Does Baton Rouge Suffer From BBD Syndrome?

Do you suffer from BBD Syndrome? That’s what Alison Salmon sought to find out this summer. The LSU Shelter Medicine fellow crafted an online survey to whether Baton Rougeans harbored a prejudice against big black dogs (BBDs).

The question is not as trivial as it sounds. Shelters across the country report a predominance of BBDs. “What we see is these black dogs have big litters, and they stay and stay and stay,” says Salmon.

Even if they have a great personality and model behavior, these dogs sometimes seem harder to adopt out. Consequently, many are euthanized. Some animal welfare professionals believe the reason is simply that the public prefers small, white, fluffy dogs to big, black dogs. So, Salmon designed her own study to see if that is true in Baton Rouge.

“I wanted to take breed [stereotypes] away from the image, find out how adoptable a dog is and look at shelter and rescue staffs versus the adopters’ perceptions,” Salmon explains.

Survey participants rated the adoptability and characteristics (enthusiastic, warm, dependable, calm, open to experience) of a dog based on non-breed-specific graphics of white, tan, black, black-and-tan dogs with different sizes, ear shapes (i.e., pointed, floppy, etc.) and tails.

Of the 135 respondents, 100 described themselves as either a future or potential adopters; 35 identified themselves as shelter/rescue volunteer or individual involved in shelter adoptions.

Even with the small sample, the findings were a bit surprising. Salmon reports 66% of adopters had a color preference; 34% did not. Of those indicating a preference, 19% preferred black; and, 43% red, blue, brindle, tri-color (the basic mutt look). Furthermore, only 5.6% of adopters prefer extra small animals; 34% favor large dogs. Two-thirds of adopters equally liked small and large dogs.

Based on their experiences, 86% of animal welfare professionals believe black to be the least adoptable color. In addition, 25% indicate extra small dogs to be the most adoptable, and 82% of rescue workers rate large dogs as the least adoptable.

So, “With regard to BBD,” Salmon says, “it’s not so much the adopters as the shelter employees [who perceive those dogs to be least adoptable].”

Besides simply sharing those findings with the local animal welfare community, Salmon is working with shelters and rescues to implement techniques to improve the adoption rate of BBDs.

For example, photographing black dogs in good lighting and a color collar or background allows the public to better see the dog’s expression on websites.

“Then,” Salmon says, “there’s a psychology of how many of dogs to show people.”

Looking at black dogs in a shelter is not that different from searching for a shirt with the right fit.

If a shopper is looking for a blue shirt and enters a store with 15 styles of blue shirt, it’s often hard time making a decision. At a store with smaller inventory of one or two styles in the right color, it’s easier to walk out with a purchase happy with the decision you’ve made.” Too many black dogs in on a single adoption row can be overwhelming to potential adopters.

Still, even employing the best techniques, Salmon admits the supply of black dogs may simply exceed demand. “At the LASPCA, 30% [of the total number of dogs] are primarily black. So, even if 19% of the [adopting] population prefers black dogs, there is that 11% difference. We wonder what happens to them. Are the 34% without a preference adopting them? Probably not. We may just have too many black dogs.”

So for her next research project, Salmon intends to investigate the source of the problem by evaluating the prevalence of black dogs entering the shelter, the length of stay and outcome.

In the interim, she hopes changes in shelter and rescue workers perception about the adoptability of big black dogs will result in more adoptions. Perhaps no one understands the potential of BBDs to become great canine companions than Salmon herself. “All of my dogs are BBDs,” she says with smile. “And I can tell you they are all beautiful and highly adoptable.”

If you’re looking for a BBD or other pet, CAA has a wonderful selection of adoptable animals.

Berni (foster care) is a brownish black kitten with medium-long fur, beautiful green eyes and a unique face. He is curious and spirited. He might jump for your feet, if you wiggle your toes off the end of the bed. Berni likes to explore. When he finally tires out, he will happily sit by you on the couch. Berni enjoys the company of people and other animals and would make a great addition to any family.

Beau is a young male beagle with lots of personality.

Cayenne is a beautiful torti kitten.

Everdeen is a happy girl who is up for anything. This border collie mix puppy enjoys running and playing as well as just hanging out with humans. No doubt this sweet girl will really blossom in a home of her own.

Leo has been described as an all-around guy: chatty, cuddly, playful, affectionate, and curious. He particularly enjoys lying down in strange places; so don’t be surprised if you have to look in the sink for this awesome guy. While he’s in the sink, feel free to turn on the water so he can drink from the tap!

Cash is a happy go lucky guy, so he can’t understand how he possibly ended up in the shelter. His owner said she surrendered him because she was no longer able to care for him. This young Jack Russell/terrier mix is super smart and very sweet and will make wonderful family pet.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested and microchipped. Many other adoptable dogs are available through Companion Animal Alliance.