Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners were unable to cope. Unfortunately many dogs at Battersea arrived because their previous owners only considered what they wanted their dog to look like – not its background and behaviour patterns. As a result Battersea has seen a rise in the number of pure breed dogs it receives as well as a rise in the number of dogs that need country homes. The most popular dogs purchased by misinformed town dwellers are, incredibly, Border Collies.
These dogs love mental and physical stimulation – they are bored silly in the city and need space and air and things to chase. Other breeds unhappy with life in the city are Jack Russell Terriers (miniature whirlwinds), Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers (both have endless reserves of energy and stamina), Springer Spaniels (originally bred for retrieving they have energy and stamina reserves to rival the Labradors and Golden Retrievers) and Lurchers (a very strong chase instinct coupled with very bad recall means a three legged Lurcher in the city). Battersea has also lately seen a rise in Japanese and American Akitas. These awe inspiring dogs were originally used as hunters in Japan, therefore they have a very low tolerance of other dogs and so need to move to an area with a low dog population. These are examples of some of the breeds which are unhappy in the city, and over the next few months dogs like these will be looking for places to live where they are more at home, with loving owners who can give them the attention they need.
Name: Prince
Age: 3 to 6 months old
Breed: Mongrel
This cracking young chap looks like he has some Collie in him and possibly Inuit, so he may grow to be quite a large dog with a strong character. Because of these breed traits he will need a family with knowledge and experience with dogs, preferably of these breeds. Prince is highly intelligent and energetic so he requires plenty of training and stimulation to keep him happy.
Prince would love a home in the country where he gets to go on lots of long walks and has space to run around and wear himself out. He is suitable to live with dogs who are confident, sociable and who could be a good role model for him. Prince could live with older children who have experience with dogs and could contribute towards his training.
With a little bit of guidance and structure Prince will become a super dog and loving companion.
If you can offer Prince the loving home he deserves then please contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 76279234 or rehoming@battersea.org.uk. Ref. 2010/00677
Name: Toby
Age: 3-6 months old (approx.)
Breed: Labrador Retriever (cross)
Toby is a terrific young boy who will make a wonderful companion. When Toby came into Battersea he was very nervous and lacked confidence but he has since grown into a much happier and grounded dog. However, he will need further work and an experienced hand to help him reach his full potential. Although he is a very handsome dog he cannot be rehomed on his looks alone; he is highly intelligent and very energetic so will need a home that can provide plenty of exercise and stimulation, such as a working type home, agility/flyball or obedience.
Toby is friendly and affectionate and likes to be made a fuss of but will need training and ground rules from day one. Once this structure is in place he will blossom into a fantastic dog. He can be rehomed with older children and can live with cats.
If you can offer Toby the loving abode he deserves then contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Old Windsor, on 01784 494443 or bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk. Ref. 10/20081
