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Black dogs: breeds, myths and legends

2021-10-26T09:51:20.109Z


Guardians of the underworld or even herald of death, black dogs suffer from a bad reputation. Where do the black dog superstitions come from? What is "black dog syndrome"? What are the breeds of black dogs?


According to some popular beliefs,

dogs that are black in color

bring bad luck or are a harbinger of death.

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Black dog: beliefs, myths and superstitions

The black dog

is a victim of popular misconceptions associated with the color black.

Indeed, black is in Europe the color of mourning, sadness, despair and death.

It is in the time of ancient Egypt that we find the first beliefs around the black dog.

Anubis, the god of the dead and the conductor of souls, featured the head of a black canine.

In Greek mythology, Cerberus, guardian of the Underworld, was a monstrous black dog, with three heads and a serpent's tail.

Later in European beliefs, black dogs were associated with death.

In the collective imagination, he approaches the wolf.

In Britain, the black dog was a specter, the appearance of which was considered an omen of death.

Read also Black cat: beliefs, myths and legends

The "black dog syndrome"

We are all familiar with the superstitions, myths and beliefs surrounding the black cat, but the dog apparently suffers from this bad reputation as well.

Indeed, the color black and the negative connotations it conveys have led some animal protection shelters in the United States to speak of

Black Dog Syndrome”.

In France, the

Seconde Chance

site

, an animal adoption platform, has also launched the “Adopt a black pearl” operation, which highlights black cats and dogs for adoption.

Black dog breeds:

The Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier

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The Scottish Terrier

or the Scottish Terrier is a stocky dog, short on legs, with a strong character.

This small dog from Scotland was once used to hunt pests.

Today the Scottish Terrier is an affectionate dog, close to his master and knows how to be a very good guard dog.

  • Lifespan:

    The life expectancy of a Scottish Terrier is, on average, between 12 years and 15 years.

  • Size and weight:

    females and males weigh 8 kg to 10 kg and measure 25 cm to 28 cm at the withers.

  • Physical peculiarities:

    the Scottish head amazes with its bushy eyebrows and mustache.

  • Hair:

    its body is covered with a hard and dense hair generally black, and which requires regular maintenance.

  • Character:

    This breed of dog has a strong character.

  • Living conditions:

    the Scottish is a very active dog who needs exercise.

    However, he adapts to apartment life if he is out regularly.

  • Health

     : this dog is predisposed to contract various diseases affecting the breed, including Scotty Cramp (Scottie's cramp) and some skin conditions.

The Schipperke

The Schipperke

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The Schipperke

is a small breed of Belgian dogs, hence its name

“little shepherd”.

This very loyal dog is both an excellent guardian and a very pleasant companion dog.

This lively and curious dog needs a lot of exercise.

  • Lifespan:

    The life expectancy of a Schipperke is, on average, between 13 years and 15 years.

  • Size and weight:

    a female weighs 3 kg to 5 kg and measures 30 cm to 32 cm at the withers.

    A male can weigh up to 8 kg and is around 34 cm tall.

  • Physical characteristics:

    its thick hair gives it the appearance of a mane.

  • Coat:

    this dog has a very dense coat only black.

  • Character:

    The Schipperke is an intelligent and very sensitive little dog.

    He needs a gentle and calm education.

  • Living conditions:

    this breed of dog adapts to all lifestyles.

    However, this little shepherd needs to exercise regularly.

  • Health

     : the Schipperke is a robust and resistant dog.

The Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

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The Affenpinscher

is one of the oldest European companion dogs.

Its name in German means

"griffin-monkey".

Indeed the apesque expression of this dog differentiates it from other breeds.

This little dog is a very good rodent hunter.

Sometimes stubborn, he loves to play with children.

  • Lifespan:

    The life expectancy of an Affenpinscher is, on average, between 12 years and 14 years.

  • Size and weight:

    females and males weigh 4 kg to 6 kg and measure 25 cm to 30 cm at the withers.

  • Physical characteristics:

    this dog is recognizable by its hard and completely black coat.

  • Coat:

    his coat is coarse and dense in texture.

  • Character:

    The Affenpinscher is a courageous and vigilant dog who appreciates family life.

  • Living conditions:

    this small dog adapts very well to living in an apartment if he is sufficiently walked and stimulated.

  • Health

     : this breed of dog is predisposed to certain diseases: persistence of the ductus arteriosus (cardiac malformation), dislocation of the patella and Legg-Perthes-Calvé disease (necrosis of the head and neck of the femur).

Read alsoDiscover 5 breeds of hunting dogs

The Kelpie

The Kelpie

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The Kelpie

, also called an Australian Shepherd, is an excellent herding dog, able to lead sheep.

This dog, originally from Australia, appeared in the 1870s. This athletic and enduring dog can quickly get bored if he is not busy.

Sweet and docile, this dog is very devoted to his master.

  • Lifespan:

    The life expectancy of a Kelpie is, on average, between 10 years and 14 years.

  • Size and weight:

    a female weighs 11 kg to 20 kg and measures 43 cm to 48 cm at the withers.

    A male can weigh up to 22 kg and is around 51 cm tall.

  • Physical characteristics:

    the Kelpie is characterized by its head similar to that of a fox.

  • Coat:

    this dog has a short coat usually black in color.

    It can also be black and tan, red and tan, chocolate (brown) or even smoky blue.

  • Character:

    this excellent herding dog can't stand being locked up, he always needs to be on the move.

  • Living conditions:

    this dog requiring physical activity thrives in large spaces.

    A house with a large garden is necessary for the well-being of this dog.

  • Health

     : this dog has very solid health.

    There is no particular predisposition to the breed.

Read alsoDiscover 5 breeds of sporting dogs

The Russian Black Terrier

The Russian Black Terrier

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The Russian Black Terrier

is a dog native to Russia, as the name suggests.

This dog of robust constitution is considered one of the largest Terriers.

This dog formerly used for guarding military buildings is today a balanced and pleasant companion dog.

  • Lifespan:

    The life expectancy of a Russian Black Terrier is, on average, 10 to 14 years.

  • Size and weight:

    females and males weigh 36 kg to 50 kg and measure 68 cm to 76 cm at the withers.

  • Physical characteristics:

    this dog is distinguished by its full beard and mustache.

  • Hair:

    its body is covered with a hard, wavy black hair.

  • Character:

    Endowed with a strong temperament, this dog is very suspicious of strangers.

    He asks for a firm education.

  • Living conditions:

    the Black Russian Terrier is a large, powerful and lively dog, it needs space to let off steam.

  • Health

     : due to its large size, the Black Russian Terrier has a predisposition to elbow or even hip dysplasia.

Adopting an animal commits you, it's a decision that you will have to think carefully.

Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the shelter closest to you before starting.

They can give you advice on which dog breed is best for you.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2021-10-26

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