The Battersea dog who’s been waiting for a home for nearly TWO YEARS

WITH his beautiful coat and blue and brown eyes you wouldn't think this loveable mutt would have too much trouble finding an owner — but you'd be wrong.

Sadly, he has been at Battersea's Brands Hatch dog shelter for over 600 days — 20 times longer than the average.

The Alaskan Malamute is just four, but he has spent half his life behind kennel bars.

Most dogs, who come through the dog shelter find homes within a month but Theo is one of the rare exceptions.

Malamutes are traditionally used as sled dogs because they can pull up to 1500 kg in weight.

They are athletic and need lots of exercise but are very fond of people.

And despite winning over the hearts of his fellow dogs and staff in Battersea, he is still no closer to finding anyone who will take him on.

Described as a "wonderful example of his breed", staff tell how the Husky enjoys food and company.

The shelter wrote: " Theo is energetic, mischievous and enjoys a fuss from the people who he has built a bond with.

"He has won over all of the staff at Battersea and after a long wait, he really deserves to find his new home. 

"He really loves his food, and has shown himself to be a very well-mannered boy in the home whilst on foster.

"Theo is looking for a home in the countryside where he can spend his days relaxing in the sun. If you have a good knowledge of the breed and looking for a charismatic chap to brighten your life then get in touch."

Theo, who is looking for a home in the countryside, needs training and needs an owner who is "willing to put the time and effort in."

Dog and cat rehoming centre Battersea take in an average of 13 dogs a day — and one dog in particular would have seen over 10,000 new dogs during his time.

Lurcher Bud, 7, has been at the Battersea's Old Windsor for a whopping 800 days, and like Theo before him, is still a permanent fixture on the waiting list.

Lurchers — a cross breed between greyhounds and working dogs like collies — sometimes put off prospective owners because of their reputation as being hard work but this isn't always the case.

Proving you can can teach old dogs new tricks, this clever greyhound collie can respond to these instructions with ease: sit, paw, down, leave, wait, back and bed.

But 'adopt' is one command he can't seem to manage. 

He is the longest stay dog across all of the three centres — despite being "affectionate and loving people".

Bud is currently living with foster owners but is hoping for a more permanent home.

Known for his 'comical side' and his love of food, the centre wrote this about Bud: "He loves people and has some brilliant training in place (and is still learning new tricks).

"Bud adores food, so much so that he has learned where the treats are kept and often glances at the cupboard in the hope of an extra treat. 

"He travels quietly in the car and likes to watch the world go by. His foster carers have taken him to many new places including Brighton beach where he loved all the new sights and smells.

"Bud will need a garden in his new home where he can enjoy being off-lead, typical to his breed he has a high chase drive so will need to be kept on lead and muzzled when on walks."

Lurcher bud, who could be homed with another Sighthound, loves playing in the garden and snoozing all afternoon long.

Centre Manager at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Rob Young, said: “Battersea cares for almost 5,000 dogs every year and although the average stay for them is just 30 days, some of handsome hounds end up staying much longer.

"There is no time limit on how long a dog can be cared for at Battersea, but after such a long wait these charismatic canines really do deserve a second chance.

"All these dogs will make amazing pets for the right owners; they’re just patiently waiting for these homes to come along.

“There’s no denying some of these dogs have specific requirements and some may need further training – but they will be loyal companions for life.

“Rescuing a dog in need is one of the most rewarding things you can do, especially dogs like Bud and Theo who have been with us for such a long time."

It is not just Bud and Theo who have struggled to find home.

Staffies are notoriously a common feature on dog shelters across the nation and the Express told how one unfortunate pup was rejected 18,000 times.

Freya, from Freshfields Animal Rescue in Liverpool, Merseyside, was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and staff feared she wouldn't be adopted.

But after her story went viral, she was inundated with offers and has since found a home.

Not a dog person? Then check out these older cats who are struggling to find their forever homes.