October 1st is National Black Dog Day to help raise awareness for all the black coated dogs that tend to get overlooked in shelters and pounds.
Black Dog syndrome is a term that has come about used to describe the phenomenon of darker coloured pets that tend to get overlooked by visitors and potential adopters in favour of the lighter coloured dogs. In particular, black greyhounds. Statistically, black dogs can take up to three times longer to find their forever homes than other coloured dogs. It is unsure as to why this is, exactly. Those working in rescue sometimes say, it is down to lighter coloured or different marked dogs are much more easily noticed in shelters and pounds in contrast to black dogs. Other reasons could be because black coats make it harder to read the facial expressions of dogs, they can be hard to photograph and their beautiful black coats tend to only show up in photographs when it’s very sunny outside or because people think black fur shows up easier on furniture.
Whatever the reason, it is important to know that black dogs are just as gorgeous and loveable as any other dog. Often shelter staff will use brightly coloured collars, bandanas and coats to help draw attention to black dogs for photos, adoption days and when meeting potential adopters.
There are lots of things to consider when adopting a dog, these can include age, breed, activity level, behavioural history and health, to name a few, but coat colour is as meaningless as ear size or tail length. Whatever the reason as to why black dogs find it so hard to get adopted, it goes without saying that each dog has their own individual character, personality and are just as full of love as the next dog regardless of the colour of their fur and coat colour. The next time you are walking through a shelter, be sure to consider all dogs and that black furred beauty hiding in the back deserves some attention to and might be your new best friend if you give them a chance! Get in touch with paws on Facebook or info@paws.ie if you would like to meet any of our black beauties awaiting their perfect forever home!
