Shelter and rescue workers have long noticed a sad trend: it’s the big black dog that ends up looking for a home the longest. In honor of Less Adoptable Pets Week, let’s take a look at what makes big black dog rescue so tough.
There are no hard numbers to show the difference between how long black dogs and dogs of other colors stay at the shelter, nor a difference in euthanasia rates. But shelter workers have seen this happen enough times that they’ve given the trend a name: Big Black Dog Syndrome, or BBD. It’s when big black dogs at shelters and rescues are passed over for other dogs over and over.
Why does this happen? There are several theories out there.
Bad photos. So many people are looking for adoptable dogs online now that photos are critical to raising interest. When non-professionals take photos of the dogs available to post online, the photos often end up not showing the dog in the best light. The dark fur blends into the background and other dogs end up making a better first impression on internet searchers. One solution: photograph black dogs outdoors, where bright natural light will illuminate them better and they'll stand out against the background of green grass. Another idea: if you're good at photography, volunteer your time to taking photos for rescue groups. It could make the difference in whether a BBD gets noticed or not.
They blend in. The same thing goes for dogs that are seen in person. The darker-colored dogs don’t stand out the same way that lighter colored dogs do in shelter kennels. Some groups have taken to bright ribbons tied onto black dogs’ collars and colorful toys and blankets in kennels to draw people’s eyes to black dogs.
Fear factor. There’s a misconception out there that big dogs are naturally aggressive. Making it worse is the fact that breeds like Dobermans and Rottweilers, which are mostly black, have been especially named by this myth of aggression. That translates into fear that big black dogs are dangerous – which, of course, they’re not. To counter this, if you have a BBD, please be a good ambassador - your dog's good behavior will show people that they're nothing to be afraid of.
Black = evil. White is pure and good, black is the opposite. It’s why Disney villains are drawn with dark hair and clothes, and the bad guy is always in black. This may play a subconscious role in thinking black dogs are not as “good” as other colors of dog, and in perpetuating the fear of black dogs.
Obviously, the color of a dog’s coat has no bearing on their personality. Black dogs are not naturally more aggressive, or less interesting, or not as good as any other kind of dog. Yet somehow, they end up being passed over time and time again. And each time, big black dog rescue takes another hit.
Next time you’re looking to adopt, will you notice the black dog in the kennel?
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