A DORSET dog rescue charity has joined forces with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in a bid to show people the softer side of Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Staffie and Stray Rescue, based in Ferndown, is aiming to raise awareness of the plight of the misunderstood breed and challenge negative perceptions about the Staffie through the campaign called Staffies: They’re Softer Than You Think.

The rescue centre has rehomed 54 Staffies and Staffie crossbreeds since it was established in 2014 and currently has 20 dogs looking for new homes.

Founder Calli Byrne said the rescue wanted to show the “true soft character of these loveable dogs, which were once known as ‘nanny dogs’ for their affinity with children”.

She explained: “We see a large number of Staffie and Staffie crosses coming into our centre. Any dog can be trained to be aggressive and, sadly, Staffies are the victims of a minority of irresponsible dog owners.

“Staffies adore human company, and we are determined to show that they make fantastic family companions.”

As part of its campaign with Battersea, Staffie and Stray Rescue is working with many proud, responsible local Staffie owners to champion the positive qualities of the breed.

Rob Young, head of dog rehoming at Battersea, said: “Battersea has seen a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into its care, and around a third of the dogs we take in are Staffies and Staffie crosses.

“We know what wonderful family pets they can be, and it’s great to have the chance to work with Staffie and Stray Rescue to spread the word and give Staffies the second chance they deserve.”

Calli added: “Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with. We have some great local residents who have rehomed Staffies from us who are tremendous ambassadors for the breed.”

Staffie and Stray Rescue rehomes unwanted and abandoned dogs from Dorset and Hampshire. Currently without any kennels of their own, they place dogs into foster care or boarding kennels until a permanent home is found.

The rescue receives up to 30 calls a day from people asking to surrender their dog to rescue.

The charity provides all vet and dog behavioural therapy bills without the help of government or lottery funding.

To find out more about the rescue, or to give a Staffie a home visit staffieandstrayrescue.co.uk. Alternatively, email staffierescue@gmail.com.