Despite their stubborn and aloof temperament, people love the Chow Chow. These fluffy bear-like dogs seem to win a lot of hearts. But there are many more fascinating things about them. The most intriguing is Chow Chow’s tongue.
Chow Chow dogs have a distinct blue-colored tongue. It is an identifying characteristic for this breed.
Have you been wondering why Chow Chows have a blue-colored tongue? Here is your answer with all the details.
Why do Chow Chows have blue tongues?
Chow Chow dogs have bluish-black tongue due to pigmented cells underneath their tongue. It is also interesting to note that Chow Chow’s tongue is not black, blue, or dark from birth. Chow Chow puppies have pink or reddish tongues like any other dog.
As and when they grow, the tongue starts to develop color. First, there will be blue spots that will turn into dark patches, and finally, the tongue will turn completely dark/blue or black. The changes take place over a few weeks. When the puppy is about 8-10 weeks old, the tongue turns completely black or darkish blue.
Myths about Chow Chow’s blue tongue
There is a myth around the blue Chow Chow dog. It is believed that when the world was created, a little piece of the blue sky fell to the earth. Chow Chows licked up these pieces and hence their tongue turned blue.
Do all Chow Chows have blue tongues?
There are Chow Chow dogs that do not have full bluish-black tongues. They may have little spots or sprinkles of pink on the tongue. Old Chows and Chows with the faded coat shades of cinnamon and blue may lose tongue color as they age. You might notice pink spots on the tongue of these dogs.
NOTE: Chow Chows that do not have a completely blue tongue are not eligible for entering into any dog competition.
Are all dogs with blue tongues Chow?
Many other purebred dogs also have blue spots or patches on their tongues, but that doesn’t mean they are a chow mix. They simply have spots or freckles on their tongue, which is completely normal.
Other breeds of dogs with blue tongue
Shar-pei
Miniature Shar-Pei
Eurasier
Thai Ridgeback
Phu Quoc Ridgeback
Besides dogs, a lot of animals, like the Giraffe and Polar bear, have black tongues.
What are the other fascinating things about Chow Chow’s appearance?
Other fascinating things about the Chow Chow include their coat colors. They come in so many colors, including blue, red, fawn, cinnamon, grey, black, white and more.
Chow Chow’s thick coat creates a mane around its face that makes it look like a lion. Sometimes they even look like miniature bears. Their coat saves them from winters and harsh climatic conditions and makes them look huggable.