WE'VE all heard ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ but it is something often forgotten, particularly with some popular breeds.

Staffordshire bull terriers have risen in popularity over recent years, but families often take on the responsibility without doing due research.

They can be wonderful dogs, and are known to be excellent with children, but like all pets they need to be treated properly.

The breeds’ reputation is tarnished by irresponsible owners who don’t care for their new charges – often encouraging these normally docile pets to become scared and vicious.

If anyone is able to give one of these 17 dogs a home, they should step forward. These animals need love and care and an experienced hand.