A full list of the UK’s 10 most stolen dog breeds has been released, revealing that four dogs are stolen every day across the country. Despite an 11 per cent decline in dog thefts last year, over 1,600 dogs were stolen in 2025, according to studies by Direct Line pet insurance.
Most Affected Regions
London was the most likely location for dog thefts in 2025, with West Yorkshire and Kent ranking second and third. The data highlights the ongoing risk to pet owners nationwide.
Top 10 Most Stolen Breeds
- French Bulldog – 39 stolen
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 37 stolen
- Crossbreeds – 33 stolen
- English Bulldog – 27 stolen
- German Shepherd – 22 stolen
- Dachshund – 16 stolen
- Border Collie – 14 stolen
- Cocker Spaniel – 10 stolen
- Chihuahua – 8 stolen
- Cane Corso – 8 stolen
Expert Comments
Annalisa de Carteret, pet loss support manager at Blue Cross, said: “The uncertainty of not knowing where your pet is, or if they are safe, can be just as painful as bereavement, but without the closure that comes with it. This can make the trauma even harder to process, especially for children who may be left distressed and confused by the sudden loss of a cherished member of the family.”
Adam Burgin, head of trading and customer at Direct Line, said: “Any reduction in dog theft is welcome, but it’s important not to confuse lower numbers with lower risk. More than four dogs a day were still stolen in 2025 and, with over 25,000 dogs taken in the last 11 years, it’s clear this issue hasn’t gone away. While it’s encouraging to see more dogs reunited with their families, the reality is that most stolen dogs still don’t come home. Thieves can strike at any time, so taking preventative steps – such as keeping pets identifiable, ensuring microchips are up to date, and remaining vigilant – can make a real difference.”
Preventative Measures
Pet owners are advised to keep their dogs identifiable, ensure microchips are up to date, and remain vigilant to reduce the risk of theft. The data serves as a reminder that despite a slight decline, dog theft remains a serious issue across the UK.
