5 Dog Breeds Most Targeted By Dognappers, According to Recent Studies
Gabrielle LaFrank
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As a dog owner, it’s only natural to want to protect your furry friend from every harmful, stressful, and inconvenient thing in life. You may be able to prevent illness with regular vet visits, and you can keep your dog safe during walks with just a little preparation, but not many pet parents think about dognapping.
In fact, not many pet parents even want to think about their dog being stolen, but that is the tragic reality for thousands of dogs every year. Even so, some dog breeds are much more likely to be dognapped than others. There are several reasons why a thief may steal a pup, but these tend to be the most frequently stolen dog breeds, based on police reports and the American Kennel Club Reunite’s list of common pet theft targets.
If your dog’s breed is on this list, it will be helpful to know so that you can take extra precautions both at home and when out and about. A single person may not be able to stop all canine thievery, but a bit of mindfulness can ensure that your dog is not a target.
5. Labrador Retriever
As America’s most popular dog breed for 9 years in a row (2013-2021), it’s no surprise that this dog breed is a common target for theft. Labrador Retrievers are easygoing, eager to please, and loyal to a T. It makes sense why so many people want these dogs, but unfortunately, that desire can lead to thievery.
In these cases, dognappers will target Labrador puppies (stealing a large, fully-grown dog is much trickier and less discreet) and attempt to sell these popular purebred dogs to puppy mills or unknowing dog owners for a large profit.
4. Pit Bull Breeds
Even though Pit Bull breeds can get a bad rap, especially in the United States, they can actually be a common target for dognappers. In the United Kingdom, however, where Staffordshire Bull Terriers are one of the most popular dog breeds, it makes sense why they would be at the top of the list.
Sadly, dog thieves often target Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, and even German Shepherds (all breeds on the AKC Reunite’s list of most stolen dog breeds) to be sold into dog fighting rings. These dogs would be used as ‘bait dogs’ for fighting dogs to train with, and as you can imagine, it is not a pleasant fate.
3. Labradoodles
While the AKC Reunite website focuses on purebred dogs’ likelihood of being targeted for thievery, the truth is that any dog can be stolen. In fact, another popular group of dogs targeted by dognappers is the ‘designer dog’ breeds, such as Labradoodles.
People create designer dog breeds by intentionally mixing two breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. While any designer dog can be a target for dognappers due to their hefty price tags, Labradoodles are especially popular and especially expensive. This is why it’s so important for Doodle breeders to protect their own privacy and to select potential adopters very carefully.
2. Yorkshire Terriers
As one could imagine, the easiest targets for thievery are often the smallest. As one of the tiniest dog breeds in the world, Yorkies can be snatched up in an instant. These pocket-sized companion dogs have always been in the top 15 most popular dogs in the United States since the AKC started recording this in 2013, and–to add fuel to the fire– they are expensive to adopt. This creates the perfect storm for dognappers.
1. French Bulldogs
By far, French Bulldogs are the most-stolen dog breed. Not only have Frenchies recently dethroned Labrador Retrievers as the most popular dog in America, but they are also expensive to breed or adopt. Even though they suffer from many health issues due to their flat faces and shortened respiratory systems, these short and stout dogs are beloved thanks to their easygoing personality, quiet nature, and compatibility with apartment life.
One recent dognapping case that has people talking involves a litter of French Bulldog puppies who were stolen right out of their home. That’s right–on February 13, a group of five people broke into a South Carolina garage to steal 12 Frenchie puppies who hadn’t even been listed for sale. The homeowner had told few people about the pups, but she suspects that someone spotted them while they roamed the front yard during bath time. The dozen puppies are valued at about $37,000, and there are currently no leads in the case.
Lady Gaga
Perhaps the most famous dognapping case involved pop star Lady Gaga in 2021. Her dog walker was violently attacked in Hollywood while walking Lady Gaga’s three French Bulldogs, Gustav, Koji, and Miss Asia. The assailants stole Koji and Gustav, leaving Miss Asia behind at the scene. Lady Gaga offered a $500,000 reward for their return, no questions asked. Fortunately, after much public attention on the case, both dogs were returned safely about a week later. The traumatic event highlighted the extremes thieves will go to in order to steal these expensive dogs and sell them for profit.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Being Stolen
Whether or not your dog’s breed is on this list, it’s important to be mindful of ways to prevent dognapping. First and foremost, don’t leave your pup unattended outside in visible areas, even if they’re on a leash or behind a fence. The easier the target, the more likely a dognapper is to take the risk.
Of course, identification is always important. A microchip will ensure that you can be contacted if your dog is ever lost and found, but even an I.D. tag can be the difference between someone returning your dog to you or taking them for themselves.
Additionally, make sure your dog is spayed or neutered. Many dog thieves sell their victims to puppy mills, which means they are looking specifically for intact dogs–especially young ones.
Most of the time, using common sense (like keeping your dog on a leash while on walks) can be extremely effective in keeping them protected against dognapping. Remember, a dog of any breed and any age can end up as the target of pet theft, but a little vigilance can go a long way.
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