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.
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.
Photo: RSPCA Cymru.
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 like German Shepherds, Cooncoon crossbreed, Collies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Border Collies or Lurcher crossbreeds.
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.”
He 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.”
He 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.”
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