Because they are so heavy in the front, when they try to breed naturally, the female dog's rear just collapses. So, all pregnancies are from invetro (sp?) fertilization.
Now, the second problem with the way they are shaped means that all births are Cesarian. This certainly adds to the cost of this breed. The last I heard, around 5,000 bucks; and, that was some years ago. Probably costs even more now.
So, yeah, they are such an expensive breed, it may be profitable to steal some. Shooting someone for it, Nah.
Yeah, one of the many breeds that would totally die off if man ceased to exist.
Turned me off of ever owning a purebred.
Give me a mutt any day.