Photographs Shed Light on Black Dog Syndrome

Fred Levy’s ‘Black Dogs Project’

After Fred Levy overheard a woman talking about Black Dog Syndrome — a disputed notion idea that black dogs are passed over for adoption in lieu of lighter colored pooches — he became intrigued with this notion and set out to make a difference for these dogs.

Levy began the Black Dogs Project a photo series of black dogs against a black backdrop, allowing him to highlight their true beauty.

Black Dog Syndrome persists, it is said, because of the stereotype and misconception that black dogs — particularly large dogs — are more aggressive along with the notion they don’t photograph as well, making it difficult for shelters to show their features

Initially Levy reached out to people on Facebook asking if he could photograph their dogs but later incorporated shelter pups into the mix. After he posted the images on Tumblr, Levy’s images went viral.

Two years later, Levy has decided to publish a book called Black Dogs Project: Extraordinary Black Dogs and Why We Can’t Forget Them. Part of the proceeds benefit a rescue group in San Diego.

All images: Fred Levy.

This story originally appeared on This Dog’s Life.

Buy the book: Black Dogs Project: Extraordinary Black Dogs and Why We Can’t Forget Them.