Chow Chow dogs are known for their dramatic-looking blue-purple tongues. The tongue may be a solid color or may display spots of pink. Chow Chow puppies are actually born with pink tongues. When the tongue begins to darken to blue-purple at about eight to 10 weeks of age, some pink spots may remain. While it’s not known exactly why the Chow Chow has this colorful feature, the color itself is simply caused by concentrated deposits of a substance called melanin. Melanin gives dogs their fur, skin, and eye color, too.
The Chow Chow is not the only breed with dark blue-purple tongues. Another Chinese breed, the Shar-Pei, has this feature, too. In fact, many breeds may show purple spots on a pink tongue, for example, the Golden Retriever. However, purebred Chow Chow dogs never have all-pink tongues. Some may have pink spots, but all will have an otherwise blue-purple tongue. An adult dog that looks like a Chow Chow but has a pink tongue is almost certainly not a purebred Chow Chow and may not have any Chow Chow blood at all.
- Pomeranian
- Keeshond
- Samoyed
- Siberian Husky
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Akita
- Shiba Inu
Ancient Chinese Breeds:
- Chow Chow
- Shar-Pei
- Miniature Shar-Pei
Although they vary in size, all these breeds match a general appearance and have triangular ears, thick, puffy coats and a curled tail held over the dog’s back.
Breeds with blue, black or purple tongues
Some dog breeds that might have spotted or blotchy tongues due to extra pigmentation in their skin include:
- Phu Quoc Ridgeback
- Thai Ridgeback
- Eurasier
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Airedale
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Dalmatian
- Black Russian Terrier
- Gordon Setter
- Korean Jindo
- Fila Brasileiro
- Siberian Huskies
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Belgian Malinois
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Shiloh Shepherd
- Kai Ken
- Mountain Cur
Note, if your dog’s tongue changes colors, it might be wise to consult a vet. It could be nothing or it could be a sign of an illness.