It is a myth that rescue dogs are dangerous, aggressive and not suitable for family life. Many dogs that end up in rescue centres do so because their owners find them difficult to manage once they turn from a puppy into an adolescent. This is often not the fault of the dog, it is simply that the owner is unprepared for the commitment in both time and energy that a dog takes. The majority of dogs that arrive in rescue centres are between 6 months and 3 years of age and once adopted into the right family, turn into wonderful family pets.

Any breed of dog can arrive in a rescue centre though some breeds are more prevalent than others. In the UK, Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Bull Terrier crossbreeds make up a large proportion of all dogs in rescue simply because of their popularity amongst the population in general. Sadly unfair labelling of the breed as aggressive makes them more difficult than most dogs to rehome. Rottweilers also arrive in rescue all too often and are then difficult to place because of their size and perceived aggressive personalities. But as research has shown, people are for more likely to encounter aggression with smaller breeds like the Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier or even the Chihuahua.

Many rescue dogs are rehomed quickly, but some wait months or even years for a home. This is particularly true when the rescue dog is older. Potential adopters worry about poor health and vets bills. However, insurance will cover new conditions and rescue centres often cover the cost of the existing illnesses for the rest of the dog's life. Another plus is that older dogs are often more placid and better behaved. There are several charities dedicated to rescuing and rehoming older dogs.

The numbers of dogs in rescue centres could be reduced with a few simple measures. Dog owners should neuter their dogs to avoid accident breeding and also microchip their animals in case they stray. Potential owners need to carefully consider which breed of dog is right for them. For example, a Border Collie is not going to be suitable if you are a town or city dweller with little time for the large amounts of exercise or the mental stimulation the breed requires. Lastly, potential owners should consider adopting a rescue dog rather than paying large sums of money to unscrupulous dog breeders and puppy farmers, encouraging them to continue overbreeding.

Rescue dogs come in all breeds, ages and sizes. What's more, they will have been assessed by experienced dog handlers at the rescue centre who will have a good idea about their personality and ideal home. With so many dogs facing death in pounds across the world, dog rescue charities exist to give these animals a second chance.