KP, I had known about this for a while, but since I adopted my current friend, had forgotten temporarily about it. Thank you for reminding all of us about the forgotten dogs. The next additions I make to our family in the future will surely be two lovely big, black dogs!

KP-
I had actually heard of this before as well.

When it was on the news, my sister-in-law was quick to call me. You see, we both have big black dogs that we adopted at the same shelter. They are both sweethearts who enjoy laying around on the floor with our kids. However, if a burgler percieved my big black dog as scary when they looked through my window that would be okay with me!

I've heard that dogs are colorblind. It's sad that we use our color vision to discriminate against those who are so totally accepting of our limitations.

I discovered this after my husband and I adopted Bluebelle our big black Lab/Rotti mix from our local shelter last year. She is the most gentle girl in the world and proves all those theories wrong! Recently when we were out she had a toddler and two small dogs approach her, and she was gentle with both. She lowered her head so the little dogs could crawl on her and smell her then she gave them kisses. The toddler got right in her face and was petting her, and she just gave him a big kiss. She has never shown any sign of aggression. I now suggest to anyone I know that is looking for a new companion that they take an extra look at big black dogs because they need love too!

Aww. Gorgeous dogs. Thank you for posting their pictures. Bo is such a cutie and Roman is lovely! I work at a shelter and large dogs are usually adopted last. It is really quite sad since so many of them are so tender and sweet. We currently have a giant pyrenese cross, he is much larger then me but he is so gentle on the leash. As soon as he felt me on the other end he would instantly slow to my pace. I personally know so many big black dogs that are precious. Another pyrenese and malamute cross at my local dog park ( he look exactly like a wolf!) is super gentle and loves to cuddle with everyone.Their are so many myths and misconceptions about certain dogs, I hope people begin to see the truth.

I was informed that big black dogs are the last to be adopted when I was still in highschool.

... since then.. I have adopted three big, black, beautiful, loving, caring, loyal dogs..

they are my life<3

Thank you for writing an article on this! I've heard that big black dogs are the last to be adopted, but it's not common knowledge. If/when I rescue a third dog I would like it to be a big, black rottie!

i don't care if the dog is black,green,blue,white or candy apple red he/she would still my pal. dogs may see color, maybe not theres no hardcore proof that they can't thats what i believe.

I have rescued 2 big black dogs that are very friendly and happy dogs. Both being Lab/rottie mixes.

I think it is horrible for people to not adopt black dog's i have had two of them and i think that they are one of the most beauitful dog's in the world.. When i start up my rescue here in a year or two I am gonna promote the heck out of black dog adoptions.. there is nothign wrong with beauitful black dogs

I just wanted to say I was SHOCKED when I first heard this!! When I adopted my big black dog from the shelter I was automatically drawn to him! He is a beautiful dog and is so friendly and caring! I love him so much! My life would not be complete without my big black dog!:)

I have two Labs one yellow and one black. When approached by people while we are out walking they all migrate immediately to the yellow one to pet. The truth be told my black Lab Sam is a much more gentle and sedate than the yellow one. He is incredibily gentle with children and has enormous patience for other dogs including is buddy my yellow Lab Blue.

We are adopting a big black dog from a high kill shelter for this reason. Being in rescue I am aware that black dogs, (maybe like black cats) have less chance of adoption. Maybe it is due to superstition.
I try to educate friends about this situation, because it is not understood.
Thank you for this article, I will be sending friends to it!

It seems strange to me that people think black dogs are scary, I've always thought the opposite and didn't realise that other people thought differently.

People all seem to think Goths are scary too when, in reality, they're some of the most peaceful people ever.

Let's help 'goth' dogs find homes!!

I have boston/pit bull/border collie mix, whom my husband and I love to bits. Fortunately we had adopted him before he went to a shelter. We have always wanted to expand the "family" and are looking to adopt a rottie or lab. My feelings have only been confirmed by your story. Thank you.

My dog Josie is a big black fuzzy mixed breed. She was a stray who I wound up adopting. She is the calmest, most gentle dog I've ever met. I can take her anywhere and she is no trouble at all. Can't imagine life without her.

I never heard of Big Black Dog Syndrome. I think it is awful that people think black dogs are scary. I have met tons of very nice black dogs. I love all dogs and cats no matter their color or their size. I think it is terrible that people would judge an animal by the color of their coat. I think superstition are very dumb. I love black dogs and black cats.

I've never heard of big black dog syndrome before.
I have a black lab at home called sasha. she is the sweetest, calmest, even-tempered dog I have met.
My dad's cousins have two black labs called daisy and lily. sasha,lily and daisy have such fun on walks together! they love sunbathing in the park! and they all play a big game of fetch together.I don't see why people are scared of black dogs...

Awww! They are beautiful, cute dogs! But no matter what a dog looked like, I would still love him/her!
I love dogs!!! :)

I rescued a black lab from a high kill shelter when he was 4 months old, he was to be euthanized the next day! We have had him for almost two years now and he is an absolute doll. He is the biggest goofball and just adores his doggie friends. Don't deny a dog a chance at good life just because of misperceptions! (same goes with pitbulls too, some of the sweetest dogs I have ever met)

My black lab, Chica, was the best. Never was I loved so unconditionily. Nobody could take my place with her. She would lay down with her head on my foot so I couldn't go anywhere without her. Sadly, I had to put her to sleep last year due to liver cancer. I probably kept her here longer than I should of, but it was a hard thing to do. I have her pictures all over the house and will never forget her. I feel her spirit and know she is still watching over me.