A north-east animal charity is urging dog lovers to open their hearts to “much maligned” staffies who need new homes.
The Scottish SPCA will launch its annual staffie awareness week starting on Monday to urge potential owners to consider adopting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The dog’s popularity has soared over recent years, yet the breed receives bad press due to irresponsible ownership.
The charity said that despite being known for their fearlessness and loyalty, their muscular stature makes them appear intimidating to people.
And it said their temperament is ill suited for being a guard dog, as they have a natural fondness for people.
Mike Flynn, Chief Superintendent at Scottish SPCA, said the charity’s Drumoak centre in Aberdeenshire still has many of the animals available.
“Last year our Aberdeenshire centre re-homed 33 staffies and still have more looking for loving homes,” he said.
“However we know many people overlook them because they think they may be aggressive.
“Staffie Awareness Week is our opportunity to highlight that staffies are actually friendly, affectionate and loyal.
“Just like other dogs in our care, some of our staffies have been mistreated and need particular homes, but we also have many who would suit a family home with children and pets.
“We are challenging the negative labels staffies have been given because it’s truly heart-breaking to see how many of them are living in our kennels instead of the loving homes they deserve.”
Anyone interested in re-homing can visit the charity’s centre in Drumoak, open 7 days between 10am and 4pm.