News flash: If you’re reading this with a beloved dog at your side, you own a “rum bugher.” Found in any number of early 19th century books on lexicon, “buckish slang,” and word usage, the word refers to a “valuable dog.” Admittedly, the word, “valuable” was probably used at the time in the context of monetary worth, and thus, the term also refers to a dog that is a likely target for a dog thief.

On the subject of “dog nappings,” the AKC has been tracking dog thefts since 2007, and as of April 30, 2019, the top AKC-recognized breeds stolen in 2018 were as follows:

1. Yorkshire Terrier (the #1 most stolen breed since 2016);
2. French Bulldog
3. Shih Tzu
4. Chihuahua
5. Pomeranian
6. Siberian Husky (the 5th most stolen breed in 2017)

Happily for Bulldog owners, the breed dropped off the “most stolen” list in 2018, though it was among the top six most stolen breeds in the previous two years.

Interestingly, the list changes when we look at what’s happening in the UK. There were 1,959 dog thefts in the UK in 2018, 80 more than in 2017 – a significant increase. According to the Direct Line Group’s analysis of the freedom of information report on the most stolen breeds in 2018 in that country, the list looks like this:

1. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
2. Chihuahua
3. French Bulldog
4. Jack Russell
5. Pug

With 172 Staffordshire Bull Terriers having been “nicked” that year, Staffies were top of the list in 2017 as well. It would make sense that so many small breeds made the list as they are easily snatched and hidden, but Staffordshire Bull Terriers?  Some argue that Staffies are stolen more often because of their amiable personalities. They are a popular breed, and puppies can be sold at a relatively high price which means that female Staffies are especially at risk.  Sadly, sometimes the dogs are stolen by thieves to be used in
illegal dog baiting and fighting.

We cringe when we see dogs tied to a fence or tree by a trusting owner. Dog napping happens. Dogs are stolen to be “flipped” on Craigslist, held hostage for a ransom (seriously), sold to labs, or used in blood sports. The expression, “It shouldn’t happen to a dog,” comes to mind.

An enlightening piece on “stolen dog laws” can be read here, but on a lighter note, an interesting post to read about “rum bughars” can be seen here.