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There’s a term that’s been trending in social and traditional media in recent years: “black dog syndrome.”
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When I first saw it, I thought it was a health condition affecting black-colored dogs. I have a prominently black mixed-breed dog, so I was concerned.
But it turns out it’s not about health at all. The phenomenon involves a perceived bias against black dogs, especially large ones.
What Is Black Dog Syndrome?
Black dog syndrome (BDS), also sometimes called big black dog syndrome (BBDS), is a term referring to the theory that black dogs often face a longer waiting time for adoption in animal shelters compared to their lighter-colored or more colorful counterparts.
In a nutshell, the theories behind BDS or BBDS include an unconscious bias from negative stereotypes in media and cultural portrayals, photography challenges of dogs with black fur, and shelter lighting.
Why Do Black Dogs Stay In The Shelter?
Black dog syndrome has been studied for decades, but it began receiving media attention in the 2000s when activists started raising public awareness about it.
From a historical perspective, the roots of black dog syndrome stretch back many years.
1. Bias Based On Old Folklore
One explanation suggests that people may subconsciously link the color black with negative qualities or superstitions, causing them to favor lighter-colored dogs over black ones. This bias is deeply rooted in ancient myths and legends.
- In Greek mythology, Cerberus is a massive, black, multi-headed dog who guarded the underworld gates for Hades.
- Europe folklore contains many instances of black dogs who haunt the ruins of old castles.
- In ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies, black dogs are often linked with death and the supernatural.
In much of this folklore, black dogs are portrayed as sinister figures or messengers of evil. They often appear in eerie, in-between places, like graveyards or sites of past violence, where the line between the living and the dead is blurred.
2. Negative Stereotypes In Our Culture
In more recent times, movies, books, and other media have continued to portray black dogs as more threatening, aggressive, or linked to evil.
These repeated depictions reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to fear or avoidance of black dogs. Unfortunately, these portrayals are widespread and often heartbreaking.
Notable examples include:
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902): Based on British folklore, this Sherlock Holmes mystery features a giant, spectral black hound believed to curse and kill members of a noble family.
- The Omen (1976): This classic horror film depicts a black Rottweiler who acts as a demonic guardian for the Antichrist, adding to the “hellhound” myth.
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The “Grim,” a large black dog, is introduced as a death omen —terrifying anyone who sees it.
- Supernatural (TV Series, 2005–2020): Features black hellhounds summoned by demons to drag souls to the underworld, continuing the trope of black dogs as agents of death.
3. Photography & Lighting Challenges
A photo on an animal shelter’s website is often the first impression a potential adopter gets of a dog. However, dogs with black fur may not photograph as clearly, making it harder to capture their facial expressions and body language.
This can make it more difficult for people to connect with their personality through the image. Also, when potential adopters visit a shelter, low lighting can hinder adopters from clearly seeing a black dog’s features.
Are Black Dogs Less Likely To Be Adopted?
Hop on just about any social media platform, like TikTok, Instagram, X, etc., and search for black dog syndrome. You’ll find countless pleas from animal shelters around the U.S. for their black dogs still waiting for adoption.
Many organizations who report about black dog syndrome cite the statistic that black dogs are four times less likely to be adopted. However, research doesn’t back up this claim — and it’s unclear where this statistic originated.
So, What Does The Research Say?
To answer this question simply, the studies are contradictory. Some research supports the black dog syndrome theory, but most dispel it as a myth.
Evidence For BDS
A study of dogs and cats in a California shelter in the mid-1990s found that black-colored dogs (particularly those with pure black coats) were less likely to be adopted than dogs with other coat colors or color combinations.
Yes, this study is relatively old. But…
I can’t entirely discredit a 2024 experiment conducted by Stanley Coren, Ph.D., FRSC, well-known psychology professor, neuropsychological researcher, and writer on the intelligence, mental abilities, and history of dogs.
After learning about black dog syndrome, Dr. Coren tested the theory concerning perceptions of black dogs. He showed 60 university students and staff photos of Labrador Retrievers in black, brown, and yellow.
The dogs were posed the same way, and participants rated each one on looks, friendliness, family-friendliness, and aggression.
What he found was eye-opening:
- Black Labs scored lowest on appearance, friendliness, and how good they’d be as pets.
- They were seen as more aggressive than yellow or brown Labs.
- Yellow Labs were rated the most positively overall.
The black dogs weren’t rated poorly, just consistently lower. But even a slight bias can impact adoption rates.
Evidence Against BDS
Despite common belief, some data and research have questioned the reality of black dog syndrome, suggesting it may be a myth.
“New pieces of research have found that there is no indication that they are less likely to be adopted,” Dr. Emily Weiss, ASPCA vice president of shelter research, told TODAY.com in 2013. “We just conducted a piece of research looking at various traits that drive people to adopt, and color did not play a role at all. It busts this myth completely.”
- Los Angeles Animal Services department data, as reported in the LA Times in 2008, indicated that black dog syndrome is a myth. Out of over 30,000 dogs, 27% taken in by the department were predominantly or all black. Of those that were adopted, 28% were predominantly or all-black.
- A 2012 report published in Society and Animals analyzed how participants rated dogs with different traits based on photographs. Across eight personality characteristics, the researchers found no evidence of a bias against black dogs.
- A 2013 study on length of stay (LOS) in two New York no-kill shelters showed that coat color had no effect on adoption times. Researchers noted that color bias might depend on the shelter type or location.
- A 2016 study published in Animal Welfare found that black dogs had shorter shelter stays than lighter-colored ones.
It’s important to recognize that these studies don’t disprove the possibility that black dog syndrome was once a widespread issue — or that it still doesn’t exist in some shelters. Increased adoption rates for black dogs today may result from successful education and marketing campaigns.
What About Anecdotal Evidence From Shelters?
Anecdotal evidence surrounding black dog syndrome also varies and often depends on the specific shelter, region, or community.
Some shelter staff say coat color doesn’t make much difference. In their experience, age, breed, and temperament sway adopters.
But others strongly believe BDS is real. Over the years, they’ve seen black dogs consistently overlooked — even when they’re just as sweet, healthy, and well-behaved as lighter-colored pups. Volunteers often note that black dogs wait longer for homes or are picked last at adoption events.
So why the mixed reports? It could be due to things like poor lighting in kennel photos, local myths or stereotypes, or even the amount of adoption education a community has.
While BDS may not affect every shelter, the ongoing pattern in many places shows it’s still a real challenge for black dogs trying to find a forever home.
Raising Awareness & Improving Shelter Practices
Despite many study outcomes, the concept of black dog syndrome has stuck in our society. Therefore, national attention is high. And that’s a good thing since overall adoption rates for shelter dogs are down in the U.S.
Educational efforts and awareness campaigns can significantly improve adoption rates for black dogs. Black Dog Syndrome Awareness Month is observed in February, while October 1st is recognized as Black Dog Day. Sharing stories and data about black pets can enhance their appeal and promote better understanding.
Shelters are also taking measures to improve black dog adoption rates. For example:
- Spending extra time capturing photos that highlight a black dog’s personality.
- Installing better lighting, since dark-colored dogs often blend into poorly lit shelter environments.
- Encouraging potential adopters to look past coat color, reminding them that black pets’ facial expressions may be harder to notice at first compared to lighter-colored animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we often get about black dogs. If you don’t see yours here, please ask us in our comments.
When Is National Black Dog Day?
National Black Dog Day is celebrated on October 1st every year in the U.S. to encourage the adoption of black dogs and dispel negative stereotypes about them.
When Is Black Dog Syndrome Awareness Month?
Each year, February is Black Dog Syndrome Awareness Month in the U.S. This month is dedicated to raising awareness and education about black dogs staying in shelters longer than non-black dogs.
Are Black Dogs More Aggressive?
No, a dog’s coat color has no connection to its temperament or behavior. Scientific studies and animal behavior experts confirm that aggression is influenced by factors like breed traits, training, environment, and socialization — not by fur color.
Unfortunately, outdated myths and media portrayals have unfairly linked black dogs with danger or hostility. In reality, black dogs are just as friendly, gentle, and trainable as any other coat color.
Are Black Dogs Less Loveable Or Affectionate?
Absolutely not. A dog’s capacity for love and affection has nothing to do with the color of its fur. Black dogs are just as warm, loyal, and loving as dogs of any other color.
Personality, upbringing, and environment shape a dog’s behavior, not appearance.
Do Other Dogs React Negatively To Black Dogs?
While there’s no research behind this idea, one theory is that some dogs may react more negatively or be more cautious with black dogs because their facial features are harder to read than lighter-colored dogs. However, dogs use smell much more than sight to evaluate other dogs.
Adopt, Don’t Shop!
At Canine Journal, we’re committed to the welfare of dogs in need of happy, safe homes. That’s why we’re proponents of adopting a dog from a shelter rather than buying one from a breeder. See my article about the reasons for adopting a black (or other colored pup) and why you should consider it. We also have a guide to help you decide between a rescue dog versus going with a breeder.
