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?
Jodi Stone says
I've never had a BBD, but I've often thought when the time comes for another dog, it will definitely be black, and more than likely a lab.
Having a chocolate lab myself, I know how hard SHE is to photograph. Most of the pictures I get don't do her beauty justice. In fact, when I saw her picture, I thought to myself, she's really not a pretty dog. But oh was I wrong!
It's true, getting a light background behind her, or her in bright sunlight really does make a difference.
Thanks so much for keeping this topic of conversation going!
Rachel Beltz says
Wow I've never heard of Black Dog Syndrome but I would agree 100%. It's such a shame though.. they are no different from any other colored pet! They need the love as well!!
Jerry Marquardt says
I did not understand, but I loved your post to enlighten the situation. I think that they are all very beautiful.
Tammy Myers says
I get what your article is saying,, but don't personsonally get all that negative mindset. When I was in school'@home we had a sweet Lab-mix girl named Lucky who was solid black and full of love. The only thing even remotely "scary" from her was her bark @ someone @ the door she didn't know. Once she knew no danger she was all good with other person. When I married and had a little girl Lucky would patiently lay on the floor and let Cara lay on her. I seem to recall their being a picture of those two with my daughter either asleep or watching a show and Lucky as pillow:) What a scary black dog!:) My family adopted a black & white Pit-mix from our Co. shelter 11/2 yrs ago, similar story. A loveable 40lb big cuddle bug who!s only scary thing is a bark for strangers near "her" home & family:)
Barrie says
We've had an equal amount of black labs as we have yellow labs. I've never heard of this syndrome and it makes me really sad.
Christine Caplan says
"Others put bandannas, bows, and brightly colored collars on them to help break up all the black." This is such an important tip and shelters and rescues. Our dog, Sandola, was black and I rescued her from a shelter but she had been there awhile and it may have been because of her coloring. I think by adding something simple like a bandanna can easily fix this issue. I'll share this for sure as it's super important to talk about this with shelter managers.
Jane says
I had a black lab, he was the sweetest and smartest pup you could ever ask for. To this day, I miss him dearly. It's sad that people overlook these dogs because of the color of their fur. I would adopt another black dog in a heartbeat. Hope this BBD myth/syndrome goes bye byes soon, all dogs deserve a loving home ❤
Sandy Weinstein says
i have never owned black dogs, but not only do the have this problem with black cats and dogs in shelters and rescues, it is also a problem in the show ring. for some reason black dogs dont place well. i know my local shelters have a black dog and cat special rescue sometimes.
Molly says
It's a shame isn't it?! They are just as loving, sweet, and smart but for some reason there is this 'thing' against them 🙁
Emma says
Mom's first dog was adopted from the Humane Society. Trine was about 100 lbs, and a big Lab/Newfie mix. She was the greatest dog is what I always here. Mom never thought twice about her being a black dog, but when Katie the all white dog came along, the discrimination was clear. People always went to Katie, not Trine. Funny thing was that the Kuvasz is a guard dog, a dog who can be quite dangerous, whereas the black dog was a mix of the sweetest breeds and wouldn't harm a flee. Mom would adopt a black dog in a second any time.
Marti Tabora says
I have heard about this before and it seem really crazy to me, I love most black dogs. And I know a lot of people that have black dogs as well, so I guess the idea is just foreign to me.
FiveSibesMom says
I love black dogs, cats, and horses! It's amazing to me to think these dogs get passed over. Thanks for bringing awareness to this!
Lindsay Pevny says
There's something mysterious about a black dog or cat, I've never had one, but I'd definitely consider one! I've heard conflicting info on this, but I believe it's true because I know I might be reluctant to get a darker animal if it wouldn't photograph as well, but I'd like to be able to wear black clothes without all the fur being so obvious!
Cathy Armato says
As a shelter volunteer I can tell you that Black Dog Syndrome is very real, especially the Big black dogs, for all the things you mentioned & more. If a black dog is on the bottom level of stacked kennels they often don't get seen. Lighter colors catch the eye more. Colorful bandanas & collars, a great photo & being seen help a lot. Social media can be a hard to adopt dog's best friend so share those photos! Excellent post, thanks!
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Sweet Purrfections says
I think black cats and dogs are beautiful!
Elizabeth Keene says
The first dog I ever got as an adult was a black shelter dog. She had issues, too (emotionally), but I did not know that at the time I fell for her. She was at an adoption fair, inside a metal crate, smooshed up to the back wall. I immediately fell for her (don't remember a single other dog there). Maybe it was because it was outdoors on a sunny day? Or jut that it was meant to be.
I wonder how much of this syndrome is because black dogs are not marketed well enough in shelters that claim they are languishing - like put bows on them, or move them into the brightest spot in the shelter, or put them on social media more than others...I'm not sure the answer. I do know of a black dog in a shelter currently who shouldn't be there, though. She's been there a long time. They shelter staff claim it's because she's big and black. 🙁 Makes me so sad.