“Help! I found a black spot on my Lab’s tongue — does that mean he’s part Chow?” Show
Contrary to popular myth, black spots on your dog’s tongue does not mean he’s part Chow. While it is true that one of the most well known physical traits of a Chow is his blueish black tongue, it’s not a trait that’s unique to the breed. Labs, Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are also known to have spots on their tongues. In fact, over 30 breeds are prone to spotted tongues. Over 35 Breeds Are Prone To Spots On Their TonguesIn addition to the Chow and Shar Pei there are over 35 other breeds that are known to develop dark spots on their tongues. And regardless of breed some dogs develop extra pigmentation on various parts of the body throughout their life, including the tongue. So why do dogs have spotted tongues? Dogs have dark spots on their tongue due to extra pigmentation, just like freckles or birthmarks on humans. Dogs can also have dark pigmentation on their skin that look like freckles. My dog Laika has spots on her tongue and numerous dime sized “freckles” on her chest, but her DNA test didn’t show any Chow. Dark spots on your dog’s tongue or skin does not mean they’re part Chow. Having some Chow in any mixed breed dog is a possibility since they’re one of the oldest breeds known to man, but there’s also 38 other breeds known for having spotted tongues. Dark spots on the tongue are common among a wide variety of dog breeds. If you were hoping to narrow down your dogs genetic make up based on their tongue alone you’re not going to get very far. You can narrow down the field slightly, but you’re still looking at many combinations when you consider 38 breeds are prone to developing spots on their tongue. If you’re truly curious about looking into your mixed breeds ancestry you could consider getting a dog DNA test done. (I had one done on Laika and they seem to be spot on) Tongue spots on your dog are unique – just like birthmarks on people. If you look close enough you might also find some dark spots on their skin under all that fur. Photos via Chatterstone /Flashnerd /Madjag Breeds That Are Prone to Spotted TonguesThe spots on your dogs tongue come down to genetics. Many of these breeds are part of the Spitz family, and quite a few of them have Spaniel or Pointer ancestors. A lot of these dogs are known to have come from Germany and the United Kingdom. So while there are some definite similarities in some of these breeds no one’s been able to determine exactly why these breeds have tongue spots while others do not. The next time you hear someone say that dogs with spotted tongues are part Chow you can tell them that those spots aren’t exclusive to Chows. There’s more than 35 breeds prone to developing dark spots on their tongue. Here’s a list of the 38 dog breeds known to have spotted tongues:
When Spots on Your Dogs Tongue Aren’t Just ColorFlat spots of pigmentation are just like a birthmark on you; a unique physical trait. However, if your dog develops any suspicious new spots on their tongue or skin be sure to get them checked out by your veterinarian. Canine melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma can appear as spots on your dogs skin, and oral cancers can present themselves as pigmented fleshy masses inside your dogs mouth. Have your dog checked by a veterinarian if you see any unusual changes in his or her mouth. Routine dental care such as brushing your dogs teeth and oral examinations are both great measures to help aid in the early diagnosis or oral cancers. Here’s Laika’s spotted tongue, and as expected her DNA showed a lot of Dingo German Shepherd, not any Chow. Check out the Rest of Our “Why Do Dogs” Series:
Even though all dogs likely descended from a single type of canine ancestor, they have an awe-inspiring range of appearances. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 193 distinct breeds in its ranks – and that doesn’t even account for the huge number of newer cross-breeds, mixes, and mutts. With all that variety, unique features emerge in certain breeds and mixes: the Shiba Inu’s perpetually-curly tail, the Dalmatian’s iconic spots, and the Basset Hound’s droopy ears, to name a few. These breed-specific traits are well-known and anticipated by pet parents, but other less predictable attributes can cause concern. The pink tongue of a happy dog is a familiar sight to anyone that’s spent time around canines, but a tongue with dark splotches can, to the untrained eye, look like a health issue. While the Chow Chow and Shar-Pei are the only two breeds that sport completely blue-black tongues, there are dozens more that seem to manifest spotty evidence of the same color without rhyme or reason. This article will focus on black spots on the tongue of a dog, including what they mean, when they’re normal, and when to be concerned. Black Spots On A Dog’s Tongue: What Does It Mean?In the vast majority of instances, a dog’s spotted tongue is no more a cause for concern than a human child being born with a birthmark. Because These spots are easy to see because of the contrast they provide against a pink tongue, and tend to be irregular and asymmetrical if several spots appear. There’s no hard and fast rule for when the spots first become visible, but they are more common in puppyhood and young adulthood rather than later in a dog’s life. There is a strong correlation between the Finnish Spitz, Pointer, and Spaniel families of dog breeds and the appearance of tongue spots, though more than 40 breeds overall have been recorded as having spots on their tongue. Dog Tongue Spots: Myths & MisinformationFor centuries, there is a lot of fact – and fiction – surrounding spots on a dog’s tongue regarding their significance, why they’re there, and even if they indicate a dog’s lineage. Below, some common misconceptions and facts about black spots on your dog’s tongue:
In short, tongue spots have no bearing at all on a dog’s health, happiness, abilities, attitude, or lineage: they’re simply dots of color on his tongue! Did You Know: Interesting Facts About Dog Tongue Spots
There Are Black Spots On My Dog’s Tongue: Is It Dangerous?While there are a number of discolorations that signal a health issue, regular tongue spots aren’t a cause for concern on the part of pet parents. They don’t cause a dog any discomfort or pain, they aren’t contagious, and they’re with him from puppyhood on: he’s very used to them. That doesn’t mean, however, that every dark spot in a dog’s mouth should be ignored. As with many canine health concerns, determining if a problem exists comes down to time. A sudden appearance or change in a tongue spot, how dark that spot is, and especially the texture of the spot’s surface should always factor into consideration. If a spot is new, dark, spreading, or has a raised/broken surface, a vet should be consulted, as a biopsy of the spot may need to be taken. Likewise, if a dog is chewing oddly or avoiding his food due to what appears to be mouth pain, it’s a good idea to consult a vet for diagnosis and treatment. Preventative Care: Keeping An Eye Out For Canine Tongue SpotsMost pet parents don’t get to see their dog’s tongue unless he’s drinking water or enthusiastically greeting them when they get home. Watching tongue spots for the potential trouble signs mentioned above means spending quality time with some doggie dental care. While experts recommend that owners brush their dog’s teeth every day, even managing to do so once or twice a week will help you spot any changes or growth in tongue spots. If you need tips on how to brush your dog’s teeth, talk to your vet for further instructions. Follow these helpful oral care tips for your pooch:
Tongue spots are simply another part of a dog to love – a unique expression of his heritage, breed, and background, and for the superstitious pet owner, a lucky charm. Now that the tongue spot myths have been dispelled, it’s easier than ever to appreciate a few extra points of “bonus” color on a dog that’s already perfectly lovable! Sources Cited: 1) Simons, Paula. “What is the Black Spot on my Dog’s Tongue?” K9 Of Mine.com, May 16, 2019, https://www.k9ofmine.com/what-is-black-spot-on-dogs-tongue/. Accessed February 3, 2020. 2) Burke, Anna. “What Are Those Black Spots on a Dog’s Tongue, Anyway?” American Kennel Club (AKC.org), April 26, 2015, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/black-spots-on-a-dogs-tongue/. Accessed February 3, 2020. 3) “The Truth About Those Black Tongues.” Homeward Bound Animal Rescue (homewardbound2u.rescuegroups.org), (no publish date), https://homewardbound2u.rescuegroups.org/info/display?PageID=6944. Accessed February 3, 2020. 4) Mattinson, Pippa. “Black Spot On Dog’s Tongue – Tongue Spots in Labs and Other Dogs.” thelabradorsite.com, April 30, 2019, https://www.thelabradorsite.com/black-spot-on-dogs-tongue/. Accessed February 3, 2020. |