Help A Hound, Inc. Information on the Black Dog Syndrome!

WHAT IS BLACK DOG SYNDROME?

"Having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way.....but you can never say again that you did not know."
William Wilberforce 1759-1833

These 3 dogs were classified as URGENT and on "Death Row" at the Calweta, GA Animal Shelter: I ask you how could they not be chosen to go home with a family???

According to many resources there is an apparent bias against certain dark-coated breeds of Canines, known as black dog syndrome.

Official statistics on the phenomenon are hard to find, many animal shelter workers and rescue groups have reported that larger dogs with black coats are routinely the most over looked and difficult to adopt out. A significant number of visitors to rescue shelters will seek out smaller dogs with lighter coats, leaving an unnaturally high number of black dogs to face long stays in cramped quarters, and these dogs are 10 times more likely to be scheduled for euthanasia as a means of population control.

Theories are abundant:
Black dogs are difficult to see in their crates and cages at shelters
It’s hard to see their faces. They don’t photograph easily for online listings.
There is a cultural bias against big black dogs because of irresponsible Rottie, Lab, Chow, Pitt and Doberman owners.
People are more afraid of big black dogs because it’s hard to read their expressions when you can’t see their eyes and faces as well.
Black dogs are too common or “ordinary” and prospective pet owners prefer a light or unique coat color or pattern in the coat.

Theories vary, but the statistics don’t. Consistently across the country at shelter after shelter, the wait time for the big black dogs — especially males — is longer than for any other type of dog. The adoption rate is lower. The surrender rate is higher. Not to mention if there were accurate statistics, the euthanasia rate would be staggering. If you doubt these facts just visit websites from shelters across America and see for yourself.

When the wait time is longer, the number of Black Dogs euthanized is horrifying, their days are numbered once they enter a shelter.

It is said that one of the most common reasons given for black dog syndrome is a fear of adopting breeds of dogs with dark coats because of their perceived aggressiveness. Many of the breeds that can be TAUGHT to be aggressive tend to have black coats. Black Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinscher's and Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes. When faced with a choice between a black Rotty puppy and say a yellow Lab, for example, a potential pet owner more often views the lighter colored dog as less aggressive or safer. Larger black dogs are regularly judged by the reputation of their breed as a whole, not by their individual demeanor.

For centuries, black cats have been viewed as bringers of evil, bad luck, or a Witch's' Familiar. These superstition-based beliefs of black cats may also cause a negative opinion of the black dog as well. These beliefs are just one reason many dogs used for security purposes have dark coats.

Black dog syndrome can also be caused by an owner not wanting black hair on rugs and furniture. Hairs shed by black dogs are more visible than hairs shed by lighter colored dogs. Although many larger black-coated breeds do not shed nearly as much as their lighter coated counterparts, their dark fur may show up more distinctly against lighter rugs and couches. Gray or white on a black dog in the muzzle area shows up much better than a light-coated dog, which gives it an older appearance in the shelter.

PUT THESE SUPERSTITIONS AND FEARS AWAY, I SAY!
Firstly, the color black goes with anything, does it not? A dog should not be chosen as we would select a piece of furniture or decoration for the home. They are living sentient beings and should be chosen based on personality and fit with an individual family.

We happen to have a Black Lab and she is the best dog we have ever had. She stays right with children and would take a stranger out if she thought they were in danger. On the other hand, she is the most loving gentle creature to the people she knows. She will actually hug you and press her face into yours for kisses's. Her coat is slick black and she hardly sheds at all.

We also have a small Pom-a-Poo that is fawn colored and he is a lunatic. He bites us sometimes. He does not shed, so that's a good thing!

Moral of the story-"Don't judge a book by its cover" you may just pass up the best read you ever had.