10 Wrinkly Dog Breeds That Give Us All the Feels

Wrinkly dog breeds have a special kind of magic that steals the hearts of almost anyone who encounters them. Adorable and unique, they come in more sizes and shapes than you’d think. Their wrinkles developed over time due to genetics, and some of these breeds will only have visible wrinkles on their faces, while others have them all over their bodies. 

From Pugs to French Bulldogs, there are several wrinkly breeds to consider. So if you’re looking for a squishy dog to match your lifestyle, check out our guide, below, to find the right pup for you — and for important tips on how to lovingly care for them.

Meet the most wrinkly dogs

From the ultra-wrinkly Chinese Shar-Pei to the massive, imposing Neapolitan Mastiff, wrinkly dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, as well as personalities and activity levels. Whether you love fat wrinkly dog breeds, small wrinkly dog breeds, or large wrinkly dog breeds — there’s a wrinkly breed or mix for you.

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1. Chinese Shar-Pei

With its hippopotamus face and loose rolls of skin, the Chinese Shar-Pei is arguably the wrinkliest of all dogs. This ancient breed comes from China, where the Shar-Pei has been known to exist as far back as the Han Dynasty (circa 200 B.C.). The name Shar-Pei means “sand skin,” which refers to their short, textured coat. Chinese Shar-Pei have blue-black tongues, something they have in common with just one other breed, the Chow Chow. Despite their comical appearance, the Shar-Pei is a devoted dog. They bond closely with their human family but are wary of strangers. The Shar-Pei can be challenging to train and does best with an experienced pet parent. 

Height: 18 to 20 inches

Weight: 45 to 60 pounds

Best trait: Whisper quiet

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2. Bulldog

With deep wrinkles on their faces and bodies, these dogs have a stocky build, plus rolling gaits and scowling expressions. Although the Bulldog looks serious, this breed is a dignified, loving pet. Bulldogs are renowned family dogs, known for their love of children. Many will patiently go along with gentle play, including dress-up and tea parties. Bulldogs don’t need a ton of exercise, but they aren’t lazy by any means, and enjoy galloping short distances just as much as taller breeds. 

Height: 14 to 15 inches

Weight: 40 to 50 pounds

Best trait: Snuggler

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3. Pug

The wrinkly faced Pug is cute as a button. These joyful little dogs are happiest when they are with their humans and don’t do well when left alone for long hours. Pugs are excellent dogs for families, and make entertaining playmates for gentle, respectful kids. Pugs make a lot of noise for such small dogs, with lots of snorting and snuffling (and potential health issues) due to their very flat faces. They don’t need much grooming other than brushing, but they do shed a fair amount.

Height: 10 to 13 inches

Weight: 14 to 18 pounds

Best trait: An easy BFF

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4. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are famous for being the best tracking dogs, used by police and even the FBI to search for missing persons, evidence, and criminals on the run. Bloodhounds have very loose skin, which leads to lots of folds and wrinkles. The loose skin on their faces helps capture scents, so the dogs can better process them. (You may also see their long ears perk up.) Bloodhounds are sweet and laidback, but can be difficult to train since they are constantly distracted by all the tantalizing smells around them. They are good family dogs, but be sure to watch them around young children to avoid accidental knockdowns. 

Height: 23 to 27 inches

Weight: 80 to 110 pounds

Best trait: Super sniffer

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5. Neapolitan Mastiff

The massive, extremely wrinkly Neapolitan Mastiff can look fierce. This imposing presence was particularly welcome in ancient Rome, where they were used as war dogs. Today’s Neapolitan Mastiff still looks intimidating, but the breed is sweet, calm, and mellow among friends (threatening strangers beware!). This massive breed needs an experienced dog pet parent who can provide the proper kind of socialization and training. In the right hands, the Neapolitan Mastiff is loyal, affectionate, and dignified.

Height: 24 to 31 inches

Weight: 110 to 150 pounds

Best trait: Fiercely loyal

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6. Dogue de Bordeaux

Made famous in the 1989 movie Turner & Hooch starring Tom Hanks, the wrinkly Dogue de Bordeaux is a loveable, if slobbery, companion. This gingery French mastiff was once a fighting dog, but eventually found different work in guarding estates and assisting butchers in pulling meat into their shops. The Dogue de Bordeaux can be stubborn and challenging to train, and they need a lot of socialization to grow into steady adults. They also need a lot of exercise. Expert-level dog pet parents are recommended for this breed.  

Height: 23 to 27 inches

Weight: 99 to 110  pounds (or more)

Best trait: Slobbery kisser

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7. Basset Hound

The low-slung Basset Hound is a French hunting breed that works in large packs, using its keen sense of scent to find rabbits and deer. As with the Bloodhound, the Basset Hound’s loose skin and wrinkles help stir up scents and funnel them toward the face and nose. Basset Hounds are sweet and affable, getting along with most people and pets. Despite their short stature, Bassets are surprisingly large and heavy. They are affectionate and fun-loving dogs that do well with most individuals and families. 

Height: Up to 15 inches

Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

Best trait: Limbo champion

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8. Mastiff

As the heaviest dog breed, the Mastiff is immense — with males weighing as much as 230 pounds. Mastiffs date back to medieval England, where they were used to fight in wars, guard estates, and hunt big game. They are most wrinkled on the face, but also have a few wrinkles on their bodies thanks to their loose skin. Protective and gentle with those they love, Mastiffs are wonderful family dogs, but need careful training and socialization from a young age. They are wary of strangers and will steadfastly guard your home and property.

Height: 27.5 inches and up

Weight: 120 to 230 pounds

Best trait: Protection

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9. Boerboel

Sometimes called the South African Boerboel (referring to its country of origin), the massive Boerboel is a wrinkly dog breed originally used to protect families and properties from thieves and dangerous wildlife, such as baboons and even lions. Boerboel are loyal and loving to their human family, but aloof with strangers. And they will not hesitate to step in if they sense danger. This breed needs expert-level handling with someone who can provide adequate training and socialization. 

Height: 22 to 27 inches

Weight: 150 to 200 pounds

Best trait: Lion deterrent

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10. French Bulldog

Developed from the Bulldog and bred down to a smaller-size dog with upright “bat ears,” the popular French Bulldog is small, quiet, and slips seamlessly into any type of family. Friendly and outgoing, the Frenchie will accompany you anywhere you go, but they don’t require strenuous exercise to be happy. They do well in almost any living environment, including apartments, and get along very well with respectful children. A somewhat stubborn personality can make them tough to train, but positive-reinforcement methods started early can elicit good results.  

Height: 11 to 13 inches

Weight: Less than 28 pounds

Best trait: Charmer

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Why do wrinkly dogs have loose skin?

The different wrinkly dog breeds have loose skin for varying reasons. The loose skin of hunting dogs, like the Basset Hound and Bloodhound, can stir up scent on the ground, guiding it closer to the dog’s face and nose. This enhances their sense of smell. The loose skin on some big, wrinkly dog breeds (such as the Boerbeol, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff, and Neapolitan Mastiff) offers protection for the dogs. If attacked, the dogs can still twist, move back, and maneuver into a better position to either fight or retreat. Most of these dog breeds are the most wrinkly when they are puppies. As the puppies get older, they grow into their skin and lose some of their wrinkles, but keep just enough to be adorable.

Caring for wrinkly pups

Wrinkly dog breeds, especially wrinkly-faced dog breeds, need some extra care. If you have a dog with rolls of skin, the folds can trap moisture and dirt, so their coats need to be cleaned and dried regularly. Some tips for caring for your wrinkly dog breed include:

Skincare and grooming

• Each day, lift each fold and carefully wipe the folds with a gentle pet wipe

• Shampoo and rinse all folds very thoroughly

• Frequently dry the inside of each fold with a microfiber towel or paper towel, to remove all moisture

• Examine the skin for signs of dermatitis or infection

Warning signs to watch out for

If their wrinkles are not looked after, your dog can develop skin-fold dermatitis and skin infections that require veterinary attention. The deeper the wrinkles, the more attention they need. If you notice any of the following, contact your veterinarian to schedule an exam: 

• Hair loss 

• Red skin

• Brown fur staining 

• Itchy skin

• Discharge

• Bad odor

Ready to adopt a wrinkly dog?

If you love wrinkly dog breeds, you’ll be happy to learn that many dogs with wrinkles, purebred or mixed, are looking for loving homes. It’s easy to look for wrinkly breeds and mixes in your area with a search on Adopt a Pet. 

You can also visit your local animal shelter in person and attend adoption events held by rescue groups. Many breed-specific rescues specialize in rehoming purebred dogs. For instance, if you long for a Pug, try to locate a Pug rescue in your area. Some breed clubs also help rehome purebred dogs.

References

Bulldog Problems: What You Should Know About Their Skin Folds and How to Avoid Infections

How to Care for Your Wrinkly Dog

Ironing out the Wrinkles and Folds in the Epidemiology of Skin Fold Dermatitis in Dog Breeds

Skin Fold Dermatitis in Dogs