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Big dogs harder to rehome than smaller breeds, says RSPCA
Nina, a five-year-old mastiff, is one of the large dogs the charity is struggling to rehome.
It can take almost twice as long to find larger breeds a home.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has highlighted statistics revealing the difficulty with rehoming large dog breeds.

Figures shared by the animal welfare charity showed that large-sized dogs can take an average of 60 days to rehome after they arrive at the shelter. This compares with 39 days for medium-sized dogs, and 33 days for small dogs.

The most challenging breed for the RSPCA proved to be the Alaskan malamute, with this large breed averaging 257 days in the shelter. This was followed by the Saluki, averaging 115 days, and the medium-sized breed Tibetan terrier, averaging 107 days.

Due to the difficulty with rehoming large breeds, some of the RSPCA’s long-stay residents are big dogs.

One such dog is Big Moose, a five-year-old mastiff weighing more than 60kg. Big Moose was brought into the RSPCA shelter Stubbington Ark, in Hampshire, in July 2022 and has now been waiting for a home for 21 months.

Volunteers at the shelter describe him as a ‘gentle giant’ with a ‘sweet nature’.

However, Big Moose’s sensitive nature means he does require extra care. His nervous behaviour and love of chasing means that he needs owners who can handle his temperament, and control him on a lead in public.

Although the RSPCA encourages pet owners to consider all breed sizes when adopting a pet, it also urges potential owners to think carefully before adopting a large-size dog.

Esme Wheeler, an RSPCA dog welfare expert and clinical animal behaviourist, said: “At the RSPCA we love all creatures, great and small. And as a nation of dog lovers, we all adore our dog pals whether they’re as big as a horse or as small as a guinea pig!

“But there can be some differences between taking care of gentle giants and cheeky miniatures when it comes to their day-to-day needs - so it’s important to take time as a family to consider what type and size of dog might suit your lifestyle, and what costs will be associated with their care.”

Image © RSPCA/Vision Media

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.