Basically what causes this?, can it be cured?, if so how?  or is it just pigmentation with some dogs?

Just intrested!

I would consider it good pigmentation

thanks brainless.  It's just my friends crossbreed has black and pink gums, now I have never really thought much about it, just put it down to pigmentation (I know some dogs can get black spotted tonges) but they where told by the vet "his in much better condition sinse you got him except his gums"

when they got him he was thin, had been possibly mistreated and didn't know how to play, now he is a totally different dog!

anyone else got an opinion, I'm just interested to know, I don't want to argue a vets opinion but wasn't aware black on gums was a "bad" thing

Well it would depend if this was gum disease or pigmentation.  If it is just colir the teeth are clean and the gums are smooth and helthy seeming (not spongy or inflamed) then I can't see dark pigment being somethignt ocomplain about.  If they were infectd/inflamed I wopuld expect them to be red or swollen, or if his condition poor for them to be pale.

Apart from the Chow that I had in childhood, who had totally black/purple gums and tongue,obviously natural for the breed, I also had a rescue GSD with mottled black gums and a big black spot on his tongue. This was totally healthy and as long as the pink part of the gum is a good pink, unswollen colour (hope you know what I mean) then there is certainly nothing to worry about.

yea I know what you mean.  his teeth are in good condition, his gums are smooth and the pink, is well normal pink!  To the eye there seems nothing wrong.  I think he does have GSD in him (they where told BC and lab, but his shape of BC with ears and colour like a GSD)

next week I will go and see him again and have a proper lok for myself.  I'm not trying to take over the job of the vet or anything, but he seems healthy enough.  surely if something was wrong with his gums he wouldn't chew would he?  He loves chewing his bonios and pigs ears!

You are right Ice Queen, the first alert to something being wrong with the gums is the fact that they can't chew and in my experience are extremely miserable ;) Re, pigs ears, mine have a challenge on their paws chewing the bl###y things with perfectly healthy, white, plaque, tartar free teeth :P

hmmm think I'm gonna tell friends not to worry, will check his gums properly for any signs of infection, if nothing I'm might go and see vet and ask what pigmentation is! :D

Thanks for all your help guys, knew I could get answers off of you :D

The dog in question is a smart looking Xbreed, and his just had his trim for neat feet, ears and pasterns.  I could hold his mouth no problem, and nothing at all seems wrong with him, except he is totally over loved!!!!

I suppose it depends on the breed. In all the ones I know where it's mentioned it's a sign of good pigmentation. What breed are you referring to?

Edit: I see it's a cross. What are the breeds in its make-up?
:)

they where told BD and Lab, but he resembles BC and GSD to me, he is size a body of a BC but ears and colouring of a GSD, I try but can't see any lab in him at all!  But it could be there!