UK Rescue Centers See Shift to Larger, More Powerful Dog Breeds

British animal rescue centers are experiencing a notable shift in the types of dogs requiring care, with larger and more powerful breeds increasingly replacing traditionally common breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Jack Russells. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has reported a substantial rise in breeds such as Malinois, American Bulldogs, and Pocket Bullies entering their facilities.

This trend coincides with a broader rehoming crisis, where the number of animals in RSPCA care has reached a six-year high. Across England and Wales, the total number of dogs in RSPCA rehoming centers has increased by 71 percent since 2021, growing from 2,239 to 3,909.

Dr. Samantha Gaines, a dog expert, noted that larger breeds are arriving in greater numbers and staying longer in care. She attributed this partly to owners struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, making them more cautious about adopting larger, potentially more expensive dogs. The rise in Bullbreed types, including Pocket Bullies and American Bulldogs, may also be linked to the ban on American XL Bullies in 2024, leading to increased fear and misrepresentation of similar breeds, Dr. Gaines suggested.

Among the most dramatic increases is the Malinois, or Belgian Shepherd, with numbers soaring from just three dogs in 2015 to 111 in the current year, representing a 3,600 percent increase. The number of Dobermans entering RSPCA care has also doubled, from nine to 18 over the same period. American Bulldogs have seen a 127 percent surge, rising from 83 dogs in 2015 to 188 in 2025. Pocket Bullies, a breed that was not recorded in RSPCA care a decade ago, now accounts for 39 dogs.

Conversely, the numbers of some traditional rescue breeds have significantly declined. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, while still the most common breed in RSPCA care, have seen their numbers more than halve in the last decade, dropping from 758 to 354. Jack Russell Terriers have decreased by 55 percent, from 206 to 93. Lurchers are down 42 percent, and Rottweilers have declined by 63 percent. The charity is also reporting fewer Collies, Greyhounds, and Labradors.

Dogs are also waiting longer to be rehomed, 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.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the RSPCA is urging potential adopters, particularly experienced and patient owners, to consider rehoming during its 'Adoptober' campaign, as thousands of dogs await a second chance.