Black Dog Syndrome: Don’t Judge a Pup by its Color!

You’ve heard the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but did you know this phrase also applies to countless homeless animals in shelters and rescues across the nation? “Black Dog Syndrome” refers to the sad reality that black or dark colored dogs face a higher rate of euthanasia, simply because they are overlooked by adopters for lighter colored dogs. While we’d certainly like to believe that prejudice doesn’t exist in the world of pet adoption and rescue, you’d be surprised by the conscious and subconscious choices adopters make when choosing their new furry family member to bring home.

But why are black dogs less popular than lighter colored dogs? It sounds bizarre – even cruel – but when we take an honest look at pop culture and human psychology, it all starts to make sense. Generally, there are several proposed reasons why black dogs are overlooked in shelters, including: cultural superstitions, mythology, good vs. evil theories (black or dark colors are usually associated with ‘evil’ and/or ‘the villain’), fear and danger associated with darkness, stereotypes of aggression, and also simply because black dogs do not “stand out” from the pack or are “not as cute” in the eyes of potential adopters.

So what’s the lesson here? Don’t judge a pup by its color! Pick your new family member carefully using criteria that fits your family or individual lifestyle: energy level, temperament, good with kids, etc. Potential adopters should be aware that choosing a dog simply based on its color or appearance can backfire – a lighter colored dog is not necessarily better behaved, more intelligent, more affectionate or more playful than a dark colored dog, and vice versa. Shelter dogs come in all sizes, shapes, colors, ages, and personalities; and to be honest we love them ALL equally!

Check out all of our wonderful, loving dogs in need of good homes at the Oahu SPCA!