Their poor condition has left experts struggling to identify their breed, although it is believed they may be Portuguese water-dogs or poodle crossbreeds.
It is also feared that the dogs were beaten by their owners, as they shook with fear when being handled.
The dogs were found along with seven others - who were in similar conditions - across Winchester, Hampshire, yesterday - sparking an urgent appeal for more information on how they ended up in such a bad state.
They were discovered by horrified residents, who said the poor pooches could barely stand when they found them ditched on rural roads.
Matt Southcott, 50, a construction worker, of Upham, near Winchester, said he was driving to work when he saw two of the dogs stuck in brambles.
He said: "It was quite dark and there were two animals on the side of the road. I couldn't tell if they were sheep or dogs. You couldn't see their faces they looked so badly matted and injured. I have never seen an animal in that state. I'm just hoping that they will be OK. I cannot understand why someone would dump nine dogs. There might have been more."
Michele Emmans, 55, of Owslebury, Hants, was taking her son Max, 13, to school when she saw four "confused and disorientated" animals.
She said: "I think it is just awful and distressing. They may have escaped from somewhere. We shouldn't assume they have been dumped."
The dogs received veterinary care soon after being rescued, with one being taken to Cedar Veterinary Group in Alresford, where she was sedated while her matted fur was shaved off.
Co-director Graeme Lunn said he thinks the dog was held in conditions which meant she was unable to wash herself.
He said: "I have never seen anything like this before, it has to be neglect, there's no need for that dog to get like that. If it had the chance it would not have got into that state. She has a sweet nature and is bright-eyed but not bushy-tailed, more like lumpy-tailed."
Animal welfare charity RSPCA have since launched an investigation alongside the local council and police to find out how the dogs ended up in such a bad state.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "An RSPCA inspector was called to assist the local authority dog warden after nine dogs were picked up around Winchester.
"The dogs we have seen appear to be Poodle-type dogs and were found dumped, in a very poor state and covered with mud. We will continue to provide assistance to the local authority to find out why these poor dogs were left and how they came to be in this state."
In a statement, Winchester City Council said: "The dogs were in poor condition, unable to see or stand properly and with matted fur.
"The breed is difficult to determine because of the dogs’ condition, although it is thought they may be Portuguese water-dogs or poodle crossbreeds."
The dogs currently remain in the care of the dog warden as they are classed as stray dogs, while the RSPCA is assisting due to welfare concerns.
Anyone with information about the dogs are being urged to contact Winchester City Council on 01962 840222 or the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
(Express UK - Jan 22, 2015)
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