It's well-known that owning a dog can boost mental and physical well-being.

And rescuing a dog brings even more pleasure than shelling out hundreds or even thousands of pounds for the most popular breeds - some of which are bred in less than ideal circumstances.

So we've had a look at ten of the dozens of canines currently living at Darlington's Dog Trust centre who are looking for their forever homes.

All pictures and descriptions of the dogs are courtesy of Darlington Dogs Trust and further information on how to rehome a pet from the charity's Sadberge centre can be found on their website.

Bertie, bulldog aged 2-5 years old

The Northern Echo:

Bertie is a special boy looking for a adult only home with no other pets.

He will need owners around for him most of the day and build up his time to being left gradually.

Bertie can be worried by dogs and would need to be walked in quiet areas away from traffic and lots of dogs.

He may take a long time to settle into a home but he loves training and has progressed fantastically with his training in the centre.

Once you have a bond with Bertie he is a playful cuddly boy who is super fun to be around and a pleasure to train.

Jethro, crossbreed aged 1-2 years old

The Northern Echo:

Jethro is a one year old hound who is a sweet lad but very strong on the lead.

So he will need some leadwork in the home and owners who can manage his strength.

He is playful boy with other dogs and may settle better in a home where there is an existing playful dog- but it will need to be up for his bouncy exuberant playstyle.

Loki, Siberian husky aged 2-5 years old

The Northern Echo:

Loki has had a lot of upheaval so his next home needs to be his forever home to give him stability. He needs gradual socialising with dogs as he's not really been around any.

He can be very vocal on lead when he sees them, so he will prefer to be walked in quieter areas and having his own secure garden for off lead funtimes.

Loki needs owners to be around for him for the majority of the day as he doesn't cope with being alone.

New owners will need to be prepared to get him used to being by himself very gradually. This may mean having some back up support at times.

Lola, Shar Pei crossbreed aged 2-5 years old

The Northern Echo:

Lola will make such a fun companion in an active home.

She adores spending time with people and will never fail to brighten your day with her enthusiastic nature.

Lola adores playing with toys and is always keen to go exploring on her walks.

She is a clever girl who has come on leaps and bound with her training and would like to find adopters who will continue this in the home.

Meg, border collie cross aged 5-7 years old

The Northern Echo:

Meg is a sweet girl who loves to make new canine friends and enjoys a gentle fuss from her carers.

Meg has a sensitive side and can be worried by sudden changes or when things get too busy.

Meg loves nothing more than playing in our off lead field.

She can lack confidence in indoor areas, so will need to visit her new home several times before going home.

Vinny, crossbreed aged 8 or over

The Northern Echo:

Vinny is a sweet calm lad who has a slightly shy side so is looking for a quiet relaxed home.

Vinny likes his treats, and this is a great way to build up a friendship.

He is a lovely chap who is low maintenance, he travels great in the car, likes to carry his toys around and loves exploring on his walks.

He can be a bit eager though so will need confident owners to help him progress with his lead work.

Flash, lurcher cross aged 5-7 years old

The Northern Echo:

Flash is a real softie who adores his humans and would be a lovely companion for someone.

Flash is much more a people person who would like to have his owners all to himself so would need to be the only pet in a home.

He is a boy who would be much happier walked in quieter times whilst he builds on his social skills.

Flash can be a bit of an escape artist so a high fenced secure garden is a must for him.

Maddie, German Shepherd cross aged 2-5 years

The Northern Echo:

Maddie is a playful girl who will make such a fun companion.

Soft toys are her first love, shortly followed by cheese!

Once Maddie gains your trust, she adores fuss and attention and lets her goofy personality shine.

She enjoys her walks but can be strong on the lead, so would love to find an active owner who will take her on adventures in quiet walking areas.

Maddie is looking for an adult only home with minimal visitors and no visiting children. She will also need to be the only pet.

Mac, crossbreed aged 2-5 years old

The Northern Echo:

Mac is beautiful boy, both inside and out who loves nothing more than spending time with his carers.

He has a few walking pals at the centre but does prefer females so could potentially share his home with a female dog.

He is starting to learn tricks so will enjoy learning more in the home - especially if toys are on offer as he does love to play with them.

Mac finds the world all a bit scary and is looking for an adult only home with no visiting children where he can find his feet and slowly get used to home life. 

Stanley, crossbreed aged 1-2 years old

The Northern Echo:

Stanley is a young lad who will make a fun companion in an active home. He has lots of energy and can get overexcited, so will need plenty of mental stimulation and some ongoing training.

Stanley loves nothing more than playing with other dogs and would love to have a couple of playful canine pals. He also really enjoys his food and is a quick learner.

Stanley is looking for an adult only home where adopters have the time to continue his training.

He could potentially live with another playful dog provided meets go well at the centre.

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