The bigger the dog, the bigger the cuddles, but they don’t always need more space. Take a look at why a gentle giant might be the right type of rescue dog for you.
They might take up a bit more space on your sofa, but that’s only because there’s more of them to love. Not all big dogs need big spaces to roam around and taking care of a big dog can be easier than you think. The big dogs at Battersea are just looking for the right fit with the right family. Could that be you?
Here are just a few of the reasons why a gentle giant might be the right type of rescue dog to fill the pet-shaped hole in your life.
The bigger the dog, the bigger the cuddles
A big rescue dog is the perfect companion for those who love a cuddle. You might think that big dogs aren’t lap dogs, but just because they’re not lap-sized, doesn’t mean they won’t try! Consider rescuing a big, faithful friend who wants nothing more than to snuggle up on the sofa and stay as close to you as possible.
No small dog syndrome
Unlike some smaller dogs, big dogs are often more confident about their place in the pecking order, and therefore have a bit less to prove. Big dogs are more likely to be quietly dignified, rather than shouting for your attention to make themselves known (no offence, small dogs).
Big dogs can run with every member of your pack
Bigger dogs aren’t as delicate as some smaller breeds and are more likely to be able to keep up with children and younger members of the family. Owning a big dog is a fantastic way to teach young children how to behave correctly around dogs and teach them the importance of respecting animals. As with all dogs, it’s vital to show both the dog and your children how to properly interact with and respect one another.
Not all dogs currently in our care will be suited to a home with young children, so if you have a young family, it’s worth bearing that in mind. This doesn’t mean there won’t be a dog that’s suitable for you, but unfortunately it might take us longer to find you the right pet. If you register your details with us, we’ll give you more information specific to your living circumstances.
Big doesn’t always mean big on exercise
It’s a misconception that bigger dogs need more exercise. While some bigger dogs relish lots of long walks and plenty of playtime, others will be content with shorter bursts of exercise; little and often. Our expert rehoming team will be able to tell you more about the kind of lifestyle our different big dogs are best suited to.
Our rehoming process
If you've not rehomed a Battersea animal before, you may not know what to expect.
When you register with us, we’ll ask lots of questions about your lifestyle and living circumstances. When you submit the completed registration form, you’ll receive an automated response to confirm we’ve received it. Then we use a combination of extensive rehoming experience, our staff expertise and analytical tools to search for a potential match.
If we find a dog that might be a good fit, our rehoming team will get in touch with you personally to talk about it all in more detail. After that, if everyone agrees the dog is the right one for you, we’ll arrange for you to meet virtually. Then we’ll arrange a visit to a Battersea centre or we'll deliver your new dog to you – and we’ll give you lots of advice on helping your new companion to settle in.
If you think a big dog would be the perfect addition to your family, visit our rehoming gallery to meet the dogs.
