• 🐶 What is Black Dog Syndrome?

• 🥰 10 best dog Instagrams that’ll make you smile

• 🐾 Explore customizable pet insurance plans

• 🦴 Mini quiche triggers a case of the zoomies

• 🐾 Discover Oprah’s favorite sheets

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

True or False?

Some dog breeds have six toes on each foot.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Do you have a beautiful black pup in your life? Now, can you imagine them being passed over or not someone’s first choice? Hard to believe, right? But there’s something called Black Dog Syndrome, where it’s believed that black dogs are less likely to get adopted than their lighter-furred friends in shelters. Let’s learn about it together.

Is Black Dog Syndrome Real?

Let’s start with the facts. A 2011 study by the ASPCA found that appearance was the top reason people chose to adopt a dog. Similarly, a 2002 study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science reported that black coat colors negatively impacted adoption rates for both dogs and cats, with pure-black animals having much lower rates of adoption.

However, some studies paint a different picture. For example, research conducted in 2013 at two New York shelters found that coat color didn’t affect how long pups stayed. This led researchers to suggest that Black Dog Syndrome may only happen in certain parts of the world, potentially due to cultural differences.

While it’s hard to say for sure if Black Dog Syndrome is widespread, many shelter and rescue workers have seen it play out time and again. And as dog lovers, we can all agree that if it does exist, it’s an unfortunate and unfair bias.

Why Are Black Dogs Overlooked?

Superstitions: Like black cats, black dogs have been tied to more myths and superstitions than we might think. Old tales often connect them with bad luck, misfortune, or even death, causing some people—whether consciously or not—to shy away from adopting them. In folklore, black dogs were often seen as omens of doom or guardians of the underworld, stories that stretch back centuries. For some, these ancient beliefs may still influence adoption decisions, even in small, subtle ways.

Photos Don’t Do Them Justice: Shelters rely heavily on photos to help dogs find their forever homes, but black dogs often don’t photograph well. Poor lighting in shelter environments can make it tough for their features and expressions to stand out. Even with good lighting, their gorgeous black coats can show up as a shadowy figure with just two glowing eyes. This makes it harder for them to grab attention online, where potential adopters are scrolling through images of adoptable dogs. A lighter-colored dog might catch the eye more easily, while a black dog’s beauty can get lost in translation. I know this all too well with my own black pup—she’s adorable in person but in photos? She just looks like a blur.

Negative Media Portrayals: Think about black dogs in pop culture—many of them are painted in a menacing light. Whether it's the eerie hound in The Hound of the Baskervilles or the ominous Grim in Harry Potter, black dogs are often portrayed as dangerous or evil. This negative image can impact how people perceive black dogs in real life, even if they aren’t fully conscious of it.

The "Black Dog" Metaphor: Black dogs have long been used as a metaphor for depression (I personally can’t fathom "depression" and "dog" in the same sentence). Winston Churchill famously referred to his bouts of depression as his “black dog,” but the phrase actually dates back to Dr. Samuel Johnson in 1776, the creator of the English Dictionary, who also suffered from clinical depression. This symbolic connection with sadness might subconsciously cause some people to hesitate when considering adopting a black pup.

Age Appearance: Senior dogs already face challenges in getting adopted, but for older black dogs, it can be even tougher. As they age, the contrast between their dark coats and the graying fur around their faces can make them appear older than they really are. This salt-and-pepper visual may push potential adopters away, especially if they’re already hesitant about adopting a senior pup.

Black dogs deserve just as much love as any other pup. Do you have a black dog? Have you heard of Black Dog Syndrome before? What are your thoughts?

Seeing dogs in any form equals instant happiness, whether it’s photos, videos, or reels with the funniest voiceovers. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or just want to fill your feed with wet noses and wagging tails, these 10 pups have mastered the art of making your day a whole lot brighter. Get ready to hit that follow button! And if you're not on Instagram, don’t worry—most of them are also on YouTube and Facebook. Enjoy the cuteness overload!

1. Tucker

This floofy golden retriever is an absolute pro when it comes to funny faces and food reviews—honestly, his snack choices are probably better than mine! Tucker’s goofy expressions and playful antics will have you laughing out loud, and those "mommy" voiceovers? Pure gold. I stumbled across Tucker by accident when my toddler first started watching a bit of screen time, and now Tucker's our go-to. My kiddo prefers him over anything else, and we both end up laughing our butts off every time!

2. Tuna

Tuna is a tiny package of Chihuahua-Dachshund mix (Chiweenie) an overbite that could melt the coldest heart. His adorable underbite and endearing awkwardness will have you coming back for more weird, wonderful, and hilarious moments. Tuna is here to show us all that being quirky is a total vibe.

3. Loki the Wolfdog

For all the adventurers out there, Loki’s account is an absolute dream. This husky/Arctic wolf/malamute mix and his human take you on epic outdoor adventures with breathtaking views that make you wish you were half as outdoorsy. The photos are so stunning they’ll transport you to another world (or mindset) when you need a break. Loki is part dog, part explorer, and full-on awesome.

4. Harlow and Sage

Follow a whole family of pups when you dive into Harlow and Sage's account. Though the beloved Sage is no longer with us, the family has grown even more. Now you get to hang out with Harlow, Indiana, Reese, Ezra, and Mae as they romp through life, dressed up for holidays and beyond. This crew became famous for the adorable bond between Harlow, the Weimaraner, and Sage, the miniature Dachshund. The size difference was beyond cute, and their friendship melted hearts everywhere!

5. Doug the Pug

Doug is one of the most famous and followed dogs in the world. He has over 18 million followers across social media and more than 1 billion Facebook video views. While most doggos are BFFs with the mailman, Doug has been seen rolling with Justin Bieber, The Jonas Brothers, Steven Tyler, and so many more. The funniest part about Doug is that he has no clue how famous he is. He’s just living his best pug life, meeting new friends along the way!

6. Crusoe 

Crusoe isn’t just any Dachshund—he’s a world traveler, chef, and superhero pup! With his adorable outfits and hilarious videos, Crusoe will have you wondering how one dog can be more talented than most humans. And let’s not forget his sister, Daphne, who often steals the show with her funny cameos. Their witty voiceovers make it feel like you really know them!

7. Hammy and Olivia

Hammy and Olivia were the cutest duo with their short legs and big personalities. Sadly, Olivia the Corgi passed away in November 2023 at the age of 8 due to a kidney emergency. But don’t worry—Hammy is still around to bring you the kind of laugh that everyone needs in their life. Their voiceovers were always hilarious, and Hammy continues to spread that same joy with every post.

8. Maya the Samoyed

Maya the Samoyed is the fluffiest “polar bear” you’ve ever seen, and she’s here to melt your heart and make you smile. She’s the kind of dog who makes you want to drop everything and snuggle up with her instead of doing anything else.

9. Miss Peaches

Miss Peaches is an adorable, sweet Pit Bull who went from a tough past to a life of luxury, thanks to her papa, Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy. She now lives like the pampered princess she deserves to be. Thanks to Dave for giving her this amazing new chapter and sharing her with the world!

10. Jackson the Dalmation

Jackson the Dalmatian is part of an adorable crew of spotty brothers: Heath, Bennett, Timmy, and Fletcher. Each one brings their own charm, but Jackson’s love for bow ties and blueberries makes him stand out. And let’s not forget a special shoutout to Timmy, whose smile might seem a bit fierce at first glance but is really just the most playful, goofy plea for attention. It’s honestly one of the best dog smiles you’ll ever see!

Are there any doggo profiles you love that we missed? Who are your favorites? Send us their names – we’d love to check them out!

Dogs are just the silliest! And honestly, is there anything better than a case of the zoomies? It’s like the tiniest things set them off, and it’s pure joy. Take this one pup for example—her zoomies were all triggered by… a quiche.

Her mom offered her a mini quiche, and the dog’s mind was blown. Was her mom really sharing human food?! Is this a joke? A test? She had no idea, so naturally, she went into full zoomie mode. For over a minute, she zipped around with a wagging tail and wide eyes, completely overwhelmed by her good fortune.

Eventually, she realized the quiche was 100% hers, grabbed it, and zoomed off to enjoy her treat.

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 True or False: True, there is one breed with six fully developed toes on each foot: the Norwegian Lundehund. The extra toes help these pups climb the steep, slippery rocks of their native Norwegian homeland.

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