Most-stolen dog breeds in France – and how to protect your pet

It’s every dog owner’s worst fear: their beloved pet stolen in an instant – a crime that is on the rise in France, with certain breeds more at risk than others.

The phenomenon is being seen all over the country, with some thieves even appearing to “steal to order”, looking for specific breeds or dogs to take, reports Le Figaro.

Increased numbers of owners are reporting that thieves are becoming even more brazen, employing methods such as cutting leads while owners are out on walks with their pet, and even breaking into homes and gardens to take the animal directly.

A growing black market for resold dogs, and high prices paid for certain breeds, is helping to boost the crime, states le SNPCC (Syndicat National des Professions du Chien et du Chat). It said that the Covid pandemic spearheaded the issue (increasing popular breeds’ value by 10-15% after the first lockdown), with the trend continuing ever since.

Some breeds command a high price due to their cuteness or perceived value as a status symbol, while others may sadly be used by criminals as attack dogs, to intimidate, or even to take part in illegal fighting.

The most at-risk breeds of theft are:

• Pomeranian (can reach €3,800 to €6,500 on the black market)

• American Bully (€1,000-€15,000)

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier (€800-€2,000)

• Chihuahua (€1,500-€2,500)

• French Bulldog (€1,000-€1,500)

Puppies and younger dogs are likely to command higher prices than older ones, as they will live longer and can also be more easily trained and bred (with each of their puppies commanding high prices in turn).

Smaller dogs are also at risk, as they can be stolen quickly and hidden easily. These include breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, the Dachshund, Bichon Frisé, and Maltese. These breeds are also most common in urban areas due to their small ‘apartment-friendly’ size.

Dogs that are perceived as ‘fierce’ may also be targeted; for example, despite strict rules on their ownership, American Staffordshire Terriers are in high demand in some areas, particularly by people who want to use them for illegal activities.

Reality worse than figures suggest

Figures from the national pet identification database (I-CAD) show that in 2024, there were 391 microchipped dogs reported stolen nationally, representing a slight drop from the year before (458).

Read more: What is I-CAD? France’s pet database explained

However, the database warns that these figures probably significantly under-represent the reality of the situation, with many people failing to report the loss of their animal to I-CAD, even if they are microchipped.

“It’s easy to forget, but it’s essential to help find the missing pets, and to protect them,” said I-CAD president Pierre Buisson to Le Figaro. In fact, a 2024 study suggested that as many as 75,000 pets are stolen or go missing every year - far more than the official I-CAD figures. 

Read more: Pet thefts on rise in France: what to do if it happens to your animal 
Read also: Is there a ‘lost and found’ pet register in France? 
Read more: How do I change my pet’s details on French I-CAD database? 

An Ipsos poll from 2024 found that 55% of households in France have at least one dog or cat as a pet. 

Some regions appear to be worse-affected than others, with Ile-de-France (especially the departments of Seine-Saint-Denis and Hauts-de-Seine, as well as central Paris) seeing a high number of reported thefts.

Read also: What is the process for obtaining a French pet passport for animal from UK? 
Read more: Owner finds his two missing dogs in France 300km apart, 10 years on 

How to avoid your dog from being stolen

Owners can take several precautions to avoid their dogs from being stolen, whether out on a walk or at home. 

Tony Silvestre, dog trainer at Esprit Dog, advises:

Keep a close eye on your dog

• Never leave a dog alone in a garden that is visible from the outside

• Secure fences with sturdy locks and consider installing surveillance cameras to deter criminals.

Avoid risky situations

• Never tie your dog up alone outside a shop, e.g. even a busy bakery. Thefts happen in seconds

• Never leave your dog alone in a car or supermarket trolley. Not only can this be unsafe for the dog, it also gives thieves an easy opportunity

• Do not reveal too much information, such as your dog's age, breed or whether it has been neutered, as this information may attract the attention of criminals.

Identification and preventive measures

• Have your dog identified with a microchip or tattoo, and register them on I-CAD. Identifying your pet is not only a legal requirement, but also an effective protective measure.

• Use a strong, well-fitting lead with a secure snap hook. When out walking, attach the leash around your waist or to a fixed point, to prevent theft

• Consider neutering your dog, especially if it is not intended for breeding. This can reduce the risk of theft linked to intensive breeding practices.