Social media linked to rise in abandoned large dogs

Bath Cats and Dogs Home said social media trends may be fuelling interest in breeds like Cane Corsos

There has been a sharp rise in the number of large dogs being abandoned or surrendered into care, an animal charity has said.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home reported a 16% increase in large dogs arriving between August 2023 and August 2025, with about half of the dogs at the centre currently larger breeds.

Chief executive, Rachel Jones, said while this is due to a number of factors, one of those is a rise in their popularity on social media.

"We've seen an increase in Malinois, Cane Corsos, and we know there is a lot of content online showing these breeds, but it's only snippets so people might be attracted to their looks, but not realise what that breed is going to need in terms of care," she said.

Rachel Jones said larger dogs are waiting twice as long to find homes

RSPCA figures show bigger dogs take more than 60 days on average to find a home, compared with about 30 days for smaller ones.

At Bath Cats and Dogs Home some larger dogs, like Lurchers or Salukis, can wait several months to be adopted after rehabilitation, costing the charity £1,195 per month in kennelling costs.

The charity said it believes costs and misconceptions are among the reasons behind the rise in large dogs being abandoned.

"Dogs might be coming in as strays, they might have been abandoned, through the RSPCA or when members of the public can no longer care for them," she said.

"We know that there's a cost of living crisis so people are finding it harder to pay for vet bills, things like that.

"Obviously if you do have a larger dog, they do cost a little bit more in terms of feeding, grooming, things like that."

Bigger dogs can make loving companions, but Bath Cats and Dogs Home said they are being overlooked for adoption

She added that because larger breed dogs also have larger litters, they can find they are also taking in multiple puppies.

"They can have between eight and 12 puppies on average, so sometimes people are breeding [and] they're not then able to sell those puppies on," Ms Jones said.

She added that once larger dogs come into their care, there are "many reasons" why they tend to stay there for longer.

"People do think a larger breed is going to take more work, but that's not always the case," Ms Jones said.

"We've got many large breed dogs that just want to have a cuddle with you. Not too long a walk each day but just really need that loving home."

Potential adopters are encouraged to research the needs of different breeds, consider their family's working hours and lifestyle, and remain open to dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Ms Jones also urged people looking to adopt a rescue a dog to "keep an open mind".

"We may have that larger breed dog that is just the perfect match for you," she said.