Have you ever come across a dog with a purple or black tongue and wondered what makes them so special? While most dogs have pink tongues, a few unique breeds proudly display tongues with darker hues.
This fascinating trait isn’t just for show—it often traces back to ancient lineages and specific genetic markers. Here are the breeds that sport these colorful tongues.
1. Chow Chow: Lion-Dog with a Royal Tongue
The Chow Chow is perhaps the most iconic breed known for its distinctive purple tongue. Originating from northern China, this ancient breed is not only recognized for its unique tongue but also for its lion-like mane and bear-like appearance. These medium-sized dogs are known for their dignified and aloof demeanor, often forming strong bonds with their family while being wary of strangers.
Chow Chows have a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Historically, they were used for hunting, herding, pulling, and guarding.
Their purple-black tongues are due to the presence of pigmented cells, much like those in human skin that produce moles or birthmarks (ref). This trait sets them apart in the canine world and adds to their exotic and enigmatic charm.
2. Shar Pei: Wrinkled Guardian
The Shar Pei is another breed with a purple-black tongue. Known for its wrinkled skin and hippo-like face, this breed is as ancient as the Chow Chow and hails from China. The Shar Pei’s unique tongue color is a distinguishing feature that often surprises people unfamiliar with the breed.
Shar Peis are medium-sized dogs known for their strong will and independent nature. Their tongues, like those of Chow Chows, are pigmented due to specific cells that provide the dark coloration. This feature is believed to have some genetic links to their Asian heritage.
3. Eurasier: A Balanced Companion
The Eurasier, a relatively new breed developed in Germany in the 1960s, is a striking dog that sometimes displays a blue-black tongue. This breed is a mix of the Chow Chow, Wolfspitz (Keeshond), and Samoyed, which contributes to its unique appearance and diverse traits.
Eurasiers are excellent companion dogs. They show loyalty and affection towards their families while being reserved with strangers. The occasional appearance of the dark tongue in Eurasiers is attributed to their Chow Chow ancestry, which has carried over into this modern breed.
4. Thai Ridgeback: The Sleek Hunter
The Thai Ridgeback is a rare breed from Thailand. It often has a blue or blue-black tongue. These dogs are known for their sleek, muscular bodies and the distinctive ridge of hair along their backs that grows in the opposite direction to the rest of their coat. (ref)
Thai Ridgebacks are highly independent and intelligent dogs. They have a history of being used for hunting and guarding. Their unique tongue color is a result of the same pigmented cells seen in other breeds with dark tongues. This trait, combined with their athletic build and keen senses, makes them a standout among lesser-known breeds.
5. Akita: A Loyal Guardian
The Akita is a large and powerful dog from Japan. It can sometimes exhibit a purple or black tongue. This breed is known for its loyalty and courage. It often forms strong bonds with its family while being reserved around strangers.
Akitas were originally used for hunting large game, such as bears and wild boar. Their distinctive appearance and commanding presence are complemented by the occasional dark tongue. This pigmentation is thought to be a genetic throwback to their ancient lineage.
6. Tibetan Mastiff: The Majestic Protector
The Tibetan Mastiff is a massive, ancient breed known for its impressive guarding abilities and regal appearance. These dogs, originating from the Himalayan region, sometimes display a blue-black tongue, adding to their imposing and majestic aura.
Tibetan Mastiffs were traditionally used by nomadic cultures of Tibet, India, Mongolia, and Nepal to protect sheep from predators like wolves and leopards. Their dense double coat and robust build are suited for harsh climates, while their unique tongue color is a genetic trait shared with other breeds from this region.
7. Pomeranian: Tiny Dynamo
Pomeranians, though small in stature, sometimes exhibit a purple or black tongue. This toy breed, known for its fluffy coat and lively personality, traces its origins back to larger sled-pulling dogs from the Arctic region.
Despite their diminutive size, Pomeranians are bold and spirited, often unaware of their small stature. The occasional dark tongue in Pomeranians is a less common trait but still notable. It serves as a reminder of their diverse genetic background, which includes larger, more formidable ancestors.
8. Samoyed: The Smiling Sled Dog
Samoyeds, famous for their white, fluffy coats and perpetually smiling faces, can also have a blue-black tongue. This breed hails from Siberia, where they were used by the Samoyedic peoples for herding reindeer and pulling sleds.
They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. The occasional dark tongue is a rare but possible feature in this breed, linking them to other northern breeds with similar genetic traits.
9. Shih Tzu: Royal Lap Dog
Shih Tzus, small and adorable with their long, flowing coats, sometimes display a purple or black tongue. This breed, believed to have originated in Tibet and later developed in China, was favored by Chinese royalty and often found in the imperial courts.
Known for their affectionate and friendly nature, Shih Tzus are excellent companion dogs. The dark tongue, though not a common trait, can appear in this breed and is attributed to their genetic diversity and historical interbreeding with other Asian dogs.
10. Newfoundland: Gentle Giant
Newfoundlands are large, gentle giants known for their swimming abilities and lifesaving instincts. These dogs, originating from the Canadian island of Newfoundland, occasionally exhibit a purple or black tongue.
Newfoundlands are renowned for their strength, intelligence, and gentle temperament, often used as working dogs for water rescues. The unique tongue color is a rare trait in this breed but highlights the genetic variety and historical breeding practices that contribute to their robust and versatile nature.
From the regal Chow Chow to the gentle giant Newfoundland, these breeds, with their unique tongue colors, showcase the incredible diversity and fascinating histories of our canine companions.
Each breed brings its own set of characteristics and charm, proving that a colorful tongue is just one of the many traits that make our furry friends so special.
Don’t Miss These:
9 Easy & Nutritious Homemade Dog Food Recipes to Pamper Your Pup
From Farm to Bowl: Homemade Dog Food Recipe with Locally Sourced Ingredients
Simple Homemade Diabetic Dog Food Recipe
Give Your Dog a Taste of Home with This Beef Stew Recipe
Ditch the Kibble: Easy Crockpot Chicken Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Easy Homemade Dog Food in the Instant Pot
Pup-Approved: Nutrient-Packed Sweet Potato-Pea-Quinoa-Banana Bowl
Meal Prep for Your Pup: Make-Ahead Chicken Stew for Dogs Recipe
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.