It's hard to believe that some people will sink so low as to be willing to sneak into your yard or home and steal your family pet. These lowlives are basically stealing a member of your family. While it's not a fun topic to talk about, it is a reality in Michigan.

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While some dogs are more likely to be stolen than others, you should always take the necessary precautions to make sure that it never happens.

Always make sure to have the proper documentation that proves you own your dog, your dog’s collars and ID tags are up-to-date, your pooch is microchipped, and you have pet insurance.

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Most dog thieves aren't all that interested in your little rough-around-the-edges dog that you rescued. Oh no, they have their eyes on those pricier purebreds. The ones they can turn around and sell to make a quick buck. It's a disgusting practice but it's all too real.

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Did you know that Michigan is one of 15 states that has stolen dog laws? The penalties for stealing a dog can be a fine between $50 and $100 and imprisonment for 60 to 90 days. To be honest, it seems a little weak.

What Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to be Stolen?

According to Canine Journal, these are the most commonly stolen dog breeds:  

  1. Yorkshire Terrier
  2. Pomeranian
  3. Maltese
  4. Boston Terrier
  5. French Bulldog
  6. Chihuahua
  7. Labradoodle
  8. American Pit Bull Terrier
  9. German Shepherd
  10. Labrador Retriever

It's not always exactly in that order as it changes very often but the breeds pretty much stay the same.

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh

Check out these 50 fascinating facts about dogs:

Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi

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