Dogs are often referred to as ‘man’s best friend’.
But for 122 pups at the Dogs Trust, finding a loving family is proving to be tricky.
These so–called ‘Underdogs’ have been in the charity’s care for at least six months – with some waiting years to find a forever home.
According to experts, underdogs are often overlooked due to their unusual appearance, age, or need for extra training.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jay McGuinness, Canine Rehoming & Welfare Manager at Battersea, explained: ‘Looks can influence first impressions, particularly when people are searching online.
‘Black Greyhounds and other black dogs are a good example of how certain animals can be overlooked for reasons that aren’t about their personality or suitability as a pet.
‘Historically, black Greyhounds have taken a lot longer to rehome than other dogs, often because of an assumption that their features can be less distinct in photos and they may not stand out as easily when people are browsing online.
‘However, in many cases it is not just about appearance, but a combination of misconceptions around age, size and breed.’
Rossi is a 10-year-old crossbreed with minor luxation of both patella, who the Dogs Trust describes as a ‘senior gentleman’
Chip is a young Akita Cross looking for adopters who have had experience with large/high-energy breeds
The Dogs Trust currently has 122 Underdogs under its care, which range in size, age, breed and temperament.
‘Finding a dog their forever home is always our top priority,’ it explained.
‘And for as long as we can ensure their health, happiness and wellbeing in our care, we’ll do everything we can to find their perfect match, however long it takes.’
One of the biggest underdogs is Hamish – a four–year–old Great Dane crossbreed, described as a ‘sweet and goofy boy’.
‘Hamish is a strong, energetic lad who is still working on his lead manners and would benefit from physically capable adopters, ideally a two person household, who can manage his strength and continue his training using the thing he loves most, food!’ his page explains.
‘As Hamish likes to investigate the world with his mouth, he’ll need a tidy, uncluttered home where objects can be kept safely out of reach while he settles in.’
In contrast, Joe is a tiny four–year–old Chihuahua on the lookout for a home with Amy, an 11–year–old Chihuahua.
The Dogs Trust explained: ‘Joe can be a little worried by new people, but once you’re in his circle, you’re in for good!
Joe is a tiny four–year–old Chihuahua on the lookout for a home with Amy, an 11–year–old Chihuahua
Ralphie is a 5-year-old Terrier looking for a calm home set up with adult adopters
‘In his ideal home, he would love to spend his days with a family who can help him grow in confidence at his own pace, with Amy right there cheering him on.’
Other underdogs looking for forever homes include Akita Cross, Chip, and crossbreed Rossi, who requires ongoing medical care.
‘Rossi has minor luxation of both patella that doesn’t bother him,’ the Dogs Trust reassured.
So, why are these adorable dogs struggling to find homes?
According to the experts, there are several factors at play, including looks, size, and stereotypes about certain breeds.
‘Of the cohort of dogs that have been with us for longer than 6 months, 47% of them are classed as large sized dogs and 39% are medium sized dogs,’ a Dogs Trust spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
‘Older dogs can be overlooked in favour of younger pups, but they deserve a loving home just as much.
‘There are lots of benefits when it comes to rehoming an old dog: less exercise but can be just as fun and playful, more likely to be fully house–trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too, but you can certainly still teach an old dog new tricks.’
One of the biggest underdogs is Hamish – a four–year–old Great Dane crossbreed, described as a ‘sweet and goofy boy’
Lizzie Longlegs is a 10-year-old Saluki cross, who the Dogs Trust describe as a ‘gentle soul’
Mr McGuinness added: ‘We often see older dogs overlooked because people assume they won’t be able to learn new things, larger dogs passed over because they are thought to need lots of space, and Greyhounds assumed to be high-energy when the reality is often very different.
‘Ultimately, every dog is an individual, and many dogs simply need the opportunity to show who they really are.’
Could you provide a home for an underdog? You can find more information on the Dogs Trust and Battersea website.
‘Keep an open mind. Rather than focusing solely on age, breed or appearance, take the time to get to know a dog’s personality and needs,’ Mr McGuinness advised.
‘Rehoming from a rescue, like Battersea, is a really positive first step because every dog in our care has been carefully assessed by our behavioural and veterinary teams.
‘We build a detailed understanding of each dog’s unique personality, training needs and the type of home they’re likely to thrive in.
‘We also take the time to understand each potential owner’s lifestyle and circumstances when they come to us, so we can make a thoughtful and considered match in the best interests of the owners and future pet.’
The news comes shortly after the Royal Kennel Club revealed the breeds that have proved the most popular so far this year.
Topping the list is the Labrador Retriever, with 6,161 litter registrations throughout the first quarter of 2026.
Cocker Spaniels are next (4,237 registrations), followed by Golden Retrievers (2,298), and Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshunds (1,844).
Along with the six other breeds in the top ten, these are all fairly predictable, the Royal Kennel Club explains.
However, the picture further down the list is ‘markedly different’.
The experts were surprised to discover a surge in the popularity of Whippets in the UK, with 727 registrations in the first quarter of 2026 – an 18 per cent year–on–year increase.
This makes the breed – loved by celebrities including Jennifer Saunders, Laura Jackson and Kit Harington – the 11th most popular in the UK.
