Have you ever heard a dog referred to as a BBD? It means "big black dog" and it's a term often used when talking about black dog syndrome.
Black dog syndrome isn't a disease, it's actually a psychological phenomenon that is believed to leave more black dogs (especially large ones) behind in shelters while their lighter companions get adopted.
As the owner of a wonderful BBD named Ozzy (who I consider being my hero), I think it's sad that other awesome dogs like him may be missing out on their forever homes just because of their color!
So today, I'd like to shine some light on Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Have Trouble Getting Adopted!
Black Dog Syndrome: Why Black Dogs Have Trouble Getting Adopted
The Origins of Black Dog Syndrome
While people only really started talking about black dog syndrome in the early 2000s, it's likely something that's been around for as long as animal shelters have existed.
It most likely comes from the superstitious belief that black = bad.
After all, if you look in folklore you'll find a whole set of phantom black dogs like Black Shuck and Gytrash that are believed to be evil.
Black dog syndrome may also have evolved further when the Internet began and shelters started posting pictures of their pets online.
Appearance tends to be a major factor in whether a dog gets adopted or not, especially if a person is looking for a dog online and isn't able to meet the actual dogs.
Black dogs can be harder to photograph than lighter-colored dogs, meaning that their photos may not get clicked as often.
The fewer people that click on their photos, the fewer people that read about them and hear what wonderful dogs they are!
Yet another possible source of BBD is the fact that black dogs can look "scary" if in a shadowy area (like a poorly lit shelter!).
Imagine a big, black dog standing in the shadows of a kennel, head low, eyes glittering up at you out of the darkness.
It sounds like something out of a horror story!
But in reality, it's just a scared and abandoned BBD cowering in the back of its cage.
Black Dog Syndrome Today
Regardless of its exact origin, black dog syndrome appears to be a real phenomenon.
More and more studies show that people prefer lighter-colored dogs, and records show more light-colored dogs getting adopted than black ones.
To counteract the phenomenon, many shelters have worked to take better pictures of black dogs.
They put them in a white room or take them outside on a sunny day for their photos.
Others put bandannas, bows, and brightly colored collars on them to help break up all the black.
If you don't work for a shelter, the best thing you can do to help is to adopt a black dog, especially a big one!
Then take photos of your smart, kind (and not at all scary) black dog being their sweet, silly self and post them online!
Because when you look past superstition, fur color is just based on a color gene and doesn't affect temperament.
A black Labrador isn't any less kind than a yellow one.
A black one may be a bit harder to see in the dark, but it'll love you just the same!
Have you ever owned a black dog? What are your thoughts on black dog syndrome?
Jasmine Bachrach says
Fascinating! I hadn't thought about how big black dogs are more difficult to photograph and therefore less likely to be sought after by people looking online to adopt. I think black labs are some of the most lovable and loving dogs on earth, though. ♥
Robin says
I have owned a black dog! She was an absolutely wonderful girl. My parents found her (an abandoned puppy) a few months before I was born and she lived until I was 12. She was a black lab and collie mix. I learned a lot of great lessons from her as a child.
Molly says
Yay! I love this! They do make wonderful pets!
Sadie says
Unfortunately, it is the same for black cats. I had a black cat and have a black (well now mostly gray) dog. They are so beautiful I can never understand why they are overlooked. Thank you for writing this post.
Molly says
I can't either 🙁 They are the same as any other dogs - heck maybe even sweeter and more loyal!
Dash Kitten says
Yep! Black cats have many issues and this rings bellsfor us. I remember being told that black fur, like black skin needs the proper lighting for the subject to shine!!
Beth says
One of the best dogs we ever had was a big black furry mutt! He was super gentle and liked everyone he met. I still miss that sweetheart.
Christine Caplan says
Love your suggestions on how to photograph Black Dogs with -- accessories and bandannas. I volunteer for some local shelters and I'm always looking for ways to help them so this is a top recco. Thanks so much!
Sally Hummel says
I just evaluated a little black puppy today, and one of the first things I told her owner was, "Thank you for adopting a black dog!" I had to explain BDS to him, but he really smiled when I told him that he might have saved his puppy's life! This is a great post to keep getting that important word out that black dogs are at risk, and they're also completely lovable!!
Molly says
I totally agree! BDS is something I am firmly behind and want to get out there!
M. K. Clinton says
I don't understand the prejudice against black dogs or cats. I have had more black pets than any other color and they are awesome!
Talent Hounds says
Yes I know of two black labs that languished for months. We also had less success with large black dogs at a recent adoption event, but that was partly because it was right downtown so small dogs were better suited to the lifestyle of most of the young people who attended. I adopted Kilo the Pug and he is black. He is very cute but it is much harder to get good expressive photos and video.
Jana says
Interestingly I just recently came across a study claiming it's not so. Either way, I love black dogs. Particularly Black and Tan 😉
Molly says
That study would be interesting to see how/where they got the info. Working in the rescue field, I see it all the time. Not fun 🙁
The Daily Pip says
Yep, and same goes for black cats. I personally love black cats and black dogs and have never understood why people are wary of them. In terms of photographing black animals, I learned an interesting trick from a photographer friend - best to photograph them against another dark color - like a purple or blue - instead of really light colors. I have tried this trick and it works really well. Also, outside against green grass.
Sherri says
I had no idea that dog colour made a difference. I have a black schnoodle. He's not big but he thinks he is. My cat is mostly black. I didn't even tthink about it when I got them both. But then again, I don't pick my pets. They pick me.
Tenacious Little Terrier says
I mentioned this on Facebook too but light-colored dogs definitely get more attention than dark ones. I had a black foster dog. He and Mr. N are pretty similar in size and fluffiness and Mr. N (the light-colored one) got SO MUCH MORE attention than our foster dog. Unconscious bias? I tried putting bandannas on him and sunny day photos and all that.
Rachel says
Great post and love that you're spreading the word. I personally know two big black dogs and they're the most cuddly, lovable dogs. Black cats also have a hard time getting adopted and coincidentally I'm doing a post on that next week. Ozzy is absolutely adorable, btw!
Molly says
Yay on the posting about black cats! It is the same trouble for them. I believe we need to share everywhere we can!
Ruth Epstein says
This is something I cannot understand, I rescued Layla and only looked for black because of this. I had a really good friend R.I.P. that had a black dog/cat rescue organization because of the problems there is.
Molly says
I love my black dogs! They are all smart, sweet, funny.... I don't understand it either 🙁
Ruth Epstein says
So so true, plus as I always say, they don't show the mud and dirt like other dogs BOL