Black Dog Syndrome – why black coated dogs find it so difficult to find a forever home

Nobody wants a black-coated dog, ask any rescue shelter, and unfortunately its no different at PAWS.

Black dogs face a hard choice at any rescue when it comes to finding a home, in particular black greyhounds as greyhounds find it hard to find a home on their own. It can’t be pinpointed why. It might be that, compared to other dog colors, black dogs just melt into the background, or it could be an underlying superstition with some potential adopters, that black dogs are ‘bad luck.’ Or it could simply be that they go so easily unnoticed in a kennel when there are other colored dogs bouncing up and down in front of potential adopters.

Whatever the reason, unfortunately ‘black dog syndrome’ is a fact. Many black dogs have to rely on the kennel staff to steer potential adopters their way, often, black dogs will wear a bright-colored bandanna, collar or coat to highlight their color to any new potential owners.  While dogs staying at PAWS have no limit to how long they can stay until they find their forever homes, unfortunately that is not the case for dogs in pounds, more often than not, it’s the black dogs that will  be the first to be put to sleep in dog pounds as the dog wardens know a different colored dog could be rehomed three times over, the time it will take to rehome a black-coated dog.

However, many black dog owners will say they’re sweet, loving and affectionate dogs.  As we all know, before taking a dog home, careful time and planning should be taken to ensure the right choice is made and time should be spent getting to know a dog before offering him his forever home. The PAWS staff will know each dog’s personality and will be able to answer any questions you have about any dogs you want to know more about.

A dog should be given the time to show his true colors of his personality and shouldn’t be judged by the color of his coat. So, if you know anyone or you, yourself is interested in adopting your next dog, please consider adopting a black dog or at least giving them some time to get to know one. I can guarantee they’ll be just as loving as any other colored dog, except the color will never fade