To have thought this was an odd question

[OpalHedgehog]

So I was out walking our puppy last week, bumped into another dog walker, the usual chit chat took place “ah isn’t he lovely” “how old etc” then out of nowhere this man asked “was he expensive?”

AIBU or was this a bit of an odd question to ask? It took me a bit by surprise and so I just said “not overly” but the more I think about it, the more I think it was an odd question?

He didnt have the same breed of dog, nor did he mention any interest of looking into getting the breed in the future so on reflection it didn’t seem to be asked out of interest for personal research etc

I know there are much weirder questions to be asked, but just interested in what others think!

YANBU.

I'd be suspicious of a potential dog thief if asked that sort of question.

I'd also change the place I walked in, just to be safe.

I know all dogs are a potential target but is your dog an especially 'desirable' type for thieves- French bulldog, gundog, dachshund or poodle mix?

I once had a car slowly follow me for several minutes when I was walking my dog to the village shop, then speed off.

When I got to the shop there was a woman sat on a bench & when she saw I was headed in she called over that she would be happy to mind my dog for me if I wanted, which I politely declined & took her in with me.

The cost of dogs has gone up loads recently so he was probably just interested, I'm always inerested to know the cost of things like this in comparison to what I paid. Maybe he or a relative is thinking of getting a dog and he liked your dog so wanted to consider it. I don't think it's that strange, I've had similar conversations on the park.

I'd have thought a dognapper would know their breeds and market rate, doubt they'd just go around asking which dogs are most expensive and take the owners word on it.

I agree the pp I know it's a hot topic amongst dog owners in my area due to how much the prices have risen for example our 1st dog approx 18 years ago cost £600 our next dog 11years ago cost £700 but fast forward to 2 years ago and we were £2300 for our latest dog all of the same breed. I maybe wouldn't have asked a stranger but I do know that within my local area particularly amongst people who have always had dogs nobody would bat an eyelid at that question it's became akin to moaning about the price of a freddo or 10p crisps.

It does seem intrusive. I'd have said 'i don't know, but he's certainly worth a lot to me!'
I guess if he looked shifty and rough I might be suspicious if him being a thief. Though how could you tell? I guess if had an RP accent and was in his 60s I would be less wary.

Thanks everyone for your responses - interesting to see different perspectives.

Dog theft was something that had crossed my mind afterwards. (Although I do have the tendency to overthink)

Good to know that I am not alone in this thought process though as unfortunately I’m acutely aware that it is rife at the moment. He is a golden retriever, so I am conscious he is a popular breed.

I am sure it probably was not sinister, perhaps just curiosity but it just felt quite intrusive and just came as a shock.

Got me thinking when is it appropriate to ever ask a stranger how much they paid for something! IMO, never! I couldn’t imagine chatting to someone in a car park then just randomly asking how much they paid for their car, as an example!

People ask all kinds of questions, I wouldn't think anything about it, not everyone has weird intentions, some just have no filter, don't care about social niceties, come from cultures where norms are different etc

You arent obliged to reply though