6 Dogs With Black Tongues, And The Meaning Behind This Trait

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If you’ve ever seen a Chow Chow, then you’ve probably noticed its unique blue-black tongue. Chow Chows, as well as Chinese Shar-Peis, actually require a blue-black tongue in its breed standard. And, believe it or not, these breeds aren’t the only ones who may display a tongue color other than pink. There are more than 30 dogs with black-spotted tongues, but contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t indicate Chow Chow or Shar-Pei bloodlines in their breeding.

Just like with Chow Chows, Chinese Shar-Peis, and a few other breeds, solid blue-black tongues are caused by the same thing as spotted tongues: heavy pigmentation, according to the American Kennel Club. Pigmented spots on your dog’s tongue are usually nothing to worry about. These darker spots are likely the result of microscopic melanin granules, which present themselves as flat, pigmented areas found on your dog’s tongue, just like a human may have freckles or birthmarks. Many breeds have been known to display spotted tongues, but there are six dog breeds known for their black tongues, making them extra unique.

Chow Chow

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Though the dignified Chow Chow is probably best known for the mane-like ruff of fur around its head and shoulders, this breed (which is one of the world's oldest breeds) is also easily recognized for its blue-black tongue. No documentation exists for the Chow Chow's distinctive tongue color, but according to the American Kennel Club, the blue-black tongue is still used as a requirement for identifying purebreds.

Chinese Shar-Pei

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The Chow Chow's blue-black tongue makes it unique in the dog world, but it actually shares this characteristic with one other dog breed: the Chinese Shar-Pei. Like the Chow Chow, the Shar-Pei’s breed standard requires bluish-black pigmentation in the mouth and tongue, and according to the American Kennel Club, the two breeds likely share distant ancestors.

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Miniature Shar-Pei

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Just like the Chinese Shar-Pei, the Miniature Shar-Pei has the same wrinkled face, high-set ears, and distinctive blue-black tongue. Mini-Peis share their history with Chinese Shar-Peis, according to Pet Guide, the only difference being that these smaller pups were selectively bred down in size to make a miniaturized version.

Eurasier

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According to Vet Street, the Eurasier is a cross between a Wolf Spitz, a Chow Chow, and a Samoyed, resulting in a mid-sized dog with a wedge-shaped head, triangular ears, and thick double coat. Due to its Chow Chow forebears, the Eurasier also inherited a blue-black tongue.

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Thai Ridgeback

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The Thai Ridgeback is very rarely seen outside Thailand, according to the Vet Street, though they are easily recognizable for the ridge of hair on their back. Their other distinctive feature: their tongues, which are either spotted or a solid blue-black color, similar to the Chow Chow and Shar-Pei.

Phu Quoc Ridgeback

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The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is even rarer than the Thai Ridgeback, and according to Dog Zone, there are thought to be less than a thousand members of this breed worldwide. Also similar to the Thai Ridgeback, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is known for its unique ridge of fur and its pigmented tongue.

Corinne SullivanEditor

Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.

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