Dogs and Morocco

[sylvester1954]

We are into our third week travelling through Morocco and we have been intrigued and pleasantly surprised as to the reaction to our dog as we walk around towns and villages.
Young boys and girls tend to break into fits of giggles and want to touch her but still somewhat hesitant. Other children smile deeply as you walk by fascinated it appears to see a dog being led on a lead. Older woman smile encouragingly at her wanting to stroke or pet her but again very hesitant in approaching. The older men show a bit of surprise though most do ignore her.
We are not sure if it's the colour black, the breed which would be uncommon out here or just surprise at seeing dogs on a lead? I guess that we expected them to be less interested than they have been, what is the experience of other dog owners who have been or are in Maroc ?

 

[Hollyberry]

I think it's the curly hair, most local dogs would probably be smooth coated, to cope with the heat.
Nice people are friendly towards your dog. In Cyprus a lot of elderly people, particularly women, would turn their backs to a dog as they believed looking into its eyes meant it could steal your soul. Another odd belief was a cat sleeping on a bed would render the occupant infertile.

 

[Tykatem]

Traditionally muslims think dogs as being impure and see it as being unhygienic to keep a dog in the house. Whilst it's not haraam (prohibited) to touch a dog, though If the saliva of a dog touches them or any part of their clothing, then it is required that they wash the body part touched and the item of clothing touched by the dog’s mouth or snout.

Pete