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Sporty spaniels and competitive collies — meet Battersea’s Team GB Olympic hopefuls going for gold

From swimming spaniels to weightlifting westies Team GB have some paw-some new Olympic recruits at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

The competitive canines are pawing for gold ahead of the Games in Rio next week.

The Battersea team are hoping their a-paw-able pooches will make the podium and jump, swim or dive their way into new homes across the capital this summer.

Meet the team hoping to win your heart:

Beau

Among the doggie dream team is Beau, the six-year old springer spaniel is a whirlwind of energy and is unstoppable when it comes to playing ball.

Dog 6GOTTA CATCH ‘EM ALL: Beau hopes to take on Andy Murray in the final

Beau is Battersea’s ‘Sky’s the Limit’ high jumper — he has a jump as extraordinary as his personality and is looking for active owners who are as enthusiastic about exercise as he is.

Dog 9CLIMBING TO THE TOP: Giving Jess Ennis-Hill a run for her money

Hero

Hero ‘The Hulk’ is a seven-year-old pug-beagle cross and has a passion for wagging his tail and weightlifting.

Dog 3A-PAW-ABLE: Hero isn’t letting go

This quirky little guy prefers to train with his dog toys in quieter surroundings, so would be best suited to a home in a less built up area, without too much hustle and bustle.

Dog 2DETERMINED: Hero really needs a win this summer

After being at Battersea for more than 160 days he’s one of their longest stay residents and is desperate to show off his weightlifting skills to a new family soon.

Dog 1POWERFUL PUG: Hero living up to her name

Tia

Battersea’s sensational swimmer is Tia, a three-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux.

Dog 14GOING FOR GOLD: No doggie paddle here

Tia is a gentle giant and loves nothing more than a paddling pool to practise her swimming skills, although there may need to be a pitstop to refill the tank once she’s splashed her way through it.

Dog 13SPLASH-TASTIC: Training is going swimmingly

Ria

Ria ‘The Brains’ is a one-year-old border collie and the ultimate hound for hurdles.

Dog 5PANTING PUPPY: The competition can breathe easy for now

A true working collie at heart, she still has a few more hurdles to jump over before she’s ready for her new home but is looking forward to having an owner who can entertain both her energy and intelligence.

Dog 4EYES ON THE PRIZE: Ria is not giving up

Taz

Taz the ‘Thunderbolt’ lurcher has most surely secured a mutt medal this summer for his super long jumping ability.

When he’s not stretching his legs and practising his jump in the sand this loving lurcher is a big champion of cuddles.

Dog 12NO STOPPING HIM: Taz is stronger than ever

The finish line is in sight for Taz as his winning streak has seen Battersea staff pass the torch to new owners for him already.

Dog 10IN IT TO WIN IT: Watch out Greg Rutherford

This paw-some team all arrived at Battersea after their owners could no longer care for them and are looking for a front row seat in a loving new home to tune into the Olympic Games this summer.

If any of these canine champions win gold for you and you can offer them a home please contact Battersea on 0843 509 4444 or visit battersea.org.uk.

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