A tiny dog which snorts like a piglet is the latest victim of a spate of dog thefts by criminals looking to “make a quick buck”, an animal charity has warned.

Roxy, a four-year-old chocolate and tan Chihuahua, was snatched from outside the Original Factory Shop in Leeds Road, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley.

Jodie Bradbury, 27, who has owned Roxy since she was a seven-week-old puppy, is now offering a reward for her safe return.

She said Roxy was unique because of her colouring and her distinctive “snort”, caused by a breathing problem.

She has now launched a poster campaign and appeal on social networking site Facebook to trace her pet, who suffers from allergies and requires a special diet.

Miss Bradbury, of Nelson Road, Ilkley, said: “She has breathing problems which affect her nose and make her ‘snort’ like a piglet. This makes her very distinguishable.

“Along with her coat, it makes her the only dog in the country that looks and sounds the way she does. Somebody, somewhere, must have seen something of her.”

The appeal comes a week after eight cocker spaniel puppies were stolen from Ilkley.

Two puppies were recovered from a caravan site in Bowling Back Lane, West Bowling, Bradford, but the rest were still missing yesterday.

Thieves have also stolen dogs from Silsden, but police are not currently linking the thefts.

Tommi Townsend, co-founder of West Yorkshire Animals in Need, said: “I think we have a serious problem of designer dog theft on our hands in the area in the hope of making a quick buck.”

Pam Laking, a spokesman for Craven and Upper Wharfedale RSPCA, said: “Dog thefts are going on all over the country and it is not just pedigree dogs, it is well-loved family pets. People should not tie their pets up outside shops. Sadly it is not like the old days and people need to be vigilant with their pets, like they are with their children.”

Roxy, who is chocolate and tan, with a white chest, disappeared between 2pm and 2.20pm last Thursday. The spaniel pups were taken from Ilkley last Wednesday, between 2.15pm and 4.15pm. A 25-year-old Bradford woman was arrested and questioned in connection with the theft.

Miss Bradbury is asking anyone with information to contact her on (01943) 430172 or 07854 744873.