What Is Black Dog Syndrome? The Answer Is Breaking Hearts

If you're a serious dog person, your love for canines probably isn't based on what they look like. No matter what size they are, no matter what shade or length their coats are, all dogs are worthy of love and care. Sure, you might think that some breeds look cuter or more intimidating than others, but you know it's what's inside that counts!

I think in theory, most animal lovers would agree. Unfortunately, in practice, that isn't always the case. In light of National Black Dog Day, which we just observed on October 1, it's time we had a serious talk about the heartbreaking (and sometimes controversial) phenomenon that is Black Dog Syndrome.

What Is Black Dog Syndrome?

Black Dog Syndrome refers to a commonly reported phenomenon wherein black-coated dogs (especially large dogs) tend to be overlooked in favor of lighter-coated dogs, making them less likely to be adopted out of shelters and more likely to be euthanized. A similar phenomenon affects black cats, though black cats tend to have it even worse due to the deeply-ingrained superstition that black cats are symbols of bad luck.

Black Dog Syndrome is often a controversial topic among animal enthusiasts because some argue that it doesn't exist (at least not to the extent people think) due to a lack of consistent evidence. A famous 2002 study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that adoption rates for dark-coated dogs and cats were far lower than average, but other subsequent studies (including a recent 2023 study published by Cambridge University) have contradicted these findings. However, to this day, many animal care specialists (particularly shelter workers and animal rescuers) insist that they've witnessed Black Dog Syndrome in effect at their shelters.

In reality, the likelihood is that Black Dog Syndrome may be a more prevalent issue in some areas than others, particularly in places with intense superstitions surrounding black dogs or dark-coated animals. Though it might not affect every animal shelter across the world to the same degree, it's still a tangible (and tragic) phenomenon worth discussing.

Why Are Black Dogs Overlooked?

But why are black dogs so often overlooked? There may be a few factors that potentially put dark-colored dogs at a greater risk of being passed over.

• Cultural Biases: As we've discussed, black dogs and cats are subject to centuries of unfavorable superstitions across various cultures that stereotype them as bad luck or ill omens. Large black dogs are often portrayed as aggressive or evil in pop culture, too: think Arthur Conan Doyle's murderous Hound of the Baskervilles, the ominous Grim from Harry Potter, or the Rottweiler hellhound from The Omen, to borrow a few examples from ZippyPaws.
  
  

• Trouble Standing Out: Facial features are tougher to make out on black dogs than on lighter-coated ones, making it harder for potential adopters to read their expressions and causing them to fade into the background. Poor lighting in the kennels can further compound this issue and make it even harder for dark-coated dogs to stand out.
  
  

• Poor Photography: Again, because features and expressions don't stand out as well on black dogs, they can be harder to photograph and thus look less appealing for would-be adopters flipping through online photos.

10 Black Dog Breeds Who Make Loving Companions

Of course, black dogs are no different than any other dogs, and they deserve to be just as loved and cherished. Just to drive the point home, here are ten examples of black or mostly black dog breeds that make fantastic, loving companions for any family willing to give them a happy home!

• Black and Chocolate Labrador Retrievers: Labrador Retrievers are furry bundles of love, energy, and undying loyalty. They're playful, they're sweet and outgoing (even with kids and other pets), they're gentle and intelligent - what more could you ask from these fantastic family dogs?
  
  

• Rottweilers: Though Rottweilers often get stereotyped as mean, scary dogs, they're really just very protective of their families, and can be very sweet and gentle if properly socialized from an early age. My parents had a very big, very cuddly Rottweiler when I was little, so naturally, I'm partial.
  
  

• Scottish Terriers: I just love Scottie dogs and their bold personalities. They're funny, full of sass, and sport long, flashy coats like built-in kilts!
  
  

• Dachshunds: What's not to love about weiner dogs? From their amusing, sausage-shaped builds to their funny, outgoing, and playful (if stubborn) personalities, Dachshunds are always the life of the party!
  
  

• Cocker Spaniels: Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, energetic, and very intelligent, making them easy to train. Their iconically adorable wavy fur comes in a wide range of colors, including dark brown and black!
  
  

• Black Poodles: White is sort of the "stereotypical" color for Poodles, but in my opinion, black Poodles look the coolest. Us goths deserve black dogs with fun, poofy fur too!
  
  

• Cane Corsos: This jet-black mastiff breed has a long and noble history dating all the way back to ancient Rome. Cane Corsos are majestic, smart, fiercely loyal, and great with families so long as they're properly socialized from an early age.
  
  

• Doberman Pinscher: Like Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers sometimes get a bad rap, but in reality they are very sweet, friendly dogs when socialized properly. They're intelligent, energetic, and very loyal, always willing to protect their families from harm!
  
  

• Chow Chows: Chow Chows are famous for big, floofy fur (which comes in a range of colors, black included) and their blue-black tongues. They're also laid-back, independent, and low-maintenance, making them a great first-time dog for "cat people."
  
  

• Great Danes: The most famous Great Dane in pop culture history (Scooby-Doo) is brown, but Great Danes come in black, too! These gentle giants have big hearts and are famous for their friendly, affectionate, and loyal personalities.

Black Dog Syndrome Awareness

One great way to combat Black Dog Syndrome is to raise awareness about it! Most people who overlook black dogs in animal shelters probably aren't doing so knowingly, and calling attention to Black Dog Syndrome forces people to recognize their potential unconscious biases. Once someone starts thinking about it, it's harder for them to ignore the next time they're at the animal shelter. So talk about Black Dog Syndrome openly and find other ways to spread the good word about black dogs. For instance, you could share profiles of black dogs waiting for adoption at local shelters or celebrate fun holidays centering black dogs, such as National Black Dog Day!

Of course, there is one more thing you can do to combat Black Dog Syndrome. Since it negatively impacts black dogs' chances of being adopted, you can directly fight against Black Dog Syndrome by, well, adopting a black dog! As the old saying goes, "Be the change you want to see in the world." If you've been thinking about adopting a dog, we hope you'll take this as a sign to not only take the leap, but to give special consideration to the black-coated pups at your local rescue. They could always use the extra love!

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