Black Beauty

Black Dog Syndrome

Black Dog Syndrome. No, it’s not a disease, but rather a sad statistic. Black dogs, particularly large ones, have a much harder time finding homes. They’re often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. “Overwhelmingly, we hear from the shelter and rescue groups that black dogs, especially the big black dogs and black cats take longer to get adopted,” says Kim Saunders, vice president of shelter outreach for online pet adoption website Petfinder.com.

Want to help? Awareness of the problem is key. Spread the word about Black Dog Syndrome and share an adoptable black dog or two through Facebook or Twitter. 

Tux

Tux, a senior Chihuahua/Boston Terrier cross, wears a Buddy Belt Leather ID Collar in caramel leather. Buddy Belt also makes awesome harnesses; this collar was designed to match, allowing you to to remove your dog’s Buddy Belt harness without removing your dog’s ID! buddy-belts.com

Streets

Streets, a Pit Bull, wears a stylish embroidered leather Remy Leabeau collar from Ella’s Lead. From $75, ellaslead.com

Tikka

Tikka, a Border Collie/Pomeranian cross, wears a redhot waterproof Hydro collar decorated with western charms. From $14, hotdogsalldressed.com

Daisy

Daisy, thought to be a Lab/German Shepherd/Great Dane cross, wears a whimsical “How to be a Dog” collar exclusively from 2 Hounds Design. From $35, 2houndsdesign.com

Cabella

Cabella, a sweet mutt (Golden Retriever/German Shepherd/ Saint Bernard?), wears a sassy pink and brown Retro Dots collar from Roverdog8productions. From $50, shop.roverdog8productions.com

Kingston and Kessler

Kingston and Kessler, Cocker Spaniel brothers, both wear faux snakeskin Firenze leather collars from Cece Kent’s Lilly Collection. Kingston wears a dazzling iridescent lime colour while Kessler shines in crystal blue. From $65, cecekent.net