Why do brindle coloured dogs often find it more difficult to get a new home when they are in rescue?
Is there an inherent bias against brindle dogs for some reason?
Did you know, that the results of the study, Coat Color of Shelter Dogs and Its Role in Dog Adoption, suggest that black, brown and brindle dogs are more likely to be abandoned by their owners and that if lost, have a lesser chance of being reclaimed or rehomed.
Brindle is the name given to a coat colour pattern characterized by a brown base colour, overlaid with dark brown to black stripes. It is sometimes described as "tiger-striped", although the brindle pattern is more subtle than that of a tiger's coat. These markings can appear blotchy in other specimens.
This brindle colour bias against dogs has since been a problem in UK dog adoption shelters.
According to figures released by the RSPCA, the charity says, "Over the last three years it has taken the RSPCA on average 41 days to find loving new homes for the dogs in our care – for brindle dogs this figure is 65 days."
Dog welfare expert Lisa Richards said: “It is a shame some of our brindle dogs are being overlooked particularly when their beautiful markings are matched by their brilliant characters."
“We think all dogs are beautiful and would urge people to look beyond the colour of the dogs to see their amazing personalities."
“Brindle dogs – like all our rescue dogs – can make great family pets and we think their distinctive markings are just as special as any other colour.” –
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7 Beautiful brindle dogs available for adoption
Lola – 3 year old female English Setter
Rescue: Setter, Brittany & Pointer Rescue
Lola is a nearly three year old female English Setter. Lola is a gorgeous young dog. She is very affectionate with people she is always ready to receive cuddles and caresses.
She is a little shy at first if you do not know her but she soon trusts you and then is so sweet and cuddly. Lola is a cheerful and very active dog. Lola gets on very well with other dogs, both male and female.
Read more about Lola here
Sasha – 6 year old female Shar Pei Cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rescue: Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre Liverpool
Sasha is a 6 year old female Shar Pei cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Sasha came into our care due to her owner’s ill health.
Sasha was very bewildered to find herself in kennels and can be shy to begin with, however, once she forms a relationship with you she’s very sweet and affectionate.
Read more about Sasha here
Tyson – 8 year old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rescue: RSPCA Burton Upon Trent and District Branch
Tyson is an 8 years old male Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Tyson is a sweet and loving Staffordshire bull terrier who is looking for a calm and patient owner who will make him feel safe and loved.
Read more about Tyson here
Brandy – 6 month old male Spanish Galgo
Rescue: Dogwatchuk West Midlands
Brandy is a 6 month old male Spanish Galgo.
Gorgeous Brandy pup is named after his colour! He is a honey, brindle and white Galgo boy (smaller than a UK greyhound) and he will grow to medium height.
Read more about Brandy here
(Now Rehomed!) Moomin – 5 year old male Cross-Breed
Rescue: Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare East Sussex
Moomin, 5 years old, mongrel, Moomin is a big boy, boisterous, enthusiastic, strong, clumsy and very friendly. Large Bullbreed mix mongrel 37 kg weight.
He can become overstimulated around other dogs, worried by large dogs and seems to prefer smaller dogs. He will need to be the only dog in the home at this stage and continue to build on his social skills.
Read more about Moomin here
(Now Rehomed!) Timmy – 2 year old male Cross-Breed
Rescue: Safe Rescue
Timmy is a medium-sized two year old male Cross-Breed who has been looking for his forever home for a little while. He loves his walks and gets so excited to go out, he’s great on lead and walks beautifully but if he gets spooked (which was a lot in the early days) he pulls like a steam train, he’s still unsure with traffic so grassy, quiet walks suit him.
He needs a kind and patient home that understand his progress might take a while, even months, but are happy to give him the love and time that he needs. Timmy- fostered in South Shields.
Read more about Timmy here
(Now Rehomed!) Pimpi – 5 year old female Spanish Greyhound
Rescue: Project Galgo
Pimpi is a 5 year old female Spanish Greyhound with a great and fun character. Although she is a bit cautious at first, it doesn’t take her long to get close to you to be cuddled, petted and played with.
She is currently in foster with several other dogs and is adapting well to home life. She loves playing with toys and her mates. She has been tested with cats and did not show any sign of aggression.
Read more about Pimpi here
(Now Rehomed!) Clark – 7 year old male Boxer Cross
Rescue: Warrington Animal Welfare Cheshire
Clarke is a handsome bundle of joy and love, who enjoys nothing more than a big hug. He is an absolute pleasure to have around the house and makes no mess at all.
He loves nothing more than to roll onto his back for a belly scratch. He’s house trained and extremely well-mannered; He knows to sit, paw, lay-down and constantly has the biggest, infectious smile on his face.
Read more about Clark here
(Now Rehomed!) Rowan – 1-2 year old male Cross-Breed
Rescue: Strays Without Borders
Rowan is a 1-2 year old male Cross-Breed. He is a very friendly boy who is great with dogs and people. He could be homed with children and cats. He loves playing and being sociable with his doggy pals.
Unfortunately, Rowan has a twisted knee from a previous unknown accident from his time on the Macedonian streets prior to his rescue.
Read more about Rowan here
(Now Rehomed!) Mila aka ‘Roo’ – 1 year old female Greyhound Cross
Rescue: Paws2Rescue
Mila aka ‘Roo’ is a female 21 months old.
Friendly, but again cautious until she feels comfortable. She will most likely bark at them. She will pull on the lead and bark, even lunge, when meeting a new dog/s. Reactive behaviour. Non-aggressive however.
Reaction to men: Very cautious; most likely will bark at them initially – from fear, not aggression though.
Reaction to women: Better, but still cautious of new people generally.
Read more about Mila aka ‘Roo’ here
(Now Rehomed!) Hank – 11 month old male Bulldog
Rescue: All Dogs Matter London
Meet Hank, a lovely 11 month old XL Bully looking for a home after a change in his owner’s circumstances.
This gentle giant is friendly with people and fine with other dogs, however, he is strong on the lead so is looking for an owner who has owned large breeds before in a home with direct access to a garden.
Read more about Hank here
Whether you're drawn to brindle dogs, black dogs, brown dogs, white dogs or pink dogs - let's all agree, that every dog deserves a home.
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