They have been pushed to the bottom of the rehoming pile through no fault of their own - and can spend years waiting for someone to adopt them.
The Senior Staffy Club, in Stoke-on-Trent, has become overrun with aging Staffordshire bull terriers who keep being overlooked by potential owners.
Julia Kaminski of Senior Staffy Club told The Mirror : "We currently have three gorgeous Staffies at our Stoke kennels who we are struggling to rehome despite their gorgeousness.
"Hughie, Barney and Ruth have all been waiting for some time because the bottom seems to have dropped out of the dog market.
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"At Senior Staffy Club, older Staffies don’t usually have to wait ages like they do at some general dog rescues.
"The charity has a niche market of people who love their older Staffies, for their affectionate natures and the fact that they are easy and don’t require lots of training like their puppy counterparts, or too much training like the juniors."
Claiming "all rescues are reporting a slump in the market", the charity has issued a desperate plea to help rehome their longest-staying residents.
"If you are looking for a gentle new friend and companion, to snuggle up to on the sofa or enjoy some nice walks with now that summer is nearly here, look no further than Senior Staffy Club’s Stoke kennels, where Hughie, Barney and Ruth are waiting to meet you," she added.
Hughie
Hughie was sent to the pound after his owner sadly passed away - but was soon rescued by the Senior Staffy Club.
Julia said: "Hughie is a very friendly, affectionate seven-year-old boy who loves spending time with people.
"He can be very bouncy when he sees his walker friends at kennels and can jump very high.
"Hughie likes playing with his toys and having a play in our paddock and he loves his treats. His favourite thing, however, is cuddles."
Hughie, who has spent time in foster care, is fully housetrained and can sleep through the night by himself.
His foster carers said: "He loves his cuddles on the sofa, chew treats, and is food obsessed.
"He likes to be challenged and would benefit from having an adult around a lot of the time. He enjoys puzzles and games to keep him stimulated.
"He loves long walks and can easily keep going for an hour without tiring so will need an owner who is active. He enjoys visiting new places and can’t wait to get exploring.
"Hughie can walk past other dogs without reacting when he is given space. He's not a fan of dogs (off lead or on lead) coming to say hello face on so he does need to be given space from other dogs.
"Hughie is a very clever dog and would benefit from activities to keep his brain active such as puzzle toys, learning new tricks and scent work.
"He cannot live with other dogs, cats or small furries."
Barney
Six-year-old Barney was sold on Gumtree and spent two weeks in his new home before being sent to a rescue.
Following this, he was moved to the Senior Staffy Club, where he has shown off his sweet personality.
"He was very scared and shy when he first arrived, but has settled in and become a friendly boy who loves to sit on your knee," said Julia.
"He can still be very nervous of men though, and takes his time to feel comfortable in their company.
"Barney has plenty of energy and enjoys going for walks and exploring. He also likes a good run around our paddock playing with his toys.
"He can pass other dogs without reacting, unless they react to him - then he’ll bark back.
"Barney was a very good boy recently at the vets, even though it was a male vet. During his blood test he gave lots of kisses to the vet nurses.
"Barney would like a home where someone is at home most of the time."
Ruth
Alike Hughie, Ruth arrived at the Senior Staffy Club after her owner sadly passed away.
Julia said: "She is a very friendly girl who enjoys having a fuss from everyone at kennels.
"She loves going for a walk too, and exploring her surroundings.
"She can get very excited at times and be a bit mouthy or on occasion try to hump, but she is easily stopped.
"Ruth walks well on the lead and doesn’t pull. Due to her arthritis, we are currently limiting walks to around 30 minutes at most.
"She can bark when she sees other dogs, more so if they react to her first."
If you're interested in rehoming Hughie, Barney or Ruth, or any other dogs at the Senior Staffy Club, visit their website.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
