Breeds of Dogs with Black Tongues: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 3, 2024

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Crop anonymous female owner strolling with group of dogs of different breeds on leashes on rural road in sunny countryside
Credit: pexels.com, Crop anonymous female owner strolling with group of dogs of different breeds on leashes on rural road in sunny countryside

Dogs with black tongues are a unique and fascinating group, with certain breeds standing out from the rest. The Chow Chow is one such breed, known for its distinctive blue-black tongue.

The Chow Chow's black tongue is a result of its genetic makeup, which is different from other breeds. This is a result of the breed's origins in China, where it was bred to be a loyal companion.

The Shar-Pei is another breed with a black tongue, and like the Chow Chow, it's a result of its genetic heritage. This breed was also developed in China and is known for its distinctive wrinkled skin.

The Shar-Pei's black tongue is a defining characteristic of the breed, and it's a trait that's highly prized among breeders and owners alike.

Dog Breeds with Black Tongues

Some dogs are born with black tongues, and it's not just a coincidence. This unique feature is often due to genetics and mixed parentage.

Credit: youtube.com, Which dog is born with a black tongue?

Certain breeds are more prone to having black tongues than others. The Eurasier, also known as Wolf-Chow or Eurasian Spritz, is a rare mixed breed with a blue-black tongue. This breed's tongue is a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other dogs.

Not all breeds with black tongues are rare, however. Some common breeds like the Labrador Retriever may also have black tongues due to microscopic melanin granules present in the mouth area. These granules can cause dark spots or a completely black tongue.

Here are some dog breeds that may have black tongues:

  • Australian Shepherd
  • Airedale
  • Akita
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Bichon Frise
  • Belgian Tervuren
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Collie
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Dalmatian
  • English Setter
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Gordon Setter
  • Irish Setter
  • Keeshond
  • Kai Ken
  • Korean Jindo
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Mountain Cur
  • Siberian Husky
  • Shiba Inu
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten
  • Tibetan Mastiff

Causes of a Tongue

Black spots on a dog's tongue are typically nothing more than pigmentation and are completely harmless. They can be present from birth or develop later in life.

Most dogs have a pink tongue, but some have black tongues due to extra pigmentation. Excess melanin is usually present in the areas of the tongue that are black.

Certain breeds are normally born with black tongues, which they will have for their entire lives.

For your interest: Dogs Tongue White

Other Dog Breeds with Markings

Credit: youtube.com, 31 Unique Dogs With Unbelievable Fur Markings

Many other breeds can get black spots and patches on their tongues, but it's essential to note that these markings are often a result of birth and may not be a cause for concern.

The Chow Chow is one of the breeds that tends to have blue-black tongues as part of their standard, which is often used to identify if the dog is purebred.

However, if your dog is born with black markings on their tongue, it's still worth having your vet take a look to rule out any potential issues.

General Information

Dogs with black tongues are relatively rare, making up only about 10% of all breeds.

The black tongue is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin, the same pigment responsible for skin and fur color.

Some breeds, like the Chow Chow, have been known to have black tongues due to their unique genetic makeup.

The Chow Chow's thick, blue-black tongue is a distinctive feature of the breed.

Credit: youtube.com, Cute DOG that Attracts Girls Most (CHOW CHOWS) | Black Tongue dog | Chinese dog

The breed's tongue is also relatively large, which can make eating and drinking more challenging.

In addition to the Chow Chow, the Shar-Pei is another breed known to have a black tongue.

The Shar-Pei's tongue is often described as blue-black and is a characteristic feature of the breed.

The breed's unique tongue is just one of the many distinctive features that make the Shar-Pei a beloved companion animal.

The Cane Corso is a breed that is known to have a black tongue, although it's not as prominent as some other breeds.

The Cane Corso's tongue is often described as black or dark grey.

Despite their differences, dogs with black tongues are just as loving and loyal as any other breed.

They require the same care and attention as any other dog, including regular grooming and exercise.

Specific Breeds

Some dog breeds are naturally more prone to having black tongues due to genetics and mixed parentage. The Chow Chow is one of the most well-known breeds with a black or dark blue tongue.

Credit: youtube.com, Chow Chow Dogs - Are They Born With A Blue / Black Tongue?

The Shar-Pei, another Ancient Chinese breed, is also known for its blue-black tongue. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a rare breed, can have a solid or spotted blue-black tongue.

Here are some dog breeds that may have black tongues:

  • Australian Shepherd
  • Airedale
  • Akita
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Bichon Frise
  • Belgian Tervuren
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Collie
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Dalmatian
  • English Setter
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Gordon Setter
  • Irish Setter
  • Keeshond
  • Kai Ken
  • Korean Jindo
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Mountain Cur
  • Siberian Husky
  • Shiba Inu
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten
  • Tibetan Mastiff

Labrador Retrievers may also have black spots on their tongues, caused by microscopic melanin granules present in the mouth area.

Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei is a breed that's truly one-of-a-kind, especially when it comes to its tongue. The blue-black tongue is a breed standard for the Shar-Pei, and it's actually shared with the Chow Chow.

This breed is known for being tremendously wrinkled, and it's also famous for its unique tongue color. The Shar-Pei's tongue changes from pink to blue-black around 2.5 months old, and it can range from lavender to dark blue.

The Shar-Pei's breed standard requires bluish-black pigmentation in the mouth and tongue, which means that any other color will disqualify it from competing in dog shows. This breed is truly special, and its unique features make it stand out from the rest.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Credit: youtube.com, RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK BREED REVIEW

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong and well-built dog with a smooth coat.

Originally bred to chase lions, this breed is fierce, muscular, agile, and fearless.

They have an imposing stature and an eye-catchy ridge of hair that runs across the back.

Not all dogs from the breed have a black tongue, but a huge majority have black spots or complete black tongues.

Their presence alone can scare off any intruder, making them a great deterrent at home.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a breed that can have a unique feature - a black tongue. The whole tongue doesn't become blue-black like some other breeds, such as the Chow Chow and the Shar-Pei.

Most Labs with a black tongue inherited this trait from their parents. People often believe that a black tongue is a clear sign that a dog has mixed bloodlines somewhere in its history.

Labs with a black tongue are often referred to as Fox Red Labs, and they have a distinctive appearance.

Australian Cattle Dog

Credit: youtube.com, Top 5 Cattle Dogs - Best Cattle Dogs (Blue Heeler, Border Collie)

The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed known for its distinctive appearance.

This breed may have extra black pigment on its tongue, causing it to have black spots, which act as birthmarks or freckles.

The spots can be small, huge, or somewhere in the middle, and there can be many or few depending on the pigmentation in the mouth.

Its coat is thick and white to protect the dog from the elements.

Some Australian Cattle Dogs have tan, gray, or badger markings on them.

Phu Quoc Ridgeback

The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a rare breed. It's also known as the Vietnamese Ridgeback. This breed can have a solid or spotted blue-black tongue.

Dog Breeds by Tongue Type

Dog breeds with solid pigmented tongues, typically a variation of black, gray, blue, or purple, include the Chow Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei, where a blue-black tongue is the breed standard.

The Chow Chow's tongue is a solid dark color by the time it matures, and this is not a sign of mixed parentage. In fact, chows with spots are not considered purebred.

Brown Black Dog Stuck Tongue Walking in a Green Fields
Credit: pexels.com, Brown Black Dog Stuck Tongue Walking in a Green Fields

Some breeds are more prone to black tongue colorations than others, and this is due to genetics and mixed parentage.

Here's a list of dog breeds that are more likely to have black tongues:

  • Chow Chow
  • Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Labrador
  • German Shepherd
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Pug
  • Pomeranian
  • Bichon Frise

These breeds can have a few dark spots or a mouth filled with dark spots due to microscopic melanin granules present in the mouth area.

The Eurasier, also known as Wolf-Chow or Eurasian Spritz, is a rare mixed breed with a blue-black tongue, which is one of its distinctive features.

Blue-black tongues are not limited to the above-highlighted dog breeds, and canine experts suggest that there are over 40 dog breeds that may manifest black-blue pigmentation in their tongues.

Here's a list of some dog breeds that may have black tongues:

  • Australian Shepherd
  • Airedale
  • Akita
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Collie
  • Cairn Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Dalmatian
  • English Setter
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Gordon Setter
  • Irish Setter
  • Keeshond
  • Kai Ken
  • Korean Jindo
  • Kerry Blue Terrier
  • Mountain Cur
  • Siberian Husky
  • Shiba Inu
  • Soft-Coated Wheaten
  • Tibetan Mastiff

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a dog's tongue is black?

A black or partially black dog tongue is usually a result of excess melanin, a common and harmless condition in dogs. However, it's worth noting that changes in pigmentation can occur as your dog ages.

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.

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