We just had a couple of mixed bred mongrels when I was a kid. One was free from a family over the road who had several pups going spare and the other came to us for a small donation via Digbeth Dogs Home.

They only ever needed to go to the vets for yearly check ups or the occasional thorn or broken glass in their paw. Both were well fed, exercised, fit, lean and as loyal as the day was long. If we'd have gone for pedigrees then they'd have been Staffies.

One thing to remember Mick. Dog thefts are on the up, check the most popular stolen breeds as well as medical genetic ailments. All of the best.