Following the recent incident where Lady Gaga's two French bulldogs were forcibly taken, resulting in her dog walker being shot, it's understandable that dog owners are now approaching their daily walks with heightened caution.

It's important to note that such violent thefts, like the one involving Gaga's pets, are uncommon. Dogs are more vulnerable to theft when left unattended in yards or while waiting outside stores.

According to estimates by the American Kennel Club (AKC), approximately 2 million dogs are stolen each year. While concrete data is not readily available, various sources also cite this figure. In contrast, as of 2016, there were approximately 78 million dogs owned by Americans.

Which Breeds of Dogs Are Stolen Most Often?

According to experts in the field of dog handling interviewed by CNN, French bulldogs are particularly susceptible to theft for three main reasons: their small size, high cost, and widespread popularity. The compact stature of Frenchies makes them easy targets for theft compared to larger breeds like Newfoundlands.

Additionally, their popularity, ranking fourth on the AKC's list of preferred breeds, ensures that stolen French bulldogs can be swiftly sold to eager buyers. Furthermore, thieves see a lucrative opportunity in stealing Frenchies, as indicated by Brandi Hunter, the AKC's vice president of public relations and communications, who mentioned that these dogs can be sold for anywhere between $1,500 to over $5,000 each, or used for breeding purposes.

Other small dog breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, shih tzus, English bulldogs, and Pomeranians, which share similar traits of popularity and expense, have also been frequent targets of theft in recent years, as highlighted by their inclusion in the AKC's "most-stolen" lists. Despite larger breeds like German shepherds and Siberian huskies making appearances on these lists, they remain exceptions due to their size compared to the predominantly smaller breeds targeted by thieves.

How to Protect Your Dog From Theft While Walking

When it comes to ensuring the safety of your canine companion, the primary guideline is straightforward: Never leave your dog unattended in public spaces, whether it's inside a car (which should never be done) or tied up outside a shop. Leaving dogs alone makes them vulnerable to theft.

Here are some additional suggestions to safeguard yourself and your dog while walking outdoors:

- Utilize a leash that keeps your dog close to you.
- Stick to familiar and safe routes for walks, but vary your path daily.
- If possible, walk with a friend who also has a dog for added security.
- Martial arts expert Paul McCarthy advises keeping your phone accessible but discreet and minimizing the volume of your earphones or leaving them behind to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Your safety is paramount; if someone attempts to snatch your dog, ensure you can escape, advises McCarthy.
- Additionally, it's wise to refrain from sharing specific location details on social media platforms where potential thieves could track you down, as recommended by Hunter in an interview with CNN.

It's also advisable to microchip your dog as a precaution against theft; this increases the chances of your dog being recovered if they go missing. Furthermore, spaying or neutering your dog is beneficial since some thieves steal dogs for breeding purposes, and a sterilized dog may deter them.