Concern is mounting among owners of this particular dog breed as dognapping cases targeting it have skyrocketed by a staggering 140 percent since 2020.
French Bulldogs, known for their affectionate nature, are fetching eye-watering price tags of up to £7,500, with the cost of ownership further inflated due to the challenges of breeding. Artificial insemination is often required for females, resulting in fewer offspring compared to other breeds.
Tom Sharp, CEO of American Kennel Club Reunite, described French Bulldogs as the “most targeted breed” due to their popularity and hefty price. “They are great family dogs, so they are very desirable. At the same time, they are also very expensive,” he told ABC News.
Reports to Sharp’s nonprofit group reveal a distressing trend, with French Bulldog thefts doubling that of any other breed in 2023. The recent incident involving Ali Zacharias, a distraught dog owner in Los Angeles, further underscores the severity of the issue.
Zacharias made headlines when she was filmed desperately clinging to the hood of a car belonging to thieves who had snatched her beloved pet, Onyx. Despite her bravery, Zacharias was eventually thrown off the vehicle as the culprits made a daring escape.
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As the epidemic of French Bulldog thefts persists, Sharp urged owners to take precautions, including microchipping their pets and exercising caution on social media.
“If you say, ‘Hey, I’ll be at the park at 2.00 today with my beautiful little French bulldog puppy,’ you’re almost inviting strangers to take that dog from you,” Sharp cautioned.
With the demand for French Bulldogs showing no signs of waning, it is imperative for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their dogs.
