Dog lovers looking for a new furry friend this winter will be happy to learn there are dozens of dogs up for adoption across the North East.

Adoption centres across County Durham have plenty of rescue dogs looking for a forever home.

We have compiled a list of seven pups hoping to bring some light into their new owner's lives.

Read more: New One Stop shop to opens in Durham by The Wilson Brothers

Dolly, Lurcher - Approximately 8 years

The Northern Echo:

Here we have Dolly, who has been described as a lovely girl by the staff at Felledge Animal Centre.

This 8-year-old is looking for her forver home after being taken into the centre after her previous owner could no longer care for her.

While she does get on with other dogs at Felledge, the centre do recommend she be the only dog in the household for her own happiness.

It is also recommended she only be adopted by a household with secondary school aged children, or without children.

Despite her initial shyness, she now enjoys going out for walks, off lead time and has even been out on day trips to one of Felledge's fosterers homes.

Pearl, Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Approximately 1 year

The Northern Echo:

This pup initially arrived into RSPCA care with a severe skin condition and had almost no fur at all, but has since recovered very well and is now looking for her forever home.

The centre has described Pearl as a typical young dog full of excitement who loves to meet new people but can also be a bit too excitable.

Due to this and her age, she will need to attend sessions once she is settled into her new home to help with her basic training. 

It must be said Pearl has had required behavioural support while in the centre's care, and the centre ,can discuss this in full detail upon enquiry. 

She would be suitable to live with children of secondary school age or older who have had previous experience around dogs.

Carla, American Akita - Approximately 5 years

The Northern Echo:

Carla is a beautiful American Akita looking forward to settling into a new home and meeting her new owners.

She originally came into the care of Felledge after her previous owner could no longer take care of her.

She is much-loved by the staff at the centre, who have described her as a happy, sweet and gentle girl who "always brings a smile to our staff and volunteers faces."

It is recommended that she be the sole pet in the household and only live with children aged over 15.

Read more: Cleveland Police launch arson probe at Middlesbrough car dealer

Charlie, American Bulldog - 2 to 5 years

The Northern Echo:

This loving boy who will make a great addition to any family, suitable to live with both children aged eight and over.

For those with pets already in the home, the centre says Charlie is fine to live with cats and other dogs pending a successful meeting.

He is a large dog who loves attention, toys and playtime, however his strength and excitable nature means he will require some leadwork.

Adding to this, the centre has said he is housetrained and able to be left for a while.

Axel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 8 years

The Northern Echo:

Axel is described by the centre as a very good houseguest, being house trained and able to be left at home on his own for a while.

Due to his strength, it is very important that he gets a strong owner who can help him with his lead work.

Axel has lived with a cat previously, and is able to live with children above the age of 16.

However, he much prefers the presence of people to other dogs, and will need to be the only dog in the household.

Like any other dog, he loves to play, bounce around, and is a big fan of walks.

Brooke, Belgian Shepherd Dog, Malinois - 1 to 2 years

The Northern Echo:

Another sweet dog, Brooke is a canine brimming with enthusiasm and a "great love of life."

However, this enthusiasm has lead to a robust playstyle, and while dogs at the centre can handle this, it's important she be the only dog in the house as other dogs may not be suited to handle this.

That being said, she is still able to have tolerant dog friends when out for walks, and might be able to live with dogs in the future.

A very active dog, she will need lots of physical and mental exercise, and the centre recommends potential owners have a secure garden for her to play in.

Harry, Lurcher crossbreed - Approximately 5 years

The Northern Echo:

This lovable guy is very friendly, loves a good fuss, and is just waiting for his forever home. 

Sadly, Harry was initially taken in by the RSPCA in a very bad condition, being extremely underweight with sore skin.

Thankfully, he has since recovered really well and is looking to share his lovely nature with a new owner.

The centre feel Harry will be happier being the only pet in the household, however, he is still sociable and does get along well with other calm dogs on walks.

Harry is able to live with children who are of secondary school age, and requires owners who are familiar with large dog breeds.

All of the dogs can be found here and here.

Read next:

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to The Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.