These Dogs Are Often Last to Be Adopted—Here's Why You Should Consider Bringing One Home
Are you considering adopting a dog? Fantastic! There are so many deserving dogs that are searching for their forever homes worldwide. Some dogs will have no problem in securing an adoptive family. They may be tiny and cute, perhaps they have been featured in a high profile adoption campaign, or maybe they are a breed that doesn’t come up for adoption often.
Other dogs are no less deserving, but through no fault of their own, are often left languishing in a shelter for months, or even years, at a time. If you are thinking about visiting a rescue shelter with intentions to adopt, consider the dogs that are often more difficult to adopt out. They might just be the perfect fit for your family.
Black Dogs
It has been a long-held belief that black dogs are the toughest to rehome. Some people are superstitious about their color, and their coat may not stand out or photograph as easily as other coat colors.
Although shelters often report anecdotal cases of long-term black dog residents, some studies suggest that these dogs are not adopted less frequently than others.1 They do not languish in shelters notably longer than any other dogs.
If you are considering adoption, don’t overlook these loving pups. You might just be passing up the dog of your dreams!
Senior Dogs
Many senior dogs tragically end up in shelters. Previous owners could have allergies, a newborn baby, or an inability to devote time and energy to their pet anymore. Whatever the reason, it's awful to think of a dog that has spent their whole life in a home environment suddenly having to cope with the stress of kennel life.
The thing is—senior dogs make great pets. They are almost always house trained, tend to be calmer around the home, and are just happy to enjoy a snuggle on the sofa. And senior pets still have plenty of life left in them, too, enjoying their walks and benefitting from some TLC.
As long as you're prepared to give them attention, care, and potential medical assistance as they age, giving a senior pup a golden retirement can be so rewarding.
Dogs With Behavior Problems
Some dogs may seem like they are aggressive or over-excitable when you see them in a stressful kennel environment, but once they are in a more relaxed atmosphere, they become a different dog. This can be difficult to assess in a kennel environment. Obtaining a history, if possible, from the shelter is critical for helping prepare for this type of rescue.
If the dog has had a traumatic past and has some fear and trust issues, with a dedicated and experienced home, they can thrive. Not only will the experience expand your dog behavior knowledge, but it will also help to create a deep bond between you both, seeing them transform from a fearful and reactive dog to one that can relax with those that they love. However, these dogs may also have specific needs to succeed and may not be suited to every situation or home environment.
Be prepared to seek out additional behavior training services or even a veterinary behaviorist in this situation, and make sure that your home environment will be the right fit for this dog to flourish. Sometimes a home with more activity, including from children and other pets or transitioning roommates, can be a source of additional stress for some of these pets.
Vocal Dogs
Certain dog breeds are more vocal than others. Hound dogs like beagles or Redbone coonhounds tend to howl to get attention or let their people know something's up. While these pups can be noisier, they're also affectionate, loyal, and intelligent pets. They can be super talented at hunting, catching a scent, and some make strong dog sports athletes. For the right pet parent committed to giving their hound plenty of exercise and positive reinforcement training, these pets can make fun, adventurous companions.
Dogs That Are a Bonded Pair
Sometimes the thought of getting just one dog can be overwhelming, so considering taking two at once is not as appealing to some people. This means that dogs that are incredibly bonded and looking for a home together can sometimes struggle to get adopted.
Many people go on to adopt a second dog anyway and, at least in this situation, you already know that the dogs will get along well (Plus, there's nothing cuter than seeing two animals snuggle together!).
Dogs With Health Problems or Disabilities
Dogs that have been born with or develop a disability or illness that end up in rescue can be difficult to home. And often, the kennel environment can exacerbate their problems.
Some dogs with illnesses just need some TLC and the right medication, and they go on to live full, healthy lives. Those with lifelong medical conditions can still have an excellent quality of life with the right treatment. Many charities will also provide financial support for these dogs.
Disabled dogs are often overlooked, as their needs may seem scary, but they are usually no more challenging to look after than an able-bodied pet. A tripawd, for example, can manage wonderfully with three legs. Even if they do need a little extra care, their positive outlook on life and ability to adapt can be inspiring.
The Bully Breeds
Tragically, pit bulls and other bully breeds are some of the most frequently found types of dogs in rescue shelters across the United States. Their numbers are so high primarily as a result of backyard breeding, keeping for the wrong reason (as fighting or bait dog or status symbol), the frustrating laws around breed-specific legislation, ill-prepared owners for their high energy levels and needs, and an ingrained prejudice from some towards the breed type.
Truthfully, though, many of these dogs can make wonderful pets in the right home environment. Like all breeds, bully breeds have unique characteristics and traits and by having the correct expectations, you can avoid concerns that others may have.
For dogs that have been used for fighting, there may be behavior concerns that may need to be addressed, extensive training requirements, or an awareness of how they may react to other pets in the home. The shelter may be able to provide you with some history to manage expectations or help to prepare you for specific needs for the individual dog, no matter the breed.
By responsibly adopting a bully breed, not only will you be saving a dog that could spend a long time in the shelter environment, but you will also become an advocate for the breed, helping to dispel misconceptions.
