10 Things That Make Black Dogs Special

This time of year, there’s lots of talk about black cats. And while Calvin and Elsa Clair have black fur — Calvin in his cape and mask, and Elsa Clair in her Holstein pattern — I can’t really speak on behalf of black kitties.

But I do have a black dog, whose shelter name was Black Beauty. When I adopted her, I named her Lilah, which means “night” in Hebrew. Having grown up with a black dog — Twinkle — and now with Lilah, I’ve found that there are many things that make black dogs a little extra special.

Here are 10 of them:

1) Black fur? Black clothes.

Black is the new black. And the old black. Worried about fur on your clothes? Not if you wear black. You’re always in style and never have to worry dog hair ruining your look.

Black Beauty, now Lilah, has truly lived up to her name.

2) They disappear in the dark.

Back dogs are stealth animals, disappearing at night and in the shadows.  They blend in and never look out of place.

In the dark, Lilah the stealth dog, disappears behind Jasper.

3)  The fur on a black dog always seems luxurious and glossy.

Lilah’s fur shines after a good brushing.

Tucker uses Lilah as a convenient pillow. She looks like a large black shadow–apparently a very comfortable one.

4) In summer’s heat, they become shady characters.

Looking for you hot dog? You’ll find her in the shade, in the water, in the mud — anywhere it’s cool.

Not is Lilah hiding under the rhododendron, but I think she’s trying to disguise herself with a leafy moustache.

5) Their fur seems to change color.

Sometimes the fur of a black dog looks red. Or blue. Stare at it long enough and you’ll see dozens of colors hidden in the darkness.

Look at those dark nails.

6) They’re not as old as you think.

A few gray hairs are easily hidden among tan and brown and golden fur, but not when you have a luxurious ebony coat. Grey fur crept into Lilah’s muzzle when she was three. At 6, she has more energy than her younger hound-dog brother.

Lilah is just barely 6 years old in this photo, yet look at that grey muzzle.

7) You’ll never lose them in the snow.

In the winter, a black dog like Lilah is easy to see. Even at night, she stands out.

Bounding through the snow, Lilah is a study in moving contrasts.

8) They are photogenic.

Black dogs look gorgeous on cloudy days when the light is diffused. They look great against the bright colors of fall. And black dogs in the mist can be ethereal and mystical.

Lilah, misty dog. I love how water droplets show up so well on her black fur.

9) The eyes have it.

Maybe because of the contrast, the eyes of a black dog seem especially deep and soulful.

Look deep into those eyes.

10) They’ll be your best friends.

But that’s true of any dog of any color.

Lilah, my faithful and loving friend.

My black dog is the light of my life.

Tell me about your pups of any color in the comments below.

You may also like:

• Misty Morning Dog
• Dog with Stick: Sitting Just Quietly Under the Trees
• How My Dog Lilah Shows Her Love
• Haiku by Dog: Good
• Photo: Doggin’ the shadows

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