Labrador or rottweiler, staffie or Yorkshire terrier? Which breeds of dog do the people of Kent favour for pets?

An RSPCA survey has revealed that topping the charts on the county's unwanted dogs list are Staffordshire bull terriers followed by rottweilers, large crossbreeds, staffie crosses and akitas.

Labradors, small breeds, puppies, cross breeds and Yorkshire terriers come out as the breeds people want to own.

The county's pooch preferences were revealed during an RSPCA survey of its animal centres in the south east.

The charity blame irresponsible owners for the Staffie's aggressive reputation not the dogs themselves.

RSPCA regional superintendant for the south east, Paul Stilgoe, said: “Staffies have had a terrible press, but this is not of their own making – in fact they’re wonderful dogs.

“If well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions. Our experience suggests that problems occur when bad owners exploit the staffie’s desire to please by training them to show aggression.”

Jenny Wallace, from Highham, adopted a Staffie from the RSPCA's Leybourne Animal Centre in West Malling.

She said: "We consider ourselves very lucky to have him - if Monty's anything to go by, Staffies can make fantastic companions."

To celebrate RSPCA Pet Adoption Week, the charity is encouraging people to consider a Staffie as they can make the perfect pets.

Before animals can be adopted they have a behavioural assessment and a health check to help match them with the right new owner.

Mr Stilgoe added: “If you end up taking a Staffie or one of the other dogs on our ‘most unwanted’ list back, you’ll know you’ve given an extra special animal a much-needed new home.”

For an information pack about adopting an animal from the RSPCA, call the dedicated Pet Adoption Week phone line on 0300 123 8484 – or find out more by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/paw.