Skip to Content

Why Are There Black Spots On My Newfoundland’s Tongue?

Why Are There Black Spots On My Newfoundland's Tongue?

When I was pulling something out of Leroy’s mouth when he was 1 year old I noticed black spots on his tongue. It took me by surprise and at first glance I thought that he ate a Sharpie marker.

I investigated them a little more and came to the conclusion that he did not eat a Sharpie but instead that they were his devil spots.

Devil spots made a lot more sense and it would explain my theory that he was indeed the devil’s spawn.

Unfortunately, my most logical explanation was proven wrong when I learned over the years that hundreds of other Newfoundlands have devil spots. The devil can’t have THAT many spans.

The boring truth is that black spots on a Newfoundland’s tongue are just extra pigment and it’s completely normal. They’re kind of like freckles and over 30 other dog breeds are known to have them.

Don’t worry, if that’s too boring of an explanation for you here’s some fun reasons that owners of Newfoundland’s with black spots on their tongue have come up with over the years:

  • The Newfoundland is part Chow. That would explain all the hair wouldn’t it? But no, unless you got your Newfoundland from the worst breeder ever, that’s not the reason. 
  • Devil spots. Of course this is my favorite and it’s totally believable. The more spots, the more devilish the Newfoundland is. Laws have been broken. Crimes have been committed. The horns will sprout next.
  • The puppy ate a Sharpie right before you came to pick him up and the breeder didn’t tell you because they didn’t want that little trouble maker running around the house anymore. 
  • The Newfoundland is NOT a purebred. Sherman strongly disagrees with this one and his DNA has proven that that is a lie. 
  • They are Newfie secrets. For every spot, your Newfie has a secret. It could be good, it could be bad. Maybe the secret is that he ate a Sharpie. 
  • They are lies. For every lie a Newfie tells he grows a spot. That makes perfect sense because Sherman has no spots and Leroy has quite a few. Leroy’s a little liar and his pants are on fire. 
  • It’s a sign of a genius. Hmmmmm. Leroy is pretty smart but so is Sherman. Maybe Leroy licked Sherman’s spots off and Sherman still kept the genius trait? Nah….all Newfies are smart regardless of spots. 

 

While those are all logical and completely believable explanations, those spots are just boring old deposits of pigment but you can tell people whatever you want.

Do have any other fun explanations to add to our list?

p.s. If you notice spots on your dogs tongue that are raised or change in color, talk to your vet.

 

 

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Bhuboy

Monday 8th of October 2018

Are this black spots, specific to this breed only? Or other breeds , like my Siberian husky can have them too. Thanks

Meagan & Merlin

Friday 25th of May 2018

Merlin doesn't have any black spots, but for a Yellow Lab he seems to have quite a few black hairs mostly on his tail.

Rachel

Tuesday 8th of May 2018

Thanks for helpful information!. I did not know why my boy has the black spots until found out this post

Rebecca

Monday 19th of March 2018

I have also thought why does my boy have them. Now I know!

Pet Lover

Tuesday 25th of July 2017

I have also noticed the black spots on my dog's tongue and get very worried. While looking for the solution on Google, I landed on this page and I am happy that I have found your blog. I have come to know that these spots are harmless. Your article has given me more to think about these black spots. My vet is not worried at all and I have noticed that dog has no pain or any negative sign after those spots have appeared on his tongue. I am hoping that everything will go smoothly and these spots do not hurt my dog.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Homemade Cranberry Dog Treats 20 Easy Halloween Pumpkin Carving Ideas The 4 Stages Of The Newfoundland Dog Homemade Apple Dog Treats No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats