Black golden retrievers are known for their friendly and playful nature, but have you ever noticed the black spots on their tongues? You must be asking yourself “Why do black golden retrievers have black spots on their tongue?” It’s a mystery that has puzzled dog lovers for a long time. All of your concerns are covered in this article.
Like the pattern on the bodies of animals, dogs are also born with these tongue spots, or they can develop them at an early age. Their texture merges with the tongue, and you can see a black or bluish-black appearance. Over the period, the shape and colors of these spots can change.
Key points
- **Melanin Patterns**: Black spots on golden retrievers’ tongues are caused by melanin, just like in other body parts, indicating natural pigmentation variations.
- **Common Misconceptions**: Debunk myths surrounding these spots, including impurity, health concerns, and breed exclusivity, to provide accurate information to dog owners.
- **Health Monitoring**: While the spots themselves are harmless, it’s crucial to watch for signs of oral health issues like infections, stomatitis, and lip disorders, seeking veterinary care if necessary.
Table of Contents
The science behind the black spots on golden retriever tongue
Melanin is a pigment responsible for determining the coloration of animals, including Black golden retrievers. It is produced by cells called melanocytes and is found in various body parts, including the skin, hair, and eyes.
Black spots appear when the tongue’s cellular areas gather more melanin than the rest. But this phenomenon can happen on any other body part like:
- Lips
- Nose
- Eye edges
- Toenails
- Gums
The distribution of melanin in the body is determined by genetics. Some Black golden retrievers may have more melanocytes in their tongues, resulting in black spots. The exact reason why some Black golden retrievers have black spots on their tongues while others do not is still not entirely understood.
Most importantly, they are harmless, and you can consider them as the freckles or birthmarks of humans.
The general appearance of the black spots
The shape of the black spots on Golden Retriever tongues can vary from tiny dots to larger patches. They can appear as irregular or symmetrical shapes. The size of the spots can also vary from small to large.
Some Black golden retrievers may have only a few small spots, while others may have multiple large patches. The location of the spots can also vary, with some appearing on the front or back of the tongue.
The appearance of black spots on Golden Retriever tongues can also change with age. The spots in young puppies may be less noticeable or not present. As the puppy grows, the areas may become more visible. In adult Black golden retrievers, the spots may fade or darken with age.
Are these black spots a problem?
The black spots on Golden Retriever tongues are a common trait among the breed and are not considered a problem in most cases. They are not harmful, and the dog’s tongue usually functions.
If the appearance of the spots starts changing to raised bumps and there is a change in the colors on the tongue, consult your veterinarian.
However, it’s essential to note that other colors besides bluish-black and a foul scent may indicate health problems. Suppose you notice any unusual changes in the color or smell of your dog’s tongue, or the black spot appears large or irregular. In that case, it’s recommended to seek advice from a veterinarian.
Black spots don’t indicate breed mixing; they are unique to your dog. They are born with a trait that differentiates them from all others.
Common misconceptions about the black spots on golden retriever tongue
While these spots are a common trait among the breed, many misconceptions and misunderstandings surround them. Here are the top misunderstandings you need to avoid:
1. Impurity
One of the most prevalent misconceptions about the black spots on Golden Retriever tongues is that they signify impurities or mixed breeding. Many people believe that if a Golden Retriever has black spots on its tongue, it is not purebred. However, this is not true.
2. Health issues
Another common misconception is that the black spots on Golden Retriever tongues are a health concern or indicate a problem with the dog’s tongue. However, this is also not true. Your dog is perfectly healthy but consult a specialist if you suspect bumps on the tongue.
3. Spots are specific to breed
Some think only Black golden retrievers have black spots on their tongues. Many other breeds, such as chow chows, also have black tongue spots. This is because the black marks on Golden Retriever tongues are not unique to the species and are exclusive to Black golden retrievers.
It’s also worth mentioning that some people believe the black spots are harmful to the dog’s health and should be removed. This is not true, the black dots are not harmful to the dog’s health, and there is no need to remove them.
What dog breeds have black spots?
Many dog breeds have black tongue spots, not just Black golden retrievers. The black spots on their tongues are caused by the presence of melanin and are considered normal for the breed.
Here is a list of some of the unique breeds that have this unique trait:
- Chow Chow: The Chow Chow is a large, fluffy breed known for its distinctive blue-black tongue.
- Akita: The Akita is a large, strong breed known for its courage and loyalty.
- Chinese Shar-Pei: Chinese Shar Pei is a medium-sized breed known for its wrinkles and blue-black tongue.
- Chinese Crested: Chinese Crested is a small breed known for its hairless body and tufts of hair on the head and feet.
- Alaskan Malamute: Alaskan Malamute is a large breed known for its strength and endurance.
- Samoyed: Samoyed is a large breed known for its thick, fluffy coat and friendly nature.
- Siberian Husky: The Siberian Husky has striking blue eyes and a thick coat.
- Pub: The Pug, with its wrinkled face and playful nature.
The mouth infections do you need to look at?
Different mouth infections can affect black golden retrievers, from unpleasant breath to gingivitis. It’s important to know what signs and symptoms to look out for to catch any condition early on before it leads to more severe health problems. Smelly breath, swollen gums, or redness in the mouth area can all be indicators of oral health issues—and if left untreated, they could lead to tooth loss and even pain when eating.
Canine stomatitis
It’s the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. The signs show swollen gums and large-sized sores in the larger tooth area. If you observe such symptoms, you need to consult your veterinarian. They will look at the cause and treat the issue accordingly.
Lip disorders
There are two types of lip disorder, i.e., lip fold dermatitis and lip wounds.
In lip fold dermatitis, the chronic infection happens in the upper dropping and lower folded lip. Due to lip structures, moisture accumulates, and sometimes due to poor mouth hygiene, an inflammatory condition can happen.
Lip wounds happen when your dog chews some objects like a plastic toy that causes injuries. If left untreated, these wounds can develop infections.
So, if you see any symptoms, look for professional help.
Fungal stomatitis
It’s a problem caused by the overgrowth of the fungal species Candida albicans. Their symptoms include inflammation in the mouth, fouling breath, sores on the tongue, denial to eat, and salivation.
Conclusion
Black golden retrievers can develop mouth infections that cause black spots on their tongues, including yeast infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and melanoma. These infections can be treated with antifungal medications, antibiotics, surgery, and radiation therapy. They can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining a healthy immune system, and getting vet check-ups.
Also read: How to keep a black golden retriever’s nose black?