The Truth About Chow Chow's Bluish Black Tongue

The bluish-black tongue is one of the most distinctive features of the Chow Chow breed, setting them apart from most other dogs. This unique tongue colour is due to a genetic mutation that causes an excessive concentration of melanin pigment, responsible for the deep blue-black hue. While the exact origin of this trait remains a mystery, it has fascinated dog lovers for centuries and remains a hallmark of the breed.

Understanding the Bluish Black Tongue of Chow Chows

Chow Chow puppies are born with pink tongues, much like other dogs. Around 6 to 10 weeks of age, their tongues gradually darken as melanin production increases, developing that famous bluish black colour. Some older dogs may even lose some pigmentation, returning to a pinkish tone closer to their newborn stage.

This dark tongue pigment is not unique to Chow Chows. Other breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei puppies, share this characteristic. Blue-black pigmentation can also be found in lips, gums, and palates across breeds, caused by the same excess melanin deposits.

Other Dog Breeds with Blue or Black Tongues

Besides Chow Chows and Chinese Shar-Peis, over 30 dog breeds may have blue or black pigmented tongues or tongue spots. These pigment deposits function much like birthmarks or freckles in humans and can range widely in size and location.

• Airedale Terrier puppies
• Australian Cattle Dog puppies
• Belgian Malinois puppies
• Black Russian Terrier puppies
• Bouvier de Flandres puppies
• Dalmatian puppies
• Eurasier puppies
• Fila Brasileiro puppies
• Gordon Setter puppies
• Kai Ken puppies
• Korean Jindo puppies
• Mountain Cur puppies
• Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies
• Shiloh Shepherd puppies
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies
• Thai Ridgeback puppies
• Tibetan Mastiff puppies

These breeds are more commonly known to have this pigmentation, but it can appear as spots or partial blue-black colouring in dozens of others, making it a fascinating genetic trait rather than a definitive breed marker.

Common Misconceptions About Blue Tongues

A popular myth among dog enthusiasts is that any dog with a blue or black tongue must have Chow Chow ancestry. In reality, this is untrue since many breeds exhibit this trait due to pigment deposits unrelated to Chow Chow lineage. Purebred Chow Chows will have predominantly solid bluish-black tongues, while pink tongues or spotted tongues in a Chow suggest a possible mix with other Spitz-type breeds like the Siberian Husky, Samoyed, or Akita.

This understanding helps potential owners set realistic expectations when looking for Chow Chow puppies and reinforces the importance of sourcing from reputable breeders who can provide pedigree and genetic assurances.

Legends and Scientific Facts

Several legends surround the origin of the Chow Chow's blue-black tongue, including folklore that they licked droplets of blue sky or inherited the trait from bears due to their bear-like appearance. While these stories add intrigue, science attributes the distinctive tongue colour to genetics and melanin pigmentation rather than mythology.

The precise reason for the evolutionary development of this trait in Chow Chows remains uncertain, though some speculate it may offer UV protection for the tongue, aligning with the breed’s origins in high-altitude, sunny regions of China. Yet, this is still theoretical and not definitively established by research.

Conclusion

In summary, the bluish black tongue of the Chow Chow is a striking, genetically inherited feature developed through high melanin concentrations. Though other breeds may share similar pigmentation, this tongue trait remains one of the most recognisable markers of the Chow Chow’s ancient heritage.

If you’re seeking a genuine pedigree Chow Chow, always purchase from reputable breeders who uphold breed standards and ethical practices. Understanding these details helps promote responsible ownership and appreciation of this remarkable breed’s unique features.