Black Dog Day

October 1st is National Black Dog Day! Our canine pals sport a variety of coat styles and colors, and we think they are all adorable. However, some pups have a harder time getting adopted than others. Black dogs, for instance, are often passed by in shelters. In fact, this is so common that there’s a name for it: Black Dog Syndrome. A San Antonio, TX vet delves into this topic below.

Persistent Myths

You’re likely familiar with the superstitions associated with black cats. It seems that Man’s Best Friend also got caught up in these myths and misconceptions. Just like black cats, black dogs have also been wrongly linked with witchcraft. Though these myths are hundreds of years old, Fido is still shaking off the bad PR. However, not all the legends about black pups are bad. There are some more positive stories, such as one old tale in which a black pooch saves a traveler from bandits.

A Perfect Pet

There are some great benefits to owning a black dog. Fido will match any outfit you wear, and will always look adorable in pictures. And speaking of pictures, you’ll also get to take ‘void puppy’ photos of your canine buddy. Plus, you can have fun naming him. Some cute names for black dogs would include Guinness, Inky, Midnight, and, of course, Snowball.

Breeds

Several different breeds can sport black coats. The most popular is likely the Black Labrador Retriever, one of America’s favorite dogs. Some others include the Black Russian Terrier, the Newfoundland, and the Doberman Pinscher.

Myths

There are several British legends about black dogs, the most common being that of Black Shuck, an ethereal black pup that prowls the British Isles. However, the UK doesn’t have a monopoly on these old ‘tails’: they’re also very common in Latin America.

Celebrating

There are some fun options for celebrating Fido’s big day. Several companies have chosen black pups as their brand mascots. This is a perfect time to try one of them out! You can also watch the Black Dog movie, or play the Led Zeppelin song for your canine buddy. If you want to go all-out, and your budget and household have the room, you can even adopt a black dog!

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your San Antonio, TX animal clinic, for all your pup’s care needs.