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posted 03-04-2004 06:33 AM         

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Anyone ever notice how there are a LOT of black (or black and white) dogs in the shelters? Why? Are black dogs more common than others or something?

Jamiya

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From:Cornwall, England
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-04-2004 07:30 AM         

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Its a genetic fact that the black colour gene is the dominant colour.
So if you have a balck dog and white dog and bred you will allways get more black (or mostly black colourings) in the litter.
Probly nothing to do with superstitions, as why would they have chossen a black dog in the first place?
Ky and Rio
PS hope that answered your question

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From:Campton, NH USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 03-04-2004 07:33 AM         

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shelters usually have more black cats too

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posted 03-04-2004 07:41 AM         

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I've also read in a few different places that large black dogs are the least likely to get adopted and are at a higher risk of being put down because of this. Breaks my heart to pieces as we have 2 black lab "mutts" that are just so sweet. We live in a rural area, tons of farm dogs, and every year there are at least 4-5 litters listed in the paper or around town to give away, and labs are popular for farms. No one seems to be able to be bothered to alter their farm dog, especially if they are male, as the puppies are not their problem! very sad!

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posted 03-04-2004 11:25 AM         

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I think black is a more common colour but I also read somewhere that people are generally more afraid of black dogs than brown or white ones.

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From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-04-2004 01:00 PM         

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Around here black lab mixes are the most common dog in shelters...there are tons of them.

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From:NY, USA
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posted 03-04-2004 05:11 PM         

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quote:

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I've also read in a few different places that large black dogs are the least likely to get adopted and are at a higher risk of being put down because of this.

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I have heard this as well.

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posted 03-04-2004 05:25 PM         

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i had a all black dane and he was the best looking dog i ever owned..so much for not liking black dogs

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From:Columbus, Tx ,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 03-05-2004 08:35 AM         

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I always had the thought that when people go look at pupppies,,, don't the black and white ones look SOOOO cute??? So of course they are the first choice and people bring them home, let them go....

And I 've also learned that diffrent breedings, mutts, the colors will more often throw the black and white gene. Say you take a brown dog and it gets bred with a brown and black dog....you'll 9x's out of 10 get black, and black and white....
I'm currently taking a biology and studying some genetics...I'll ask about it and see what I find out further.

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From:Canada
Registered: Feb 2004

posted 03-05-2004 09:06 AM         

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Black dogs are least likely to get adopted than say a fawn or lighter colored dog. I think it may be psychological to people. (Black is supposed to be a dreary color). Thats what I have been told at shelters where I live anyways. It really is dumb when you think about it. I have even heard someone say that their friends black lab is way to hyper active and untrainable while their yellow lab seemed fine. Yeah, right! Maybe try obedience and training with the black lab? Its so funny how some people associate one thing to another. I have black hair, perhaps I am uncontrollabel aswell!

[This message has been edited by bullylove1 (edited 03-05-2004).]

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From:sherman oaks,california,USA
Registered: Dec 2003

posted 03-06-2004 02:21 PM         

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I have heard Black dogs are harder to adopted too. But i have adopted 2 Black dogs, both Lab mixes, and the funny thing is when ever I go to the dog park there is a huge swarm of black dogs! Weird!

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posted 03-06-2004 05:10 PM         

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Not only are some people mor intimidated by the color of black dogs, but their dark color can also mask their facial features a bit, dark eyes, nose, lips sort of blend into the dark fur, which makes them less appealing to some. I personally prefer black dogs over other colors (not that color is really a big factor in a dog, but given all oher things the same), the black coat really shines and shows good definition of a healthy, fit dog, especially in the shorter haired breeds. You just don't get the same shine with a white dog (this coming from someone with a blackish dog, a white dog, and three dogs of varying shades of brown, so no discrimination here ).

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