White paws on a black dog are considered super unlucky. One, you might get away with. Two, no way. If you bring one into your home, the belief is your home/family will suffer seriously in some way, possible through a death. I haven’t been able to find out the history of this prejudice. It’s one of those things that just “is”.
I didn’t know this and helped rehome a lovely tugou into a good home in Hualien. They took her sight unseen and it hadn’t occurred to me to tell them about her white paws. They’re not particularly traditional or superstitious people, and liked her, despite their initial surprise. However, she was very bad for business. They run a homestay, and many visitors couldn’t tolerate holidaying with such bad luck. She had to be rehomed again.
My neighbours, who are pretty much the most ignorant dog owners imaginable - have just allowed another litter of pups to be born. Only two this time, thank goodness. They’re a month old now, and I note that one of them is the most gorgeous shiny black, with a big white star on her chest, and white paws. She’s part lab mongrel, part bull terrier, and part tugou I think. Nice solid compact little dog. I guess she’ll be leaving on a one way trip to the mountain very soon. I’m going to offer to home them if they allow me to get their bitch spayed…
So if you know of anyone else who’d like another lucky dog, let me know! ![]()
If I could start my dog collection all over again with a theme, (other than “this one LOOKED at me in a special way”
), I might take in ONLY white footed black dogs, and keep a whole pack of them. I do especially like Tugou. And I’d love to be an advocate for color equality.
Not sure what to suggest for your dog… Maybe a t-shirt with “Lucky Dog” printed on it? Chin up, don’t let the buggers grind you down.