These 10 Pets Bring Bad Luck—Are You Keeping One?

For millennia, various civilizations have linked specific animals to superstition, mythology, and omens, both good and harmful. While some people believe that dogs bring joy, friendship, and even luck into their homes, others believe that some animals bring disaster. These beliefs are frequently based on folklore, religious traditions, and old superstitions.

In this article, we look at eleven dogs that are supposed to bring ill luck. Whether you believe in superstitions or not, it's fascinating to observe how various cultures see specific animals.

Black cats are probably the most well-known creatures connected with ill luck. In many Western cultures, they have been associated with witchcraft, bad luck, and even death. During the Middle Ages, people thought that witches kept black cats as familiars and could shift into these beasts to commit wicked actions. Some cultures still consider spotting a black cat crossing your path unfortunate.

However, not all perspectives on black cats are favourable. Black cats are believed to bring good luck in Japan and areas of the United Kingdom, particularly to sailors and lonely ladies looking for love.

Owls have long been linked with wisdom, but they also have a sinister side in many civilizations. Hearing an owl hoot near your house is considered a bad omen in various Indian and African cultures. The ancient Romans thought that owls were harbingers of death and that their presence foretold imminent calamity.

Keeping an owl as a pet is uncommon, but those who do may endure social stigma in countries where owls are thought to bring bad luck.


Snakes are frequently respected as holy entities in Hindu and Buddhist cultures; however, many beliefs depict them negatively. Snakes are associated with dishonesty, betrayal, and ill luck in several Western and Middle Eastern cultures. Many people think that letting a snake into their home would result in disaster, illness, or even financial difficulties.

Some cultures think that seeing a snake inside the home is an omen of an oncoming tragedy.
Crows and ravens have long been connected with bad fortune, death, and disaster. In European folklore, they are commonly associated with witches, ghosts, and the supernatural. The expression "a murder of crows" well describes their ominous reputation.

Many cultures think that if a crow perches on your house or continually caws near your window, it foreshadows an imminent death in the family. Because of these connections, having a crow or raven as a pet is sometimes looked at with scepticism.
Turtles are sometimes seen to be emblems of longevity and protection in Feng Shui, but there is also the concept that having a turtle within the home might hinder development and cause financial problems. This superstition is especially prevalent in some Asian societies, where turtles are said to entice success away from the home.

While many people enjoy turtles as pets, many who believe in this superstition prefer to keep them outside rather than inside their houses.


Lizards have been associated with both good and negative omens, depending on culture. In certain regions of India, seeing a lizard in the house is considered an omen of disaster or negative energy. Many Middle Eastern religions equate lizards with jinn (supernatural entities) and black sorcery.

Despite these perceptions, lizards, particularly geckos and iguanas, are popular pets worldwide owing to their unusual look and minimal maintenance requirements.

Spiders are fascinating animals, but they are also associated with a variety of superstitions. In some cultures, seeing a spider in your home is a sign of good fortune and riches. Others say that having too many spiders or a spider's web in the house is bad luck or indicates the presence of negative energy.

In Western folklore, black widow spiders are particularly feared and connected with danger and misfortunes. Some people think that walking on a spider brings bad luck, so they avoid killing them.
Bats have traditionally been linked with darkness, vampires, and misfortune. In some cultures, seeing a bat inside your home is considered a portent of death or illness. According to Chinese legend, bats signify happiness and longevity, but if they enter the house unexpectedly, it is a terrible omen.

Keeping bats as pets is unusual, but those who do may face difficulties owing to these deeply held beliefs.


Fish are commonly associated with good fortune, particularly in Feng Shui, where having an aquarium is said to bring riches and excellent energy. However, if fish die regularly in an aquarium, some people believe it represents ill luck, financial issues, or even an imminent catastrophe in the family.

As a result, many individuals who practice Feng Shui make certain that their fish tank is well-kept and located in a favourable location in their home.
Dogs are widely adored and regarded as faithful friends, but in certain cultures, it is believed that dogs with one white or blue eye—also known as "ghost eyes"—can see ghosts and bring ill luck. This idea is especially popular in regions of Asia and the Middle East.

Some cultures even think that dogs howling at night indicate the presence of ghosts or the impending death. While these are superstitions, they have shaped people's impressions of specific dog breeds.


Superstitions about animals and ill luck are firmly embedded in cultural history and traditions. However, there is no scientific evidence to imply that any of these pets cause ill luck. In actuality, pets bring their owners companionship, joy, and even health advantages.

Many of these beliefs date back to prehistoric times, when humans connected inexplicable phenomena with animals. While it is intriguing to investigate these myths, it is critical to remember that our dogs are not to blame for good or ill fate. If you love an animal and want to keep it as a pet, don't let superstitions get in the way!

Whether you believe in luck or not, dogs need love and care, regardless of what misconceptions they have. After all, luck is often what we make of it!