Does the public realize that there is something called Black Dog Syndrome?  Sad but true, large black dogs are often overlooked at animal shelters, especially older males.  There are several theories as to why black dogs are the last to be adopted.  It could be that the lighting is dim in some shelters, making it more difficult for the dogs to stand out and be noticed.  Another possibility is the misconception that some large black dogs are vicious.  It’s unfortunate that movies and TV shows in the past have created that stigma – think about mysteries with black dogs lurking in cemeteries or jumping out of bushes as watch dogs.  And another possibility is the unwarranted bad reputations of big black dogs like Dobermans and Rottweilers.  These may be the subconscious reasons that people pass by the black dogs. 

Black cats also suffer from prejudice stemming from Halloween legends that black cats are associated with witches and the old-wives tale that if a black cat crosses your path, you’ll have bad luck.  There’s nothing prettier than the shiny coat of black kitty.

Hopefully, our society has evolved to realize that all of these superstitions and preconceived ideas are nonsense.  Come into the shelter and visit with Jingles, the black Lab.  High energy, yes, but vicious, no way!!  And then there’s Sammy, the black medium-haired cat. What a sweetheart. 

I can’t resist the faces of black dogs as they age.  Those grey muzzles contrasted with the black fur are so kissable!