Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners were unable to cope. The Home cares for thousands of dogs many different backgrounds and this year is looking more busy than ever.
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 literally 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 needing immediate housing are Boysie and Trooper.
Boysie
Rottweiler cross
One to two years old
Male
A real character, Boysie is a confident, bouncy young male with bags of energy. He can get quite carried away and over-stimulated, but he has the ability to calm down quickly if handled with patience and consistency.Boysie is looking for experienced owners who will provide an outlet and focus for his energy through training, yet also promote calm, respectful behaviour.
He has a really affectionate side and has the potential to form a close bond. Boysie is a typical, high-energy, male Rottweiler and will be a hugely rewarding addition to a Rottweiler-loving home.Boysie is looking for experienced, confident owners. He cannot live with children due to his over-the-top behaviour, but older teenagers may be considered. He needs a large, semi-rural home with a garden for training, and he cannot live with another dog but would benefit from being carefully socialised with the
Trooper
Jack Russell Terrier
Two to three years old
Male
Trooper has an aloof exterior, but on the inside is a really sweet, affectionate dog. He is shy when alone, but when around other dogs Trooper really comes out of his shell. Trooper is a robust, hardy type who would be best suited to living in a farm environment where he will get a lot of exercise. Trooper currently has no focus on people so his owners will need to work to build a good recall, and must be prepared for the possibility of keeping him on a long line and harness permanently.
Trooper is a great dog who needs owners who will appreciate him for what he is. Whilst not a typical pet, Trooper has a lovely nature and will suit owners who will enjoy his independent streak. He is looking for an adult household with owners who are willing to follow an ongoing training programme. He will need good exercise areas and would benefit from living with another dog who is more people-orientated.
