by Michelle N. Broughton

Created on: February 05, 2009

Why are black dogs so difficult for shelters to place? Fear is a big factor, especially if the black dog is big like a Rottweiler. This breed, along with the Doberman and black German Shepherd, has gained a reputation as the ultimate watchdog. Movies turn this otherwise good trait into mini-horror movies when these breeds are shown as natural born killers, ruthlessly destroying their masters or banding together in destructive packs.

Superstition plays a part in the unwillingness to adopt the black stray. From childhood humans look at the dark as dangerous and light as safe. We transfer this to the animals we own or know. Black cats are feared as bad omens, but white cats are used as treasured pets on cat food commercials. Likewise, the black dog is seen as menacing while its white or more colorful counterparts are welcomed as safe and loving. Truth be known, any color dog can be loving and playful just as any can be ruthless and mean. Like a child, a dog's true nature is brought out by the treatment it gets. If it is never socialized, it doesn't learn how to play well with others - animal or human. With proper training and socialization any dog, black or white, is more likely to enjoy a wonderful life with its humans.

When shelters put up pictures of adoptable animals, who hasn't ooh'd and aah'd over the pretty white pups while straining to make out the features of the black ones? White, brown and spotted dogs simply photograph better unless the shelter has a trained photographer and excellent cameras available at all times. Most shelters struggle to keep a small digital camera on hand. As a result, grainy, low resolution pictures of black blobs appear on websites or in magazines.

Even when a picture turns out well, the dark color tends to appear mundane while the other colors may offer a hint of something special. The black dog's begging eyes, its most compelling feature, may be covered by unshorn hair. With a white dog, if it is buried under an overgrown coat of hair, it is easier for a potential adoptive parent to see other endearing features. The white dogs are taken while the number of black dogs scheduled for euthanasia grows each day. Shelter owners are far too familiar with 'black dog syndrome' and realize when one is taken in, its chances of leaving alive are slim.

The next time you visit a shelter or check a pet adoption website, take a second and third look at that ill-defined black dog. With closer inspection, you may find the best friend you ever had. Black dogs need love, too.

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