The UAE’s white dogs: Overlooked by adopters?
- tiina
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
At Stray Dogs Center we’re facing a heartbreaking pattern that we can’t ignore any longer: a third of our dogs are white or very pale — and many of them have been waiting since puppyhood to find a home. While “Black Dog Syndrome” is often discussed globally, here in the UAE, we’re experiencing the opposite: it’s the white dogs who are being overlooked.
Many wait years in our care, and might have never even experienced the comforts of a home. These are healthy, loving dogs with playful personalities and gentle hearts, yet they continue to be passed by — not because of who they are, but seemingly because of how they look.
35% of the dogs currently in our care are white or very pale in color — and sadly, many of them have been waiting far too long for homes. Some were rescued as tiny, cute puppies full of promise and hope. But that hope is fading as they grow into young adults still waiting for someone to choose them.
Meet the V-pups: A litter that grew up waiting
Take the V-pups, for example: Vespa, Vimto, Vergo, Vice, and Vinnie. This entire litter was rescued as tiny, playful puppies full of promise during the summer of 2023. But despite being friendly, healthy, and full of personality, they continue to be overlooked.
They’re now turning two years old this summer, and it’s truly time they get the forever homes they deserve. These beautiful dogs just need someone to give them a chance.
 | NAME: Vespa GENDER: Female DOB: 6/2023 MICROCHIPPED: Yes VACCINATED: Yes SPAYED: Yes Vespa — the only girl in her litter: gentle, quiet, and full of untapped love 🐾 Raised in boarding since she was a tiny pup, Vespa has never known the warmth of a family 🏡 Shy but curious, spayed, chipped, and vaccinated—she’s ready for her first real chance. Will you be the one to choose her? 💛
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 | NAME: Vergo GENDER: Male DOB: 6/2023 MICROCHIPPED:Yes VACCINATED:Yes NEUTERED:Yes Vergo — a joyful, energetic pup ready to brighten your days! He grew up shy but has blossomed into a wagging, loving companion 🐾 Playful, cuddly, and eager to learn, Vergo is waiting for his turn to come ✨ Could you be the one to bring this sunshine home? 🏡
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 | NAME: Vice GENDER: Male DOB: 6/2023 MICROCHIPPED:Yes VACCINATED:Yes NEUTERED:Yes Vice — a shy but loving pup with a heart of gold 💛 He is gentle, patient, and great with kids, Vice loves cuddles and will bloom with time and love 🌻 Vice is ready to shine. Could you be his forever person? Or even for the summer?
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 | NAME: Vimto GENDER: Male DOB: 6/2023 MICROCHIPPED:Yes VACCINATED:Yes NEUTERED:Yes Vimto — a gentle soul with eyes that quietly ask for love. Almost 2 years old, and still waiting for his first real home 🏡 Shy at first, Vimto warms up to reveal a loving, calm, and playful spirit 🐾💛Vimto is ready for a patient foster or forever family to show him what belonging means. If you’re ready to believe in him, Vimto is waiting 🤍
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 | NAME: Vinnie GENDER: Male DOB: 6/2023 MICROCHIPPED:Yes VACCINATED:Yes NEUTERED:Yes Vinnie — a cheerful, playful pup ready for his forever family ❤️ Vinnie has some experience of home life in foster so we know he's great with kids, full of silly antics, and eager to bring joy and laughter to your family. Vinnie is ready to steal your heart!
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Interested? Fill our Adoption application or Foster form today!
Does color really matter?
Despite their charm and readiness for a home, white dogs continue to be passed over. As this pattern becomes harder to ignore, we find ourselves asking: why are so many white dogs still waiting? Could coat color really be influencing adoption decisions, even unintentionally?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Have you ever found yourself gravitating toward certain colors when choosing a pet? Or maybe avoiding others without realizing it? Perhaps you have adopted a white dog – tell us if you chose them by their color?
If you’re comfortable sharing, please let us know in the comments. The more we understand, the better we can advocate for these beautiful dogs — and maybe even help someone find the companion they didn’t know they were overlooking.
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Can you help them stay in Dubai?
With many of our long term foster families travelling for the summer, many dogs get returned and we have very limited options where to place these dogs. Sadly, dogs who stay too long in boarding may have to be moved to our remote, overcrowded shelter in Umm Al Quwain, a place many of them have never known, to make space for others. But you can help us stop that from happening.
We’re looking for adopters, fosters, or even "Bosters" — kind-hearted people who can help sponsor their boarding costs while they wait for a home. A small monthly contribution can go a long way in giving a dog time, comfort, and hope.
Here are some of the white dogs we currently have in boarding. You can find their introductions on our Adult dogs page or Puppies and Juniors page. But keep reading, there's more to come after these pics!
How you can help a white dog in need
✅ Adopt or foster: Dogs currently in Dubai are ready to meet you — either virtually or in person! Just fill out our Adoption or Foster Application, and our rehoming team will guide you through the next steps.
✅ Visit our weekly adoption events: Join us every Saturday from 11 AM – 1 PM at The Petshop Megastore, DIP. While not all our dogs are there, you’ll meet many adoptable adults and puppies — in every color, size, and age. Even if you would like to foster temporarily, this is the place to meet doggies!
✅ Become a boster: Can’t adopt or foster right now? Sponsor a pup’s stay in boarding and help them avoid the shelter. It’s a simple but powerful way to make a difference. Read more about our boster program!
Every dog deserves a chance — white coats included
These white dogs are just as deserving of love, family, and a future as any other. We don’t know why they’re being passed over, but we do know one thing: it’s their turn.
Whether you're ready to adopt, foster, or support from afar, there’s a way for everyone to help. Together, we can rewrite the story for the V-pups and others like them.
👉 Fill out an application now, one of our team will then contact you
🐾 Visit us on Saturdays 11am - 1 pm at the Petshop in DIP
💌 Or message us to learn how to become a boster
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