D07CA-645: Color as a Determining Factor for Adoptability of Dogs from an Animal Shelter

principal investigator: Traci Bond, Veterinary Student Scholar, Texas A&M University

Fully Sponsored: P & G Pet Care

sponsorship not needed

Year: 1 of 1. $5,000

Sadly, there is a saying by people who work at animal shelters that "no one wants a black, ugly dog," because the perception is that black dogs don't get adopted as easily as other-colored dogs. Some reasons given are that black dogs are not easily seen in the dark cages, black dogs are not as friendly, and that people just don't want to adopt a black dog. This study hypothesizes that color doesn't determine the adoptability of a dog. The student worker will collect data concerning color, age, breed, health and personality of 25 dogs. After the first 25 dogs are adopted, colorful bandanas will be placed on all dogs up for adoption. This will test whether the bandanas will increase the visibility of black dogs. The finding will then be compared to the data collected on the original 25 dogs and could help black dogs become adopted more readily.