Does the black spot on your dog’s tongue really mean he's a Chow mix? That mixed breed puppy in the shelter with a partially black tongue -- is that a sure sign he's part Chow? The answer to both questions is: No!

The Chow Chow's blue-black tongue is one of the breed's most well known physical characteristics. It's also the most misunderstood.

In reality, more than 30 pure breeds are known to have members with spotted tongues. View a list of these breeds at www.chowwelfare.com.

Spots on tongues 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.

So the next time you see a dog with a black tongue, look at the facts. He may not be what you think he is.

Information found here was condensed from the article "The Truth About Those Black Tongues" found on www.chowwelfare.com.