Oscar-winning film The Artist has sparked an upturn in the number of people keen to own a jack russell like the one in the movie, according to Battersea Dogs And Cats Home.

Four-legged Uggie steals the show in the silent film which won five awards at Sunday's Oscars in Los Angeles. It also picked up five Baftas earlier this month.

More than 600 people logged onto the charity's website to search for jack russells in need of a new home when the Baftas took place on February 12, more than any other night of the year.

And after the Baftas the breed shot up from fifth to second most popular breed to be rehomed.

Carly Perry, Battersea's re-homing co-ordinator, said: "It's been wonderful to see more jack russells finding homes recently which we think is due to how the nation has fallen in love with Uggie.

"We want to make sure that people who do re-home their own Uggie are aware of the level of commitment required to own a pet so their new four-legged friend can enjoy being the main attraction in a new home."