Why Are Black Dogs Adopted Less?

If you follow me on Facebook, chances are you have heard me wax on about the sweet lab mix that we are fostering. Jenna had a rough start. A local no-kill shelter rescued her from a hoarder, where she had spent her first 6 months living in a crate with no freedom at all, so she needs lots of extra love and care.

It’s a good thing that a no-kill shelter rescued her, because, as it turns out, black dogs have it rough out there. Black dogs are often the last adopted and the first in line for euthanization. Shelter and rescue workers call the problem “Black Dog Syndrome,” and experts have a few theories about why black dogs are harder to adopt out than other dogs.

Some think it’s because black dogs look more threatening than other dogs.

Black dogs are also tougher to photograph well. This may seem like a silly reason behind Black Dog Syndrome, but it’s actually a big deal. Many potential owners search shelter websites before coming in to meet the dogs, and a bad photograph can sometimes make or break a dog’s chances of getting adopted.

While skeptics say that Black Dog Syndrome is a myth, rescue and shelter organizations insist that it is all too real. Yes, there are more black dogs out there than lighter-colored dogs, but workers who deal with dog adoptions day in and day out say that they see perfectly adoptable dogs get rejected by potential owners simply because of the color of their coat. USA Today spoke to Inge Fricke, director of the Humane Society in Washington D.C., who said:

…it is not a hoax. There is definitely anecdotal evidence. There haven’t been any definitive studies to absolutely prove that the phenomenon exists but it is something commonly accepted by shelter workers as truth.

Dogs aren’t the only black animals that have a tough time of it. Black cats are harder to adopt out, as well. Like black dogs, black cats are difficult to photograph. There’s also that old superstition that black cats are unlucky. This video from Petopia goes into Black Dog Syndrome a little bit further:

Of course, adopting any animal is a serious commitment, and you shouldn’t go out and adopt a dog if you’re not ready for the extra responsibility. If you’re thinking about adding a new fur kid to your family, though, I hope you’ll consider adopting a black dog! The color of a dog’s coat doesn’t say anything about her personality, and a black dog can be as good a friend as a dog of any other color. Let’s kick Black Dog Syndrome to the curb!

Have you seen the new Adoptable Pets page on Care2? Check it out here! Please also share with your friends – we’d love your help in finding homes for these adorable animals!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Qian Z.

1:11PM PDT on Mar 13, 2013

Poor sweeties

March 13
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Dave C.

7:41PM PST on Feb 26, 2013

never knew this.......

February 26
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nonya b.

8:59AM PST on Feb 25, 2013

Maybe its because black is near the bottom of every favorite color survey I could find both in US and global and not because people are ignorant or racist....I'm just sayin

February 25
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Dale O.

8:56AM PST on Feb 25, 2013

Am presently cat sitting a five year old black cat who is Adorable Plus, very loving and teaching my younger nine month old cat the ins and outs of play. All cats are delightful and people should not avoid bringing black cats and dogs home from the shelter. They are marvellous and delightful and have had a splendid black cat in my life years ago.

Natasha S.

8:35AM PST on Feb 25, 2013

I could not agree anymore...it's so true. Totally silly. Both black dogs and cats are often ignored at shelters and i've always thought how ridiculous. I volunteer at my local Humane Society and there are quite a few black cats that have been here for almost 1 year now. It breaks my heart. Black cats and dogs are awesome!!!! I've had black cats all my life and right now out of the 11 cats i have resued,6 are black ones and i tell you these cats are gorgeous,playfull. and so affectionate and contrary to some befief,they model very well for Photos!!!! So please give both black cats and dogs a chance. Great article,thanks very much.

Elisabeth g.

7:01AM PST on Feb 19, 2013

I've rescued many black cats in my time and they photograph well, like panthers. Just put an exotic plant beside one and you have a panther.

February 19
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Duane B.

7:14AM PST on Feb 11, 2013

Thank you for sharing.

February 11
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Maria L.

10:03AM PST on Feb 1, 2013

It is sad that in U.S. pets are killed, only because shelters are filled.

February 1
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Roger H.

1:24PM PST on Jan 16, 2013

Black canines take away the 'Black Dog' from which people suffer. My black dog - Fran - saved me from the dreaded 'Black Dog' of depression .... so those who are wary of black canines have it all wrong .... very, very, wrong. Fran is my soul mate - even if she's got four legs and me only two - anyway, aren't "4 legs good, 2 legss bad" ? She can certainly get around twice as fast as I can.

My respects to all of you who have commented to dispel this stupid myth. I love good people and people who love dogs are good people - especially people who love black dogs, canine or human ...

January 16
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Aditya n.

9:36PM PST on Jan 15, 2013

in past ..i had a black dog ...and black horse...dog was mixed breed ..and horse was Marwari or Malani mixed with arabian breed and both the black horse and the black dog were loving ,intelligent and gentle . so color does not matter ,it all depends on your bonding relation and commitment towards your animals .care for them and they will care for you .i even had black goldfish in my aquaruim ..they are beautiful).
now i have no animals ..but in future i really dream of keeping black spanish mustang and 1 black border collie.