The UK's 10 most unwanted dog breeds revealed - and there's a sad theme

The UK's most unwanted dog breeds have been revealed and one of them has to wait seven times longer to be adopted. The data collated by the RSPCA suggest that lonely lurchers like Scooby have long waiting times compared to the other breeds.

The RSPCA is encouraging people to adopt larger dogs, as the charity is currently caring for a record number of animals. According to new data, bigger breeds often face longer waits for adoption-sometimes taking up to seven times longer to find a home than smaller dogs. The charity hopes to raise awareness and help these dogs find loving families more quickly.

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."

One of the larger dogs currently waiting for a second chance is Scooby. Rescued in February 2024, Scooby was severely emaciated and weak. Now, being cared for at the RSPCA Wirral & Chester branch, he is a healthy weight, and is loving, energetic and playful - but continues to be overlooked.

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.

RSPCA Operations Manager Glenn Mayoll said: "Poor Scooby is just one of the many larger rescue dogs who have a lot of love to give, but because they are being overlooked, they are waiting far too long to be rehomed.

"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."

1. Alaskan Malamute

2. Presa Canaria

3. Shar-Pei

4. Greyhound

5. Doberman

6. Saluki

7. Mastiff and Bull Mastiff

8. Boxer

9. Siberian Husk

10. Turkish Kangal