Many shelter dogs are often passed up for adoption and face euthanasia as a result of simple misunderstandings. However, education and increased accessibility to animal care information could be life-saving.

A recent study found that there are an estimated 3.1 million dogs in animal shelters across the United States. In 2019 alone, 390,000 of these were euthanized. While overall euthanasia rates are decreasing due to an uptick in adoption rates, there are still thousands of animals in need of adoption. A particularly unfortunate and preventable aspect of this problem is that many dogs are left in shelters purely based on inaccurate perceptions and assumptions.

One of the most common examples of misconceptions that reduce the likelihood of a dog’s adoption is breed specific aversion; mainly towards pitbulls and pit mixes. In fact, pitbulls are the most abundant breed found in U.S. shelters, the least adopted, and the most likely to be euthanized. This is often attributed to the breed’s association with “aggressive” behavior and the poor reputation they have many times mistakenly been given.

Additionally, pitbulls are one of the breeds most likely to be abused and are regularly used in illegal dog fighting rings. However, such human prompted and triggered defensive behavior does not necessarily imply that pitties are inherently agressive, nor does it affirm they have a predisposition for fighting. Rather, many pitbulls are sweet, loving, and crave companionship, just like most other breeds. It is true that if more people were further educated regarding the true temperament of pittbulls given safe environments, more adoptions of this breed would take place. And as a result, more space would be created within shelters to help care for additional breeds and potentially reduce euthanasia rates.

In addition to pittbulls, larger dogs in general are often left unadopted due to inaccurate perceptions. Sizable dogs can be intimidating to some people, especially those not familiar with breed specific behavior. While it is certainly understandable as to why one might be wary about adopting a bigger hound, there desire for love and care is as valid as smaller breeds.

Many larger breeds, such as German Sheps, Doggo Argentinos, and Belgian Mals are loving, gentle giants and prove to be incredible companions when given the proper attention and training. However, a potential adopter of a larger breed dog does need to be confident in their abilities to control, train, and exercise their new furry friend. A simple email, call, or conversation with a local K9 trainer could provide important tips to ensure an adopter starts off on the right foot with their new companion. Interestingly enough, one study even found that larger dogs are often much calmer and more gentle than their smaller counterparts and breeds.

The final major group of canines that have a tough time being adopted are those with black coats. It is a widespread phenomena that dogs with black fur are adopted less frequently than their counterparts with different colored. One reason is related to the superstition and stigma surrounding black dogs in popular culture. Black dogs are usually seen as intimidating, as their darker colors might suggest harder to discern facial features. Historically, black dogs have been noted as mysterious or to have some form of “darkness” about them. Another (much more superficial) reason is that some claim darker colored canines are difficult to photograph. This could perhaps be why there is also a reduced number of darker colored dogs on shelter websites and marketing materials compared to those with lighter fur.

In sum, dogs living in animal shelters have it hard enough without the addition of the above described challenges. The threat of euthanasia if not adopted is an immense price to pay for such misconceptions and a fatal lack of understanding held by many.

On the other hand, there is hope as this issue can be remedied through further education about different types of dogs. Such knowledge could lead to an increase in cultural and community-based understanding of our canine companions; leading to higher shelter adoption rates more dogs saved from unnecessary euthanasia.

Recently, the Frost Fund Red List Rescue team secured the rescue of a black German Shep mix named Raven just 2 days before euthanasia, a deaf pitbull mix named Benedict after 1 year in the shelter, and a sweet German Shep named Snickerdoodle just days before euthanasia. This proves that with the right effort, education, and teamwork, we can change the fate of dogs in shelters – no matter the color or breed.

Image credit: Los Angeles Times