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Each and every dog breed is quite distinctive in some way, especially dog breeds that have blue tongues. Yes, you read that correctly! There are certain dog breeds that are born with blue tongues!
The shade of blue can vary from almost black to purple, and the tongue may completely be blue or have spots of blue. Either way, a blue tongue is something of a curiosity!
We’ve put together a list of dog breeds with blue tongues and why these dogs’ tongues are blue. Let’s get started!
Why Do Some Dog Breeds Have Blue Tongues?
If you’ve been a pet parent for any length of time, you know that a pink tongue is the most common in dogs. While there are dog breeds that have naturally blue tongues, there are health conditions that can cause a blue tongue in a dog. So, if your dog isn’t from a dog breed that has naturally blue tongues, be sure to contact the vet. Your canine companion needs to be checked out to see what’s causing his blue tongue.
Over the centuries, people have come up with myths and causes of blue tongues in dogs. These are usually pretty creative; however, researchers know blue tongues in certain dog breeds are a genetic mutation. The mutation causes a larger amount of melanin (pigmentation) in the tongue, making it a blue or purple color.
Dog Breeds with Blue Tongues
Here’s our list of dog breeds that have blue tongues! The tongues of a couple of these dog breeds are completely blue, while others have spots of blue on their tongues. Each of the dog breeds on this list is unique and beautiful!
1. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a beautiful dog that also resembles a lion. The dogs have a large, thick mane around their faces giving them that leonine look! Chows are also famous for their blue tongues. The dog breed comes from China and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating back to some 2,000 years ago.
Chow Chows have a double coat that fluffs out quite a bit, making the dogs look larger than they really area. Chows have a blockish, large head, and their coat colors usually vary from red to gold. However, it’s also possible to see Chows with cream or dark fur. The dogs also have a fluffy tail that curls over their backs.
Along with their beautiful fur and blue tongues, Chows are also known for their independent spirit and proud bearing. Some pet parents have said their Chows were more like cats in some ways!
2. Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is another dog breed that originated in China. Like the Chow, the Shar Pei also has a blue tongue. Their tongues may vary in shade from blue-black to almost lavender-purple. These dogs have wrinkled skin that’s covered with thick fur. Like the Chow, the Shar Pei also has a large head with a wide muzzle. The dogs also have muscular, athletic bodies.
Shar Peis are calm, loving dogs that are wary of strangers. They do make great watchdogs! We’re pretty sure this is one dog an intruder won’t want to mess with!
3. Akita
The Akita originally comes from Japan, where the dogs were bred to guard royalty and the nobility. The dogs were also used to track and hunt black bear, deer, and wild boar. The Akita is a large, courageous, loyal dog. They’re very bold and have a strong appearance. The dogs have large heads, with small eyes and a very confident stance. This is a dog that presents a formidable deterrent.
The breed is deeply loyal to their pet parents and families, yet they can also be loving and sweet, too. This is a loving, loyal guardian who follows you all through the house! The dogs do have a stubborn streak and will not back down from a challenge. However, they don’t bark too much unless there’s good reason to do so.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a native of Scotland, where they were bred to herd cattle. The dogs are energetic and highly intelligent. And they need plenty of exercise every day. The dogs have a thick coat that has straight hairs, with white markings on the lower part of the body. The upper part of the dog’s body is brown or black.
Collies are another dog breed that has a naturally blue tongue. This dog breed can have an entirely blue tongue or black-blue spots across the tongue.
5. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a very large dog that originally comes from Tibet. The dogs have a noble appearance, with a long coat and a full tail. This is a dog that gets attention when you’re out for a walk with him! People may ask who is walking who!
These large, loving dogs work hard and are very protective. They’re also very loyal and make wonderful guard dogs. The dogs are also known for having pink tongues; however, some of these dogs have bluish-black spots on their tongues.
6. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a dog that most people recognize quickly! The dogs are highly intelligent, loyal, and brave. And some of them have blue or black spots on their tongues! This is rare, but the blue-black spots can show up in some purebred German Shepherds.
The German Shepherd is also known for being a hard-working dog breed. They can do many jobs, including leading the blind, sniffing out illegal substances, search & rescue work, and more. They’re also used for visiting the sick. This is a hard-working dog breed that can be loving, loyal, and protective.
7. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is another distinctive dog on our list of dogs with blue tongues. These dogs are easily recognized by their size, coloring, and their fierce appearance. While they have a reputation for being aggressive, they are loving, loyal dogs with their families.
Many people don’t realize that Rottweilers can also have a blue tongue or patches of blue on their tongues!
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Ask a Vet Live NowSumming It Up
So, there you have it! Some dog breeds naturally have blue tongues or blue-black spots on their tongues. That’s amazing! However, we did come up with another idea of what can cause blue tongues in dogs.
If you happen to have a pair of blue suede shoes, and one day you come home to a dog with a blue tongue (when he normally has a pink one), we highly suggest checking to see if your shoes are still in one piece!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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