Black
is Beautiful,
Sweet & unbelievably loyal !
The Problem with BLACK DOGS
Did you know that black dogs are usually the last ones to be adopted from shelters or rescue
groups? Black dogs, and cats too, are euthanized at a higher rate than other animals. The general
public is not aware of how doomed black dogs are when they are surrendered.” Shelters across the
country were overflowing with black-coated animals.
This phenomenon is so common it even has a name: Black Dog Syndrome. Here are some of the
theories for this phenomenon.
• They don’t show up well in a kennel. It isn’t easy to distinguish their features, and, if they have
any gray or white hairs on their face, they often appear older than they actually are. Potential
adopters walk right by them in the cages and do not even notice they are there.”
• Superstitions give black dogs bad press. In some folklore black dogs often appear as evil forces,
foretelling death. These ideas may pass into people’s beliefs subconsciously.
• A subliminal suggestion that “black is evil” like the symbolism of Scar vs. Mufasa in “The
Lion King,” leaves a subconscious imprint. When the shelter has a golden retriever mix and a blackcoated retriever mix, basically the same dogs, the light-colored dog will almost always be adopted
before the dark one.
• People fear them. People never say they are afraid of black dogs, but sometimes body language
tells you. They stop, stiffen up and lean back a little. Meeting a big black dog at the door is very
intimidating, especially when the dog is excited and barking. It could be harder to read a black
dog’s facial expression.
• Black dogs aren’t very photogenic. This makes a difference for shelters that put pictures of
animals awaiting adoption in the newspaper. Black dogs have very expressive eyes, but they don’t
show up in photographs.
The bottom line is that there is an overabundance of black or black and tan dogs and most people
simply don’t pay attention to them.
The next time you’re ready to adopt a dog, do consider rescuing a big black dog.
Size and color are unrelated to temperament.
Of course, the real solution to “Black Dog Syndrome” is you guessed it! Spaying and neutering so
that there won’t be any unwanted dogs of any size or color anywhere. but in the mean time...
give that beautiful black dog a chance!
Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the
State Solicitation Licensing Branch. The license is not an endorsement by the State. (919)
807-2214, NC toll-free 1-888-830-4989, csl@sosnc.com. Mailing address: Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section, NC Secretary of State, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh NC 27626-0622
JCAPL
is an all
volunteer
organization.
100% proceeds go to JCAPL programs
including, but not limited to, animal
welfare, community outreach, advocacy,
fostering, spay/neuter, adoption, etc.