Frenchie Fiasco 

The French bulldog has wagged its way into the hearts of dog enthusiasts—and thieves.

The latest dog breed to become the belle of the ball? The French bulldog. Demand for these pricey canine companions (think ~$3K a pup) has soared—but so has the risk associated with their rising fame.

The bullish crime traces back locally as far as last summer when a French bulldog was stolen from a Knightdale home and listed on Facebook Marketplace for $4.5K—continuing to build steam across the country today. Most recently, a woman literally clung to the hood of a car in Cali after her pooch was taken from her at a Whole Foods in LA (really). 

These events beg the question: Is owning one of these beloved dogs a safety hazard? “More people getting their dogs stolen or people breaking into their house stealing their dogs—I definitely think that has increased,” says Julie Hamm, co-owner of Raleigh-based French bulldog breeders J&J Frenchies LLC.

This unfortunate side effect of the breed’s popularity has forced breeders like the Hamms to take extra precautions—like conducting transactions in police station parking lots and employing stringent safety measures at home.

But why French bulldogs? For one, they were recently dubbed the most popular dog breed in America by the American Kennel Club, beating out the Labrador retriever’s 31-year reign. So, naturally, the pooch’s price tag has gone through the roof.

“It honestly depends on who you’re talking to, but it can start around $3,000 for a pet,” maintains Hamm. “The costs of Frenchies can vary greatly depending on factors such as coat colors, furnishings, traits they carry, and whether the person is looking to become a pet owner or a breeder.”

Many people go through breeders to get one just because they’re looking for that specific Frenchie look, Hamm explains, while those in shelters may not always meet the pedigree mark or come from less-than-ideal conditions.

In the digital age, platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have become kennels of their own, showcasing available French bulldogs to a wide audience. But those buying and selling Frenchies on social media should be extra careful conducting transactions.

Nevertheless, the spotlight on French bulldogs is not without its shadows. Here, Hamm offers some tips on how to keep you and your pup safe, as well as protect yourself from scammers when you’re looking for a new furry BFF.

Keeping Your Pooch Safe

• At home, install a security system of your choice with a camera.
• When walking your dog:
  • Put your hand through the loop of the leash, wrap it once around your wrist and firmly hold the leash.
  • Consider carrying mace.
  • Consider pinch collars because they are a lot more difficult to remove.

Purchasing a Frenchie Pup

• Beware of $1,500–$2,000 price tags. It’s not always a scam, but you’re less likely to run into a scammer around the $4,000 range.
• Communicate with your breeder via Facetime, call and/or text.
• Ask for live videos or photos.