Why do they say that black dogs have a harder time being adopted?

Question

I've been reading a few sites RE: pet adoptions and many sites have said that black dogs have a hard time getting adopted versus light colored dogs. Now, as a black lab lover, I find this hard to believe! Wonder why they say that?

Answer 1

It's true - and I have hard time believing it since I love black dogs. Part of the reason is that black dogs don't photograph as well so they don't show up as well on sites like petfinder. I also find part of it is breed-specific too - some breeds like dobermans and rottweilers (which are black) are slower to adopt out of our shelter because of breed reputation.

It's true for cats too. Some shelters won't adopt black cats in October due to possible abuse by groups that do animal sacrifice.

Answer 2

When I was a little kid, I was extremely terrified of black dogs. I still am, but only a little. When I was younger, I had a dog bite me and the dog was a black poodle. That left a mark on me and I'm still a little bit wary of black dogs.

However, people don't generally get a black dog because they think the other colors are "cuter" and black dogs seem meaner. I know this isn't true, because I knew many black dogs that are just adorable and gentler than any other dog.

It's just that history and everything has put such an emphasis on the horrors of black that we have come to see it this way. There really isn't anything wrong with black, but our history says otherwise.

Black is usually associated with dark or night, and night is usually associated with bad, evil or stuff that can't be seen in daylight. This leads us to feel this way.

The truth is, there's nothing wrong with black. But somehow, in some of us, it's still wired there that black isn't that great.

Which is stupid. But this is people.

Answer 3

Well, in the shelter where I work, we have 10 light colored dogs (white to a dark golden retriever), two chocolate labs, and one black lab/rottie mix up for adoption. Over the weekend, three black dogs (two rotties and a lab) were adopted. I doubt the "black dogs are harder to adopt" business, although I do understand it with cats.

Answer 4

In warmer climates a black dog feels the heat more, as he does not reflect heat as well as a light coloured dog. If you need proof of this then, put your hand on the roof of a black car roof ( on a sunny day ) and feel the huge temperature difference when you compare with a white car. My neighbour has a beautiful jet black labrador but has to wait till the cool of the evening before taking him for a walk.

Answer 5

Because there are so, so many of them, especially lab and lab mixes. And they are plain to a lot of people. Just like pit bulls and any other breed. The flashier ones are the ones that most people want.

Unfortunately, it's the BIG, black dogs that have a harder time getting adopted.

Answer 6

They say it is, Not sure why, I guess the black coat we think of negitive, I like black animals, I would pick a black cat or dog over a lighter colored one. mine are black tan and one is a tri color. I did have a black cat and that was about the only color of cat my gram would have.

black animals should not be adopted out this time of year. cats mainly. most shelters won't. until after the 6 of NOV. thinking of sacrifice. or just some idoits=)

soild black animals do not picture well with out proper lighting. I think for some its a fear basied in their mind. what kind of dogs to the moives use mostly for 'scary' dogs? BLACK dobbies rotties and black shepherds. same with cats.

fact most of the strays i have picked up and NOONE called about where black. except this last one he wasblack but his owner was looking for him thought for sure I'd have a new project....kinda glad i didn't he was going to need LOTS of training!

Answer 7

I have never heard that myself. I specifically wanted a black and white male Alapaha bulldog when I was shopping for a stud (although I would have taken any color if I found an exceptional one of a different color,,,,, ). I got lucky and found a great one. The only thing I can figure is maybe black dogs look scarier to people ....

Answer 8

I don't know how true this is, but I've been told by Lab people, that Black Labs usually have a harder time in the show ring than Yellow Labs.
If this is true, I'm glad that my breed (Flat-Coated Retriever) is primarily black.

Answer 9

That is true about dogs, cats and rabbits. The black ones just don't get adopted as often, same with REW (red-eyed-white) rabbits. They seem plain and people like to have a more aesthetically pleasing animal.

Answer 10

That is true in cats due to many reasons. I have not had that problem with dogs. I do Newf rescue and get calls about all kinds of black dog. I have taken many if I do not currently have a Newf and have never had a problem placing one because it is black.

I can attest to the fact that they do not photograph well!!! I have ahd Newfs for YEARS and have never taken a good picture of my dogs myself....until we got the Landseer!!!!