The robbery of Lady Gaga ’s ( eventually returned ) French bulldog was terrifying . Here ’s how you could keep your andiron safe from thief .

After Lady Gaga ’s twoFrench bulldogswere stolen at gunpoint last workweek — a robbery that lefther domestic dog walker shot — it makes sentience that other dogs proprietor are set about their day-by-day paseo with a small more caution .

First , we should point out that tearing larceny like the one involve Gaga ’s two Frenchies , who were return days afterward , are rare . It ’s much comfortable for hotdog to be stolen when they are alone in a backyard or hold back for you outside a memory board .

two french bulldogs on leashes

Photo: Tetra Images / Jessica Peterson / Getty

The American Kennel Club ( AKC ) estimate that2 million click are stolen each twelvemonth . ( While there is ostensibly no gruelling data pronto useable , other sitesput the figure at 2 million as well . ) Conversely , Americans ownedabout 78 million dogsas of 2016 .

Which Breeds of Dogs Are Stolen Most Often?

Dog professionalstold CNNthere are three overarching cause French bulldogs are ideal targets for theft : they ’re small ; they ’re expensive ; and they ’re popular .

It ’s obvious that smaller dogs — easy to pick up and convey off — are dim-witted to steal than , say , trying to absquatulate with someone ’s bear of aNewfoundland . Frenchies are also immensely pop , No . 4 on theAKC ’s most popular stock list , so thieves who slip one can find someone willing to buy the dog pretty quickly .

Then there ’s the chance for the thieves to profit . Brandi Hunter , the frailty chair of public relations and communications for the AKC , assure CNN that Frenchies can fetch $ 1,500 to more than $ 5,000 ( or multiply them ) .

Othersmall dogs strain — which are also democratic and can be expensive — have also top off theAKC ’s " most - steal " listsin recent years : Yorkshire terrier , Chihuahuas , shih tzus , English bulldog , andPomeranians . ( ThoughGerman shepherdsandSiberian huskiesalso made those ranking , and they are obviously much large than the others on the list . )

How to Protect Your Dog From Theft While Walking

When it comes to stay fresh your pup safe , the first rule is a reasonably obvious one : Do n’t leave your domestic dog alone out in populace , whether left in the car ( do n’t do that ever ) or leashed outside a shopfront . When frump are alone , thieves have a much easy time steal them .

Other tips that can aid protect yourself and your cad as you walk outdoors :

You ’ll also want tomicrochipyour dog on the off probability he is stolen . That mode , he has a outstanding opportunity of turning back up after he ’s gone missing . You ’ll also want tospay or neuteryour dog . Since thief sometimes steal dogs to breed them , your cad being ineffective to reproduce could persuade stealer to back off .