The RSPCA is looking for a special home for a special dog who, unwanted and unloved, was abandoned by her previous owner.

Staffordshire bull terrier Jodie is an hermaphrodite - meaning she has both male and female reproductive organs.

Kathy Butler, a dog coordinator at the RSPCA's Essex South, Southend and District branch, said: “While this doesn’t cause her any issues or difficulties, I think this is putting off potential adopters.

“Jodie has been with us for a number of months now and we haven’t had a single enquiry for her. It’s such a shame because she is a lovely little dog.”

Jodie was rescued by RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton from Southend, in Essex, in October having been abandoned by her previous owner.

RSPCA staff who took her in soon discovered she was slightly unusual as she has both female and male reproductive organs.

RSPCA chief vet James Yeates said: "Hermaphrodites have both ovaries and testicles and this is rare. Some of these animals have a mixture of genes in their cells.

“It is more common for some males to have some female genitalia and undescended testicles, known as hermaphrodites. But it is also possible to get females with some male organs which would be known as pseudohermaphrodites.

“The word hermaphrodite comes from the Greek gods Hermes (male) and Aphrodite (female).”

And London veterinary director Caroline Allen said the phenomenon is “very rare”, added: “I’ve never seen a case in 19 years of practice.”

The 12-year-old Staffie may be a senior but still enjoys her walks although she doesn’t have a good recall so will need a new owner who can work on that with her, or someone who is happy keeping her on a long line.

Jodie can find it uncomfortable being around some large dogs but RSPCA volunteers have been working to build up her confidence with smaller, younger dogs and she has been polite and happy meeting them. She would, however, be best suited to a home where she would be the only dog and cannot live with cats.

Kathy adds: “As an older Staffie with an unusual physicality, we think Jodie is being unfairly overlooked as we haven’t had any interest in rehoming her.

“She is such a wonderful dog that she really does deserve a happy, loving retirement home where she can live out her final years in comfort.”

For more information about Jodie, visit the RSPCA website or call 07749 175023. To apply to give Jodie a home, use this form: https://form.jotformeu.com/40501581675352