Breeds Which Are Stolen the Most

If you have a pet dog, one of the worst things that could happen is the theft of your beloved pooch. Dogs quickly become family members, and dog theft can be heartbreaking. Dog theft is a growing problem in the United States. Thieves often target specific breeds for resale, breeding or even ransom and leave devastated owners searching for their pets.

In this article, we take a look at which dog breeds are stolen the most, what often happens when dogs are taken, and what you can do to keep your puppy safe from dog theft.  

The Rise of Dog Theft in the U.S.

According to animal welfare organizations and police reports, tens of thousands of dogs are stolen every year in the U.S.. And dog theft has been on the rise since the pandemic, which saw a significant increase in demand for puppies. Dogs are taken and either quickly sold through online marketplaces, used for puppy mills, or forced to participate in dog fighting.

Thieves look for breeds that are expensive or in high demand, such as purebred dogs, which can sell for thousands of dollars. They often target small dogs, which are easy to carry, so it is easier to snatch quickly from a yard, car, or even an owner’s arms, sadly. Friendly or trusting breeds are also at high risk, especially if they are sociable and easy to approach.

How to Protect Your Dog from Dog Theft

You should keep your dog on a leash and ideally use a harness, as this makes your dog harder to snatch by potential thieves. Avoid leaving your dog unattended outside, and if you do let your dog play out in the yard, make sure you have a tall fence and lock your gate. 

Dog theft from cars is easy, so do not leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, which is dangerous for your dog anyway. Be sure not to leave your dog tied up outside a cafe or shop - dogs can be stolen in just a few minutes.

Be careful about posting pictures of your dog on the internet and social media, especially with your location. Don’t reveal information about your daily routine where you could become a target.

You should microchip your dog and register the data with the relevant authorities. Also, ensure your furry friend wears an ID tag with your up-to-date information on it. You could use a GPS collar that allows you to monitor your dog’s location in real time.

You should also take up-to-date photos of your dog for reference and identification in case you do become the victim of dog theft.

The Dog Breeds Stolen the Most

Some breeds are more vulnerable to being stolen than others. 

1. French Bulldogs consistently top the list of dogs stolen in the U.S due to their small size, affectionate nature, and popularity. They are expensive and also cannot run very far.
2. Yorkshire Terriers are small, adorable, and very easy to carry. Their confident personalities make them a popular breed, especially in cities.
3. Chihuahuas are compact, confident, and extremely popular. Chihuahuas are another frequent target of dog theft. Their small size and relatively high resale value make them attractive to thieves who can easily conceal them.
4. Pomeranians have lovely, fluffy coats and lively personalities, and they are expensive to buy. Unfortunately, their small size makes them easy to take quickly, and celebrity ownership and social media exposure have also increased their risk of theft.
5. Labrador Retrievers have a gentle and trusting nature, which can make them vulnerable despite their larger size. Being one of America’s most loved family dogs makes them a common target for resale or breeding.
6. Boston Terriers are friendly, popular, and have adorable tuxedo-style markings. They are a target as they are expensive.
7. Maltese are popular, cute, tiny dogs with white curly coats, which makes them a target for thieves, especially in urban areas. 

What to Do if Your Dog Is Stolen

You need to know what to do if the worst happens and you become the victim of dog theft. It happens so often, and it can be a devastating and traumatic experience. The first thing you should do is report the theft immediately to the police and your local animal control. Give them the information they require and follow their advice. You must act fast, as time is critical for finding and recovering your stolen dog.

Then contact local shelters and vets in case your dog has been brought in and give them your details, a description of your dog, and photos, if possible, so they can contact you if they do have your dog handed in. This is one of the reasons having your dog microchipped and the details up to date is so important. 

You can post details of your missing dog online, but be cautious and withhold certain details so you can verify sightings. Include your contact information and a photo, but take the professional's advice on how to do this. You can also check online sales sites and report suspicious listings.

Final Word: Breeds Which Are Stolen the Most

There are many dogs stolen in the U.S., and this has only gotten worse since the rise in demand for dogs during the pandemic. Unfortunately, some dogs are more of a target than others due to their small size, friendly and trusting natures, and the fact that they command a high price tag. Some dogs are sold, or become part of puppy mills, or are used for dog fights.

You must take steps to keep your dog safe from the potential risk of dog theft. Don't leave your dog anywhere unattended. Make sure that your dog is microchipped with up-to-date details and has a tag. A harness can be safer than a lead. 

Finally, make sure you’re purchasing a dog or a puppy from a responsible and ethical dog breeder who has the highest welfare and care of their dogs and puppies at the heart of their dog breeding business. If you’re looking for a puppy, use a trusted source like Puppy Hero.