It seems Malamutes and Huskies are the latest 'it' dogs.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has reported a 40 per cent increase in the number of Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies being abandoned at its doors, leading to concern that these breeds are becoming the next must-have "status" dogs in inner city areas.

Huskies and Malamutes are known for their ability to ran vast distances, and it is believed that they are being bought by people with little understanding of their needs or welfare.

Already this year the charity has taken in over 60 Huskies and Malamutes, and is urging would-be dog owners not to buy dogs on impulse and to choose a breed based not on looks, but what best suits their lifestyle.

Liz McWalter, Head of Intake at Battersea, said: "Huskies and Malamutes are very intelligent working breeds and need lots of space and exercise. Because they are working dogs, bred for a specific purpose, they have a very strong instinct to run. They should only be let off the lead in controlled environments and in cities like London this poses a serious dog control problem if they are in the wrong hands."