They aren't all the same color. Four total have been stolen. (click here)One is worth nearly $34,000 US. Really? Does any dog breeder expect to have them zoom out the door for Easter at that price?
"Mommy, I want a doggy." "Sorry, honey, a horse is cheaper."
Xena is valued at $34,000 and all the others are valued at $5000. Okay, but, that is a hint about losing them to thieves.
As a thief, how is that animal going to help you. I tell you what. The first place I'd look is another high end Chihuahua breeder. Another breeder could substitute Xena for their own champions, grow the pups and get Best Puppy in Show. Seriously. That is the only way it makes sense.
I think the theft is about competition. Who would know these dogs were even that expensive and living in Britain.
AND.
Why take them all unless another breeder wanted to eliminate the lineage. It's their genetic stamina that is threatening other breeders. Contract hit.
This is not some little kids wanting puppies for their own. This isn't about 'having a dog.' This is about professional level competition.
Okay, prevention of theft. Genetic fingerprints on these babies. AKC (American Kennel Club) needs to pay attention. Genetic identity. It may be as unique as the breed, but, that is the only way to absolutely track down such thefts and prevent them.
Scientists do it to some extent with marine mammals. They walk into market places where whale meat is being sold and take a sample, then run the genetic content. Once the fingerprint comes back as an endangered animal the seller is in trouble.
I am not sure if the science is sophisticated enough to identify 'the individual' or their tracings in breeding, but, I am sure there are scientists that can answer that question and quite possibly pursue that possibility.
See, these animals reproduce in eight weeks. So, the animals can be missing for a short period of time and transfer their genetic material throughout a range of individuals in a short period of time. This isn't like stealing a thoroughbred race horse that needs a year to gestate. This transfer of genes can happen quickly.
If a thief is that intent on having the genes in their bloodlines or eliminate it completely, these babies in trouble and could be lost forever.
Photo By Family handout/ap
This undated family handout photo shows Valenchino Chihuahua
Xena, who was named Best Puppy in Breed at Crufts 2014, and was snatched
with four other dogs, including her mother Io and grandmother Angel,
from a house in East Yorkshire on Thursday. British police are appealing
for help finding five stolen dogs, including a Chihuahua puppy that
recently won a major prize at the prestigious Crufts competition. The
thieves apparently broke into a house in the village of Lissett in
central England and made off with the valuable dogs. Humberside police
said Sunday they are asking the public to provide any leads.
