Hundreds of Huskies are being abandoned by Game of Thrones fans who want to have their very own ‘Direwolf’.
British dog charities are concerned that Huskies are becoming the next ‘problem breed’ after being impulse bought by owners, only to find they can meet their demanding needs.
Direwolves are the dogs kept by the Stark family in Game of Thrones, acting as body guards to the children.
Direwolves are the dogs kept by the Stark family in Game of Thrones, acting as body guards to the children (pictured, Robb and Brandon Stark hold their Direwolf puppies)
The hit HBO show’s popularity has seen the number of Huskies being abandoned increased eight , since 2011.
Such is the problem, that even GoT star Peter Dinklage – who plays Tyrion Lannister – has urged fans to stop buying huskies.
Alison Kennedy, from Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society, said: ‘Sadly it looks like huskies are becoming the next problem dog, taking over from staffies, for rescue charities across the UK.
‘They have become extremely popular because of the impact of Game of Thrones and the film series Twilight.
‘The trouble with huskies and other similar breeds is that they are pack dogs, highly intelligent and easily bored.
‘They require a lot of stimulation and exercise and experienced owners. That’s why they eat the sofa if they are holed-up all day. They are not lapdogs.’
British dog charities are concerned that Huskies are becoming the next ‘problem breed’ after being abandoned by owners
Ms Kennedy said all too many would-be dog owners do not consider the breed of dog and their needs before taking them home.
‘Over the past few years we have received around a dozen huskies, four malamutes and one akita,’ she added.
‘The advice from all rescue charities is that unless you are experienced with the breed and know what is entailed with giving them a proper life, then don’t buy one.
‘These are very specialist dogs.’
The hit HBO show’s popularity has seen the number of Huskies being given up rise by eight times, since it first aired in 2011
Peter Dinklage teamed-up with PETA to urge caution when it comes to buying dogs.
The actor said: ‘We understand that due to the direwolves’ huge popularity, many folks are going out and buying huskies.
‘Not only does this hurt all the deserving homeless dogs waiting for a chance at a good home in shelters, but shelters are also reporting that many of these huskies are being abandoned – as often happens when dogs are bought on impulse, without understanding their needs.
‘Please, please, if you’re going to bring a dog into your family, make sure that you’re prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, always, adopt from a shelter.’