The dogs Brits struggle to care for: RSPCA reveals the breeds seeing the biggest rise in its rescue centres - including Pocket Bullies and Malinois
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Britain's rescue centres used to be packed with the likes of Staffies and Jack Russells – but new data reveals a dramatic shift in the breeds ending up in RSPCA care.
Pocket Bullies, American Bulldogs and even close protection breeds such as Malinois are appearing in growing numbers, the charity said, as it battles a nationwide rehoming crisis.
The RSPCA said the dogs most commonly seen in its centres a decade ago are now being replaced by larger, more powerful breeds.
Dog expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: 'We're seeing more large types of dogs coming into our care and staying for longer.
'In many cases owners are struggling with the cost–of–living crisis and prospective adopters can be more cautious about taking on bigger dogs who may be more expensive to care for.
'We're also seeing more Bullbreeds – such as Pocket Bullies and American Bulldogs – possibly as a result of the ban on American XL Bullies in 2024.
'Unfortunately banning types of dogs often leads to fears around similar types leading to serious misrepresentation which may be why we're seeing more coming into our care.'
Pocket Bullies, a relatively new breed type whose popularity has boomed in recent years, were not recorded in RSPCA care a decade ago but now account for 39 dogs (file image)
The RSPCA said it has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Malinois and American Bulldogs in their centres, but less Lurchers and Staffies compared to a decade ago
Among the most dramatic changes is the rise of the Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd, with numbers soaring from just three dogs in 2015 to 111 this year.
That represents a staggering increase of 3,600 per cent.
The number of Dobermans entering RSPCA care has also doubled, climbing from nine to 18 over the same period.
Meanwhile, American Bulldogs have surged by 127 per cent, rising from 83 dogs in 2015 to 188 in 2025.
Pocket Bullies, a relatively new breed type whose popularity has boomed in recent years, were not recorded in RSPCA care a decade ago but now account for 39 dogs.
The figures come as the charity warns it is facing a rehoming crisis, with a six–year high in the number of animals entering its care.
Across England and Wales, the number of dogs in RSPCA rehoming centres has jumped by 71 per cent since 2021, rising from 2,239 to 3,909.
Among the most dramatic changes is the rise of the Malinois, also known as the Belgian Shepherd, with numbers soaring from just three dogs in 2015 to 111 this year (stock image)
The number of Dobermans entering RSPCA care has also doubled, climbing from nine to 18 over the same period (stock image)
Dogs are also waiting longer than ever to find new homes, with the average stay increasing from 41 days last year to 51 days this year.
Larger breeds can spend up to seven times longer waiting for adoption than smaller dogs.
While some breeds are becoming increasingly common in rescue centres, others are appearing far less frequently than they once did.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers remain the single most common breed in RSPCA care, but their numbers have more than halved over the last decade, falling from 758 to 354.
Jack Russell Terriers have also dropped by 55 per cent, from 206 to 93.
Lurchers are down 42 per cent, falling from 274 to 158, while Rottweilers have declined by 63 per cent, from 92 to 34.
The charity is also seeing fewer Collies, Greyhounds and Labradors than in previous years.
This Adoptober, the RSPCA is urging experienced and patient owners to consider rehoming, as thousands of dogs continue to wait for a second chance at a permanent home.
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