A 10 stone dog has arrived at a Dogs Trust rehoming centre.

Buddy is a 10.4 stone Malamute husky and has become the heaviest dog at the Dogs Trust Centre in Basildon.

An average male Malamute should weigh around 34kg, but at 66kg Buddy is the same weight as singers Justin Bieber and Zayn Malik.

He was handed into the centre after he moved from Australia.

Buddy is keen to get out and make friends, but is struggling as his larger than average frame isn’t necessarily built for exercise.

His chunky frame is currently even too big for the specialist canine hydrotherapy tank, where he will spend a few hours walking off the extra pounds in due course.

Lisa Cooper, Dogs Trust Basildon Deputy Manager said: “Never in all my years of animal welfare have I seen a dog as big as Buddy, especially in such a typically active breed.

“We’re all tempted to share our meals and lavish treats on our dogs, but it is vital to remember that they are not designed for their sensitive tummies and should only be offered as part of a controlled diet.

“Treats shouldn’t be a regular occurrence and your pet’s regular diets/meals should be altered accordingly.

“If you do notice your dog putting on a few extra pounds we’d recommend seeking your vet’s advice and potentially up their exercise or cutting back on the size of their portions, something Buddy will be seeing happen as we’re putting him straight on a calorie controlled diet and easing him back into regular exercise.”

The team at Dogs Trust Basildon are aiming for the currently portly pooch to lose 0.5kg/1lb a week taking him to his new slim-line self in around 37 weeks.

Buddy has now been reserved but to find out more about any other dogs at Dogs Trust Basildon either call them on 0300 303 0292.