If you haven’t noticed I’m a white dog as is all my west Highland WHITE Terrier relatives (Its amazing how many times my mom gets asked what other colors we come in?!?!) But recently I learned about what rescue workers call black dog syndrome phenomenon. The name arises from the fact that black dogs are the hardest to get adopted out of shelters and humane societies.
After talking to my pals at my local shelter I have discovered that it doesn’t happen because people dislike black dogs. it is because black dogs are harder to photograph. Thus, they aren’t as attractive online and on their petfinder profile. I have pal Bella who is a black dog and mom and dad have the hardest time geting a good photo of her. Her hair is so dark but when you turn on the flash her shiny coat reflects. Above is one of mom’s failed photo attempts.
Also, there are negative influences on TV and in the media. Think about the last time you watched a TV show with a vicious dog..more than likely it wasblack. Also print ads and commercials very rarely feature black dog since they are harder to photograph. I think that is why Westies are used alot in ads..we are very photogrentic with our cute faces and fluffy white hair.
Another factor for you humans is that you all are kinda shallow (sorry..but I have to say what I see). When you go to get a new dog you walk up and down the shelter kennels and wait to see what kind of dog catches your eye. Our looks come first. If you like the way we look then you may try to determine our personality. Black dogs just don’t stand out in the kennel “lineup” us dogs like to call it. Shelters don’t have the best lighting and sometimes the walls are painted kinda drab too so black dogs just don’t pop out when you scan the “line-up.”
Some shelters have taken a pro-active approach to this black dog syndrome phenomenon. They want to promote their black dogs so they put colorful bandannas. Other take them of off site events where the public can interact with the black dog to learn their personality. Some even run black dog specials where then lower the adoption fee.
So my advise it don’t judge by our color. Us dogs .that’s why we smell butts (BOL..just kidding!). Get to know the dogs personality and talk to the shelter staff. They interact with the animals every day and call tell you the good (and not so good) personally and traits of all the dogs available for adoption.
