Last Updated on October, 2024
Is your best buddy a popular breed of dog? Then there is a high chance that Dog snatchers might target them.
With the rise in crimes of missing pets, it is high time that all pet lovers are cautious about keeping their dog safe. According to the statistics and data collected by the research, 1/3 of all cats and dogs in the United States go missing every year.
Let it be Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Siberian Husky are some of the dog breeds that are more likely to be stolen.
We have compiled a short list of the most popular dog breeds most likely to go missing. There are many more breeds to be included.
All I say is, “If they are precious to you, you need to protect them.”
Quick Summary
French Bulldogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Jack Russel Terriers, Pugs, Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Labradoodles, and Siberian Huskies are the most popular dog breeds most likely to be stolen.
Dogs are stolen because they are valuable, either to the thief or on the market.
There are many ways to prevent dog theft, including invisible fences, microchipping, leashes, GPS trackers, and pet insurance.
Table of Contents
Why are Dogs Stolen?
Why are valuables typically stolen? Why are people kidnapped? Why are banks robbed?
It is all because of the value it possesses. It could either be to keep to themselves as pets or to be resold.
If your dog is a breed that costs thousands of dollars, quite a stealer of hearts, it may attract the eyes of the unsavory lot.
There may be a motive for keeping the dog to themselves; this is usually done by thieves who can’t afford them.
Or
Your dog may have a high value in the market that the thief is trying to make a profit on.
There are times when stolen dogs are forced to fight in shady clubs that profit from dog fights. You don’t want your pet to go through that.
Illegal breeders use them to get puppies so that they can sell them for high value.
No matter what selfish reason it is, at the end of the day, the ones who are hurt are you and your stolen dog.
A List of 10 Dog Breeds That are Most Likely to be Stolen
1. French Bulldog
The little critter with an adorable squished face and huge ears is definitely a heart stealer.
They make loving family pets for city dwellers due to their small size.
Yet, the dog nappers like French Bulldogs because of the ridiculously high price they can sell in the market.
They are expensive due to the high breeding cost, as it takes artificial insemination and c-sections.
Related content: Best training collars for French bulldogs
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier, aka Staffy, is one of the popular breeds of dogs most likely to be stolen. Those huge cute grins are just irresistible. NOT JUST FOR YOU (but also for dog thieves).
This breed has a price range from $1000 to $3000 in the US. What more could pique the interest of kidnappers?!
3. Jack Russel Terrier
JRTs are a combo of hyperactiveness and intelligence. This particular breed excels as good guard dogs and is also one of the fastest-ever trick learners.
Just as they stand guard for you, owners must stand guard for their dogs, as there are many unsavory people out there who would love to get their hands on one of them.
4. Pug
The term puppy dog eyes are a trademark of this particular breed. They are one of the most adorable breeds and are a majority favorite for their cute tiny size.
They are also costly due to the breeding and birthing processes. All of these depend on the breeding conditions of the pups. But that doesn’t deter the kidnappers.
5. Bulldog
Popularity is one of the main reasons why this breed is highly sought after. That mid-life-crisis-face doesn’t deter people from wanting to own one for themselves.
Bulldog is family-friendly and also loves being pampered and doted on. A compact space-worth dog would be the Bulldog.
6. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terriers, also adorably known as ‘Yorkies,’ are very popular for their cuteness.
The only thing Yorkshire Terrier lacks is the aggression we see in some smaller breeds.
Yorkies have a high market demand and therefore are easy targets for dog nappers due to their compact size.
7. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is a full package from obedience to intelligence. They are quite easy to train, just like the JTRs.
As a popular breed, there is a high demand in the market for a German Shepherd pet. However, they are expensive due to selective breeding procedures.
8. Cocker Spaniel
This cute dog with flappy ears reminds us of Lady from Lady and the Tramp. All Disney fans have had fantasies of owning this adorable pet sometime in their life (I know that I did 😊)
They, too, have quite an expensive breeding process where they genetically test to ensure that the pups aren’t affected by the issues plaguing this breed.
Wondering how much do Cocker Spaniel cost? Read this guide.
9. Labradoodle
Whenever I read this name, the Family guy meme of the elephant and penguin meme from Noah’s ark comes into my mind. Yeah, this is a mix of the best of both breeds: Labrador and Poodle.
These dogs are just as expensive as they are popular because pure Labradoodle bloodlines are rare.
10. Siberian Husky
These good-looking dogs are very reminiscent of wolves in their wolf-like appearance, which is highly sought after by dog lovers.
Unfortunately, they are calm and friendly which makes them very homely dogs and also an easy targets for dog nappers.
How are Dogs Targeted and Stolen?
Keep a low profile. That’s what you do when you buy something expensive and valuable, right?
The more the breed and details of your pet are shared through social media, the more it brings attention to it. Keep the price and the parent line a secret so that the wrong people aren’t privy to the information.
Usually, the thieves target the dogs that are left alone in car parks in your car while you run to get your last-minute grocery shopping.
Letting your dog off leash is nice for it to stretch its legs when playing frisbee in the park, but it also makes them an easy target for the dog nappers.
To ensure that they are safe and sound in public, always ensure that someone is keeping an eye on them.
Who Steals Dogs?
Random thieves who plan on making a profit by reselling a popular breed or maybe an illegal breeder. It may even be a kidnapper who plans on holding them hostage for a ransom.
I say that the ones who steal dogs are some HEARTLESS HUMAN BEINGS.
How to Prevent Dog Theft?
1. Invisible Fence
This method is where you lay down a wire across a vast area of your land connected to your dog’s collar through an installed transmitter. This allows you to make sure that he is safe within the fence.
Checkout the Best Invisible Fences for Dogs Here.
2. Microchipping
This is quite a popular method of keeping your emergency details stored in a minute capsule; underneath its skin in case of an emergency. It is safe for your pup and allows you to be contacted if someone finds your lost pet.
3. Leash
The traditional method used by early humans is still one of the surest ways to keep your dog under your safety and guidance.
Leashes come in all sizes, for either small dogs or any other dogs from being stolen.
4. GPS Tracker
GPS Tracker is a surefire way to keep an eye on your pet’s health and go in pursuit in case they are stolen. The collar alerts your mobile phone and keeps you aware of its location even when moving.
You can get an insight into GPS trackers that best suit your pet’s safety.
5. Don’t leave them unattended when outside.
Do you want them to be safe? DON’T.LEAVE. THEM.UNATTENDED. WHEN.OUTSIDE.
You can teach your kids to say no to candy from strangers, but you can’t do the same for your four-legged friend. A treat from a thief, and that’s the end of it.
6. Keep value confidential
If you keep telling almost everyone how much the diamond necklace on your neck is worth or flaunt it while you go to Walmart (I know the irony of what I did there), that is just pure stupidity.
Just like that, keep the value and heritage of your dog confidential.
Don’t post where and when you will take your pet to the park on social media.
7. Pet insurance
Yes, you do need to have pet insurance just for their safety. Make sure it has a missing dog policy so that you can recover the expense of searching for it.
This option can be utilized if they go missing even after following all the other precautions.
Here are our tips for tracking a dog that is stolen.
FAQs
Conclusion
As pet owners, every one of you has to take up the responsibility of keeping your dogs safe. Follow the precautions mentioned above to prevent any heartbreaks.
You don’t want to end up like Cersei losing her kids. If only she had put a leash on Joffrey, maybe he may have survived (House Stark all the way!!!).
Popular dogs or not, as long as it has a resale value, there will be unsavory eyes on your family pets.
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