There are more than 300,000 dog-owning households in the capital and south west London’s pooch-friendly pubs and parks make it a hotspot for hounds.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is one of the oldest charities in the world and has been rescuing strays and re-homing pets since 1860.
Last year it re-homed 2,449 dogs and figures show Bull Terriers, cross-breeds and Jack Russells are the breeds most likely to need new homes.
Hayley Chow, spokesperson for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: “Rarer breeds are often more attractive to people and so they are the ones who are rehomed the quickest.
“Staffies and cross-breeds are the ones that are most looking for homes and we do get quite a lot of long stay Greyhounds throughout the year.”
Fulham resident Elaine, took on English bull terrier called Trojan when his owners could no longer look after him.
She said: “He would have had to go to Battersea Dogs Home or a rescue home had I not taken him on.
“I’ve rescued Staffies from Battersea before, they’re intelligent dogs and I think maybe people don’t realise how much interaction they need.
“They’re not docile dogs, they need a lot of interaction and need taking out for walks a lot.
