Some people love wrinkly dog breeds because of their cute and unique look, while others might avoid them since their skin needs extra care.
Some of the most popular wrinkly dog breeds include Shar-Peis, which were bred in China as guarding and herding dogs, and Bulldogs, which were used in a sport called bull-baiting in England.
Nowadays, they both make wonderful pets, alongside other wrinkly dog breeds that you can learn more about by scrolling down. Just a heads up, they might steal your heart at first glance!
1. Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is a dog breed that comes from China and has been around for centuries. What’s interesting about these canines besides their deep wrinkles is that they have a blue-black tongue.
Fun fact: Shar-Pei puppies have even more wrinkles than they do as adults! They grow into some of their skin as they get older.
2. Pug
Pugs, one of the dog breeds from China, have been loved for their wrinkly faces and curled tails for over 2,000 years. They’re playful, affectionate, and love to be the center of attention. However, you should definitely keep a close eye on their wrinkles, as they can collect dirt and need regular cleaning to prevent skin issues.
3. Mastiff
The Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history going back thousands of years. This dog breed is known for their massive size and wrinkly faces. These big but gentle dogs make great guard dogs because they’re protective over their owners.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs have been guarding homes in Italy since ancient times. They have loose, wrinkled skin and serious expressions, and like most wrinkly dogs, their wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Other than that, they make great pets and guard dogs.
5. French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
The French Mastiff, also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux, is a French ancient breed with a powerful build and a wrinkled, expressive face. Although big, these canines have a calm demeanor and make wonderful family pets because they’re loyal and protective.
6. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs were originally bred in England for guarding and contain the best traits of Bulldogs and Mastiffs.
They’re strong and very protective, but they’re also gentle and affectionate with their families. All dogs need enough exercise, including Bullmastiffs, so don’t forget their daily walks.
7. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a symbol of strength, originally bred in England for bull-baiting. They have a distinctive wrinkled face and a stocky build. Bulldogs also have a gentle and affectionate nature, and they’re great with kids. However, keep in mind that they’re also lazy and prefer lounging around the house.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” originated in France and have their bat-like ears and wrinkled faces. These small dogs make great pets because they’re playful and loving. Due to their short noses, French Bulldogs can overheat easily, so keep them cool in hot weather.
9. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have a long history of tracking scents and were originally bred for hunting in Europe. They have long, wrinkly faces which help them to trap scents, making them excellent trackers.
Although they’re gentle, patient, and great with kids, they’re one of the most vulnerable dog breeds because the demand for these dogs has dropped over the years. Therefore, if you’re looking for a wrinkly and loving dog, consider Bloodhounds.
10. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds were bred in France for hunting small game. They have long ears and wrinkly faces that help them in scent tracking. They make excellent family pets because they’re relaxed and friendly, but you will need to clean their long ears regularly to prevent infections.
11. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs were bred for Chinese royalty, and they still carry themselves with a regal attitude. They have a long, flowing coat and a wrinkly face, and they make great lap dogs. They’re also loyal and brave but need regular grooming.
12. Chow Chow
Chow Chows with their lion-like fur around the neck and wrinkled faces originated in China. They’re independent, strong-willed, and often bond closely with one person. Chow Chows have a unique blue-black tongue, similar to the Shar-Pei.
Why Are Some Dogs Very Wrinkly?
Wrinkly dogs were bred like this for specific reasons. For example, in Shar-Peis, the loose skin and deep wrinkles protected them in fights by giving extra layers that were hard to grab. In other breeds like Bloodhounds, the wrinkles help hold scents, making them better at tracking.
While wrinkles make these dogs look cute, they need special care. The folds in their skin can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria, which can cause bad odor and skin problems if not cleaned often and make your dog smell. Here’s how to care for them:
- Clean the wrinkles: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean between the folds, and make sure to dry them well afterward.
- Check regularly: Look at your dog’s wrinkles often to make sure there are no signs of irritation or infection.
- Keep them dry: After a bath or if your dog gets wet, dry off their wrinkles completely to avoid moisture getting trapped.
By taking good care of their wrinkles, you can keep your dog healthy and happy!
