A ‘stressed’ dog is hoping to be rehomed with a culture lover – because he only calms down when listening to classical music.

Leo, a two-year old Staffordshire bull terrier, stunned animal sanctuary staff when they discovered the softie only relaxes when he’s being serenaded with masterpieces from the great composers.

Staff at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Animal Centre in Taunton, Somerset, first found out about Leo’s unconventional interest when he became stressed by life in a kennel.

They played him some classical music, which has been suggested as a cure for stress by behaviourists, and were stunned to discover it worked – with the brown dog lapping up any Bach, Mozart, Beethoven or Wagner they played.

Centre manager Bel Deering said: “Leo is such a sweetie and a real gentle soul. He may look all tough but he is actually a big softie.

RTWT