The data comes after dog owners were issued a warning by police about posting pictures of their pet on social media and leaving them unattended outside shops, after a rise in the number of dog thefts in the UK.
Dog Lost, a UK charity helping victims of dog theft, recorded a 170 per cent increase in the crime, with 465 dogs stolen in 2020, compared to 172 in 2019.
The rise in dog thefts coincides with a boom in the sale of puppies, which saw an increase since the UK official entered lockdown on 23 March 2020. Here are the top ten most popular dog breeds through lockdown.
The rise in dog thefts coincides with a boom in the sale of puppies, which saw an increase since the UK official entered lockdown on 23 March 2020. Here are the top ten most popular dog breeds through lockdown.
. These 10 dog breeds are the most likely to be stolen in the UK
These 10 dog breeds are the most likely to be stolen in the UK Photo: Shutterstock
. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is the most popular breed in the UK in lockdown with 9,324 purchased. Photo: Shutterstock
. Labrador retriever
Second on the list is the larger labrador retriever, with 7,255 purchased. Photo: Shutterstock
9. Border collie
The Border collie is the ninth most popular lockdown breed, with 1,753 purchased. Photo: Shutterstock
10. Golden retriever
In 10th place on the list is the Golden retriever, with 1,733 purchased through lockdown. Photo: Shutterstock