Which Dogs Have Black Tongues?
Many people are surprised to learn that not all dogs have pink tongues. In fact, several breeds of dogs have black tongues, including the Chow Chow, the Chinese Shar-Pei, and the Akita. While the cause of this unusual tongue color is not fully understood, there are a few theories that have been proposed.
One possibility is that a black tongue is a recessive trait passed down from generation to generation. Another theory suggests that the black color is caused by a buildup of pigment in the tongue tissue.
Regardless of the cause, dogs with black tongues are just as healthy as their pink-tongued counterparts. So, if you’re ever lucky enough to meet one of these special dogs, give them a good belly rub!
Let’s look at some popular dog breeds with black tongues.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a popular dog breed with a black tongue. This black-tongued dog breed is believed to have originated in China, where it was used as a working dog. Chow Chows were first brought to the United States in the late 19th century and have since become popular pets.
Chow Chows are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them ideal family dogs. If you’re considering adding a black-tongued dog to your home, be sure to do your research on the Chow Chow breed.
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei is another dog breed with a black tongue. Originally from China, these dogs were used for hunting and guarding. They are loyal and protective dogs that make great family pets. The Chinese Shar-Pei is known for its wrinkles, which can make it look like it’s always frowning. But don’t let their appearance fool you – these dogs are friendly and gentle. However, there are some downsides to keeping a Chinese Shar-Pei, such as their high grooming needs and tendency to drool.
Akita
Akita is another dog breed with a black tongue. It is a large breed of dog originating from the mountainous regions of northern Japan. The Akita is the largest of the Japanese spitz-type breeds and was originally used for guarding royalty and nobility, as well as hunting bears, wild boar, and deer.
Despite its origins, the Akita is most commonly associated with being a loyal companion dog. The Akita has a short double-coat that is similar to other Spitz breeds. The outer coat is coarse and straight, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
The most common coat colors are white, brindle, and pinto; however, Akitas can also come in solid black, or sesame (black with red markings).
Miniature Shar-Pei
The Miniature Shar-Pei is a small breed of dog that is native to China. These dogs are easily recognizable by their short, wrinkled coats and black tongues. Although they are now popular pets worldwide, Miniature Shar-Pei were once used for hunting and as guard dogs. Today, they are known for being loyal, gentle, and loving companions.
Miniature Shar-Pei dogs typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Although they are relatively healthy dogs, they are susceptible to some health problems, such as entropion, skin allergies, and hip dysplasia. With proper care and nutrition, Miniature Shar-Pei makes great pets for families with children.
Eurasier
The Eurasier is a German dog breed that was developed in the 1960s. The goal was to create a companion dog that would be loyal, intelligent, and have a black tongue like the Chow Chow. To achieve this, breeders used dogs from three different breeds: the Wolfspitz, the Samoyed, and the Gross Spitz. The result is a medium-sized dog with a thick coat of fur that can vary in color from black to tan.
Eurasiers are considered relatively rare dogs, but they are gaining popularity due to their friendly dispositions and trainability. If you’re looking for a unique companion dog, the Eurasier may be the perfect breed for you.
Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a dog with a black tongue and is an ancient breed indigenous to Thailand. They are medium-sized dogs and have a sturdy, muscular build. Thai Ridgebacks are known for being loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs.
They are also intelligent and trainable, although they can be stubborn at times. Thai Ridgebacks are relatively rare outside of Thailand but are slowly gaining popularity in other parts of the world. The Thai Ridgeback might be the right dog for you if you’re looking for a unique and loyal companion.
Phu Quoc Ridgeback
The Phu Quoc Ridgeback is a rare breed of dog that originates from the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam. The dogs are characterized by their black tongues and are believed to be descended from the dogs of the ancient Kingdom of Champa.
Today, there are less than 500 Phu Quoc Ridgebacks in existence, and they are considered to be one of the rarest breeds of dogs in the world. The dogs are prized for their loyalty and intelligence, making excellent guard dogs. If you’re lucky enough to own a Phu Quoc Ridgeback, you will surely have a loyal friend for life.
The Final Word
Dogs with black tongues are not a different species; rather, they are dogs with a genetic mutation that causes their tongues to be black. This mutation is called melanism and results from an excess of melanin in the cells. While this may seem like a minor difference, it can actually lead to some health problems for these dogs. For example, because their tongues are darker, they may not be able to cool down as quickly when they are hot, and they may also be more susceptible to sunburns.
Additionally, because their tongues are darker than average, people may be less likely to adopt them from shelters or rescue organizations. If you are interested in adopting a dog with a black tongue, the dogs on this list will be a good pick for you.