Black dog syndrome or large black dog syndrome is a phenomenon in which a black dog is passed to be adopted for the sake of a lighter colored animal. Animal shelters often use the term BBD, or large black dogs, to describe a larger breed of dark-mixed mix that is said to be usually passed by the adopter.
Video Black dog syndrome
Theory
The proposed phenomenon may be caused by a number of factors. Research has identified geographical location, stigmatized fears of certain breeds, and the fact that large black dogs are often described as aggressive in film and on television may be correlated. Initial studies at one site identified longer periods experienced by black dogs before adoption, but subsequent studies were considered stronger (as was done in a large number of geographically dispersed shelters) have shown that when shelter visitors recorded their video running through adoption areas , they spend the same amount of time looking at each dog, regardless of the color of the fur. Other studies suggest striped dogs are more likely to experience longer delays before adoption than black dogs. The color bias color is visible, but may change depending on the geographic location.
Some people believe that during the pet adoption process some potential owners associate black with crime or misfortune (similar to the common superstition surrounding black cats), and this bias turns to their dogs choice. In addition, many shelters display their dog photo profiles on the shelter website. Because black dogs do not take pictures well, younger colored dogs have the advantage of having potential adopters navigating the site. A study conducted by Los Angeles Animal Services challenged some of these claims, saying that 28% of adopted dogs were black. However, the theory of bias only confirms that animals dominated by darkness take longer to adopt than their lighter counterparts, and that large dogs take longer to adopt than small ones.
However, the general appearance does play a role in the selection of potential prospective guard dogs. In a 2011 study by ASPCA, appearance was the most commonly cited reason for the adopters of both puppies (29 percent) and adult dogs (26 percent).
Maps Black dog syndrome
History
This issue has gained media attention since the mid-2000s. Tamara Delaney, an early activist against black dog syndrome, developed a website called Black Pearl Dogs in 2004 specifically to address this issue, either by educating the public about its existence, as well as featuring individual dogs available for adoption.
Cat
Black cats are also reportedly exposed to the same symptoms, with additional superstitious stigma and association with magic.
Scientific studies
While many shelter workers claim that the phenomenon is real, its acceptance is disputed, and quantitative analysis is limited.
Shelter Studies
A 1992 article in the Animal Welfare journal found that color was not a major factor in adoption at Northern Ireland shelters; the most common black-and-white coat among the adopted dogs, followed by a yellow, black, gold, and black-and-brown coat.
A 1998 study of 1,468 removable dogs offered for adoption in local human societies found to have black fur colors was primarily a variable associated with euthanasia, while the colors of gold, gray, and white were significant predictors of successful adoption.
A 2002 study published in the Journal of Applied Welfare Science adoption of dogs and cats in a California animal shelter found the color of black-pure fur being a negative factor in adoption rates for dogs and cats.
In 2008, the general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services department reported that twelve months of data on the 30,046 dog intake showed fewer or more dominated dogs or all blacks were adopted than non-dominated or completely black dogs.
A PhD thesis of 2010 analyzes several factors finding measurable variances that contribute to dogs with black coats especially those that are euthanized rather than adopted.
A 2013 study on the length of live dogs (LOS) at two New York no-kill shelters determined that the color of the canine fuels had no effect. The study notes that the effect of mantle colors on LOS can be localized, or may not generalize traditional types or other shelters.
Analysis of the Masters thesis of 16,800 dogs in two Pacific Northwest settlements found that black dogs were adopted faster than average in both shelters.
A 2013 study on cat adoption rates published in the Open Journal of Veterinary Science concluded that "The results show that black cats, regardless of age or sex, need the longest time to adopt. They are followed by black cats especially with other colors. "
Study by image
A 1992 article in the journal Animal Welfare is conducted on dog characteristics that can be adopted. Participants in Southern Belfast presented with photos of similar dogs except for one manipulated feature, resulting in statistically reliable preference for blond coat (65%) over black coat.
A 2012 report in the Society and Animals journal on a pair of studies that listed the participants' ratings of dogs with various attributes along 8 different personality traits found no bias against black dogs. In the first study, using four types of poodle (black large, small black, large white, and small white), 795 participants ranked black poodle as more friendly than white poodle. A second study with eight different breeds, including black labs, suggested that participants' personality judgments were based more on stereotyped breeds than color. This concludes that "in general, with the exception of golden retrievers, black labs are considered to be consistently less dominant and less hostile than other large breeds, contrary to the notion that large dogs, black dogs are viewed as negative.
A 2013 study published in the journal AnthrozoÃÆ'¶s shows photographs of yellow or black-colored dogs, and with floppy ears or pointy ears. It was found that "participants rated the yellow dog significantly higher than the black dog on the personality dimension of Conformity, Awareness, and Emotional Stability." It also found significant differences in rank differences based on ear size, which indicated "that people attribute different personality characteristics to dogs based solely on the dog's physical characteristics."
A study presented at the 2013 International Society for Anthrozoology conference showing images of cats and dogs of various colors indicates that white cats are considered the most hospitable cats, the most gracious orange cat, and the black cat is considered the most unfriendly. Among dogs, the yellow dog is considered friendly, the most friendly brown dog, and the most unfriendly black dog. Dark animals are equally considered less adoptive, and black dogs are considered the most aggressive.
See also
- Lookisme
- List of cognitive biases
- Pet adoption
- Mixed dog
References
External links
- Black Pearl Dog
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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