The reason that explains why the chow chow has a blue tongue is found in its genetics, since both the mucous membranes of this Both dogs and their tongues have cells that other breeds do not usually have, or not in such large concentrations. When we think of dog breeds that come from the East, Japanese and Chinese breeds automatically come to mind, such as the Shiba Inu, the Akita Inu and the Chow Chow. In this sense, the Chow Chow is probably the most popular Chinese dog of all, however, very few know certain details about this precious dog, such as, for example, that they have a reserved character. In general, when talking about this dog, the particular color of its tongue is mentioned, but how many know what it is due to? In this article on our site we will talk about the blue tongue of the chow chow, the scientific explanation and the legends that surround it.
Blue tongue in chow chow dogs: scientific explanation
The tongue of the chow chow is blue or purple due to the presence of pigment cells, that is, cells that contain elements called pigments that give it that color. Genetically they have a higher concentration of these cells and, therefore, they have a different color tongue than other breeds. These cells, in addition to being found on the tongue, are found, above all, in the mucous membranes, which is why the chow chow is the only dog with lips, gums and palate characterized by being blue / blackish, if not completely almost.
A curious fact is that this characteristic is not only present in certain dogs such as the chow chow, but we also see it present in other animals such as giraffes, the Jersey breed of cattle and some families of bears, like the polar bear. In fact, some studies conclude that the chow chow comes from the Hemicyon, a species of mammal that is between the now extinct dog and bear, and that lived in the Miocene. However, there is still no definitive scientific evidence to support this hypothesis, so for now, it is just that, a hypothesis. However, we could say that a coincidence could confirm it, and that is that the chow chow has 44 teeth, just like bears. A dog, on the other hand, generally has 42 teeth.
Another curious fact that we have already mentioned is that the Chow Chow is the only dog with lips and palate characterized by the color blue/blackish. In fact, there are many breeds of dogs or mixed animals that have spots of this color, but their mucous membranes are never completely dark. It is important to point out that the chow chow is not necessarily born with a completely blue tongue, but from 2-3 months it begins to experience coloration. Therefore, if your Chow Chow does not have a blue tongue, it is possible that it is not "pure", and that among its parents (or even another ancestor) there is a dog of another breed, or that this gene is simply in its genetic line. has remained as a recessive gene and not as a dominant gene. In case you want to present the animal to a contest, it should be noted that the FCI does not accept dogs without a blue/purple or dark tongue.
Another breed of dog characterized by having a blue tongue is the Shar Pei. In this sense, it is important to clarify that the fact that any other dog has blue, purple or dark spots or dots on its tongue does not mean that it descends from a Chow Chow or another Chinese dog. More than 30 dog breeds show spots on the tongue.
Blue tongue in chow chow dogs: legend
Did you know that there are also legends that explain why the chow chow dog has a blue tongue? As the chow chow is a dog that was originally dedicated to guarding and protecting Buddhist temples, legend has it that one very cold day a monk became seriously ill and could not go out to look for wood to light the fire. So the chow chow who was in the same temple went to the forest to collect wood, but found only charred pieces and brought them to the monk. Picking up the charred wood in his mouth, his tongue turned blue due to contact with the charcoal
The second legend says that the chow chow's tongue is blue (or purple) because one day a dog of this breed followed Buddha when he painted the sky blue. Since the paint from the brush left traces, the dog licked up all the fallen drops and from that day on, the chow chow became the dog with the blue tongue.
Character and characteristics of the chow chow
Clearly the first feature that comes to mind when we think of the chow chow is its blue or purple tongue. However, it should not be a dog that stands out solely for this physical trait, since it is a very special animal in general.
With an appearance reminiscent of a miniature lion, the Chow Chow is a quiet and calm dog, with the skills to be an Excellent watchdogSince its origin, it has been used to protect Asian temples in countries such as China and Tibet. Therefore, we can say that the reason that justifies their guard instinct lies in their DNA. It was also used as a hunting and herding dog, facts that also explain part of its character and temperament. A curious fact is that in certain Western cultures the Fu Lions, also known as Buddha Lions or Chinese Lions, are called Fu Dogs or Fo Dogs (Foo Dogs), due to a confusion that relates these guardian lions with dogs. of Chinese origin like the chow chow for their physical appearance and origin as guard dogs.
His bulky coat and adorable expression have made this dog one of the most popular in the world, however, It should be noted that to keep it in perfect condition it is essential to take proper care of it. For this reason, we recommend going to the dog groomer once a month or every month and a half.
