The world of animal rescue and adoption believes and advocates for every dog to have a loving home. Yet, there’s a quiet but persistent phenomenon called Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) because of which the adoption rates of black dogs continue to take hits. Due to this phenomenon, dark-coated dogs are often overlooked in favour of their light-coloured counterparts.
In this blog, we’ll explore how perception, representation, and unconscious biases play a part. We’ll also cover what you, as a pet enthusiast, can do to rewrite the narrative and make adoption better for these underappreciated furry companions.
Let’s get started!
What is Black Dog Syndrome?
Black Dog Syndrome, often referred to as BDS, is a phenomenon where black dogs are often overlooked in adoption. Now, this phenomenon is observed in various shelters and rescue groups across the world.
As a dog parent or dog lover, you may find this to be weird, but black dogs are adopted at lower rates than lighter-colored dogs. BDS has been studied for decades, and there are several theories, but the reason is still unclear. Let’s explore it further.
Origin and Factors Influencing Black Dog Syndrome
To understand why the BDS phenomenon exists, we need to understand the origin and other potential factors influencing it over the years.
Mythology and folklore
In mythology, black dogs are often referred to as powerful symbols of death and the supernatural, with characters like Cerberus, Garmr, Kal Bhairav, etc. These folklores coming down from centuries may elicit fear and negativity in people about black dogs. Moreover, they are also often represented as omens, which may lead adopters to associate them with bad luck.
Implicit bias
We humans have passed through a long history of indifference towards people from certain races. It’s possible that the societal norms, now outdated, still linger on in people’s minds. While it may not be a direct correlation, this implicit bias can affect our behaviour and choices.
Media depiction
Up to some level, media depictions of certain animals have also worked to shape these beliefs. To quote a few, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Dogs of Hell, and Night of the Wild are some pieces of media that portrayed black dogs as violent and dangerous. These pop culture depictions can influence negative stereotypes that the adopters may find difficult to shake off.
Aesthetics and visibility
Believe it or not, looks also have a lot to do with it. Another theory suggests that black dogs, especially with black coats, are difficult to photograph and may not stand out in person or in dim environments. In the age of social media, black dogs with poor photographs may not look appealing enough for adopters.
What Can Be Done About it?
Black Dog Syndrome is a troubling reality, but you can play a role in changing the narrative. Here are a few things you can do to register the need for change and make a difference.
Raise awareness: Be vocal about it and use your reach to make people aware of this unlikely phenomenon. Share information about BDS on social media, blogs, and community forums, and encourage people in your connections to do the same.
Support shelters and rescues: Volunteer your time at the local shelters and rescues to improve the adoption conditions by offering to help socialise and train black dogs. You can also offer to take high-quality photos that highlight their features to improve their profile. This will help provide equal adoption opportunities.
Challenge stereotypes: Be the voice of reason and advocate for the need for change by educating others about the myths and biases surrounding black dogs. Share success stories of black dog adoption and encourage people to look beyond colour.
Be a conscious adopter: When it’s your turn to adopt, give black dogs a fair chance. Learn about their unique traits and interact with them before taking your adoption decision.
Celebrate black dogs: Participate in events or campaigns that spotlight black dogs, such as the Black Dog Day that falls on October 1 and Black Dog Syndrome Awareness Month, observed every February. If you have a black dog, share photos and anecdotes to showcase the charm they possess.
Parting Words
Black Dog Syndrome may stem from century-old myths and superstitions, but it should not define the future of these lovely companions. Remember, you can contribute to changing the reality of several black dogs. Be the change they need because every dog deserves a chance to get a loving home, regardless of the colour of their coat.
