Rising Numbers of Large Dog Breeds Arriving at Somerset Shelters
Cane Corsos, American Bulldogs, and German Shepherds increasingly end up in rescue centres
Somerset animal rescue centres are seeing a surge in large dog breeds being surrendered or rehomed. At Happy Landings Animal Rescue, kennel supervisor and rehoming coordinator Natalia Dante says the increase has been dramatic, with around 200 big dogs entering their care this year alone.
“We’re seeing more Cane Corsos, bully breeds, and German Shepherds than ever before,” Dante explained. “They’re popular because of their looks or status, but many owners aren’t prepared for the training, exercise, and care these breeds need. Puppies are small and cute, but they grow quickly, and without proper handling, they can become difficult to manage safely.”
Dante highlights that social media plays a major role in driving the trend. “People see posts of large breeds online and think they want one, but they often don’t know what they’re actually getting. It’s very much a case of ‘I saw it online, I bought it.’ There’s little awareness of the responsibilities these dogs require.”
Many of the dogs arriving at shelters come from online sales where details about their health, vaccinations, and temperament are often unclear. “Some dogs are from puppy farms or unverified breeders,” Dante added. “Owners frequently find themselves overwhelmed once the dog grows and starts needing more care than anticipated.”
The shelter currently has a range of large breeds waiting for homes, including two King Corso females rescued from a London pound, American Bulldogs, a Turkish Shepherd, and several Collies. “We work hard to rehome these dogs responsibly,” Dante said. “We provide rehabilitation, training, and foster placements, but the demand far outstrips the number we can take in safely. Larger dogs have around a 30% lower chance of rehoming compared to smaller breeds because of cost, space, and housing restrictions.”
Dante urges potential owners to think carefully before choosing a large breed. “It’s all about responsible ownership. Make sure you know the breed, have the lifestyle to manage it, and understand the commitment. With the right care, these dogs are loyal, gentle, and incredible companions.”