RSPCA animal centre in Hampshire has a number of larger breeds
The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting larger dogs this Adoptober as the charity is struggling with record numbers of dogs in its care – with a number of desperately lonely dogs waiting to find a home at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre.
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 summer** the charity reached a crisis point with record numbers of rescued dogs in their care – most in private kennels as national centres were too full to take them.
To ease the pressure, the RSPCA is issuing an urgent plea for adopters to consider harder to rehome and large breed dogs including Lurcher crossbreed Big Vince and Crossbreed Kylieat the Ringwood centre.
Lurchers and Staffordshire Bull Terrier both feature in the top 20 breeds of dogs which wait longest to find a home. (table below)
RSPCA pet behaviour expert Dr Sam Gaines said: “We urgently need homes for big dogs, who can wait seven times longer than smaller dogs to find their forever home.
“We are in an unprecedented rehoming crisis as several large-scale cruelty and neglect cases have led to record numbers of dogs and cats in our care and are at risk of running out of space. We desperately need adopters now more than ever, so we can continue to rescue and care for the animals who need us.
“It’s the perfect storm with dogs rescued from cruelty and neglect needing longer to recover and needing more specialist homes, and at the same time, rehoming has slowed right across the welfare sector.”
Sam added: “Our unique and special dogs may not be the right pet for everyone. Some need some extra help to help them recover from their past, some are misunderstood because of the way they look, some need quiet homes with no other pets, and others need owners who can keep up with their boundless zest for life.
“But we know the right people are out there and urgently need to hear from them.
Gentle giants, big softies and larger than life characters; we’ve got every kind of big dog, each one is unique, special and deserves a second chance of happiness.”
Research from the RSPCA* 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, but larger breeds of dogs can wait much longer.
These figures are in stark contrast to the short time smaller dog breeds had to wait before finding their forever home. The average length of stay for Yorkshire terriers was just seven days, for chihuahuas, it was 12 days, and cocker spaniels 16 days.
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.”
Big dogs looking for homes at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre,
At RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre, staff and volunteers hope this Adoptober will help find forever homes for some of their harder to rehome and large breed dogs including Lurcher crossbreedBig Vinceand Crossbreed Kylie.
Big Vince is a magnificent Lurcher crossbreed with a heart as big as his frame. He has been in RSPCA care for more than 160 days and was initially placed in emergency boarding. He has been at Ashley Heath for 50 days and has been up for rehoming for most of that time.
Despite a difficult start in life, this gentle soul has shown incredible resilience and a sweet, loving nature. He’s an affectionate boy who absolutely adores people and thrives on human connection.
Center Manager Kate Wickins said: “While he may be a big boy, don’t let his size fool you. Vince has a unique way of showing his excitement even without a tail, his entire body wiggles with joy when he sees you!
“He is a big strong boy on the lead so will require an owner who is firm and steady on their feet with a passion for training to help Big Vince to learn to lose lead walk.
“Vince is looking for a home where he can be the star of the show. He’s tolerant of other dogs but isn’t a fan of face-to-face greetings, so he would be happiest as the only pet in the household. Due to his size and strength, we are looking for a home where any children are 16 years plus and confident with larger breeds.
Kate added: “If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a truly special dog, Big Vince is waiting to meet you.”
Kylie is a five-year-old gentle and bright crossbreed who is eager to get to know everyone she meets! Kylie has been in RSPCA care for a total of 504 days and initially went into emergency boarding. She has been in Ashley Heath’s care for 407 days and has been up for rehoming for 160 days.
Kate said: “Kylie loves a good cuddle and plenty of fuss and she thrives on human affection. She is happiest when she is snuggled up close and loves to soak in up any love and attention.
“Kylie walks beautifully on the lead, responds well to cues, and handles busy environments well. With a naturally calm and affectionate personality, Kylie also has a playful, excitable side too.
“Kylie can walk calmly alongside other dogs but can be worried by over intrusive greetings and doesn’t choose to interact much. Kylie is looking for her new humans to be understanding of this and not expect her to be a social butterfly and avoid putting her in situations she may feel uncomfortable.”
Kylie sadly had her ears cropped, before arriving in RSPCA care. Ear cropping (or docking) is an entirely unnecessary surgical procedure in which a dog’s ears are removed or altered which is illegal to be performed in this country.
Kate added: “Although Kylie hasn’t experienced any lasting medical issues, she is more vulnerable to discomfort in wet and windy weather, as she no longer has natural protection from her ear flaps to cover her ear canals.
“Despite this, she’s been incredibly calm and cooperative during vet checks, a true sweetheart through and through.”
Kylie’s ideal home would be an adult-only environment with no cats and the only dog in the home. She will need someone around during the day to help her adjust to life in a home, but once she’s settled, she may be okay being left home alone for a few hours.
“Kylie is such a lovely girl with a wonderful temperament and a mild nature and it’s really important we find the right home for her,” said Kate. “If you can invest the time, patience, and love she needs – she is the girl for you!”
To find out more about Big Vince and Kylie please contact the centre or fill out an online application form.
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.
