The “Black Dog Syndrome” is a reality that haunts every animal shelter. If you are unfamiliar with it, we will explain what it is about and how a well-known photographer carried out a project to put an end to this stigma. This syndrome is a phenomenon in which black dogs are most often rejected by people who go to shelters to adopt; people who adopt generally prefer a pet with light-colored fur.
There are many theories about why this syndrome exists. The first is television and film: when an aggressive dog is portrayed, it is generally black. This becomes ingrained in our subconscious and, unfortunately, causes many people to believe that a light-colored dog will not be dangerous. Another theory is superstition. As with black cats, dogs of this color are associated with the devil and misfortune.
Another problem these ARISTODOGS face is that they are more difficult to photograph. Black absorbs light, so when a photo is taken, their facial expressions do not register as well as those of a light-colored dog. Let us remember that shelters generally do not have many resources, and that most of the time they do not have a good camera or a studio in which to take photos. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to photograph them with ordinary cameras, making light-colored dogs look more “friendly” in their photos.
Shelters try to counteract this syndrome by placing them in front-row kennels, taking photos of them with colorful scarves or leashes, lowering adoption fees, among other things.
The Black Dog Project
Photographer Fred Levy is an ARISTOPETER who began his career by taking photographs of his dog Toby and other ARISTODOGS from his neighborhood. One day, while out walking, he overheard a woman talking about the “Black Dog Syndrome.” He became very intrigued by the subject and decided to do something to change the bad reputation of black furry dogs. He began “The Black Dog Project,” a series of photographs that highlights the beauty of these animals.
Initially, Fred began contacting people through Facebook to photograph their pets, but later he devoted himself to visiting shelters in search of black ARISTODOGS that needed a new home. He began posting the photos on his Tumblr, and they quickly went viral. Two years later, he released a book compiling all the photos; part of the proceeds is donated to a rescue group in San Diego. Today, Fred’s blog is still active and publishes photos of shelter dogs.
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, do not overlook black dogs; they will give you the same love as any other. And remember that at ARISTOPET we trust the work carried out by the shelters Villa Pepa, Doganzo, and Nueva Vida. Do not hesitate to contact them if you want to become an ARISTOPARENT.