YOU would think would-be intruders would take one look at Teak the dog and turn tail.

A glimpse of the seven-and-a-half-stone pet often sees other dog walkers giving him a wide berth.

But despite his fearsome appearance, Teak, a Rottweiler-Bull Mastiff-Great Dane cross, typical of those used as guard dogs, was stolen during a break-in at his owner’s home in Frith Way, Didcot.

The Dance family say Teak is actually a gentle giant, who likes nothing more than sneaking into 11-year-old Taylor and eight-year-old Talula’s beds for a cuddle.

He was the only thing stolen from their house during the burglary on Saturday, March 10.

Owner Denise Dance said dogs of his type could fetch up to £400 if sold.

She thought the thieves may have taken him for breeding or for use as a ‘status dog’.

The mother of two said: “We were devastated when Teak was stolen. My daughter was crying all week.”

The family put up posters around Didcot asking for help to trace their pet.

Miss Dance added: “A lot of people are wary of him, because of his size. Despite what he looks like, he’s a big softie really.”

The family had an emotional reunion with Teak earlier this week when police returned him to them after tracking him down.

Miss Dance said: “We have hand-reared him since he was a puppy and he just kept growing and growing.

“My daughter jokes he’s so big because we love him so much.

“When people see him they get the wrong idea. He wouldn’t hurt or be aggressive to anybody.

“Unfortunately, young people want these dogs for the wrong reasons. They want them to look ‘hard’ and to use them for breeding.”

Miss Dance added: “We’re so happy to have him back.

“And he was so excited to see us. He had a huge grin on his face all day when we picked him up. He’s one of the family.”

l A 17-year-old youth was arrested by Thames Valley Police officers on suspicion of burglary in connection with the break-in at the Dances’ home. He was later released on bail until Sunday, April 25.

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk