Meet the Most Adorable Wrinkly Dogs: 12 Breeds to Love
Looking for wrinkly dog breeds? These rolls and folds have a unique charm that invites cuddling. While adorable, some wrinkly breeds may need special care.
Breed Characteristics and Care
Many dog breeds are known for their skin wrinkles and come in various shapes and sizes. Some are very active, while others prefer lounging. Some are friendlier, especially around strangers.
Wrinkled skin adds charm but requires special care. Regularly wash the folds with gentle canine shampoo to prevent dirt buildup and control bacteria and yeast. Keep wrinkles dry to inhibit microorganism growth.
Many wrinkly dogs are born with a condition called brachycephalic syndrome, a condition with a shortened muzzle that causes health issues needing management, surgery, or care. This syndrome includes anatomical defects that block the airway: elongated soft palate, narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), narrowed trachea, and turned-out laryngeal saccules. These contribute to snoring, breathing problems, and heat stroke risk..1
Ready to see some cuties? Check out 12 of the most adorable wrinkly dog breeds.
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Shar-Pei
The shar-pei is originally from China, where the breed was believed to have been a peasant’s dog thousands of years ago. Farmers used shar-peis as hunters, herders, and guard dogs because of their intelligence and brute strength. Their distinctive wrinkled skin and stately appearance make them unique among dog breeds. Puppies tend to have more loose skin that tightens as they mature. However, some shar-pei puppies require surgery to tack excess skin away from their eyes. Shar-peis are also prone to entropion (rolling in of the eyelids) and various skin issues.
While cute, these dogs require an experienced and confident owner, as they are a challenging breed to own, due to their tendency to be dominant, protective, aloof, and sometimes aggressive with other dogs.
Breed Overview
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Neapolitan Mastiff
Dating back centuries, Neapolitan mastiffs were historically bred to be intimidating gladiators in battle. While intruders are right to be afraid of the protective Neapolitan mastiff with that giant head and massive frame, these dogs tend to be loyal to their families. This breed is typically a gentle giant around those they love, exhibiting a calm temperament, but they’re very strong and may be more challenging with visitors or unfamiliar people and potentially aggressive with unfamiliar dogs, due to its historical breeding for a guardian role. The voluminous folds around their head and loose skin over their body just add to the breed’s charm. And their long jowls tend to drip a fair amount of drool.
Breed Overview
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Pug
If you haven’t played with a pug, you’re missing out. This Chinese breed is a popular companion for many types of owners and living situations. Pugs are small and typically very friendly and comedic. Plus, their wrinkled faces and large, expressive eyes make them look perpetually curious. And their curled tails always seem to be wagging. However, pugs are prone to numerous health conditions, especially related to their face shape and respiratory system anatomy, as well as allergies, skin related conditions, dental health and eye problems, due to prominent eyeballs. With a prepared owner, these make excellent pets.
Breed Overview
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Mastiff
The Mastiff, one of the oldest and largest dog breeds, possesses a commanding and gentle demeanor. With roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, the Mastiff’s imposing size and strength were historically used in battle and as guardians of castles and estates. Despite its intimidating appearance, this breed is known for its docile and affectionate nature, forming deep bonds with its family. Mastiffs are renowned for their calm and steady temperament, making them excellent companions and watchdogs. Grooming needs are minimal, but owners should remember to clean their facial skin folds regularly. Large breeds like the mastiff are prone to orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia.
Breed Overview
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English Bulldog
Bulldogs originated in England in the 13th century to bait bulls. They are tough, muscular dogs that also have a friendly, sweet, and calm side. They eventually became companion dogs rather than fighters after the outlaw of blood sports. These dogs are easily recognized by the heavy wrinkles around their face and the loose skin that hangs around their mouth. They also have loose skin across their body.
While adorable and lovable, bulldogs are prone to numerous health issues, many of which can be chronic, and related to their breathing, eyes, ears, skin, and teeth. Owners should be prepared for medical expenses greater than the average dog owner.
Breed Overview
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Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French mastiff, was bred for their strength and protective nature. Many people love this breed for their intimidating looks in combination with an affectionate personality and fierce loyalty. The large, muscular build has made this breed a favorite among soldiers, hunters, and farmers. And that wrinkled face with short ears and soulful eyes make the Dogue extra endearing.
Like other mastiffs, the Dogue de Bordeaux has been bred for decades to be protective, which may require a confident, experienced handler, extensive puppy socialization, and preparation with guests and unfamiliar people and dogs to help them be successful in their environment to be a companion pet.
Breed Overview
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Bull Mastiff
The Bullmastiff is a majestic and powerful breed, known for its imposing presence and gentle nature. Originating in England, the breed was developed in the 19th century to guard estates against poachers. Despite their size and strength, the Bullmastiff is surprisingly gentle, loyal, and affectionate towards its family. This breed is incredibly devoted and protective, making it an excellent watchdog. Their short coat requires little grooming, but be sure to keep the facial skin folds clean. Like other large breeds, the Bullmastiff is prone to orthopedic problems.
Breed Overview
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Bloodhound
Most people have seen bloodhounds in cartoons and movies, famous for their tracking abilities and often spotted searching for a missing person or helping on a hunt. Bloodhounds are known for their excellent noses, along with their huge ears and droopy skin. Their skin hangs in especially deep folds around their head and neck. With proper puppy socialization, these dogs tend to be easy-going and tolerant, but they’re easily distracted by their nose.
Breed Overview
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French Bulldog
The French bulldog is short in stature with a compact, muscular body and petite, rabbit-like ears. They sport fairly small wrinkles around their foreheads and mouths. Affectionately known as Frenchies, these dogs are friendly, funny, and alert. They make wonderful watch dogs and are known to bark at anything that might threaten their favorite humans, and they may be more dominant with other dogs.
French bulldogs have similar and numerous potential health concerns as pugs and English bulldogs, including respiratory conditions (some of which may require surgery), dental issues (also often surgical), patellar luxation (sometimes surgical), and skin and allergy conditions.
Breed Overview
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Basset Hound
Basset hounds are perhaps one of the most recognizable dog breeds. They’re built low to the ground with long, drooping ears and very loose skin across their whole body. Even their legs tend to have wrinkles. These dogs were bred to be scent hounds. They are curious sniffers, able to accurately follow a scent for miles. They make great companions for hunters and families alike thanks to their top-notch tracking ability and calm temperament. While adorable, these long floppy ears also make them prone to ear infections.
Breed Overview
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Xoloitzcuintli
Because their name is quite a mouthful, Xoloitzcuintli dogs are often called Xolos (“ZOH-lows”) for short. They also go by the name Mexican hairless dog due to their country of origin and general lack of a full coat. Xolos are loyal watchdogs and loving companions and tend to be protective, barking at intruders. Their foreheads tend to wrinkle, especially when the dog is attentive or pondering something. But they generally do not have loose skin across their bodies.
Breed Overview
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Pekingese
The compact and dignified Pekingese has deep wrinkles on the face, which accentuate their short muzzle. This dog is said to have a lionlike appearance due to the long mane around the neck and their overall furriness. The Peke also has a large, expressive eyes and a loyal, confident, and fairly independent demeanor. They are prone to respiratory, dental, eye, and skin health issues, similar to pugs, as well as patellar luxation.
Breed Overview
Where to Find a Wrinkly Dog
If you’re interested in finding a wrinkly dog, consider these options:
Reputable Breeders: Contacting reputable breeders who specialize in wrinkly dog breeds is one of the most common ways to find a specific breed. Responsible breeders will ensure that their dogs are well-cared for and properly socialized.
Rescue Organizations: Look for breed-specific rescue organizations that focus on wrinkly dog breeds. These rescues often have adult dogs and sometimes puppies available for adoption.
Animal Shelters: Check local animal shelters and humane societies. While it may be less common to find specific wrinkly breeds in shelters, it’s not impossible, and adoption from a shelter is a great way to give a dog in need a loving home.
Dog Shows and Events: Attending dog shows or breed-specific events may provide an opportunity to meet breeders and owners of wrinkly dogs. Networking with them can lead to potential adoption or purchase opportunities.
Breed-Specific Clubs: Joining breed-specific clubs or online forums can connect you with enthusiasts and experts in the breed. They may be able to guide you to reputable breeders or adoption resources.
When seeking a wrinkly dog, be patient and thorough. Research the breed’s specific needs and traits. Prioritize adopting or purchasing from reputable sources prioritizing animal welfare. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores. Responsible adoption or purchase helps ensure that you provide a loving and suitable home for your new wrinkly companion.
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