Updated

Miami police are investigating the theft of an award-winning French bulldog and 15 pure-bred puppies.

Breeder Marcelo Cicuta told detectives that an adult male named El Che and puppies from two separate litters were been taken some time between when he left his home Tuesday evening and returned early Wednesday morning.

Cicuta says he's especially concerned because all of the puppies are under a month old and need their mothers, which the thief didn't take.

The Miami Herald reports that El Che has numerous honors, including a Westminster Kennel Club Award of Merit. A police report lists his value alone at $50,000, while the puppies are valued at $30,000.

Cicuta says he believes the burglary was committed by a former employee, because valuables in plain sight were not taken.