Cheers, mates. Wilson here to extol the virtues of the day…today is National Black Dog Day. Yes, there is a day devoted to black dogs and for good reason. Did you know that black dogs have the lowest rate of adoption and highest rate of euthanasia of any shelter dogs? What’s behind that craziness, you ask?
Did you know that black dogs are often the last to be adopted in shelters? That’s why we celebrate National Black Dog Day each October to spread awareness that every pup deserves a fur-ever home.
Black Dog Syndrome
Yes, it’s a real challenge photographing dark dogs and they are frequently passed over. Light-colored dogs definitely stand-out a bit more in pictures. But in reality, a black dog is no different than any other pup regardless of their coloring. They all need love and care just like every other dog.
Ancient superstitions may hold someone back from adopting a black pet. Black dogs have often been portrayed as guardians of the underworld in mythology much like black cats are associated with bad luck or witchcraft.
wow!! National Black Dog Appreciation Day
Hmmm, the two dogs we had as youngsters were black, my sister’s first two pups were black, and her third dog is a dark grey…almost black, BOL!
I Benji am almost black, and Dalton wears a black tuxedo every day(!). MJF was white and brown…the odd one out, BOL!
I think black pups are just as wonderful as any other pups of different colors…and who cares what color they are anyways…they all seem to wheedle their way right into our hearts!
Happy Black Dog Day, Elsa!
We totally agree! Especially the part of them wheedling their way into our hearts. 💙 Happy Black Dog Day to you.
Great info M. And I know you have personal skin in the game with the Ninja. 😉I was not aware of the issues you pointed out in your post. Nothings better than reading about dogs, AND learning something at the same time. Cheers!
Glad you enjoyed the post, Mike. Yeah, black dogs really get short shrift at shelters. Some of my all time favorite pups have been black-they were extra special, as if they knew they had to be in order to find a loving forever home.
Mom’s first dog was a 100 lb lab/newfie mix, all black. She then got the white kuvasz. It was amazing how people would avoid the black dog and walk right up to the white dog. Funny part is the kuvasz was the dangerous dog, not the black one. Luckily our kuvasz loved people, but most are not friendly. Dog discrimination by color proven.
It’s truly astounding how embedded the black dog bias is. And so sad. Some of the sweetest and most wonderful black dogs I’ve owned over the years were the absolute best pets. Sigh. Sending healing thoughts for Madison and hope she recovers soon.
God bless the black dogs
Thank you. We feel the same way about black dogs. I often think they know they have to be extra special because of their coloring.
Lulu: “Three cheers for black dogs! And mostly black dogs, while we’re at it!”
Oona: “And black cats!”
I totally agree with both of you!
I sure agree, you are beautiful! Black cats have that problem too and it just ain’t right!
Aww, thanks Terry. That’s very sweet of you to say. I’m kinda biased but most people who know standard poodles say she’s a very gorgeous poodle.
You’re beautiful Elsa. Black pup are the very best. We have a black kitty and we love her so.
Our Angel Little Bit was black and she was the best pup we’ve ever had.
Have a woof woof day and week. Scritches to the pups and a big hug to mom. ♥
It’s almost as though they know they have to be extra sweet. We are big fans of black dogs, all that I’ve owned were extra special in their own way.
Isn’t it kind of like how people judge other people, maybe not by the color of their hair, but the color of their skin. As an aside, did you know the Appalachian horse has black skin? (They also have a beautifully smooth gait!) Elsa, we’re so glad you landed in the right home with your loving Mom and now with your brother Wilson! kisses and gentle scritches
Oh yes, the differences have not escaped me. I couldn’t be happier with Elsa, warts and all. 😉 She’s just like the rest of us, has her own unique quirks which makes her even more enduring.
It really does, doesn’t it? Like my crazy little Chia dog.
As if being in a shelter wasn’t a hard enough lift! Now they gotta bridge the color of their fur.
It is the first time I hear about Black Dog Syndrome. It sounded strange at first but I can understand it. When I was a kid the preacher in a church I was attending was talking about a black dog that was a demon disguise luring someone to hell, and then we have the mythology about black cats, etc. It’s all rubbish of course and most people don’t believe it. However, such mythology can still have an impact on people’s decisions. It is great that someone created a National Black Dog Day to combat it. Happy National Black Dog Day.
Hi Thomas, yes, it’s total rubbish but sadly too many overlook black hued pets in shelters. It’s a real tragedy. Elsa says thank you for the good Black Dog Day wishes.
Yay for Elsa! Same with black cats. Pets with black coats are shiny and beautiful so I don’t understand the negative vibe. I had 2 black cats (Sasha is really a tuxedo with white) and they both were characters. Jake, gone almost 10 years, is still talked about and so is Lacy, gone 20 years. They had unforgettable personalities. It’s not about the color of the coat.
Yes, I suspect it may even be worse for black kitties. Each pet should be judged by their character. not the color of their fur!
Our best dog ever was a black lab mix… I wish I could have cloned her. I used to say she was like Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way.” 🙂 🖤
It makes me wonder if they know they have a heavy lift winning stupid humans over. Three of my all time favorite dogs as an adult (nevermind the ones that I grew up with) were the absolute best pets! I was lucky to have them.
Xcellent post there Wilson!! Elsa iss gonna bee so proud of you……
You nose black Poochiess AN Kittiess are THE last to bee ‘dopted….what ISS it about beein BLACK that iss so bad?? CATFISH!
Did mee efurr meow to you that BellaSita loved a Black Poodle like Elsa? Uh huh! Shee was a Teenager an sued to go take care of “Black Shadow” aka Shad efurry lunch hour inn High School.
Shee ADORED him so-o much. Vive’ la Diffyence….
~~~~head rubss~~~~BellaDharma~~~~ an {{{huggeiss}}} BellaSita Mum
Thanks, BellaDharma and BellaSita Mum. We’re big fans of black dogs and black kitties. 💙
Great post! And one I hope helps back dogs find their forever homes!
Thanks. We hope by sharing this, it gives humans pause to consider black paws as potential BFFs from shelters 😉
I didn’t realize black dogs had the same trouble with being adopted as cats. How sad. XO
It truly is dispiriting.
Happy Black Dog Day Elsa. Tempeste is a brindle but she is black with brindle markings. Yes, she is hard to photograph but still lovable. I can’t imagine the small mindedness regarding black dogs that the syndrome represents.
It is quite astounding that people’s prejudices even impact dogs.
Yes it is.
Happy Black Dog Day Elsa! From one Black dog to another!
xoxo,
Rosy
Happy Black Dog Day to you, Rosey!
Elsa is just adorable, so is Milo and so was Cole, and Chelsea. I’ve always chosen black dogs because they are so adorable. What a crazy reason to not like a pet, right?
those shots of Elsa are so good. She has good hair! Hi Wilson, you’re a good boy
Aww thanks. Trust me when I say I have 100’s of lousy pics of a black blob, but those in particular show off how pretty of a girl she is. My first poodle back in 1976 was black and so was McKenzie in the late 1980’s. I absolutely adored them and it never occurred to me to not consider them because they were black.
It’s ridiculous to stop yourself from adopting a dog (or cat) because they are black. Zeke was not fully black but still. And Moondust is a black cat so, I guess we can say I’m not falling for that nonsense.
Cheers to you, Elsa! You look mahvellous in all those pics!
Sadly humans have silly shortcomings and prejudices. So weird. We love black furry pets-their coats can be so shiny!
Seriously. And very weird. They are beautiful! My sister’s horse is black, too…
🧡
🧡🖤💗
Wilson is beyond beautiful!
So is Elsa. 😉
We’ve rescued several black dogs, part of the reason was due to the black dog prejudice and how people tended to go for the lighter and mixed colors. One of our sweetest rescued was a long black haired mutt, Sheba.
Isn’t it crazy how people tend to be drawn to the lighter hued pets? Some of my all time favorite pets were black, in fact my first dog as an adult was a black poodle back in 1976 was black-I absolutely adored her and she was soooo great with the kids.
I LOVE MY BLACK DOGS! I’ve had two, and they were the *best* dogs (except for my other dogs, of course). And my daughter wouldn’t trade her black cat anything.
Stupid, ignorant, destructive biases and superstitions. AAARRRGH!
It’s truly beyond comprehension- this black pet bias. I’m with you-love my black dog(s) and can’t imagine not having had the privilege of having them in my life!
My last foster group of kittens had 3/4 of them black. It is scary fostering them, knowing they may be harder to adopt out. (I know I’m talking cats, but you get the idea.) Luckily they did find wonderful homes, but I held my breath a bit and worked really hard to get good photos….does make a difference.
It’s so depressing knowing so many good pets are overlooked because of their coloring. Humans have foisted their prejudices on pets-it’s disgusting.
Agreed!
I have a mostly black tuxedo cat and I love his black “mink” coat!
Black coats are soooo gorgeous! Love how they shine.
it’s the same with Rabbits too along with red eyed rabbits too. So very sad xoxo Little Miss Titch
Whoa, I had no idea that dumb prejudices existed for rabbits too. It truly is sad.
Happy black dog day Elsa!
Elsa says thank you very much.
What a good initiative…overcoming superstitions and ignorance.
It is a good initiative and yet the prejudice against black pets still exist. Humans are truly stupid about many things.
That’s really sad isn’t it…….the same situation with black cats – they are often the last ones to get adopted. Weird isn’t it AND not fair. Elsa – you’re a STAR – and a beautiful Ranch Hand too!!
Hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam
It’s just flat wrong. Each pet needs to be considered a star, no matter what color they are. Just like people.