Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Would it surprise you to learn that some black dogs have a harder time getting adopted? As heartbreaking as it may be to hear, black dogs may linger in shelters for a long time, sometimes never to be adopted. While shelters are often overcrowded with dogs who need a good home, some believe that black dogs in particular have it tougher than the rest. The phenomenon is called black dog syndrome (BDS).1BDS is controversial, and studies conflict about how much of a problem it really is.1 There are several theories on the cause. Some think the problem is that black dogs are hard to photograph and don't show well on online adoption sites. Others think the problem lies in how shelters are set up or in how the media represents black and dark brown dogs. Still others think the problem varies from location to location, with some shelters never experiencing it.
Here's a look at the realities and myths of BDS, as well as the steps that shelters (and you) can take to help more black dogs find loving homes.
What is black dog syndrome?
Black dog syndrome refers to the idea that black-colored dogs may not be adopted from shelters as quickly and easily as lighter-colored dogs.1 This may be due to a number of reasons, ranging from cultural contexts to how shelters have their lighting set up or even simply overcrowding.
The term caught on in the early 2000s after shelter workers began pointing out that cats and dogs with darker-colored fur, like black or dark brown, were often overlooked.2 But the phenomenon itself is controversial and widely debated.3 Not everyone believes it's as common as people think, and studies are conflicting.4 The good news is that, whether the issue is widespread or not, shelters are successfully helping black dogs find loving homes.
Black dog syndrome statistics
Studies disagree on just how prevalent black dog syndrome is. A 2011 ASPCA study of five animal shelters across the United States found that more than 27% of dog owners believed a dog's appearance was the most important factor in choosing which pup to adopt.5 A study from 2002 even found that black coats hurt adoption chances for both cats and dogs.4 Dogs that were black or brindle in color were the least likely to find homes.4 But a 2013 study of two no-kill shelters in New York found that coat color didn't influence length of stay at all.6
Anecdotal evidence is also varied. Some shelter workers report not seeing any evidence of coat color affecting animal stay.7 But others say the phenomenon is definitely real, and their volunteers have witnessed it.8
It's possible that some shelters experience BDS more than others do, perhaps based on varying locations,3 efforts to combat the issue or the number of black dogs at a shelter.9
Why are black dogs less likely to be adopted?
There are several reasons why black dogs may be less likely to be adopted than their counterparts.
1. Perception of black dogs in popular culture
Popular culture and even mythological lore could play a role in black dog syndrome.
Because of their portrayal in TV and movies, some dogs with black coats might be incorrectly seen as aggressive.1 Even the Harry Potter movies had scary black dogs.3
On top of this, some superstitions and myths dating back hundreds of years portrayed black dogs as guarding the underworld.1 And of course, black cats were once erroneously seen as a sign of bad luck. It's possible that these ideas were so pervasive in the past, they've become part of some people's subconscious preferences.
2. Photogenic bias and its impact on adoption rates
There's also a concern that some people might not adopt black dogs because they think their dark coats don't stand out well in photographs.1 They may want to post their pups on social media and feel unsure how to make them look good in pictures.3 But it's really not that hard. For example, when you're taking a picture, you can press on your phone screen to help show it where to focus. Or you can take a picture of brown or black dogs in front of a lighter background to help them stand out.
3. Shelter-related factors
There are also shelter-related factors that could influence adoptions. Because of the lighting, some black dogs are simply harder to see in shelters.3 This might make it tougher for visitors to make a connection. On top of that, if the shelter volunteers aren't good photographers, the black dogs' online photos might not be as good as other dogs' pictures.
Counterarguments to black dog syndrome
Not everyone believes black dog syndrome is real, and not all studies support the BDS theory. Here's a look at three alternative explanations.
1. Age, temperament and breed of black dogs
Sometimes the age, temperament or breed of black dogs is more of a determining factor than their color. Even the ASPCA report that noted color can play a big role also found that a pet's temperament and behavior weighed largely in adoption choices.5
Stereotypes around breeds (which may just happen to be black) can also play a role.2 Some people may simply want purebred dogs, others may prefer a small or large dog, and still others may have an aversion to certain breeds (such as Rottweilers, which typically have darker fur.)
2. Availability of other coat colors
Sometimes it might come down to the availability of other coat colors. If a shelter has a larger number of black dogs compared to other colors, those dogs might have a slower adoption rate.9
3. Experiences may differ among shelters
It's also possible that BDS doesn't feel as prevalent simply because it can vary from shelter to shelter and location to location. While some shelters don't report seeing any evidence of BDS at their location,7 other shelters have definitely noticed that it's true.8 Still other rescues and shelters have taken so many positive steps to combat BDS that they don't have issues anymore.7
Strategies and success stories in promoting black dog adoptions
Shelters can take positive steps to combat black dog syndrome.
1. Improved shelter practices
Shelters and rescues can make efforts to improve their practices, helping black dogs stand on an even footing with everyone else. One photography studio, for example, took time to photograph every black dog at a local shelter, ensuring their photos were on par with those of the other pups.3
Improving the lighting can help too, as dark-colored dogs are less likely to stand out in shelters that are not well lit.2
2. Encouraging potential adopters to look beyond coat color
When potential adopters visit shelters, it's important to remind them to look beyond coat color. It can be helpful to let them know that they may not notice a black pet's expressions as quickly as those of other animals, and to be aware of that tendency.3
3. Education and awareness campaigns
Awareness campaigns and education can make a big difference in helping black dogs get adopted. February is Black Dog and Black Cat Syndrome Awareness Month, and October 1 is Black Dog Day.3 Seeing stories and statistics about black pets can help make them more appealing and understood.
Helping dogs find homes is a worthwhile goal
While black dog syndrome is still a hotly debated topic, many shelter workers insist that it's a very real phenomenon at their locations. Whether myth or reality, helping black dogs have better chances at adoption is definitely a worthwhile goal. If you're considering adopting, remember that first impressions can sometimes be affected by how quickly you notice a dog's expressions. And factors like lighting can impact that more than you might think.
The bottom line is that all dogs should be treated as individuals, and all deserve a chance at finding a loving home. If you want to help black dogs (or any other dog), consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization and asking how you can pitch in.
Pets Best can help keep your dog healthy
Investing in pet insurance is a great way to help protect your puppy from adoption day through the rest of their life. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/Citations
1. "What Is Black Dog Syndrome?" Lauren Murphy (7/2022), The Spruce Pets, https://www.thesprucepets.com/black-dog-syndrome-4796374, accessed October 10, 2023.
2. "Are You Guilty of Black Dog Syndrome?" Elisabeth Geier (4/2020), Rover, https://www.rover.com/blog/black-dog-syndrome/, accessed October 10, 2023.
3. "Black Dog Syndrome: What is It? Is It Real? How Does It Affect Us?" Joan H. Walker (2/2023), First Coast News, https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/opinion/black-dog-syndrome-is-it-real-what-is-it-first-coast-life-joan-walker-pawtography/77-9b2dfe68-fb25-4dad-8f2a-ed0b96f28e22, accessed October 10, 2023.
4. "Prediction of Adoption Versus Euthanasia Among Dogs and Cats in a California Animal Shelter," Merry Lepper et al. (2002), Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science via Wayback Machine, https://web.archive.org/web/20100401052756/http://www.animalsandsociety.org/assets/library/78_jaawsleeper.pdf, accessed October 10, 2023.
5. "Why Did You Choose Your Pet? ASPCA Research Uncovers Real Reasons," (4/2012), ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/why-did-you-choose-your-pet-aspca-research-uncovers-real-reasons, accessed October 10, 2023.
6. "Effects of Phenotypic Characteristics on the Length of Stay of Dogs at Two No Kill Animal Shelters," William P. Brown et al. (1/2013), Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10888705.2013.740967, accessed October 10, 2023.
7. "No, Black Dogs Are Not in Shelters Longer Than Others," Leah Shields (6/2023), VERIFY, https://www.verifythis.com/article/news/verify/pets-verify/black-dogs-not-shelters-longer-others/77-5ac7e0d0-dbf5-485f-a471-9c9d7732fc5e, accessed October 10, 2023.
8. "Black Shelter Animals Weren't Getting Adopted. A Photographer Had an Idea: Glam Shots," Vanessa Romo (5/2022), NPR, https://www.npr.org/2022/05/18/1099632536/photographer-helps-black-cats-and-dogs-that-struggle-to-get-adopted, accessed October 10, 2023.
9. "Black Dog Syndrome and Black Cat Syndrome," Bennett Glace (11/2020), PetPlace, https://www.petplace.com/article/general/pet-care/black-dog-syndrome-and-black-cat-syndrome, accessed October 10, 2023.