THE RSPCA has revealed it rehomed 114 dogs in Cumbria last year.

This announcement comes as part of the the charity's special rehoming drive Adoptober.

New national figures show pure-breed and crossbreed Staffies, lurchers, Jack Russell terriers and German shepherds are the most common dog to come into its care, but also more trendy ‘handbag’ breeds and fashionable crossbreeds are also ending up in the charity’s 17 national animal centres.

The number of chihuahuas coming into the RSPCA’s care has gone up by 700 per cent in the last seven years, while the number of French bulldogs is up 236 per cent and Pomeranians are up 440 per cent.

Last year, the RSPCA rescued 38 dogs from abuse and neglect in Cumbria and received 4,443 calls to its 24-hour cruelty hotline.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of fashionable crossbreeds and so-called designer dogs like Dachshunds and French bulldogs arriving in our care.

“We know the animals coming into our care tend to reflect general dog ownership trends and there’s been a huge surge in recent years in people buying ‘designer dogs’ and crossbreeds such as cavachons, puggles and cockerpoos.

“As part of our rehoming drive this October, called Adoptober, we want to shine a light on all of the dogs in our care and encourage people to adopt a rescue dog instead of buying a puppy.

“All the animals in our care have a lot of love to give and we have a huge variety of dogs in our kennels waiting for homes.”

The RSPCA rescues animals from the worst abuse and neglect and, by giving them a home, you are giving them a second chance at life.

To offer an RSPCA rescue dog a new home visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet to find your paw-fect match for dogs like Buddy and Smudge, who on looking for a new home in Cumbria.

Buddy is a nine month old Staffordshire bull terrier cross German shepherd. heis a bright, affectionate youngster who is eager to please and responds well to training.

Buddy is looking for an experienced owner who can provide him with a structured routine, regular exercise and continued training, and will be around for much of the day.

Smudge is a two year old Border collie. He’s friendly, affectionate and extremely bright. Smudge needs to find a home with an experienced collie owner who can help channel his energy into agility or flyball.