A rescued BBD (Big Black Dog) from Atlantic Canada

Black dog syndrome or big black dog syndrome is a phenomenon in which black dogs are passed over for adoption in favor of lighter-colored animals.[1] Animal shelters often use the term BBC, or big black canine, to describe the type of larger dark-colored mixed-breed thought by some to be passed over by potential adopters. Black cats are similarly reported to be subject to the same phenomenon.[1]

While earlier studies did find some evidence for a lower adoption rate for black dogs, other studies have found that they are actually adopted more quickly than dogs with lighter coat colors. This has led some experts to dismiss black dog syndrome as a 'myth'.[2][3]

Theories

Initial research at one location identified a longer period experienced by black dogs before adoption, but subsequent studies considered to be more robust (as conducted in a larger number of geographically spread shelters) has shown that when shelter visitors video-recorded their walk through the adoption area, they spent equal amounts of time looking at every dog, regardless of coat color.[4] Other studies have suggested brindle dogs may be more likely to experience longer delays before adoption than black dogs.[4] Coat color bias seems evident, but may change depending on geographic location.

Some people believe that during the pet adoption process some potential owners associate the color black with evil or misfortune (similar to the common superstition surrounding black cats), and this bias transfers over to their choice of dog.[1] Additionally, many shelters feature photo profiles of their dogs on the shelter website. Because black dogs do not photograph well, lighter-colored dogs have an advantage with potential adopters browsing the site.[1] A study done by the Los Angeles Animal Services challenges some of these claims, saying that a full 28% of adopted dogs are black.[5]

However, appearance in general does play a role in potential adopters' selection of shelter dogs. In a 2011 study by the ASPCA, appearance was the most frequently cited reason for adopters of both puppies (29 percent) and adult dogs (26 percent).[6]

History

The issue has been gaining media attention since the mid-2000s.[7] Tamara Delaney, an early activist against black dog syndrome, developed a website called Black Pearl Dogs in 2004 specifically to address the issue, both by educating the public about its existing, as well as showcasing individual dogs available for adoption.[8][9][10]

Scientific studies

While many shelter workers claim the phenomenon is real, its acceptance is disputed, and quantitative analyses are limited.[1][11]

Shelter studies

A 1992 article in the journal Animal Welfare, found that color was not a major factor in adoptions at a Northern Ireland shelter; black-and-white coats were most prevalent among adopted dogs, followed by yellow, solid black, gold, and black-and-tan coats.[12][13][14][15]

In 2008 the general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services department reported that twelve months of data on the intake of 30,046 dogs showed slightly more dogs that were predominantly or all black were adopted than dogs who were not predominantly or all black.[1]

A 2013 study of dogs' length of stay (LOS) at two New York "no-kill" shelters determined that canine coat color had no effect.[11][16] The study noted that coat color's effect on LOS may be localized, or may not generalize to traditional or other types of shelters.[16]

A Masters thesis analysis of 16,800 dogs at two Pacific Northwest shelters found that black dogs were adopted more quickly than average at both shelters.[11]

A 2013 study of cat adoption rates published in The Open Veterinary Science Journal concluded that "Results indicated that black cats, regardless of age or sex, require the longest time to adopt. They are followed by primarily black cats with other colors."[17]

According to a 2016 study published in Animal Welfare, black dogs were actually more likely to be adopted than dogs with lighter coat colours.[18] This casts doubt on the existence of black dog syndrome, and author Christy Hoffman suggests that other breeds (such as pit bulls and other bully dogs) are more likely to be overlooked than black dogs.[19]

Studies based on images

A 1992 article in the journal Animal Welfare was conducted on adoptable dog characteristics. Participants in South Belfast were presented with photographs of dogs similar except for one manipulated feature, resulting in a statistically reliable preference for a blond coat (65%) over a black coat.[14][13]

A 2012 report in the journal Society and Animals on a pair of studies recording participant rankings of pictured dogs of varying attributes along eight different personality traits did not find a bias against black dogs. In the first study, using four types of poodles (large black, small black, large white, and small white), 795 participants ranked black poodles as more friendly than white poodles. A second study with eight different breeds, including a black lab, suggested that the personality ratings of participants was based more on stereotypes of breed than on color. It concluded that "in general, with the exception of the golden retriever, black labs were perceived as consistently less dominant and less hostile than other large breeds, contrary to the assumption that large, black dogs are viewed negatively.[20]

A 2013 study published in the journal Anthrozoös displayed photographs of dogs colored either yellow or black, and with floppy ears or pointy ears.[7] It found that “participants rated the yellow dog significantly higher than the black dog on the personality dimensions of Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability.”[7] It also found significant difference in ratings based on ear size, indicating “that people attribute different personality characteristics to dogs based solely on physical characteristics of the dog.”[7]

A study presented at the 2013 International Society for Anthrozoology conference that showed participants pictures of cats and dogs of varying colors found white cats were considered the friendliest, orange cats second friendliest, and black cats least friendly. Among dogs, yellow dogs were considered friendliest, brown dogs second friendliest, and black dogs least friendly. Darker pets were similarly judged less adoptable, and black dogs were considered the most aggressive.[21]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nakano, Craig (December 6, 2008). "Black dog bias?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  2. ↑ Binkley, Collin. "'Black dog' theory tested". www.spokesman.com. Associated Press. "There’s no firm science to support the existence of Black Dog Syndrome, and some studies have dismissed it as a myth. Maryann Regan, director of shelter operations at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, said she doesn’t see widespread bias against black dogs."
  3. ↑ "New Study Finds No Evidence For "Black Dog Syndrome"". www.newswise.com.
  4. 1 2 Cobb Hecht. "Do you believe in dog?". doyoubelieveindog.blogspot.com.au.
  5. ↑ Nakano, Craig. "Black dog bias? – LA Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2018-01-16.
  6. ↑ Why Did You Choose Your Pet? April, 2011
  7. 1 2 3 4 Fratkin, Jamie L.; Baker, Suzanne C. (2013). "The Role of Coat Color and Ear Shape on the Perception of Personality in Dogs". Anthrozoös. 26 (1): 125–133. doi:10.2752/175303713X13534238631632. ISSN 0892-7936. S2CID 144553212.
  8. ↑ Smolowe, Jill (11 June 2007). "Dog Discrimination?". People. Vol. 67, no. 23. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  9. ↑ Hipp, Deb (March–April 2006). "Black dogs face a hard choice at shelter: don't judge a dog by his color". The Bark. No. 35. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  10. ↑ Cohen, Hsin-Yi (February 2007). "Blacklisted" (PDF). Dogs Today. pp. 6–15. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  11. 1 2 3 Balas, Monique (23 October 2013). "Pet Talk: 'Black cat syndrome' may be more myth than reality". OregonLive. Oregon Live LLC, Oregonian Media Group. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  12. ↑ Lepper, Merry; Kass, Philip H.; Hart, Lynette A. (2002). "Prediction of Adoption Versus Euthanasia Among Dogs and Cats in a California Animal Shelter" (PDF). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 5 (1): 29–42. doi:10.1207/S15327604JAWS0501_3. ISSN 1088-8705. PMID 12738587. S2CID 28384989. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-04-01.
  13. 1 2 Wells, D.; Hepper, P. G. (1992). "The behaviour of dogs in a rescue shelter". Animal Welfare. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. 1 (3): 171–186.
  14. 1 2 DeLeeuw, Jamie L. (2010). "Animal shelter dogs: factors predicting adoption versus euthanasia (Dissertation)" (PDF). Wichita State University. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  15. ↑ Posage, JM; Bartlett, PC; Thomas, DK (1998). "Determining factors for successful adoption of dogs from an animal shelter". Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 213 (4): 478–482. PMID 9713528.
  16. 1 2 Brown, William P.; Davidson, Janelle P.; Zuefle, Marion E. (2013). "Effects of Phenotypic Characteristics on the Length of Stay of Dogs at Two No Kill Animal Shelters". Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. 16 (1): 2–18. doi:10.1080/10888705.2013.740967. ISSN 1088-8705. PMID 23282290. S2CID 5187332.
  17. ↑ Kogan, Lori R. (2013). "Cats in Animal Shelters: Exploring the Common Perception that Black Cats Take Longer to Adopt". The Open Veterinary Science Journal. 7 (1): 18–22. doi:10.2174/1874318820130718001. ISSN 1874-3188.
  18. ↑ "Black Dog Syndrome: FACT OR FICTION". Lowcountry Dog. 2 October 2017. "Christy L. Hoffman, a PhD and Professor of Animal Behavior at Canisius College conducted a study in 2016 trying to figure out if BDS is really a factor in adoptions. She investigated the role of color, age, sex and breed on the outcomes for the adoptions of dogs in two animal shelters in the United States over the span of four years of adoption records (nearly 16,700 dogs). This study proved black dog syndrome is a myth, and the data actually showed that black dogs had a shorter time span spent in the shelter than dogs of other colors."
  19. ↑ Greenwood, Arin (10 December 2015). "Here's What You Need To Know About 'Black Dog Syndrome'". HuffPost.
  20. ↑ Woodward, Lucinda; Humy, Sonya; Milliken, Jennifer (2012). "Give a Dog a Bad Name and Hang Him: Evaluating Big, Black Dog Syndrome". Society & Animals. 20 (3): 236–253. doi:10.1163/15685306-12341236. ISSN 1063-1119.
  21. ↑ Lum, Heather C.; Nau, Nicole; McClellan, Kymberly (2013). "Exploring the "Black Dog" Syndrome: How Color Can Influence Perceptions of Companion Animals" (PDF). ISAZ 2013 Conference Abstract Book. International Society for Anthrozoology: 55.
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