Black Cat and Dog Syndrome

As the current and previous owner of black cats and dogs I can't understand but it seems to be a genuine problem.
I've been thinking about it and with kittens I've rehomed the black ones were with me longer and went to people that specifically wanted a black kitten. They also tended to have nicer personalities.
I wouldn't swop my furry eared Bubbles and heart of gold Lequita for any cat or dog in the world.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/black-dog-syndrome-and-black-cat-syndrome/Content?oid=1975991
http://petnewsandviews.com/2014/01/black-dog-syndrome/

It's supposed that the reason lies in the idea that it's harder for people to read the expressions on the faces of black cats and dogs. Not to mention the negative connotations of the colour in media.

It does seem to vary according to areas and shelters, though, as quite a few studies have found that the opposite is true. There was an article in The Open Veterinary Science Journal which I found quite interesting; I'll see if I can dig it up later.

I do believe that there is a certain amount of bias involved, but not anywhere near the proportion as many people believe. Still, it's sad that the colour of an animal's coat could play that much of a role in whether or not an animal gets adopted.

A friend of mine wrote a thesis on this subject - I'll have to ask her what she found. I adore black animals of all kinds, and am not so keen on albinos / white - I have to go against the grain!

I have long found it strange that if a black cat crosses your path in England it is considered lucky, whereas in America it is considered unlucky!

And did you know (I found this out when I was a child) that the skin of a black cat is a lovely blue colour?

Yeah, I have heard that lynda.
what was your friends findings lorraine?

Haven't had a chance to ask her yet - but I will do

I'd be interested in that!

That would be very interesting to read Lorraine.
As for not being able to read a black dog ...

Yup, nothing there, a blank.



A cat I can understand. Their main expression is ... Yumm, you look delicious. If only you were smaller ...

I agree, Theresa - see blank looks all round:

No expression. Looks like a mannequin or rather a doggequin

I think it would be daft for somebody to say that a black dog's expression is unreadable, but colour contrasts play a huge rule in how we perceive expressions. For people who are used to looking at dogs, it probably wouldn't make a difference. I'd be interested to see whether or not there's truth to the theory, though.

I think Theresa and I were posting tongue in cheek there! However, this time I'm serious.

My first dog was Jessie, a GSD x collie, and she and I used to love doing agility. However, she was like a kangaroo, she jumped up at me after every item we did. It took many years before we figured out why - she never took direction from my hand, so pointing to obstacles was useless, she was always trying to read my face, which was why she always jumped.

Tristan was only five months old when I developed facial palsy. The left side of my face fell completely, and irrevocably. I truly believe that many of the problems that I've had getting a bond with him like I had with Morgan was because he couldn't read my face. Five operations later, and my face nearly functions again, albeit with some difficulty, and Tristan does understand me better now (someone has to!).

Sorry, it wasn't intended to be a dig at either of you! It was in reference to the people who use it as an excuse for not wanting to adopt black animals, but I realise that it probably came out wrong!

That's an interesting story; something I've really never heard of happening before!

No! I didn't take it as a dig

I'm so sorry to hear of the problems you have had Lorraine, and hope that you will soon be restored to full health and fitness.

I think there can be no doubt that dogs can read our expressions, and that we can read their expressions, whatever the colour of their fur.

But, and it's not their fault, cats have no facial expressions whatever the colour of their fur.

Thanks Lynda