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6 good reasons to overcome false myths

They call her “Black dog syndrome“: It is scientifically proven that black dogs, for unjustified reasons and popular superstitions, are adopted less frequently than their peers with colored coats.

A bit like it happens with cats.

Here is that every October 1st occurs the International Black Dog Day to remind people how many good reasons exist for adopt a black dog: we offer you 6!

The black dog syndrome

It has been since the 2000s that the phenomenon has attracted the attention of the media and scientific research: black dogs are disadvantaged in adoptions compared to others, whether they are kennels or long-distance adoptions.

To prove this, a study by Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science (2002) later confirmed by further research.

In particular, it emerged that:

  • Mixed-breed black dogs spend more time in kennels before being adopted than those with colored coats;
  • Adopting a monochromatic black mixed breed dog is rarer than adopting those with color spots;
  • Large black dogs are more of a disadvantage than small ones.

Although there is variability depending on thegeographical area considered, it is now a fact: it is more difficult for someone to choose to adopt a black dog.

Why are black dogs adopted less than others?

The most plausible hypotheses to explain this phenomenon are 3:

  • Big black dogs are seen in the collective imagination as more aggressive, thanks to fiction and cinema.
  • Black dogs are “less photogenic” because the eyes often get confused with the hair and the features are not well defined: this is why they are disadvantaged in long distance adoptions.
  • Even today we tend to associate the black color of the coat with old superstitions related to the devil and bad luck.
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6 good reasons to adopt a black dog!

To dispel these myths, we celebrate the International Black Dog Day of October 1st giving you 6 great reasons to adopt a black dog (but we know there are many more!)

1.They are sweet and loyal like everyone else!

It seems obvious, yet the adoption data speaks for itself, not everyone has understood it: black dogs are sweet, affectionate, playful and fragile just like other dogs with a colored cloak!

We live in the 21st century and you cannot yet indulge medieval superstitions: keep this in mind if you plan to adopt a dog soon! Black dogs do not bring bad luck or bad omens, indeed it is they who will color your life more than anyone else!

2.The black dog has a unique elegance

What’s more elegant than a sleek black car? Or a nice formal black dress? Well, black dogs have the ceremony dress already incorporated!

The charm of this color is unique: ask the Cane Corso or the Terranova how they manage to show themselves so strong, imposing and confident on every occasion. It’s black of course!

3. We can exploit their “bad reputation”!

As we have seen black dogs they do not enjoy an excellent reputation: then let’s use it to our advantage! Do you want a dog that is really tough? That all the dogs in the neighborhood shut up when you go out for a walk with “the beast”? The black dog already has a bad reputation … now you will have to work on deception!

4. Black dogs always look clean

You can arouse the envy of the owners of white dogs (in first place in kennel adoptions!) When after a day at the park your dog will still look as clean as when it came out of the grooming (or almost!): In fact, the dirt will be seen less on black fur (but don’t take too much advantage)!

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5. It is not true that they are not photogenic!

Immortalizing their beauty is not for everyone! Several international photographers have donated their work to the cause to combat the black dog syndrome: in particular Fred Levy is famous for its beautiful portraits of dogs with dark coatswith whom he challenges the rumors by promoting the adoption of a black dog.

6. They deserve a chance

Living in a kennel is depressing enough and black dogs spend more time there than anyone else, having less chance of being adopted. So no one will know how to be as grateful to you as they are when you get them out of a long and unjust imprisonment: for all these reasons, they deserve a chance!