October 1 is National Black Dog Day.

Now, technically, the day was created to celebrate dogs with black fur and bring attention to the fact that darker-coated dogs can sometimes be overlooked for adoption.

But around here, we have another question:

Does your dog know he’s Black?

And no, we’re not talking about the color of his fur.

If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of watching Black people with their pets on TikTok, you already know exactly what we mean. There is something particularly hilarious about watching a dog who has clearly been raised in a Black household.

They know the vocabulary. They know the tone. They know when Mama has called their name one too many times. And somehow, they seem to know when company is coming before the good towels even make it into the bathroom.

My miniature Poodle, Beau, certainly seems to know which community he belongs to.

All I have to do is hold out my fist and say, “Give me dap.”

Beau taps my fist with his paw.

That’s my boy.

And apparently Beau isn’t alone.

Across TikTok and other social media platforms, Black pet owners have turned everyday interactions with their dogs into some of the funniest—and most relatable—content online. Dogs get talked to like children, fussed at like teenagers and occasionally threatened with consequences they absolutely do not understand.

“You better get somewhere and sit down.”

“Now, I know you heard me.”

“Who are you barking at?”

And somehow…the dog seems to understand every word.

There’s the dog who knows “go sit down somewhere” means the foolishness has officially gone too far. The one whose full government name comes out when he’s in trouble. The dog who knows Grandma is the weak link and will absolutely sneak him food under the table. And, of course, the one who hears somebody say, “Who wants to go?” from three rooms away and suddenly appears at the front door.

It’s part of what makes Black pet TikTok so funny. The humor isn’t simply that these animals do cute things. It’s that we recognize the household.

The dog has become part of the culture of the family.

Because Black folks don’t just have pets.

That’s your baby.

So this National Black Dog Day, we’re celebrating the black dogs, of course. Adopt them. Love them. Give those beautiful dark-coated pups the attention they deserve.

But we’re also giving a little love to the Black dogs—the ones being raised in Black households who know Sunday morning means everybody is leaving for church, cookouts offer excellent opportunities for dropped food and when somebody says, “Don’t make me come over there,” it’s probably best to stop whatever they’re doing.

As for Beau?

He may be a miniature Poodle.

But when I put my fist out and say, “Give me dap,” that little paw comes right up.

So now we want to know:

Does your dog know they’re Black? And what’s the Blackest thing your dog does?