A huge dog which is as heavy as a baby elephant has been adopted after making headlines across the world.

The slobbery mastiff, called Galahad, is the biggest-ever canine cared for at Dogs Trust in Canterbury.

He has been living with his new family, Colin, Lindy and 15-year-old Matthew Dimmock and their other dog Odie for three weeks.

The lovable four-year-old boy has had a lot of change in his life so far, having moved to several different homes already.

Colin said: "It was me who was missing having a big dog - and the slobber and the hair - after we lost our dog, Eli, last year. Galahad is actually about three-inches bigger than he was.

“He’s the fourth really big dog we’ve had, they’re so loveable and loyal."

And the adorable giant has made himself feel quite at home after Dogs Trust launched an appeal in April to find him new owners.

"He’s fantastic," Colin added. "He sits, gives you his paw, he comes up and gives you a kiss, he’s met cyclists, tractors, cars, other dogs, and is brilliant with our son Matthew, who is autistic. He likes everything about Galahad apart from the slobber.

“He’s just starting to play tug. He’ll chase a football down the garden and once he’s punctured it he’ll bring it back. We haven’t found a toy he can’t destroy yet - typically they last about a day.

"He loves the hosepipe and has been really enjoying that while the weather has been nice. He has the three-seater sofa in the living room as his bed at night. He snores so loudly we can hear him from our bedroom.

"One thing he does that’s really funny is he walks alongside the sofa, lifts his bum onto it and sits there with his front feet on the floor. He’s got a brilliant character, he’s absolutely great.”

Weighing the equivalent of a newborn elephant calf, 15.7 stone Galahad - who shares his name with one of King Arthur's knights - needed a family home with plenty of space.

The English mastiff is recognised as being the world's heaviest breed of dog, with the biggest topping the scales at 144kg in 1984.

Dogs Trust Canterbury Rehoming Centre manager, Harriet Blaskett, said: "Galahad was by far the biggest ever dog we’ve had at Canterbury. He’s had several previous homes, so it was really important that we got this right for him.

"We had a huge response to our appeal, and we could not be more thrilled with how well he’s settled in with his big-hearted new owners, they’re a match made in big dog heaven."

If you think you could give a dog the forever home they are looking for, click here. If you are struggling to cope with looking after your dog, contact Dogs Trust on 0300 303 2188.

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