Are black dogs in shelters harder to adopt?

If you are at all engaged in the world of companion animals, you may have learned that black dogs are difficult for shelters and rescues to adopt out, and more likely to be euthanized for space than other dogs. This is called “Black Dog Syndrome” (BDS), and it has led to numerous “Black Dog” promotion and awareness campaigns, and even a National Black Dog Day (October 1st) to help make sure black dogs get adopted!

But while many of us were taught that BDS is a self-evident truth, what does the evidence say about how black dogs fare in shelters and rescues?

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The Numbers Tell a Different Story

Authorities on animal rescue issues are on record with statements such as: “They’re the hardest to adopt out, they’re in the shelters the longest and therefore, they’re most likely to be euthanized if nothing happens.” But alas, repeating something time and again does not make it true, and research into intake, adoption, and euthanasia rates indicates that there may be confirmation bias at play when it comes to BDS.

According to recent data, rescues and shelters take in more black dogs (30%), but these dogs are also adopted out in proportionate numbers. Because of this, it may simply be that people in animal rescue see more black-coated dogs – and mistakenly interpret failed placement and euthanasia (which, unfortunately happens with all types of dogs) as examples of BDS.

While it is possible BDS was an issue at some point in the past, current data disputes this – or even indicates a slight preference for black and dark-coated dogs among potential adopters. When it comes to difficulty in finding a forever home, the type of dog is more important – for example, many adopters pass up “bully breed” type dogs, who have much longer stays in shelters, as well as a higher rate of euthanasia.

Rescues and shelters may find “Black Dog Syndrome” a useful vehicle for encouraging compassionate consumers to adopt black dogs. However, current data indicates adopters are choosing dogs not based on the color of their fur, but their appearance.

Question to Consider

• Can you think of other examples with animals and animal issues where outdated beliefs and confirmation bias may be a factor?

Related Videos

• “Black dog syndrome”: How fur color influences choosing a pet
• “Black Dog Syndrome” impacting local shelters
• What is black dog syndrome?
  

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• Is It a Myth That Black Shelter Pets Are Less Likely to Be Adopted?
• Petfinder: Black Dog Syndrome
• Is the ‘Black Dog Syndrome’ real?

Who’s saying that black dogs are less likely to be adopted and more likely to be euthanized than other dogs?

Who’s saying black dogs are more likely to be adopted and more likely to be euthanized than other dogs?

The desire to find permanent, loving homes for dogs in shelters and rescues comes from a place of compassion and a goal that we all share. Considering how long BDS has been accepted as a self-evident truth, when BDS is stated as fact, the benefit of the doubt should be given that the speaker is coming from a place of good faith, and simply repeating outdated information.

Below are a few examples:

• The shelters kill them first! The rescues save them last! New homes overlook them! Forgotten Paws (rescue organization) statement in article on black dogs.
• These animals are often overlooked for adoption in shelters across the country. Best Friends’ promotion for their Back in Black campaign (encouraging the adoption of black-furred dogs and cats)
• They’re the hardest to adopt out, they’re in the shelters the longest and therefore, they’re most likely to be euthanized if nothing happens Pets for Life (rescue) article on BDS.

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