We have a 8 week old golden retriever and the bottom of his tongue is black and he has a few spots on the top. Is this bad?
2007-01-28 06:12:04 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
There is a myth that chows are the only breeds with black tongues, and
that if the tongue has black spots it must have chow heritage. This is not
true. Everyone in chows knows the standard comment--if the dog has a black
tongue, then it is a chow. We also hear the comment that if it has
pink spots, then it is a mix. If only it were this simple! Black spots on
the tongue in no way indicate whether the dog is a chow or a chow mix
unless that tongue is attached to a dog that looks like a chow. There are
many, many breeds that can have black pigment on the tongue. Some can have
large spots of black pigment, and sometimes they may have almost solid black
pigmentation on their tongues. So, if a black pigmented tongue is attached
to a dog that does not look like a chow, then it is probably not a
chow. Also true is that not all purebred chows will have solid pigment on
their tongues. Even the best of show breedings can produce chows with
incomplete pigment, so we certainly should not discount a rescued chow with
a spot or two of pink. The following is a list of breeds known to have purebred
individuals appear with black pigmentation on their tongues.
The list compiled by Vicki DeGruy of the Chow Club Welfare Committee.
Shar-Pei, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Siberian Husky
Rottweiler, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Newfoundland, Collie, German Shepherd
Akita, Belgian Sheepdog, Tervuren, Malinois, Fila Brasileiro, Cairn Terrier
Great Pyrenees, Keeshond, Airedale, Doberman Pinscher, Bouvier de Flandres
Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Pug, Shiba Inu, Dalmatian
Flat-coated Retriever, Gordon Setters
2007-01-28 08:07:38 · answer #1 · answered by Adrianne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is completely normal for a dog to have a partially black tongue. There are a few breeds in which this is more common- the chow-chow being the most popular- but it is nothing to be alarmed at. If you would like to just check, you could always just call your veterinarian, but I would not be worried. Hope this helps! :-)
2007-01-28 14:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by knowledgeispower42 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a purebred dog's tongue is usually black a mixed breed will have black spots or a purely pink tongue
2007-01-28 14:35:51 · answer #3 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your retirever must be mixed with either Chow or Sharpei. You can look online yourself and see which breeds have the black tongue.
2007-01-28 15:10:24 · answer #4 · answered by Debbie C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs and cats have tongues that are all pink. (Shar-peis and Chow Chows have black tongues, while mixed breeds sometimes have tongues with spots or speckles.)
2007-01-28 14:16:57 · answer #5 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no its normal a lot of dogs have black on there tounge goldens, sheperds and chow chows are the most common.
2007-01-28 14:20:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This happens to some dogs. Its just a birth mark. My collie/Husky mix has one.
2007-01-28 18:31:35 · answer #7 · answered by Natalie Rose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has Chop mixed somewhere in his bloodline.
2007-01-28 16:37:03 · answer #8 · answered by tinker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For definite answers to this, check with your vet.
2007-01-28 14:16:10 · answer #9 · answered by Juanitamarie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was at one time the only way to tell if it was purebreed,certain breeds are more apt to have it
2007-01-28 14:21:02 · answer #10 · answered by Larry m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋