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. This month, the dogs which require immediate housing are Latte and Leon.
Latte
Whippet
Six to 12 months old
Male
Latte is a sensitive, inquisitive, affectionate and fun lad who could live with another dog or even a cat. Because he’s sensitive, he needs owners who are willing to let him build up his confidence at his own pace and won’t push him in to being friends. He could live in a home with sensible teenagers, as long as they gave him time to settle, but he wouldn’t flourish around young children. He would also like to live out of a city but surburbia would be fine, as long as he has a garden. Owners with experience of the breed would be beneficial but not essential but they will need to be around most of the day. Understanding and a gentle approach are what Latte needs and he will be a loving companion in return.
If you think you can provide Latte with the right home, please register with us by visiting Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, London, or call our rehoming line for further details on 020 7627 9234 or email rehoming@dogshome.org, quoting reference 08/02953. If you live outside London, you can also apply online at www.dogshome.org.
Leon
Mongrel
Six to 12 months old
Male
Leon is an extremely bright and responsive gorgeous-looking dog with great potential. He needs plenty of training but in the right hands, will make a wonderful companion. He is looking for a quiet, rural or semi-rural home in an adult-only household. He needs patient and understanding owners who have experience of large, guarding breeds and who are willing to spend time training him. Because of his training needs, Leon should be the only dog in the household. He will be a rewarding challenge for someone willing to put in the effort.
If you feel you could offer Leon the home he deserves, please call the rehoming team at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Brands Hatch on 01474 875 106, quoting reference 08/02108. If you live outside London, you can also apply online at www.dogshome.org.
