Why big dogs like Bailey wait longest at RSPCA Cornwall

He loves tennis balls, rope toys, garden zoomies and a good cuddle. He is three years old and he wears his muzzle like a pro. What Bailey hasn’t got yet is a home, and the thing most likely to be holding him back is simply his size.

Bailey’s moment on BBC Spotlight

Bailey, who is in the care of the RSPCA Cornwall Branch, appeared on BBC Spotlight last Wednesday (14 October). He was part of a feature on rescue dogs that highlighted a sad reality for larger breeds. They can take seven times longer to find a home than smaller dogs.

The branch says it is time its bigger dogs got their moment in the spotlight. The appeal is part of its Adoptober push, in a year when the branch is marking 30 years, and the team hopes the TV feature will inspire more people to consider adopting a larger dog.

📷Credit: RSPCA Cornwall Branch

Meet Bailey

Bailey is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross with a huge personality and, according to the team caring for him, an even bigger heart. He’s clever, affectionate and fun-loving, and he absolutely adores people.

He has worked hard on his training around other dogs and is making fantastic progress. He wears his muzzle without fuss and needs someone who will carry on helping him build his confidence.

Bailey would love to be the only pet in his new home, where he can have all the attention to himself.

He isn’t the only big dog waiting

RSPCA Cornwall has several large-breed dogs in its care, each with their own personality, story and needs. The one thing they share is that they are all waiting for someone to give them a chance.

The branch is asking people to see past the size and get to know the dog underneath.

How to adopt a larger dog

Anyone who has thought about welcoming a bigger dog into their life can see the dogs currently looking for homes on the RSPCA Cornwall Branch dogs page, or call the rehoming team on 01637 881455.

The branch is a self-funded Cornish rehabilitation and rehoming centre with its own rehoming processes, and it welcomes enquiries from a range of potential adopters. Its priority is matching the right animal with the right home, so that each adoption has the best possible chance of working.

If adopting isn’t possible, the team is asking people to share the appeal instead, in case it reaches someone who falls for one of their dogs.

“Big dogs. Big personalities. Big love. Let’s give them the big chance they deserve!”

📷Bailey, three, is looking for a home with the RSPCA Cornwall Branch. Credit: RSPCA Cornwall Branch