ABOUT UNDERDOG INTERNATIONAL
We are a unique charity that aims to positively impact two million children and dogs by 2030. We work on global projects to encourage kindness, empathy, resilience and confidence. Creating compassion and joy - one dog, one child at a time.
Our Underdogs of the Year!
You voted Bonnie and Clyde as your Underdogs of the Year 2025! Rescued at the age of eight after being found close to drowning in a swimming pool in the height of summer, we discovered they were a breeding pair who had endured years of neglect and unkindness. They were so sad, poorly and both of them looked a sorry state. But, throughout it all, they had looked after one another, and truly loved each other, so separating them was out of the question.
Now living their best life in Scotland, Bonnie and Clyde are thriving! Their ever-wagging tails and renewed trust in humans suggests they have left their difficult start in Cyprus far, far behind them. Congratulations, Bonnie and Clyde.
You can read all the stories of our amazing Underdogs nominated here, in our Hall of Fame.
Buy a calendar to support our dogs!
Now’s your final chance to get your hands on the 2026 Haute Dogs Calendar, with every single penny going towards our mission.
Twelve of our gorgeous Underdog alumni are making their modelling debut, and we can’t wait for you to see them looking their smartest!
Haute Dogs Calendar celebrates rescue dogs through playful, couture-inspired photography, helping to change perceptions while raising vital funds for dogs in need. This year’s calendar features twelve Underdog rescues from Romania, Cyprus, China and Bosnia, each with a powerful rags-to-riches story. Since 2019, Haute Dogs has raised over £100,000 for dog rescue charities worldwide.
Buy a calendar today to support Underdog throughout 2026 and help more rescue dogs get the second chances they deserve.
Find out more about us
What we do
SUPPORTING LOCAL CULTURES
Helping children understand the importance of animals.
Education is one of the most essential elements of a comprehensive approach to changing behaviour. As human behaviour is a highly influential factor in how animals are treated, we believe that the future of animal welfare lies with younger generations showing compassion and understanding.
TAKE DOGS TO SCHOOLS
Our therapy dogs change lives, helping children become more confident.
We run a specialist ‘Dogs in Schools’ programme across the UK, providing trained approved dogs for visits to local schools. Sciefitic studies have proven that children (especially those with SEND) feel more confident, less anxious, and able to improve learning with regular interactions with therapy dogs.
RESCUE & REHOME DOGS
Growing up with a dog creates invaluable bonds and lessons.
Dogs have a special place in the hearts of many adults and children. If well trained and supervised, dogs provide many valuable lessons and benefits to children. Find out five great reasons dogs are super companions for kids as they grow up together.
GREAT BRITISH BARK OFF
Join the event of the year for kids and schools!
Each year we organise an amazing month of activities for school children across the UK. So far, over 590,000+ children have taken part since 2021. The week of dog-related activities takes part during June each year and support children’s emotional development and well-being through interactions with dogs.
Our impact
Saving dogs from China meat trade
In China alone, over 10 million dogs are slaughtered each year for the dog meat trade. Dogs of all breeds, many of them family pets still wearing their collars, are snatched from the streets and sold for meat. Since Underdog International launched, we have been committed to doing our small part to end this cruel trade.
Working in collaboration with our partners on the ground in China, we have successfully rehomed over 100 dogs from the meat trade since 2019.