Due to their size and associated costs, it can be tricky to rehome bigger dogs and the RSPCA currently has several larger-than-life hounds who are looking for their paw-fect matches.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines: “We work really hard to match the right dog to the right home and it’s important that adopters consider what sort of dog – including the size of dog – will suit their lifestyle.
“While all dogs are individuals, there are some specific considerations that come with owning dogs that are particularly large. It’s important to do your research before taking on any dog, as well as thinking of the day-to-day care that dog will need. For example, if you’re considering adopting a large dog then you’ll need to think about whether you can afford to feed them and whether your car is big enough to transport them to different places.
“The RSPCA rehomes dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds, ages, backgrounds and personalities, from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes! If you’d like to rehome one of our dogs visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet to find one who will fit – quite literally – into your lives!”
Anya
Gorgeous gentle giant Anya (pictured above) may only be a baby but she still tips the scales at 54.5kg and measures in at approximately 1m tall! The Tibetan mastiff has specific needs – due to her size – and is ideally looking for someone with experience of her breed, or someone who is prepared to do lots of research on what she’ll need in her new home.
She is loyal, affectionate, clever and strong-willed but can also be aloof and takes her time to get to know new people. She’ll need to meet her new adopters multiple times before she can go home.
She enjoys going for strolls but can be strong on the lead. She loves to be outside so would like a secure garden where she can potter and bask in the sun. She’s also very playful and loves to learn new tricks and play with her toys. Anya is looking for an adult-only home or a family with older, sensible children. She could live with another calm, medium/large adult dog and would like a quiet home where people will be around for much of the day.
Sadly, not uncommon for large breeds, Anya has ongoing problems with her hips which means her life expectancy is shorter than other young dogs. She’s taking medication for this and is still happy and pain-free, but new owners will need to bear this in mind.
RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District branch is rehoming her under their Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme (EARS) meaning they’ll help towards her medical costs.
Moose
Five-year-old German Shepherd Moose may look more like a wolf but he has the bravery of a mouse! This sweet lad weighs in at 44kg and is a very clever boy who loves to learn. He’s very active and enjoys going for long walks so is looking for a home that not only has space for him but can also keep up with him!
Despite his size, poor Moose can get worried in small spaces so is looking for a home that’s big enough to help him feel safe and secure but not trapped. He’d like a secure garden with 6ft fences at least so he can roam and explore. He’s also on the lookout for experienced owners who can help work with him on some behavioural challenges; he’s made wonderful progress in RSPCA care but still has further to go. Moose can also find loud noises and busy places overwhelming so we feel he’d be best in a quiet, rural home.
Moose will build strong bonds with his new family and, once he knows you, is very trusting, affectionate and loves fuss. He’d be best in an adult-only home without too many visitors and we’d like him to be the only pet in the home. He can be left for short periods but enjoys being with the people he loves. He’ll need time to get used to new people so adopters must be willing to meet him multiple times before taking him home.
Find out more about Moose from the team at RSPCA Northamptonshire branch by emailing
[email protected] or visit his online profile.
Joe (pictured below)
Okay, so Joe isn’t actually a giant breed but his beautiful, fluffy coat makes him look like a rather large (and adorable!) bear! He was in a sorry state when he was rescued by RSPCA officers alongside 20 other husky type dogs; and was filthy, matted and had never had a bath or a brush.
Now weighing in at 33kg and a whole lot of floof, the six-year-old Alaskan Malamute is a big boy with a big heart. He was very bewildered, shut down and sad when he was rescued; staff had to carry him from the van to his kennel because he had no idea how to walk on a collar or lead. He needed lots of time, patience and positive introductions to help him settle into life in the big wide world.
Joe has had a tough start so he needs a patient owner who can help him slowly adapt to life in a home, as we don’t believe he’s ever lived in one. A ‘hands off’ home will suit him best, living with adults only and free of other pets, with a sizable and secure garden.
To find out more about Joe visit his Find A Pet profile or contact the Birmingham Animal Centre team on [email protected].
