Lack of pet adoptions blamed on black dog discrimination

Black dogs are so unpopular in Saskatchewan, Canada, they're being sent to British Columbia for a better chance of being adopted. Debbi Lehner, manager of the Prince Albert SPCA in Saskatchewan, says black dogs are often passed over for adoption in favour of lighter-coloured animals.

"They just pass right by them," said Lehner. "We do get some comments: 'No, I don’t want a black dog.' A lot of times reasons aren’t given, that's just their preference." Black dog syndrome, or black dog bias, is a phenomenon recognized by some veterinarians and dog shelters.

It's believed some potential owners might find lighter-colored dogs more attractive. Some might also associate the color black with misfortune, similar to the common superstition surrounding black cats. Noted dog psychologist Stanley Coren said black dog bias is rooted in culture and based on our human psychological response to color. "Black is associated with the notion of strong, perhaps violent, perhaps evil," he said.

Lori Chortyk, spokesperson for the Vancouver SPCA, says black dog syndrome is less of a problem in B.C., but black animals in general will often stay in shelters longer than potential pets of any other color. "We really try to help people look past color or any other physical trait and really look at what is the personality that is going to match best in your home?" Chortyk said. The SPCA says potential pet owners should base their decisions on the temperament of the animal, rather than on color and looks.

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