What Dogs Have Purple Tongues

Have you ever come across a dog with a purple tongue? If you have, you may have been left wondering why some dogs have tongues of different colors. You may even have wondered if the color of a dog’s tongue is an indication of their health or breed. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of canine tongues and answer the question – what dogs have purple tongues?

The Origins of Canine Tongues

Before we dive into the specifics of which dogs have purple tongues, let’s take a closer look at the origins of canine tongues. A dog’s tongue is a versatile and essential tool that helps them navigate their environment and communicate with humans and other animals.

The tongue is made up of several parts, including the papillae, which are tiny bumps on the surface that give the tongue its rough texture. The papillae also contain taste buds that allow dogs to distinguish between different flavors.

Another important part of the tongue is the frenulum, which is a small membrane that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This allows for greater flexibility when licking or grasping objects.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Purple Tongues?

Now, onto our main question – what dogs have purple tongues? The answer is quite simple – only one breed of dog has a truly purple tongue, and that breed is the Chow Chow.

Chow Chows are a unique breed known for their thick fur coats and distinctive blue-black tongues. While some people describe their tongues as “purple,” they are actually more accurately described as dark blue or black.

So why do Chow Chows have such unique tongues? The truth is, no one knows for sure. There are many theories about why these dogs have such distinctive tongues, but none have been proven conclusively.

One theory suggests that the dark pigment in Chow Chow’s tongues may be an evolutionary adaptation to protect against sun damage or disease. Another theory posits that it may be a genetic trait that was selected for by breeders.

Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that Chow Chows are the only dogs with truly purple tongues. Of course, there are other breeds of dogs with blue or black tongues, but none have the distinctive purple hue of the Chow Chow.

What About Other Tongue Colors?

While we’ve established that only Chow Chows have truly purple tongues, what about other colors? Are there any indications that a dog’s tongue color is an indication of their health or breed?

The answer is no – a dog’s tongue color has no bearing on their health or breed. While some breeds may be more likely to have certain colors of tongues (such as blue or black), this is not a reliable way to identify a dog’s breed.

In fact, a dog’s tongue color can vary depending on many factors, including their age, diet, and overall health. Some dogs may even have patches of different colors on their tongues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it’s true that only one breed of dog has a truly purple tongue (the Chow Chow), this unique characteristic has no bearing on their health or breed. A dog’s tongue color can vary widely and is not a reliable way to identify their breed.

So the next time you come across a Chow Chow with a dark blue or black tongue, you can appreciate their unique feature without worrying about what it might mean for their health. And who knows, maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to see one with a truly purple tongue!