1st October is National Black Dog Day, and Forever Hounds Trust is appealing for people to think about whether they could offer a home to a black dog in need.
Currently more than half the dogs being cared for by Forever Hounds Trust are black, and the charity says that their evidence shows that black dogs spend, on average, 30% longer waiting to be offered a home than dogs of other colours.
Nobody really knows why this is, but anecdotal evidence points to a prejudice due to myths and stories, and an association with guard dogs.
It’s a particular problem for Forever Hounds Trust as over 70% of greyhounds are black. Emily Burns-Sweeney, Director of Homing for the Trust explains: “There is an interesting story behind why there are so many black greyhounds. Several years ago there was a champion racing greyhound in Ireland called Top Honcho. Such was the demand for his racing genes that he is believed to have sired over 10,000 puppies. Black is the dominant gene and Top Honcho was a black dog. As a result, we now have to find homes for hundreds of black greyhounds each year.”
The Trust is using National Black Dog Day to highlight the plight of black dogs in need of a home, and are keen to point out that they make wonderful pets. Emily says: “Black greyhounds and lurchers make wonderful, loving companion animals, just as their lighter-coloured canine friends do. We affectionately refer to our greyhounds as the 40mph couch potato, as they really don’t need much exercise. Just a short walk each day is enough and they will quite happily spend the rest of the time snoozing on the sofa.”
If you can help by offering a home to a greyhound or lurcher from Forever Hounds Trust, please contact us on 03000 111 100, email enquiries@foreverhoundstrust.org today.
Hounds turn out for ‘Birthday Buscot’ and enjoy tea, cakes and competitions