black dogs

[Kassie]

In working with Aine and her tendancy to be reactive on lead I have noticed that she is most uneasy with large, black dogs. Yesterday I saw the trainer from her regular agility class here in town and I was updating her on Aine's progress and I told her what I had observed. She said that black dogs facial features are harder for other dogs to read becaust they all blend in. Knowing how hard it is to photograph our former black dog or our black cat, it makes perfect sense. Add in bigger and I can see it being a large unknown threat! Makes sense to me. Anyone else experience this?

[mtoy]

When Link was attacked in December the "meanest" dog was big and dark brown. Now when he sees big, dark dogs he's very scared and defensive. When he sees big red or blond dogs, not quite as much. Before the attack he wasn't this way at all though.

[CorgiMum]

We don't have any personal experience of it, but I have heard that about the facial features. Amazing what we learn from our dogs!

[manymuddypaws]

we see that a lot at the daycare- your trainer is right on the button about why- the dogs can't read the expression as well- especially if the dog has dark eyes on top of being black.

there is a big Black Russian Terrier that comes to daycare- very nice dog, great with the other dogs, gentle and easy going. He has a hard time making friends- he is black and very shaggy! Poor Guy! Once the dogs get to know him they warm up but even then they always seem suspicious of him.

people are the same way- not just dogs. Black dogs are the least adopted- and the hardest to find good homes for. People look for color- and an easy to read face. Sad, but true!

[mtoy]

It really is sad. The absolute BESTEST dog I ever had was black. She was so gentle and playful - and big!

[Bobbie]

Who can call this face unexpressive?

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee256/Bobbie54_2007/Sadabby.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee256/Bobbie54_2007/HappyAbby.jpg

Okay, the white hair helps!

[mtoy]

Awwww, that looks a lot like my beloved Charky!

[disraeli ears]

Aww, Bobbie! What a pretty dog!

And who can resist this face (baby Tess getting her first bath - haha):
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z91/taowens75/tessbath-1.jpg

Or perhaps this one (even wearing her "astronaut helmet"):
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z91/taowens75/IMG_0331.jpg


I am familiar with the whole "black dog" syndrome. But when I wanted a Lab, I wanted a black one in particular. So some of us like them. :SMILE:

[Bobbie]

My friend Ed used to call his black Lab guide dog "Blob" because that's what he looked like in all the photos next to his wife's golden retriever.

I've had two black Labs and both were dumb compared to my yellow and chocolate Lab- chocolate was from field lines so should have been smart but my yellow Lab was from the same lines as the Brother (not Abby, who is shown- Abby was from field lines and was not a very smart lab.) Both were very sweet as well, and it makes me wonder if breeders have unconsciously selected for sweet black Labs to make up for the prejudice against them.

[mtoy]

Something that works in favor of black dogs - their shedded hair blends in better than any other color on fabrics and carpeting. It's true!:SMILE:

[Bobbie]

Brother used to squat in front of the sofa and jump up and down to scratch his back on the sofa cushion (hard to explain!) And Abby rubbed along the hallway wall to scratch her back. Labrador oil is hard to get off of things!

[love2corgis]

Cindy is petrified of my brother's black lab who is the sweetest dog- she will not look at her and acts as if she doesn't exist when they meet.

[Kassie]

Well, I looked for a picture of our black dog, but I guess all the ones when she was black pre dated digital in our house. Joni LOVES black dogs. Just picture all the grey and white as black. Megan is the black one, Costello is her brother and littermate, believe it or not!

[Jespah]

Oh - they are both so cute!! You's never know they are littermates!! :SHOCKED: