Do you “knock on wood” when hoping for good luck? Perhaps you avoid walking under ladders and breaking mirrors? A lesser-known phenomenon that has similar superstitious roots and affects dogs is called ‘black dog syndrome.’ Black dog syndrome is the notion that black dogs are often overlooked in shelters in favor of their lighter-furred counterparts.
But is black dog syndrome a real thing? The answer is no; dogs do not get adopted less because they have black fur.
Below, we dive deeper into if black dog syndrome exists and what factors actually affect dog adoption.
Does Black Dog Syndrome Actually Exist?
All the research points to black dog syndrome as false. For example, a study published in 2023 found that black dogs did not experience longer adoption times or higher rates of euthanasia. Another study found that a dog’s coat color did not affect the duration of their stay at the shelter.
These studies are a good example of how long myths can persist, even as facts change. “Black dog syndrome” is likely based on a study performed in the 90s, which found that the color of a dog’s coat played a role in how likely they were to be adopted. A deeper dive into the study reveals that researchers did not show what degree the success rates of adopt differed compared to darker fur colors.
However, just because studies don’t reveal a correlation doesn’t mean the stigma doesn’t happen at all. Many shelter and rescue workers say they’ve witnessed black dog syndrome. They share on social media that black dogs getting adopted less at their shelters. Your community experience is likely dependent on your neighborhood and the culture. For example, Cody Costra, from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, says that their shelter hasn’t seen a noticeable difference in the adoption rates of dogs based on their fur color.
Why Black Dogs Might Get Overlooked
- Superstitions: Just like with black cats, people may think that black dogs also bring bad luck. Black animals are often associated with bad omens.
- Depression: “Black dog” is used as a metaphor for depression. This was popularized by Winston Churchill, who referred to his “black dog” in times when he felt unmotivated and unproductive.
- Pop culture: In literature and movies, black dogs are often portrayed negatively. Examples of this include The Grim, an omen of death; in Harry Potter, an evil spirit taking the form of a black poodle in Goethe’s play, and in the Hound of the Baskervilles novel, a demonic black dog haunts the heirs.
- Age: Senior black dogs can often appear older because their aging white fur contrasts more with their black fur. This may decrease the likelihood of them being adopted because older dogs are more likely to stay in shelters for longer.
- Less appealing portraits: The facial expressions of black dogs are often harder to capture in photographs. Since adoption shelters will post pictures of their dogs, black dogs may be overlooked due to their photo not appealing emotionally with potential adopters.
What Factors Actually Affect How Quickly Dogs Get Adopted?
Since ‘black dog syndrome’ is mostly a myth, many more important factors are considered when adopting a dog compared to the color of their coat. These include the following:
- Age: Puppies get adopted quicker than senior dogs
- Breed: Dog breeds perceived as “aggressive,” like Pitbulls, are less likely to be adopted.
- Size: Extra-small (teacup) dogs spend less time in the shelter than medium-sized dogs
- Personality: A playful dog has a higher chance of being adopted
- Information: Adopters noted that having information about the dog helped them decide whether they would be a good fit for them
Additionally, one study that looked at dog and adopter interactions specifically found that the way the dog looked did not influence whether the dog was adopted or not. Instead, dogs were more likely to be adopted if they:
- Spent time lying in proximity to the adopter
- Engaged in play with the adopter
- Interacted with an adopter in an outdoor area
iStock/Halfpoint
Takeaway
If you’re considering adopting a dog yourself, remember a dog of any color can fit your lifestyle. Don’t overlook that dark-coated beauty waiting in the shadows. You might miss out on your new best friend. Once your dog is home, you can trust that those around your pup will love them no matter their breed or color. Especially on Rover, where there are many trustworthy dog lovers who board canines of every breed, size, and color.
