The reason chow-chow has a blue tongue is in its genetics. Its mucous membranes and tongue have cells that other breeds generally do not have or have small concentrations. When we think of the breeds of dogs of the East, we think of japanese and Chinese breeds such as shiba inu, akita inu and chow-chow. Thus, we can say that the chow-chow is the most popular Chinese dog among others. However, few people know the details of this beautiful dog, for example, its very reserved character. When we talk about this peaceful animal, the particular color of language is almost always mentioned, however, how many know what it represents? In this Animal Expert article we will talk about the blue language of chow-chow, the scientific explanation and the myths that surround it.
The language of Chow-Chow is blue, purple or purple, due to the presence of pigment cells, that is, cells that contain elements called pigments, and provide such an exotic color. Genetically, these dogs have a higher concentration of these cells, so they have a different coloration to other breeds. In addition to being located in the tongue, these cells are mainly found in mucous membranes. Therefore, this Chinese breed is the only one with lips, gums and palate, characterized by a dark blue tone, almost entirely.
- There is a curious fact about this particularity.
- Because it does not appear only in some dogs.
- Such as the chow-chow.
- Pigmentation is also present in the lining of other animals such as giraffes.
- The Jersey cattle breed and some bear families.
- Such as polar bears.
- Some studies have concluded that chow-chow originated in Hemicyon.
- A species of mammal found among the families of dogs and bears already extinct and lived in the Miocene period.
- However.
- No definitive scientific evidence has yet been found to support this suspicion.
- So this is just a hypothesis.
- However.
- The chow-chow has 44 teeth.
- As do bears.
- A possible coincidence that would confirm these suspicions.
- Since a common dog has only 42 teeth.
Another curious fact that we have already mentioned is that the chow-chow is not the only dog whose lips and palate are characterized by their dark blue color. In fact, there are many breeds of dogs and other cross mammals that have spots of this color, however, their mucous membranes are not completely dark. It is important to note that chow-chow is not necessarily born with a completely purple tongue, but from 2 to 3 months, one begins to show color. Therefore, if your four-legged friend does not yet have the blue tongue, it may be the result of a non-pure crossover, and between his parents (or even another ancestor) there is a dog of another race, or simply in his genetic lineage, this gene has remained a recessive gene and not as a dominant gene. If you wish to present your pet to a competition, the CFI does not accept dogs without blue/violet or dark blue tongue.
Another breed of dog characterized by the blue tongue is the shar pei. Therefore, it is important to note that another dog may have pigmented spots or blue, purple or dark blue spots on the tongue. This is not to say that it descends from a chow-chow or another Chinese dog, since more than 30 breeds of dogs have spots on the tongue.
Did you know that there are legends that explain why the chow-chow dog has the blue tongue? As a dog originally dedicated to guarding and protecting Buddhist temples, legend has it that on a very cold day, a monk became seriously ill and could not go out to fetch firewood to light the fire. Then the dog in the same temple went into the forest to collect firewood and found only charred pieces. He took them to the monk’s house. When he touched the charred wood with his mouth, his tongue turned blue due to contact with coal.
The second legend says that the language of chow chow is blue (or violet) because one day a dog of this breed followed Buddha when he painted the blue sky. While the paint on the brush left traces, the dog licked all the dropped drops. From this day, the breed is recognized as the blue tongue dog.
Of course, when you think of chow-chow, the first characteristic you imagine is its blue or purple tongue. However, it should not be a dog recognized only by this physical attribute, as it is usually a very special animal.
With the appearance of a miniature lion, the chow-chow is a quiet and peaceful animal that has the ability to be an excellent watchdog. Originally, this breed protected Asian temples in countries such as China and Tibet. Then we can say that your guardian instinct is in the DNA. In addition, it has already been designated as a hunting dog and shepherd, facts that explain its character and temperament.
A curious fact is that in some Western cultures it is called Fu Lions, also known as Buddha Lions or Chinese Lions, Fu Dogs or Dogs of Fo (Foo Dogs), due to confusion that connects guardian lions with these dogs.origin, due to its physical appearance and origin as a watchdog.
Its voluminous fur and adorable expression have made this dog one of the most popular in the world. However, it should be emphasized that it is essential to take proper care of it in order to keep it in a perfect condition. Therefore, we recommend going to the canine hairdresser once a month or every month and a half.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Curiosities section of the animal world.