Hampshire pets are being overlooked for rehoming because of their appearance, according to Blue Cross in Southampton.

Staff at the centre, which is near West End, say they are saddened that some dogs in their care aren’t getting any attention because of the way they look.

Dogs in their care include a Chihuahua and Jack Russell cross who has an overshot jaw and a nine-year-old Staffie, who has grey hair around the muzzle and ‘harmless lumps and bumps’.

Kirsty Smith, rehoming supervisor said: “Even when people are in the loving spirit, we still found that the animals who aren’t the most beautiful still get left behind.

“Some of the older dogs go a bit grey around the muzzle and develop a few harmless lumps and bumps, like Marley, our nine-year-old Staffie and Barney, our Jack Russell terrier.”

All three dogs are looking for new homes after being placed in the centres’ care.

Remy, a seven-year-old Chihuahua and Jack Russell cross, was brought into the centre from the stray kennels with his overshot jaw showing off his bottom teeth.

Kirsty said: “We ask that people look into your hearts and if you’re able to give a new home to any of these wonderful dogs, please do get in touch.”

To contact the centre, call 0300 777 1530.