Television shows such as Game of Thrones have caused the number of abandoned huskies and wolf-like dogs to triple over the past four years, a dog welfare charity has warned.
Last year the Dogs Trust took in 175 huskies and 35 malamutes. The charity said that shows such as Twilight and Game of Thrones had popularised large wolf-like dogs, including alaskan malamutes and siberian huskies. Their owners, it added, were “often unprepared and ill-equipped to cope with the specific needs of these breeds and, therefore, a significant number are ending up in rescue centres”.
Lynn Barber, a training and behavioural adviser for the trust, said: “These dogs are beautiful creatures and can make wonderful companions, but they need owners who understand the breed and are in a position to offer a life-time commitment.
“They are all powerful, large dogs who will need regular exercise . . . and, sadly, we are seeing many being abandoned when they become too much for their owners. This means that rescue centres, such as Dogs Trust, are having to pick up the pieces.”
The breeds resemble the dire wolves in Game of Thrones, which belong to the six Stark children.
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At Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the number has also continued to rise, with 55 abandoned in 2011; 77 in 2012; and 90 in 2013 and last year.
The breeds account for 10 per cent of dogs being brought into the Dogs Trust in Basildon, Essex, and experts fear that the numbers will increase after the fifth season of Game of Thrones is broadcast from April 12.
The charities believe that people buy the dogs for status and as “souvenir” additions to their homes.
Rob Young, the head of dog rehoming at Battersea, said: “Huskies are actually bred to be pack animals and pull sleds, but a lot of people fail to research the breed and take on a cute, fluffy husky puppy, without realising it will soon become a large dog who needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
“Many people bring them to us and say they don’t have space, or can’t look after them. Huskies need specialist homes, as they are strong, large and independent dogs. They can make fantastic pets, and here at Battersea we ensure that each of our huskies goes to a home where it will be cared for.”