What Does a Black Tongue Mean on a Dog? Causes, Myths & Breed Facts Explained

Dark spots on a dog’s tongue often hide fascinating genetics and vital health clues.

By Anjali Sayee

Created on Aug 28, 2025

Dark spots on a dog’s tongue often hide fascinating genetics and vital health clues.

What Does a Black Tongue Mean on a Dog?

Many dogs have black spots or even entirely black tongues. While it may look unusual or even worrisome at first glance, for most dogs, pigmentation like this is perfectly normal. The darker coloration typically comes from extra melanin in cells, similar to how some people have freckles or birthmarks. Not only is this common, but it can be a distinct and even beautiful trait among certain breeds .

Why Do Some Dogs Have Black Tongues?

The color of a dog’s tongue is determined by the amount of melanin, a natural pigment, present in the tissue. A black, blue, purple, or spotted tongue is usually the result of this increased melanin. This is a benign, cosmetic difference, similar to why some dogs or humans have different skin or eye colors.

Melanin is the same pigment that colors hair and skin.
Extra pigment in part or all of the tongue leads to black spots or an entirely black/blue tongue.
Some dogs may also have white patches where melanin is absent, a condition known as vitiligo .

Itâs important to note that most dogs with dark tongues are healthy, and these color changes are not related to dental health issues or poor hygiene.

Dog Tongue Colors and Their Meanings

Just as much as black tongue spots can be normal, a dog’s tongue color overall can offer clues to their health. Hereâs what various tongue colors might indicate:

Tongue Color	Possible Meaning	Common Breeds
Pink	Normal, healthy	Most breeds
Black/Spotted	Increased melanin; usually benign	Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, Akita, others
Blue/Purple	Normal for some breeds; dangerous in others	Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, Thai Ridgeback, Eurasier
Pale/White	Possible anemia or shock	Any breed (requires vet care)
Bright Red	Possible heatstroke, inflammation	Any breed (requires monitoring)
Yellow	Liver problem (jaundice)	Any breed (requires vet care)

If your dog has always had a black or spotted tongue, especially if it matches their breed characteristics, itâs likely normal. If you observe any sudden color change, pale, blue, or yellow tongues, prompt veterinary evaluation is important.

Dog Tongue Pigmentation: Normal vs. Abnormal

Normal Pigmentation: Black, blue, or spotted tongues present since puppyhood or breed standard (e.g., Chow Chow, Shar-Pei).
Abnormal Pigmentation: Sudden appearance of spots, extensive color change, or color associated with illness (weakness, labored breathing) should prompt a checkup.

What Causes Black Spots or Pigmentation?

The main reason for black spots is hereditary melanin production. Just as humans can have freckles or moles, dogs can have spots on their tongues, lips, and gums. For many breeds and mixes, this is a simple quirk of genetics with no health implications .

When Black Tongue Could Signal a Health Issue

While most pigmentation is harmless, change to a black, blue, or purple color in a dog that normally has a pink tongue can be a sign of a serious health issue, such as:

Lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
Internal bleeding or clotting disorder
Exposure to certain toxins
Severe dental or oral infection

In any case where your dog appears unwell or their tongue color changes rapidly, consult a veterinarian immediately .

4 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Have a Black or Blue Tongue

Many breeds can have occasional black or blue spots on the tongue, but there are a few where an entirely blue-black tongue is actually part of the breed standard. The most famous are:

Chow Chow: Perhaps the best-known, these iconic dogs are required to have a blue-black tongue to be considered purebred .
Chinese Shar-Pei: Like the Chow, Shar-Peis are expected to have a dark-colored tongue .
Thai Ridgeback: This rare breed also often has a darker tongue .
Eurasier: Developed by crossing the Chow Chow with other breeds, the Eurasier often carries the distinctive tongue pigmentation .

Other breeds that may have spots or partial pigmentation include the Akita, Labrador Retriever, Mastiff, Newfoundland, and mixes of these breeds .

Spotlight: The Chow Chowâs Blue-Black Tongue

The Chow Chow stands out for more than just its plush coat and lion-like appearance. The breedâs striking blue-black tongue is a defining trait. Puppies begin life with a pink tongue that gradually turns dark as they grow. While other dogs can have birthmarks or freckles on their tongue, a true blue-black tongue is unique to just a few breeds.

Common Myths Surrounding Black Dog Tongues

Myth: Only Chow Chows and Shar-Peis have black or spotted tongues.

Truth: Mixed-breed dogs and many others can develop spots due to extra melanin .
Myth: Black tongue spots mean your dog is part Chow Chow.

Truth: While Chow Chows require a blue-black tongue, many other breeds or mixes show pigment spots, even without any Chow ancestry .
Myth: A black tongue is a sign of poor dental health or hygiene.

Truth: There is no connection between tongue color and oral health .

How To Check Your Dogâs Tongue Color

If you want to keep an eye on your dogâs overall health, your dogâs tongue color can provide clues. Hereâs how to check:

Look when your dog is panting; this often reveals the tongue fully.
If needed, gently lift your dogâs lips and check in a well-lit area for accurate color.
Compare your dogâs gums with the tongueâthe tissue should use similar pigmentation unless thereâs a health concern.

If youâre ever unsure whether your dogâs tongue color is normal, compare with previous photos or regular behavior. Contact a veterinarian for guidance if you notice sudden or significant changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it normal for a dog to have a black or spotted tongue?

A: Yes, it is common and usually harmless for many breeds. Pigmentation resulting in black or spotted tongues is similar to birthmarks or freckles in people .

Q: Does a black tongue mean my dog is part Chow Chow?

A: Not necessarily. Numerous breeds and mixed breeds develop black or blue spots on their tongues due to melanin, regardless of whether they have Chow ancestry .

Q: Should I worry if my dogâs tongue changes color?

A: If your dogâs tongue has always been dark or spotted and your dog is healthy, itâs likely fine. If you notice a sudden change in tongue color, or if your dog seems unwell, consult your veterinarian promptly .

Q: What breeds have naturally black or blue tongues?

A: Chow Chows, Shar-Peis, Thai Ridgebacks, and Eurasiers are the main breeds with this trait. Many other breeds can have pigment spots .

Q: Can tongue color help diagnose illness?

A: In some cases, yes. Pale, blue, yellow, or dramatically discolored tongues may indicate circulatory, respiratory, or liver problems. These changes should always be evaluated by a professional .

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Sudden or dramatic change in tongue color
Tongue color is pale, blue, or yellow in a breed that usually has a pink tongue
Other symptoms present (lethargy, shortness of breath, vomiting, collapse)
Open sores, significant swelling, or foul odor in the mouth

When in doubt, a veterinarian can provide peace of mind and rule out any underlying health concern.

Summary: Black Tongues Are a Beauty Mark, Not a Flaw

In most cases, a black, blue, or spotted tongue is nothing to worry about. For breeds like the Chow Chow and Shar-Pei, itâs a hallmark of their heritage. For others, itâs a genetic quirk with no impact on health. As always, keep an eye on sudden changes and consult with your vet if you ever have concerns.

References

Author

Anjali Sayee

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee