Dognaper

/ˈdɔɡnæpər/ noun

Definition

A person who steals or kidnaps dogs; someone who abducts canines, often for ransom or to sell them.

Etymology

From dognap + -er (agent noun suffix). As with the verb dognap, this is a modern coinage by analogy with kidnapper, emerging alongside increased concern about pet theft in the 1900s.

Kelly Says

Dognapers became a real criminal concern in the early 1900s when breeds like bulldogs became expensive status symbols—so a new crime created a new word!

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