Photographer’s Striking Portraits of Black Dogs Aim to Thwart Black Dog Syndrome

Photographer Fred Levy took a photo series he calls Black Dogs Project after a conversation he had about how homeless black dogs have a harder time getting adopted than other dogs. The phenomenon is often referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome” or “Big Black Dog Syndrome” among animal rescuers.

Black dogs appear to be adopted at a much lower rate than other homeless dogs. Although there is no scientific study that proves there is, in fact, such a stigma, animal shelters notice potential adopters often overlook black dogs – especially the bigger, mixed breeds in favor of other fur-colored ones.

So Levy wanted to highlight black dogs by taking high-quality images to bring attention to the issue and show the dogs in all their glory.

The phenomenon is often referred to as “Black Dog Syndrome” among animal rescuers. Black dogs appear to be adopted at a much lower rate than other homeless dogs. Although there is no scientific study that proves there is, in fact, such a stigma, animal shelters notice potential adopters often overlook black dogs.

Perhaps black dogs are overlooked because of a deep-rooted a superstition that black dogs are somehow less friendly than lighter-colored dogs. Just think of the myths around black cats!

Or, it could be simply that black dogs are harder to photograph because their dark fur absorb light. And without a good quality photograph, it is harder for potential adopters to see the dogs’ personalities and beauty shine through.

Fred decided to focus his efforts and his camera lens on black dogs and has taken some stunning photographs since he began in 2014.

Fred wrote, “I decided to start a photo series photographing black dogs on a black background in my studio. Using social media, I’ve been recruiting local dog owners who have black dogs to photograph.”

“It’s an amazing journey…” he added.

To see more of Levy’s photographs and work from his Black Dog Project visit his website and the dedicated tumblr blog “Black Dog Project“. Levy has also published a book The Black Dogs Project: Extraordinary Black Dogs and Why We Can’t Forget Them, available via Amazon.

Photos reprinted with permission of Fred Levy and was first published on DogHeirs.com on April 1, 2014

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