The truth is that black dogs are often the last left on animal shelter floors and the first to be euthanized. This has become such a problem in the United States that it has even developed a name—black dog syndrome.

The reasons it’s so much harder to get them homes? Apparently, black dogs and animals in general are less likely to be adopted because they don’t photograph well and appear to be more aggressive than animals with other coat colors, such as white or brown.

There have even been nonprofits specifically founded to find homes for black animals, and shelters all over the United States are make large strides to promote the adoption of black animals. Examples of this include providing these animals with better lighting and running special promotions.

Not only dogs, but cats also have trouble being adopted based on their coat colors. Black cats are considered a source of bad luck, so it is unlikely for a family to adopt one for fear of something bad happening.

According to a survey done by Petfinder, the average pets are listed for 12.5 weeks before being adopted, while less-adoptable pets, such as black, senior, or special needs pets, spend almost four times as long in shelters.

Inevitably, since there are more black animals in shelters that end up staying longer than others, there are more black animals euthanized because of the lack of space.

Many black dogs have to rely on shelter staff and volunteers to steer potential adopters their way. Shelters take extra steps to make black dogs more adoptable, such as teaching the dogs tricks and making sure multiple black dogs aren’t kenneled next to one another. According to Kate Pullen, director of animal sheltering issues at the Humane Society of the United States in Washington, D.C., putting placards on kennels highlighting the dog’s personality (“I may just be a black dog, but I know how to balance a biscuit on my nose”) can help entice potential adopters. One shelter even gave a discount off of routine adoption fees to those who adopted a black pet.

This past September, Petfinder held its annual Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, a celebration of old animals and other hard-to-place pets.

To prevent this black dog syndrome, you can display your love of black pets proudly to demonstrate that there is nothing wrong with them. You can also encourage friends to look past their first impressions of black animals and tell people about black dog syndrome, which is generally an unconscious prejudice and can be moved past once people are aware of it.

Advocates for black pets want potential adopters to know that all pets, no matter what color their coat, are of equal value.