Is 'Black Dog Syndrome' Real? Here's What To Know

You may have seen an abundance of black cats and dogs at the shelter and wondered why. It is a common superstition that black cats are considered unlucky, but black dogs also experience this syndrome when it comes to adoption. It's been noted that black canines tend to stay at the shelter longer than other colors. Yet, what explains this phenomenon, known as 'black dog syndrome,' when there is no superstition about them?

There is some debate about whether this phenomenon is actually real. However, many shelter workers and animal advocates swear that black dog syndrome does, indeed, happen, mostly based on their personal experiences. Several have stated that many of their long-term residents are black dogs — even if the canines are friendly, loving, and young — all factors that usually affect how quickly a dog is adopted.

Even scientific research has produced mixed results on the topic. A 2002 study in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science showed that black and brindle dogs were the least likely to find homes. However, a later 2013 study in the same journal revealed that coat color did not affect the length of stay. The mystery of why black dogs may be perceived as staying longer in shelters continues.

Appearance is one of the biggest factors in dog adoption among pet owners. Therefore, a solid black dog may not be the most eye-catching since they are very common. In addition, it may be hard to determine a dog's breed by their coat color alone. A black Labrador retriever mix could easily be mistaken for many other breeds without any distinctive patterns.

While the black cat superstition is well-known, there still may be underlying superstitions for black dogs based on popular culture. Black canines can sometimes be depicted as menacing in media. Some movies feature black dogs as evil characters, such as in "The Boys From Brazil" and the hellhounds in "The Omen." This imagery also dates back to Greek mythology with Cerberus, a huge, menacing three-headed black dog that guarded the gate of the Underworld. Subconsciously, people may feel deterred from adopting a black dog because they have internalized the dark imagery associated with them.

Whatever the reason, black dogs make just as loyal, loving, and wonderful companions as any other coat color. If you're looking, there are many other crucial aspects to consider when adopting a dog, such as the their personality and if they'd be a good fit in your home.