Bendigo police have confirmed the Alaskan Malamute has been found and returned to its owner, after it was taken during a private Gumtree sale in Epsom yesterday.

The owner of the dog has chosen not to press charges against the man.

EARLIER: 

POLICE are investigating the theft of an Alaskan Malamute in Epsom after a sale on the website Gumtree went wrong.

A woman from Kurunjang, north of Melton, visited a house on Gardenview Court in Epsom between 2.30pm and 4pm on Thursday, to meet a Siberian Husky she had arranged to purchase online.

She brought her Alaskan Malamute with her so the two dogs could meet.

While the two dogs were mingling, she decided to take her child to a nearby park, leaving the Malamute and Husky in the care of the man at the house.

During her absence, the man has left with the two dogs.

Police visited the address and were told the residents of the house had taken in a homeless man they had met at Epsom Woolworths, who had arranged the sale.

Neighbours confirmed that the occupants had taken in a homeless man.

It is unknown whether the Husky had also been stolen at an earlier date.

The man is described as in his 30s, six foot tall with a medium build. He could be seen with an Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky in the Bendigo area.

The two dogs have an estimated value of $1750.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.