Legends about the Chow Chow
There are several legends about how the Chow Chow got its tongue colored blue. The first is related to the dog’s close ties to the Buddhist community in Asia. On a very cold day, a long time ago, a Buddhist monk became very ill. He was so ill that he was incapacitated and could not go out to get firewood to warm himself. The Chow Chows went out into the cold in search of firewood for the monk, but unfortunately all they could find were charred logs. When they were brought back to their mouths, the charring caused their tongues to turn this bluish-black color.
The second legend about the Chow Chow’s blue tongue refers to the Buddha himself, Siddhartha Gautama. While Buddha was painting the sky with his distinctive blue color, he left his brushes on the ground. The curious Chow Chow walked over to the brushes and gave them a lick. In this way it became the permanent color of the dog’s tongue.
Another of the stories that go around the world about the Chow Chow has to do with Queen Victoria herself of England. The queen as a child had a Chow Chow as her pet. She made him accompany her everywhere, but some of her caregivers thought it unwise for a girl to have a dog of that size. In her place, they created a version of a soft toy that she could take with her anywhere (what we now know as Pomeranian).
There are more stories about Chow Chows that are generally linked to their famous owners. Historic names who were known to own the Chow Chow include footballer Mario Balotelli, singer Janet Jackson, cultural icon Elvis Presley, and former US President Calvin Coolidge. Even Sigmund Freud himself had one, which he is said to have used as a therapy dog. Not simply as a way to help the patient relax, but some also claim that he used it to get diagnoses.
The Thai Ridgeback is very rarely seen outside Thailand, according to the Vet Street, though they are easily recognizable for the ridge of hair on their back. Their other distinctive feature: their tongues, which are either spotted or a solid blue-black color, similar to the Chow Chow and Shar-Pei.
The Chow Chows blue-black tongue makes it unique in the dog world, but it actually shares this characteristic with one other dog breed: the Chinese Shar-Pei. Like the Chow Chow, the Shar-Pei’s breed standard requires bluish-black pigmentation in the mouth and tongue, and according to the American Kennel Club, the two breeds likely share distant ancestors.
Just like with Chow Chows, Chinese Shar-Peis, and a few other breeds, solid blue-black tongues are caused by the same thing as spotted tongues: heavy pigmentation, according to the American Kennel Club. Pigmented spots on your dog’s tongue are usually nothing to worry about. These darker spots are likely the result of microscopic melanin granules, which present themselves as flat, pigmented areas found on your dog’s tongue, just like a human may have freckles or birthmarks. Many breeds have been known to display spotted tongues, but there are six dog breeds known for their black tongues, making them extra unique.
Though the dignified Chow Chow is probably best known for the mane-like ruff of fur around its head and shoulders, this breed (which is one of the worlds oldest breeds) is also easily recognized for its blue-black tongue. No documentation exists for the Chow Chows distinctive tongue color, but according to the American Kennel Club, the blue-black tongue is still used as a requirement for identifying purebreds.
According to Vet Street, the Eurasier is a cross between a Wolf Spitz, a Chow Chow, and a Samoyed, resulting in a mid-sized dog with a wedge-shaped head, triangular ears, and thick double coat. Due to its Chow Chow forebears, the Eurasier also inherited a blue-black tongue.
Key specifications of Chow Chow Dog Breed
Weight
– A healthy Chow Chow weighs between 20-32 kg.
Height
– An adult Chow should stand anywhere between 17-20 inches tall.
Lifespan
– A Chow Chow’s average lifespan is 8-12 years.
Coat
– Chow Chows have a short double coat.
Chow Chows can be easily identified simply based on their appearance. No other dog breed has such a thickly furry neck and face. Its face is broad and atop its head sit triangular ears. Its face and the expressions they give are bear-like. What sets this dog breed apart is their blue tongue. Yes, their tongue is blue. These dogs are born with pink tongues but they turn blue when Chow Chows become 8–10 weeks old. A Chow Chow’s coat mainly comes in five common colours –
A Chow Chow’s coat displays no distinct markings. But their coats can come in two textures, namely rough and smooth. The rough coat is thick and feels like wool whereas the smooth coat is denser and shorter. Their walk might seem a little stiff but their stride is not lazy. They also can remain alone when their owners are off to work but they do not like being left outside.
If you want to adopt a purebred Chow Chow or want to know how to identify one, here are some of its classic characteristics –
Chow Chows will not bark unnecessarily. If you are looking to adopt a dog you could cuddle and snuggle up against, then Chow Chow is not for you. These dogs like to be in their own space and because of these qualities, Chow Chows are often compared to cats. Their detached nature makes many people assume that they are arrogant and aggressive. But they are quite stubborn and will immediately voice their discomfort or dislikes. They will mix better with other pets if you raise them as puppies in their company. They do get along well with children too but a household with older children would be more suitable for Chow Chows.