Susie is one of the black dogs at A.A.R.F. awaiting adoption. Photo: Jennifer Farley
Apparently, it is a problem experienced by shelters and rescue groups across the country -- black cats and dogs always seem to be the last to be adopted. Tennessee-based animal rescue group A.A.R.F. (All About Rescue and Fixin') held a special adoption event for black dogs and cats on Saturday, Sept. 12, to call attention to the issue and to find homes for some of these dark horses, er, animals.
So why are black animals so hard to place?
There are many theories. Jennifer Farley, executive director of A.A.R.F., tells Paw Nation: "I have heard a variety of comments in regard to black or dark animals in general: 'Spooky,' 'creepy,' 'scary,' 'I can't see its eyes,' or even 'I don't trust that dog.'"
"I read somewhere that humans are attracted to specific colors -- they catch our eyes and we are drawn to them," Farley explains. "I believe this is also true when it comes to animals. If you put a black cat with small, yellow eyes in the same crate as a bright calico with lots of colors, people will typically spend most time focusing on the calico." Farley also hypothesizes that black animals are hard to see in their dark crates within poorly-lit shelters.
After first hearing about black dog syndrome, Farley realized she didn't have any pure black pets herself and promptly adopted two. She tells Paw Nation, "I think that if we can raise awareness, maybe people like me will open their eyes and think first about the larger black dogs the next time they're adopting a pet."
According to Farley, the adoption event this past Saturday went fairly well: "We moved every black kitten we had." But they were only able to find a home for one black dog, out of six, and no black adult cats. Farley tells Paw Nation, "It broke my heart. Although people looked at the black dogs, they still looked right past them. Next weekend, I think I will tie custom printed balloons to everyone's collar explaining how black dogs die in shelters. Maybe that will get some attention, or we are going to have to get even more creative."
Sounds like it's time for some black magic.
Check out A.A.R.F's adoptable pet list to see if you can help a dark soul find a bright new future.
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I think black cats and dogs are the cutest! This is so sad to hear.
I have a black dog. She will be thirteen this coming valentines day. Best dog I ever owned.
Black cats are associated with bad luck, as the superstition goes that it's bad luck for a black cat to cross your path. Some people find black dogs too intimidating, especially Rots. Generally, the color "black" has always had a bad connotation (e.g., black magic, blackball, black list. etc.), associating anything and anyone black with being evil. It's sad people think like that.
people are too hung-up on color! one of the best dogs i belonged to was solid black. bud was a black rott-n-lab, and he was rotten (spoiled), but very smart and sweet. the way he would shine in the sun was beautiful. he gave me the honor of being his human for eleven years before he went to wait for me in heaven. i miss him so much. people, look beyond the black,into the eyes,they will melt your heart!
I've heard this for years. Lots of it also has to do with superstitions. I love black cats, actively went looking for one when I adopted my first cat after many years. I have two black beauties.
This "syndrome" is very true. Black dogs are perceived as aggressive. I am am guessing black cats are thought to be "scary." But people tend to prefer lighter hair and skin color in humans, too. Anyway, I have two black dogs, and fixing to get a third. I prefer lighter fur as well, though. Black and white ebing my favorite. Black fur is the easiest to get genetically, and white fur cause problems often physically as well as behaviourally...
I think the adopt a black dog program is awesome. Colour should never matter though, but it does. these black beauties with their rich velvet fur deserve a home too. They always look like they are ready for a formal affair!
This is confusing/conflicting information. In a recent issue of "CAT FANCY" magazine, a reader poll said that their #1 favorite color for a cat was BLACK...I know that shelters will not allow black pets (dogs...but ESPECIALLY cats) to be adopted one week before and one week after Halloween. PS: I have a black cat and she is wonderful!!
One of my neices had a black Lab, and he is the sweetest dog -- Very friendly, smart, and well-behaved!
I agree that a person should look past the "color" of the animal! To have an animal considered not 'adoptable' based on his coat color is a bunch of hogwash! There's been several "jet-black" cats in my life. When I was a teen-ager, I had a black cat named "Puffy" and he was always extremely affectionate! As an adult, I've owned 2 jet-black cats. One named "Zoomer" for the way he used to race around the house, (now in kitty heaven) and now I have "Scooter" that I rescued from a PepBoys parking lot many yrs ago. He knows he's my "boy!" Whenever I'm sitting down, he gets on my lap for some "Mama-Scootie" quality time. And, yes he is very affectionate too and I'm sure he won't be the last black cat I'll have.
My black cat, Sid (Vicious) is one of the best cats I have ever had. Everyone loves Sid! He met all of the neighbors before we did & they look forward to his visits. He should be a poster cat for black cats.
Well this might go without saying, but black cats and dogs would appeal to Goth and Emo people. Maybe there should be marketing in that direction.
Huh. While I've been volunteering at my local humane society, the dogs that have the black with brown points similar to rotts, dobermans, and german shepherds stay for a little but then get adopted. I think it's the "eyebrows" giving them more facial expression capabilities.
There have been several black dogs -- they were even strays -- that were in and adopted out of the facility quickly because (I think) they were quieter in the pens. The dogs with the bigger barks seem to have more problems with getting adopted regardless of their coloring.
Still, this is a good point about looks. I know some black cats freak me out when it makes their eye color pop. Looks like they're always looking for something sneaky to do... which, lets face it, is what most cats look like when they aren't asking for food haha.
That seems so silly! My little kitten rescue is pure black, not a spot of white anywhere and besides being a hit on Halloween, she's the sweetest and cutest cat I've seen. And she has a little attitude that wins over every person that visits our tiny apartment.