Most Stolen Dogs 2023: These are the 10 breeds of adorable dog most commonly targeted by thieves - including the loving Jack Russell 🐕

David Hepburn
·2-min read
Dog thefts have soared in recent years, but which breeds are most at risk? (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Dog thefts have soared in recent years, but which breeds are most at risk? (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)

The shocking number of thefts of dogs has reached an all-time high over the past two years as prices surged due to increased demand for pups.

Comparison site money.co.uk have revealed which types of dogs had been targeted by thieves most over the last five years, with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier the most likely to be taken.

The Chihuahua's diminutive size perhaps makes it an easy target for criminals - with 163 stolen in the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
The Chihuahua's diminutive size perhaps makes it an easy target for criminals - with 163 stolen in the last five years. (Photo: Canva)

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Protect your dog from theft by ensuring it is microchipped, being vigilant when out and about, keeping your garden secure, being careful about who can see pictures posted on social media, and taking out adequate pet insurance (that will cover advertising costs if your pet goes missing). Here are the breeds at most risk of being stolen.

One of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, 367 Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been stolen in the last year. (Photo: Canva)
One of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, 367 Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been stolen in the last year. (Photo: Canva)

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The French Bulldog has surged in popularity in recent years and is a favourite with thieves too - 149 of them have been taken from their owners. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The French Bulldog has surged in popularity in recent years and is a favourite with thieves too - 149 of them have been taken from their owners. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)

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Completing the top five of the most stolen dogs is the pug, with 97 taken in the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
Completing the top five of the most stolen dogs is the pug, with 97 taken in the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
Another small breed targeted by criminals is the Jack Russell Terrier - with 107 thefts. (Photo: Canva)
Another small breed targeted by criminals is the Jack Russell Terrier - with 107 thefts. (Photo: Canva)
The British version of the bulldog is the sixth most taken dog in the UK - with 94 thefts. (Photo: Canva)
The British version of the bulldog is the sixth most taken dog in the UK - with 94 thefts. (Photo: Canva)
Cute Yorkshire Terriers have been taken from their owners 77 times in the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
Cute Yorkshire Terriers have been taken from their owners 77 times in the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
German Shepherds may be popular as police dogs but that doesn't put the crooks off - 93 of them have been stolen. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
German Shepherds may be popular as police dogs but that doesn't put the crooks off - 93 of them have been stolen. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Cocker Spaniels have been swiped by thieves 66 times over the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
Cocker Spaniels have been swiped by thieves 66 times over the last five years. (Photo: Canva)
The last of three bulldogs on the list, and rounding out the top 10, is the American Bulldog with 63 thefts. (Photo: Canva)
The last of three bulldogs on the list, and rounding out the top 10, is the American Bulldog with 63 thefts. (Photo: Canva)