Abstract

DIAZ VIDELA, Marcos. Black dog syndrome: Review of studies on the influence of dark fur on dog adoption. Rev Arg Cs Comp. [online]. 2020, vol.12, n.2, pp.11-23.  Epub Feb 29, 2020. ISSN 1852-4206.

The overpopulation of pets in shelters requires the implementation of effective strategies to increase the adoption rate. Shelters’ staff usually reports lower adoption rate in dogs of black color fur, what is known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS). However, its existence seems to be based on anecdotal data. In order to assess this, a systematic review of studies evaluating the effect of dogs’ fur color on different aspects of human behavior, including adoption, was conducted. The investigations show that the BDS does not appear in a universal and direct fashion, but rather, in a regional and secondary manner. Fur color does not work as a particularly useful predictor for shelter dogs’ destination, unlike their age and breed. Encouraging the adoption of adult and crossbred dogs would lead to an increase in the number of this kind of acquisition over others, benefiting a greater number of animals.

Keywords : adopción; antrozoología; mascotas; pelaje; perro; adoption; anthrozoology; coat; dog; pets.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )