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Black dogs
need way to show true colors
October 18,
2007
Many of us are familiar with the fact that many people favor adopting
puppies, kittens or dogs that "will stay small forever" rather than
older pets and large dogs. But you may be surprised to hear of another
stumbling block for animal adopters and shelters. It is called Black Dog
Syndrome or Big Black Dog Syndrome because shelters across the country
have found that dogs with black coats are more difficult to place in
homes than dogs with lighter coats. Black cats face the same challenge.
There's even an organization dedicated to the subject:
www.blackpearldogs.com.
I've yet to run across a definitive study of the issue, but theories
abound. Some attribute it to many factors, including superstition,
stigma against certain breeds or even the portrayal of black dogs in
films as terrifying and vicious. Another theory suggests that it may be
because when photographed, a black dog's coat can get lost and blend
into the background; or that black simply doesn't stand out when
potential adopters are looking at animals in a kennel.
I wonder if it could be subconsciously connected to negative symbolism
in culture, where white symbolizes good and black symbolizes evil. As
history buffs know, Winston Churchill famously referred to his clinical
depression as "my black dog."
In a response to the syndrome, many shelters have come up with creative
ways to counteract the difficulty in adopting animals with black coats.
Shelters have found that adorning a black Labrador retriever, for
example, with a colorful bandanna can help it stand out in the crowd.
For cats, reversing the age-old superstition of black cats, and calling
them "lucky cats" has helped. Others have come up with catchy slogans to
overcome the stigma, such as "Your pet doesn't care what color YOUR hair
is."
Sometimes, simply being aware of the issue can help alleviate the
phenomenon. Hopefully, it may lead potential adopters to take a second
look at that black Lab or the black kitten in the kennel. And once home,
they'll find themselves dancing with their new friend to the Scottish
tune, "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair."
- Gloria
Dauphin
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