He may only be a puppy but, at 40.3kg, this dog already weighs as much as a grizzly bear.

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)

Yet although he is as heavy as an average 10-year-old human, this dog's size has not stopped him from finding a new home.

Bear, as he is appropriately called, first came to public attention when he was looking for a permanent new home whilst staying at Dogs Trust's Snetterton rehoming centre.

At 42inches tall when sitting, his over-sized body means he is already bigger than many children and meant Dogs Trust staff certainly had their hands full to keep him entertained, fill his massive belly of food and give him plenty of exercise.

At just 10 months old, the Akita puppy is also only likely to get bigger still as he grows up, meaning he might well have been a hugely terrifying prospect for any new owner.

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)

But despite his scarily big size, those looking after him at the Dogs Trust before a new owner was found for him this week assured potential adopters that he is really just a big softie.

They nicknamed the hound - who gets through 600g of dog food a day - the 'big friendly giant', saying he has the 'personality of a mischievous pup within the body of a gigantic dog'.

A spokesman added: 'Weighing in at an incredible 40.3kg, Bear is around the average weight of a two-year-old grizzly bear.

'The centre's canine carers have their hands full with this cheeky chap who is big in character – and just as big in size.'

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)

They also described Bear as a 'clever pup and enjoys learning new things' but said he has the opportunity to add the basic commands he already knows through positive, reward-based training.

Dogs Trust Snetterton rehoming centre manager Diane McLelland-Taylor said: 'Bear is a lively and playful boy who loves a gentle fuss but also needs his own space – he will certainly keep his new owners on their toes.

'Do not be fooled by his appearance, as he is the soppiest puppy in an oversized body.

'This loving lad is so young and deserves to make a start on living his life in a loving home.'

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)

Dogs Trust has a network of 20 rehoming centres in the UK and one in Dublin.

The charity cares for around 15,000 strays, unwanted and abandoned dogs each year.

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)

Eastern Daily Press: Bear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTONBear the dog, who weighs 40.3kg, has found a new home. Picture: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON (Image: DOGS TRUST SNETTERTON)