Doggone! Rottweiler thefts jump by 180%

AN estimated 1,808 dogs were stolen last year with French bulldogs, which can cost up to £5,000, most likely to be taken.

- Josie Clarke

Police figures show a total of 51 French bulldogs were grabbed by thieves — an annual rise of 38%.

Rottweilers, right, saw the biggest surge with a 180% year-on-year increase, followed by border collies, up from five stolen to 13, and chihuahuas, rising from 14 thefts to 26. But thefts of XL bullies have dropped by 49% following the ban on the breed in England and Wales last year.