20+ Dog Breeds With Black Gums & Black Mouths

Usually, black gums and mouth are considered a bad thing or a reflection of bad health. However, there are some dog breeds that naturally have black gums and black mouths. Let us see, 40 dog breeds with black gums & black mouths.

Are dogs supposed to have black gums?

Some canines have black gums. However, most canines’ dark gums are a sign of health issues. The canines with naturally dark gums are completely normal.

This happens due to genetic differences and is not a cause for concern. In fact, in some breeds, there are some cases where there are differences in colour pigments of the mouth. 

Hence, it is perfectly fine for some canines to have black gums. Still, it is important to recognize the abnormality of gums.

 

40 dog breeds with black gums & black mouths

Labrador Retriever

The most common dog with black gums and a black mouth is Labrador Retriever.

And its common cause is heavy pigmentation. Or your lab is a result of a dog with black gums.

The breed is very sweet and loveable. Moreover, they are great with kids.

The energy and friendliness are on the top. They need a lot of exercises and good quality food to have a balanced life.

Puli

The puli is a very lively herding dog residing in Hungary.

These dogs usually have dark pigment, black noses and black mouths.

The breed is known for its woolly and wavy coat that resembles dreadlocks.

The breed is very affectionate and loves being the centre of attention. 

Austrian black and tan hound

The Austrian black and tan hound is a medium-sized dog. This breed is bred of its hunting abilities.

Moreover, it has darkly pigmented lips, a strong muzzle, dark-brown eyes, and a black nose.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are well-muscled and sturdy dogs and are bred to pull butcher’s wagons and herd cattle.

However, today they are perceived as guard dogs due to their aloof temperaments and imposing stature.

This breed is well-pigmented with black mouths/gums and dark eyes. 

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are known for their friendliness and beautiful golden coat.

This breed is usually chosen to be the guide dog.

It originated in the Scottish countryside in the 19th century.

Same as the labrador retriever, this breed also has a black mouth and gums due to heavy pigmentation. 

Pumi

Pumi is a small dog from Hungary. The dog has a curly black coat and alert ears.

The breed is known for its agility, boldness, and intelligence. The Pumi is Cuddly, agile, and very playful.

This breed has whole black gums and mouths and is completely normal.

Jagdterrier

Jagdterrier is a compact and small dog.

It has a wedge-shaped head with good jaw muscles.

This breed has v-shaped ears, completely black gums, and dark eyes. 

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier is known as the king of terriers. The breed was bred to catch rays and otters in England.

Airedale Terrier is a double-coated canine with a thicker topcoat.

The breed is hypoallergenic as it does not shed. These are strong dogs with black gums and mouths.

Australian Shepherd

This breed is an intelligent herding dog. You can find them at rodeos, and on ranches.

Australian Shepherds have black gums and black mouths. The breed has a strong drive to herd it is a difficult pet.

Pomeranian

Black gums and mouths are quite rare in Pomeranians.

In some cases it is normal and in most cases, it is related to a health problem.

This breed is small in size and big in personality. A pomeranian is very furry, feisty, and adorable.

Despite the small size, the breed is very active. The breed is very popular around the world.

Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is an ancient dog from Thailand. It is a medium-sized dog with a ridged pattern on the back.

The breed is also known for its wrinkled forehead, curved tail, potted tongues, and wedge-shaped heads.

These can have spotted or dark-coloured mouths.

Chilean Fox Terrier

This breed is a mixture of the British Fox Terrier with just another local breed.

The breed is a very clever, and intelligent dog with an elegant appearance and well-balanced health.

The black gums and mouth are due to the heavy pigmentation

Curly-coated Retriever

This breed has a dense curly coat and a good height. This one is the largest among all the retrievers.

Its thick fur saves them from bushes, burrs, and water.

The gums and jowls are black or spotted black. However, the tongue is pink. 

Dalmatian

This breed is friendly and intelligent. Dalmatians were used to guard horse-drawn coaches against firefighters and noblemen.

The black and white spotted coat is very unique. These dogs can have spotted or pure black mouths depending on the genes. 

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier is also known as Amstaff.

This breed is very friendly and sweet with a stable temperament.

This dog is very easy to train and has a good memory and responds well to praise. 

Telomian Dog from Malaysia

A Telomian dog is a rare medium-sized dog. It has an athletic frame.

Moreover, it has a rare black-blue tongue.

This is a rare breed, you may not have heard of this unique breed before. 

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd has black gums and a bluish tongue.

This is the second most popular canine breed in America. That is why many people question black gums.

However, it is very normal. German Shepherds are very easy to train and are very loyal towards their owners.

 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

This breed is an agile dog. This dog was originally bred in England for fighting.

However, the scenario has changed now. They are now valued for their sweet and gentle nature.

This breed is small to the medium-sized dog and easy to groom.

These dogs have muscular, strong bodies with powerful stances.

They have black gums and fur on the muzzle, but their mouth is not completely black.

Rampur Greyhound

This canine breed is native to Rampur, Northern India. It is a hound with a muscular body and a flat skull.

Its nose is pointed and has high ears. Box purebred and mixed dogs might have black tongues and gums.

The medium-to-large-sized Rampur Greyhound was created by Ahmad Ali Khan, the Nawab of Rampur.

Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese water dogs have beautifully tumbling curls.

In Portugal, this breed is bred and trained to herd fish. Dogs are very rare in the US.

However, it is quite famous after former president Barack Obama chose it as their favourite.

Moreover, Portuguese water dogs are closely related to poodles.

Along with black gums, this breed has a black roof and black lips. 

Doberman Pinscher

This breed is among the most intelligent guard dogs, loyal, fast, and powerful.

Doberman Pinscher is fearless with a dignified appearance, very athletic, and very sleek.

The Doberman pinscher is most likely to hunt down its predator.

Here, the black gums are because of heavy pigmentation.

Akita

Akita is a large-sized and strong dog.

Additionally, Akita is very courageous and bold with a wilful temperament. Akita has black gums due to its genes.

This breed has a strong presence in Japanese culture.

Also, it symbolises longevity, happiness, and good health. Akita is very loyal towards its owner. 

Eurasier

Eurasier is a very elegant and beautiful dog. It is a cross between Samoyed, chow chow, and wolf spitz.

Therefore, the outcome is a mid-size canine with a wedge-shaped head. This breed is known for its black-blue tongue.

Border Collie

Collie is a regal and very beautiful dog with dark gums that make them even more beautiful.

It is considered a good family dog.

Moreover, this athletic dog is known for its companionship and needs exercise on a daily basis. 

Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog with a very beautiful face. Moreover, it has lush & long ears, easy gait, black gums, and short stature. Moreover, the dog is very good with children and very easy to train. 

Shar-Pei

This breed is known for its loose wrinkly skin that separates it from other canine breeds. The past breeds were small.

However, the present breed has more wrinkles. They have completely bluish or dark mouths because of the genes.

Chow Chow 

Chow Chow is a mid-sized dog from China and is a very strong dog. Additionally, Chow Chow has a blue-black tongue. Moreover, this breed is loyal and clean. Although this breed is a bit aggressive toward strangers, the dog is very loving to its owner. 

Shiba Inu

This is one of the most popular canine breeds in Japan. This breed is the most ancient one and smallest among 6 spitz dogs. Also, Shiba Inu has a spiritual significance in Japanese culture.

It looks like a fox and has black gums, a curly tail, and prick ears. Moreover, Shiba Inu has a dense double coat.

Moreover, the breed is free-thinker and independent and can stay alone for a long period of time.

Phu Quoc Ridgeback

Phu Quac Ridgeback is a very rare dog to find.

Moreover, it is believed that there are less than 1000 Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs around the world.

They have black mouths with dark spots on their tongue.

Basenji

Basenji is a hunting dog and is considered to be a mysterious creature with a strange cry.

This breed originated in Africa and is known for its stubborn attitude.

Therefore it is not a good family dog. However, it can bond with its owner well and is loving and loyal.

Black gums are very rare in these dogs. They may be a result of the cross of a parent who has black gums.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter is a beautiful red-coated dog with naturally black gums.

Moreover, it is an athletic, dignified, and extremely loving dog.

Additionally, it makes a wonderful family and hunting dog as well. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train.

Mastiff

This is an ancient breed and is very powerful and loyal. Moreover, it has thick muscles and is very patient and loving. However, they need to be trained properly. They have completely dark gums that make them look very strong. 

Newfoundland

This breed is heavy, strong, and big. In fact, it is one of the world’s largest canines with black gums.

Moreover, it has a huge head with soulful and soft eyes.

This breed is a sweet-natured dog that makes a wonderful family pet.

Newfoundland needs mental stimulation and exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Manchester Terrier

Manchester terrier is a small-sized dog of about 20 pounds.

It is a great predator for cats. Moreover, the breed is athletic and graceful. It has black-pigmented lips.

Papillon

Papillon is a toy breed and meaning is a butterfly. The breed is big and has wing-like ears. They have genetically dark gums.

Black Russian Terrier

This breed is a black coated dog and is not a real terrier. It was bred in Russia to be a military dog. Moreover, it is confident, self-assured, and calm.

This dog is easy to train and is an excellent family pet. Black Russian Terriers have black gums and mouths because of heavy pigmentation. 

Komondor

Komondor is a large breed known for its distinctively mop-like coat. This breed is from Hungary and is trained at herding flocks.

This breed is quite independent and protective towards its owner. It has a completely black mouth(including lips, gums, and tongue).

Estrela Mountain Dog

Estrela mountain dog is a large breed. Initially, it was designed to protect homes and herds. The breed is very stubborn and suspicious. However, the dog is also keen, protective, and alert. Genetics is responsible for their black gums and black mouths.

Potcakes

This is a mix of different breeds. This is the reason why they lack gums and black mouths. Potcakes come from the Bahamas where they protect livestock and food.

How to check gum health in breeds with black gums?

If your canine has naturally black gums and mouth, it is very important to check oral health. In this case, it is very difficult to check gum health as the gums are already dark.

Therefore, you can determine general health by examining the inside part of the eyelids. 

If your dog is healthy, the area should be pink in colour. To check, softly pull the lower eyelid and see the inner colour. If it is not pink, then consult with the vet. 

Gums are very important indicators of your canine’s overall health. Therefore, do not forget to keep an eye on them.

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When should you be concerned about black gums in dogs?

Here are the indicators of healthy gums-

• The gums must be slightly moist
• The colour must be pink or black depending on the natural gum colour
• When you press the gums, they should appear white in colour and go back to normal within 2-3 seconds

The bad gums symptoms include-

• Unusual spots
• Pale or white gums
• Raised gums
• Blue gums
• Icteric or yellow gums