A three-year-old Staffie who won the hearts of care home residents is helping to change perceptions of the much-maligned breed.

Lucky spends time with elderly people who miss contact with animals at the Kew House Care Home in Wimbledon.

Her owner Charlotte Stevens said she was wary about getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier when she first visited the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, but has been won around.

She said: “I feel guilty for ever doubting whether a Staffie would be the right pet for me. They have an amazing temperament and they are so loving and trustworthy.

“I wouldn’t think twice about getting a Staffie now. Sadly, some people still react negatively when they see Lucky out in the park which is upsetting.

“If they just gave her a chance, they would find out that there’s nothing to worry about as she will just want to play and is most likely to roll on her back for a tummy tickle.”

Last year, the breed accounted for 41 per cent of the dogs who came into the charity’s three sites, and the number of Staffies coming to the home in the last 15 years increased by 326 per cent.

Ali Taylor, Battersea’s head of canine welfare training, said: “It’s such a shame that Staffies have such a poor reputation.

“They really do not deserve it as they’re not aggressive or dangerous by nature.

“Hopefully we can help people understand their softer side and realise they make great family pets.”

If you think you could give a Staffie a chance, visit battersea.org.uk/staffie.