Black Dog Syndrome
‘Black Dog Syndrome’ is a phenomenon associated with rescue shelters reporting having more difficulty finding homes for black dogs. Below are some examples of potential reasons for human partiality to non-black dogs.
– Dark coloured breeds such as Dobermans and Rottweilers have been associated with perceived aggressiveness.
– Shedding black coats are more visible on light surfaces.
– Black dogs may show their age earlier if greying.
– Black bats and black cats have been used for negative superstition and storytelling.
– Some folks say it is more difficult to read the face of a black dog (facial expression).
– Given the choice in experiments of patting a black or golden coloured dog most people choose to touch the golden dog.
When helping or choosing a dog, go by the breed of the dog and not his colour. And if you are trying to rehome a black dog pay lots of attention to his training so you can create some great selling points. Use a collar or harness with reflective stitching or patch so if the dog does get loose at night he is more easily seen.