How a Rescue Dog Became Martha’s Vineyard’s Most Famous Symbol

Visitors from around the world know the iconic Black Dog logo. You may even have a shirt or sweatshirt hanging in your closet. Heck, you might be wearing it while reading this.

The Black Dog is synonymous with Martha's Vineyard, the place where the logo got its start. Though you may know the connection to The Black Dog Tavern in Vineyard Haven, how much more do you know about The Black Dog?

For instance, do you know about their efforts in helping shelter dogs, or that the Black Dog on the logo was actually real?

Who Was the Original Black Dog?

The original black dog was a rescue. The black lab-boxer mix was a beloved pet of The Black Dog's founder Robert Douglas, known as "Captain Bob."

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She was named "The Black Dog" after a pirate in Treasure Island and was always by the Captain's side, both on board his schooner and inside the tavern.

Why Black Dog Shirts Became So Popular

The Black Dog shirts originally began as a uniform. Cooks at the tavern would wear them and before long, customers started asking for them, too.

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The Black Dog’s Mission to Help Shelter Pets

Now, a slew of merchandise is available for adults, kids and dogs alike. Among the items are a select few whose proceeds go to Clear the Shelters, a national campaign promoting pet adoptions and raises funds to help combat animal shelter overcrowding.

The Black Dog's Clear the Shelters exclusive collection donates 100 percent of the profits to the program.