you head to the big activity compound where he can zoom around and play a game of fetch.
“He loves to rearrange his bed so it’s just to his liking, and can often be found having a mid morning snooze while we clean. Shadow has been with us for more than 200 days and we really hope he finds his forever home this Adoptober!”
Shadow is looking for an adult-only home without any other pets. Please contact the centre or fill out an online application form.
Siberian Husky (number 9 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 63 days)
Siberian Husky Elsa at RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre near West Malling in Kent. The nine-year-old arrived in RSPCA care in a severely emaciated state and has since made remarkable progress.
Kennel Supervisor at Leybourne Laura Bowbrick said: “Elsa has come on so well in our care and will be a wonderful addition as a cherished family pet.
“We are looking for an owner who has commitment, understanding, and patience who will give Elsa the love and attention she truly deserves. We very much hope that Adoptober will be the month for her to find her forever home.
“Elsa has come on in leaps and bounds with us at the centre and each day we are seeing more of her kind and fun nature.”
She is in search of a home with her own secure private garden to explore and she will equally enjoy going out for tranquil walks. Her confidence is now starting to bloom so we are sure there will be no stopping her, soon being able to explore new places for adventures with her new adopters. She gets on with other dogs but would prefer an adult only home. If interested please contact the centre or fill out an online application form.
Akita (Japanese and American) (number 11 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 58 days)
American Akita Mika is being cared for by the RSPCA North Somerset Branch– who run the Brent Knoll Animal Centre.
She is five-years-old and has been cared for by the branch for some time – and has been available to adopt since December 2024.
Andy Cook from Brent Knoll said: “Mika couldn’t be more affectionate. She will instigate contact, lean in for fuss and shower you with love.
“Mika is a big, strong, powerful girl – but she is also a cuddle monster. She has huge potential to be a wonderful companion with a caring and conscientious ownership from a person or family.”
A forever home without cats is being looked for, and one without other dogs and she is happiest free from contact with other dogs. Mika could live with children of secondary school age. To find out more about Mika please contact the branch or complete an online dog application form.
German Shepherd (number 12 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 57 days)
Three-year-old Luna came into the care of the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, North East & Lincoln Branch on July 24, 2024. Luna was rescued by the RSPCA after she was found underweight and living in poor conditions in an outside run which had no shelter and was covered in faeces.
She was skinny with her ribs clearly visible. Luna weighed 18kg (39.7lb) at the time she was found – when the ideal weight for a dog this size should be 35kg (77.2lb).
Given her past, Luna needed time to learn to trust again but through lots of patience and time from her carers her true personality has shone through.
A spokesperson for the branch said: “Luna has been through a lot of hardship in her short life – but she adores human company and is just waiting for their perfect forever home which she can call her own. Luna is a hugely affectionate and playful young lady who can’t wait to find a safe and loving home environment.
“She absolutely loves to play and will often walk around with a toy in her mouth – but she is nervous of other dogs and needs to be the only pet in the home. We’re looking for someone with breed experience and confidence training dogs, as she will need support to properly adjust to her new home.”
Potential adopters can visit her profile on the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, North East and Lincoln branch website.
Lurchers (number 13 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 57 days)
Arti is a friendly young Lurcher who is searching for an understanding and experienced home. He is currently being cared for by RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in County Durham.
He arrived into RSPCA care as part of a case investigation, leading him to spend a significant portion of his life in kennels. Due to this, Arti can understandably exhibit anxiety in certain situations.
“Despite his challenging past, Arti displays remarkable friendliness towards people and brings joy to those around him,” said Luka. “He interacts well with other dogs at the centre but can be quite energetic during play. Therefore, a potential canine companion would need to be comfortable with this type of interaction.”
A home in a quieter area or a location with access to quieter local walks would be ideal to prevent him from feeling overwhelmed. Arti would be best suited to a home with children aged 15 and above who have prior experience with dogs. Arti has been waiting for a forever home to call his own since March. To find out more about Arti please contact the centre or fill out an online application form.
Bulldog (Old English, British and Old Tyme) (number 14 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 52 days)
Bulldog crossbreed Dora has been in the care of RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Swansea for more than 500 days with staff searching for a forever home for her almost all of that time.
Animal Rehoming & Administration Manager Jessica Peace said: “Dora is very loving to people she loves and trusts. I honestly think she has given me the most amazing cuddles of any dogs I have had the pleasure to meet!
“However, Dora is easily spooked in new surroundings and can be reactive when scared so she is looking for a quiet home without lots of visitors or an experienced owner who will put in lots of time and effort in with her. Dora is a beautiful girl and will make someone the most loyal and loving companion.”
Dora does suffer with her skin which is mainly down to her being stressed out in the kennel environment resulting in her coming out in bald patches and sores. She is on medication to relieve her stress and help with her skin. Once Dora is happy and settled in a new home, it is hoped that a lot of the medication will be able to be stopped or at least reduced.
She is also on a diet called Royal Canin Anallergenic. This is to help keep her skin healthy, and would be a long term diet. Dora would need to be the only animal in the home and would thrive in a quiet, experienced household. Please contact the centre or the Llys Nini website to fill out an online application form.
Collie (rough and smooth coat) (number 16 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 52 days)
Collie Lynx has been in the care of the Llys Nini Branchin Swansea for 215 days as he was part of a court case, and has been searching for his forever home for the last month.
Animal Rehoming & Administration Manager Jessica Peace said: “Lynx is incredibly friendly and is a firm favorite with a lot of our volunteers. He will need training to make up for the time he has missed out on and would love to live somewhere rural where he has lots of space to explore outside!
“He is much too young to have spent this much time in kennels and we want nothing more to see him finally in his forever home this Adoptober!”
Lynx is looking for a patient family with experience training a young dog, as he will be starting from scratch! He could live with children of secondary school age and would prefer not to live with a cat.
Border Collie and Welsh Collie (number 18 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 48 days)
Border Collie Barnaby who is at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, Newport, is also looking for a home this Adoptober.
Centre Manager Courtney Murphy said: “When Barnaby first arrived in our care, he was a very nervous boy, scared of almost everything, including people.
“But with time, patience, and lots of tender loving care, he has come a long way. It’s been a joy to watch him grow in confidence, and he’s now ready to take the next step into a loving forever home.”
Barnaby enjoys gentle cuddles with those he knows and trusts, loves exploring the centre’s paddock, and going on walks with his canine friends.
Barnaby came into RSPCA care after his welfare needs were sadly not being met. He is now looking for a quiet, adult-only home where he can continue to build on the progress he has made. Barnaby could potentially live with a friendly, confident, spayed/neutered dog.
Please contact the centre directly for more information Barnaby or fill out an online application form.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier (number 20 on the list of hardest to rehome and average rehoming time of 42 days)
Two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Stella is at RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre in Dorrington, Shropshire.
Animal Centre Manager Chris Butler said: “Stella came into our centre after being abandoned. She is a friendly soul who loves her walks and playing off the lead.
“Stella can only hear certain pitches of sound, she would benefit from an experienced dog owner to help guide her through life. She loves nice walks, toys and treats and we can’t wait to see her in her forever home and she would prefer to be the only animal in the home.” If you could offer Stella a forever home please contact the centre or fill out an online application form.
RSPCA Operations Manager Glenn Mayoll said: “We’d really love potential adopters to keep a more open mind when it comes to bigger breeds. Bull breeds like mastiffs and bulldogs are often perceived as aggressive, when there’s no evidence that any one breed is more aggressive than another. In fact, like all dogs, some can actually be a bit nervous and fearful – big softies who need owners to help build their confidence.
“Sighthounds like greyhounds, lurchers and salukis, depending on their background, will often need to wear muzzles, and may not be able to live in homes or areas with cats or small furries which means there’s fewer good homes for them. There’s also a misconception that they need more walking or exercise, which may not be the case for every dog.
“A lot of dogs in our care are breeds or types, who were traditionally selectively bred to work on farms, guard livestock or pull sleds – Border Collies, huskies, Akitas, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois.
“These dogs may need a lifestyle which is a bit busier with committed owners who are prepared to keep them physically and mentally active by giving them puzzles, games and training.
“Of course every dog is different, and some may be happy with short walks and snoozing on the sofa.”
Glenn added: “Unlike other charities, RSPCA dogs have been rescued from cruelty and neglect and sadly many have behavioural issues as a result of their experiences. These special dogs need extra special people who are willing to win their trust, be patient and work with them to help them recover from their past.
“We’d love people to put perceptions about big dogs or specific breeds to one side. Come and visit our Findapet website and just look at our bigger dogs. Every dog in our care has a unique story of survival, and potential adopters might be surprised by who is a good match for them.
“We are confident the right homes are out there and we urgently need to find them.”
Getting a pet brings a lot of joy, but before committing, it’s important to understand the costs. The RSPCA pet cost calculator can help you prepare. It’s also important to consider pet insurance to protect against unexpected costs.
More information about dogs and other animals available for adoption can be found on the RSPCA’s ‘Findapet’webpage.
