There are more than 400 canine breeds with multiple features that allow them to be differentiated from each other. Some of them are really strange, as in the case of dogs that have a blue tongue. Do you know varieties of this type?
Throughout history, different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the reason for this rare color. Do you want to discover the reason and know the 9 dog breeds with blue tongue? Then keep reading this article on our site!
Why do dogs have blue tongues?
Most dogs do not have a blue tongue, but instead they have a characteristic pink color However, there are some breeds of dogs with blue or purple tongue. However, we should not confuse the bluish hue of the tongue of dogs with purple tongue disease in dogs. To be able to distinguish it, you can consult this other article on our site about Purple tongue in dogs - Symptoms and causes.
The coloration comes from a genetic mutation Due to it, the pigment cells of the tongue are present in greater concentration on the tongue, provoking the peculiar tone of these dogs. Do you know the ones with the dogs with blue tongues? Meet these 9 breeds!
Dog breeds with blue tongue
Various dog breeds are known to have blue tongue, such as the following:
- Shar pei
- Chow chow
- German shepherd
- Akita
- Rottweiler
- Border collie
- Korean Jindo
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Pomeranian
However, the shar pei and the chow chow are the only two breeds of dog with a blue tongue, since the rest Of the breeds presented, only some of their specimens have the blue tongue, either totally or partially.
Shar pei
The Shar Pei is a breed that is distinguished by its appearance, as well as its dark tongue. It is known for its wrinkled skin, its large head and long, thick snout, features that give it a cute and friendly appearance.
The Shar Pei is a muscular and very robust dog. Their fur is short and can vary in shades, although the most frequent colors are grey, light brown and black In addition, the personality of these animals is very calm and affectionate, although they are not very friendly with strangers.
Chow chow
The dog best known for its blue tongue is the chow chow. Its origins can be traced back to China, where it was raised 2,000 years ago. Its head is large and it has a short, slightly flat snout, with small, erect ears.
The eyes are small and rounded. The Chow Chow's coat is usually fluffy, either long or short. Also, it is most abundant in the neck, giving it the appearance of a lion.
In this other article on our site we answer the question Why do chow chows have blue tongues?
German shepherd
The German Shepherd is a dog that is easily recognizable by its appearance, intelligence, loy alty and bravery. Although not the most common, some specimens present black or bluish spots on the tongue.
The reason for this coloration of the tongue is the same as that found in the Chow Chow and Shar Pei breeds: they have a concentration of pigment cells on their tongue. However, you should be on the lookout for color changes on your dog's tongue. If your German Shepherd has a pink pigmentation on the tongue and now you notice some black or bluish spots, go to the vet to rule out any he alth problem
Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a dog originally from Japan. It is characterized by being a very independent and intelligent animal. The length of the coat varies from short to medium, and it is also very dense, which allows it to adapt to cold climates.
The Akita's coat is white with a light brown or reddish patch on the upper part of its body. His nose is black and his tongue can be pink or blue.
Rottweiler
Fierce in appearance, the Rottweiler is a fairly active, attentive and muscular breed of dog; however, do not be fooled, because despite what they may project, these animals are very loving and affectionate with their owners.
This is an ancient race that conquered Europe together with the armies that belonged to the Roman Empire. Its body has triangular ears, medium-sized brown eyes, and medium-length hard black fur with spots of reddish tones. The Rottweiler may exhibit a bluetongue, either in the form of spots or moles
Border collie
The border collie breed is native to Scotland, where it was formerly used for herding. They are very intelligent and energetic animals, so it is recommended that they do physical activity at least once a day.
The most common is that it has an abundant and straight coat, white predominates in the lower part of the body, in addition to different shades of brown in the rest. Like the previous breeds, some collie specimens are among the 9 dog breeds with blue tongue, either they present a blue-purple coloration in the form spots or moles.
Korean Jindo
As its name indicates, this breed comes from Jindo Island, located in Korea It is a very intelligent, independent, territorial animal, protective and affectionate with their loved ones. In addition, it is very loyal and is usually a one-owner dog, that is, it creates a very strong emotional bond with only one person in the family.
As for its appearance, it has soft and dense fur that can be reddish, white, black or gray. Some specimens have the blue or dark tongue.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing-looking dog due to its large size. It is a noble, affectionate and playful dog that enjoys tranquility. He agrees to socialize as a puppy, otherwise he could develop a destructive personality
This breed has a thick, long, fluffy coat. The most common coloration is reddish with some darker areas. Dogs' tongues may be pink or with dark spots.
Pomeranian
The last of the blue-tongued dogs is the Pomeranian, a breed of dog with abundant cream, orange, and brown fur. Its small size reaches around 3, 5 kilos. Some specimens have tongues with dark spots, although this is not very common.
The personality of the Pomeranian is usually strong and protective, they are attentive dogs that distrust strangers; however, they are affectionate towards their human companions.
Other animals with blue tongue
In nature we can find other animals that have blue tones on their tongue. Among the animals with purple tongues, we find:
- Giraffe
- Black bear
- Blue Tongue Lizard
- Blue-tongued Skink
- Okapi
