Purple or Spotted Tongues - DogForum.net

Ivy · 11-04-2010, 09:46 AM

I have heard two theories about purple or spotted tongues.
1st theory:
If a dog has either a purple or spotted tongue it automatically has Chow or Shar Pei in the mix.

2nd theory:
If a dog has either a purple or spotted tongue does not make the dog an automatic Shar Pei or Chow mix. It's a possibility but not set in stone.

Why is it so hard to find concrete information in the internet?

**skunkstripe** · 11-04-2010, 12:11 PM

I think it's because there is a lot of misinformation on the internet.

There are some old saws that people use to ID mystery dogs and most are wrong.

Blue/purple spots on tongue -> dog must have chow or shar-pei
White spot on chest -> dog must be part Border Collie
Large black dog - dog must be part black lab
Blue eyes -> dog must be part Husky

I think a big part of the problem is that it's hard to search for particular facts like that. In other words, someone would need to look at the tongues of a LOT of dogs and also have the information as to what exactly was in their genes. Since no one has done that, we're left with these rules of thumb that aren't very good.

**JGLI** · 11-04-2010, 06:35 PM

From what I understand more there are more than 30 pure breeds that have spotted tongues and tons of mixes. It's simply pigmentation in most cases. Chessie has a black spots and patches on her tongue and I like them!

"However blue-black spots on tongues are actually common in dogs. More than 30 pure breeds are known to have spotted tongues, which are simply deposits of extra pigment, like birthmarks and freckles on people. Dogs often have spots of dark pigment on their skin, too, hiding under their coats. These spots can be large or small, many or few. Most dogs and cats have tongues that are all pink. Mixed breeds sometimes have tongues with spots or speckles.."

http://www.goodhongik.com/component/...potted-tongues

**vagreys** · 11-08-2010, 09:16 PM

My older Greyhound has a large, purple square on his tongue. Since I know his lineage back into the 19th century, I'm reasonably sure he has neither Chow nor Shar Pei in his line.

11-04-2010, 09:46 AM	#1
Ivy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,193 Rep: 17 Unique Rep: 5	Purple or Spotted Tongues I have heard two theories about purple or spotted tongues. 1st theory: If a dog has either a purple or spotted tongue it automatically has Chow or Shar Pei in the mix. 2nd theory: If a dog has either a purple or spotted tongue does not make the dog an automatic Shar Pei or Chow mix. It's a possibility but not set in stone. Why is it so hard to find concrete information in the internet?

11-04-2010, 12:11 PM	#2
skunkstripe All American Dog Lover Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England USA Posts: 20,995 Blog Entries: 15 Rep: 359 Unique Rep: 142	I think it's because there is a lot of misinformation on the internet. There are some old saws that people use to ID mystery dogs and most are wrong. Blue/purple spots on tongue -> dog must have chow or shar-pei White spot on chest -> dog must be part Border Collie Large black dog - dog must be part black lab Blue eyes -> dog must be part Husky I think a big part of the problem is that it's hard to search for particular facts like that. In other words, someone would need to look at the tongues of a LOT of dogs and also have the information as to what exactly was in their genes. Since no one has done that, we're left with these rules of thumb that aren't very good. __________________ Help us Help you! Read and understand the Terms of Service, report offensive posts and Forum Reputation. Helpful Tips - in our FAQ Section and Newbie Guide. Connect with DogForum.org members - Add yourself to the dogforum.net member map.chat with us! Things to do - Start a blog. Be sure to visit the DogForum.net photo gallery Let's see YOU! Use your computer to benefit mankind - join the DogForum.org Folding Team. Thanks Fede for the sigpic! I've been fleeced by Draco!

11-04-2010, 06:35 PM	#3
JGLI Forum Director Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,153 Rep: 88 Unique Rep: 46	From what I understand more there are more than 30 pure breeds that have spotted tongues and tons of mixes. It's simply pigmentation in most cases. Chessie has a black spots and patches on her tongue and I like them! "However blue-black spots on tongues are actually common in dogs. More than 30 pure breeds are known to have spotted tongues, which are simply deposits of extra pigment, like birthmarks and freckles on people. Dogs often have spots of dark pigment on their skin, too, hiding under their coats. These spots can be large or small, many or few. Most dogs and cats have tongues that are all pink. Mixed breeds sometimes have tongues with spots or speckles.." http://www.goodhongik.com/component/...potted-tongues __________________ Help us Help you! Read and understand the Terms of Service, report offensive posts and Forum Reputation. Helpful Tips - in our FAQ Section and Newbie Guide. Connect with DogForum.org members - Add yourself to the dogforum.net member map.chat with us! Things to do - Start a blog. Be sure to visit the DogForum.net photo gallery Let's see YOU! Use your computer to benefit mankind - join the DogForum.org Folding Team.

11-08-2010, 09:16 PM	#4
vagreys Adopt a Retired Racer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Chesterfield VA USA Posts: 3,521 Rep: 187 Unique Rep: 70	My older Greyhound has a large, purple square on his tongue. Since I know his lineage back into the 19th century, I'm reasonably sure he has neither Chow nor Shar Pei in his line. __________________ Help us Help you! Read and understand the Terms of Service, report offensive posts and Forum Reputation. Helpful Tips - in our FAQ Section and Newbie Guide. Connect with DogForum.org members - Add yourself to the dogforum.net member map.chat with us! Things to do - Start a blog. Be sure to visit the DogForum.net photo gallery Let's see YOU! Use your computer to benefit mankind - join the DogForum.org Folding Team.

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Purple or Spotted Tongues

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