Black dog syndrome is used by people who work or volunteer in animal shelters. For some reason, all black dogs, even purebred black Labrador Retrievers are almost always passed over in favor of other colored dogs. Any other color dog does better – even if they are the same breed. This also happens to black Labrador Retrievers, especially in shelters. A golden, yellow, white or chocolate Labrador Retriever will almost always be picked over black Labrador Retrievers.

Superstition

Although we claim to not believe in superstitions, our subconscious proves we do. Quite often, we pass over anything black because of the negative bias towards the color black. The only things that seem to escape this bias are diamonds and horses. However, there are a lot of myths, legends and stories about black dogs being somehow bad. One of these is that vampires can change into black wolves – or black dogs (even black Labrador Retrievers).

Probably the most famous bad black dog was the Hound of the Baskervilles, which went after the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Many scholars and psychologists think the reason why the Hound of the Baskervilles is so famous is because a large black dog fits our subconscious idea of what an evil creature looks like, even a dog with floppy ears like a black Labrador Retriever.

Hecate And Paganism

In some pre-Christian pagan religions, black dogs were seen as sacred. One of the most powerful and respected Goddesses (still worshipped by modern day Pagans) is Hecate (or Hekate), known as the Goddess of Witches. One of her symbols was the black dog. It was said that She could appear to people in the form of either a black snake, a black mare or a black dog.

Whenever Christianity overtook paganism, anything associated with the old Deities was immediately demonized. This is probably what happened to all black dogs, even in this modern day and age, causing the black dog syndrome seen today in pet rescues and animal shelters.

A Good Dog Is Never A Bad Color

If you are considering adopting a dog (and good for you), then please be sure to take a second look at all of the black dogs in the shelter. Perhaps they will look ordinary, but that's only on the outside. If you specifically want to adopt a Labrador Retriever, be sure to tell the breed rescue or animal shelter that you would accept a black Labrador Retriever. You will certainly gain not only the shelter worker's respect, but the friend of a lifetime.

One of the reasons that Labrador Retrievers are so highly trainable is that they will do just about anything for food. If we ever figure out how to plug up the hole in the ozone layer, it will be because a Labrador Retriever was offered a triple cheese pepperoni and sausage pizza if he could fix it. However, their appetites have many Labrador retrievers into trouble.

Christmas Dinner

Usually every year out of England just after Christmas, you read about a dog who ate the family's Christmas dinner, desserts, decorations and some of the gifts. Almost without fail, the dog winds up being a Labrador Retriever. Christmas dinner in England is given even more hoopla than Thanksgiving in America. Although some Labrador Retrievers can eat such a massive amount of food with just a few belches, most just vomit it all back up. How festive.

Gucci Watches

Some dogs have incredible taste. Lulu the Labrador Retriever didn't just eat anything in April of 2002 – she chose her owner's $1500 (US) Gucci watch. Worried for both watch and dog (and about the inevitable puns in the press), Lulu was taken immediately to the vet, who confirmed that the dog was ticking. A successful operation removed the watch but not Lulu's appetite. She has also eaten socks, dice and almost swallowed a diamond engagement ring before she was stopped.

Cat Poo

Most dogs are attracted to cat droppings, although some prefer to roll in them while others eat them. Almost all Labrador Retrievers will not pass up a chance at "kitty pate". This is because cats cannot digest all of their food, so their droppings still has meat in it. This can be dangerous to your Labrador if your cat is on medication, which can also turn up in the poop.

Poison

Labrador Retrievers are like babies in that they explore the world with their mouths. They also think many poisonous substances like slug bait and antifreeze taste good. You need to keep these out of reach or stop using them entirely. You also need child proof locks on your cupboards, because Labrador Retrievers can learn to open almost any kind of cabinet door. Include your medications in on the list of poisons. Human medications are made to be taken by creatures that weigh a lot more than the average black Labrador Retriever. They will wind up getting a dose that may make them very sick. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your Lab has eaten human medication.

One of the best selling books of 2005 was "Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog", a true story written by John Grogan. The movie version is slated to be released in the fall of 2008. Although the late-lamented Marley has made Grogan's fortune, he was a total terror to live with, despite the fact that he was a Labrador Retriever.

This is typical of the relationship between people and Labradors. People expect them to be mind readers or a furry person and they are neither. If the owners don't commit to interacting with their dogs a lot, then even the best bred Labradors will turn into Devil Dogs (and not the nice kind with the creamy filling, either).

They Need To Be Busy

Labradors have been bred to work all day and use up a lot of energy into making independent decisions. They are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog in the world and almost certainly smarter that 99.9% of human beings. If you don't give them something to do, they will find a job to do – no matter if you like this new profession or not.

It is crucial to know what you are getting into before you bring home a Labrador – whether a puppy or adult. These are animals that are a bit like small horses in that they need daily exercise, preferably at least two brisk walks of twenty minutes each twice a day. Some get by on one long walk, but also get to play fetch or go fishing with their owners. If they don't get this exercise, they feel their oats and burst with energy. This tends to lead to mischief and destruction.

What They Are Capable Of

In the aftermath of September 11, most of the nations rescue dog squads were deployed to either New York or Washington, DC. The three breeds of dogs seen over and over again were Border Collies, German Shepherds and, most of all Labradors of all sizes and colors. They were not only able to traverse dangerous territory to do their jobs, but they were also able to turn their energy off to comfort the grieving.

Labradors will stare at you when they are not thinking of play or food. Even the maverick Marley became the perfect therapist at the times his family needed comfort most. Labradors adore humans, for some unknown reason. It has been suggested that the souls of humanity rest in the bodies of dogs. Labradors make a good case for this theory.

Top Dog Kennel is based in Kelowna, B.C. The establishment is in the center of Okanagan Valley. Top Dog Kennel specializes in breeding blue nose American Pit Bull terriers. The kennels also provide different services for those who are interested. These services include boarding, placement and stud services. Top Dog Kennel is well known for providing quality Pit Bull pups and adults with great temperament.

American Pit Bull Terriers

This breed of dog is medium sized with very well defined muscles as it matures. It is often described as athletic and powerful yet not bulky. The weight can reach up to eighty pounds and the head of the dog is large with a wide jaw. The breed has a thick neck as well as sturdy legs and body. Pit bulls have smooth, glossy coats with short, coarse hair. The color of the breed varies from fawn to black and anything in between.

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