Top 10 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

Wrinkles might not always be welcome for us humans, but when it comes to dogs, they can easily be one of the most cherished features. Wrinkly dog breeds, with their folds and furrows, bring an endearing charm that can tug at any pet lover’s heartstrings. 

These creases and crinkles bring with them some specific care requirements, though, so make sure you’re all read up on how to clean a dog’s nose wrinkles, manage fold dermatitis, and clean your dog’s jowls before you welcome one of these fun-loving pups into your family. 

With that said, there’s nothing more rewarding than spending some quality time with your fun-loving furry friend, especially when they look as cute as wrinkly pups do. Here’s a look at the top ten wrinkly dog breeds, complete with care tips and personality insights!

Talk about wrinkles! Originally bred for guarding, the Chinese Shar-Pei is easily recognizable by its deep wrinkles and unique blue-black tongue. With a coat that can be black, fawn, cream, or red, this breed stands out not only for its distinctive looks but also for its independent and somewhat aloof nature. Despite being reserved and often wary of strangers, Shar-Peis are extremely loyal to their families, making them excellent watchdogs.

Caring for a Shar-Pei involves more than the usual pet maintenance; their skin folds require regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infections, and their short, bristly coat needs minimal but consistent grooming. Early socialization and firm, consistent training are the key to harness their protective instincts positively. 

Read more about the Shar-Pei in our in-depth breed profile. 

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The English Bulldog, with its iconic wrinkled face and stout, muscular body, showcases a special blend of courage and likeability. This breed's pushed-in nose and distinctive jowls define its appearance and contribute to its gentle but stubborn character. Despite their somewhat intimidating look, Bulldogs are among the most fun-loving companions, often happy to spend hours just hanging out with their owners.

But the same features that make them so loveable also add to some difficult health challenges. Bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, which can complicate breathing for these four-legged friends. Not to mention their deep skin folds can trap moisture and debris, leading to irritation or infection if not regularly cleaned and dried.

Read more about the English Bulldog in our in-depth breed profile. 

Small but with a presence that can’t be ignored, French Bulldogs have similar facial wrinkles to their larger English Bulldog cousins. They're adaptable, making them perfect for city living, and they have a playful and affectionate nature. Frenchies were originally bred during the 1800s to help with pit fighting and bull-baiting (hence the name ‘bulldog’). Over time, their role evolved, and they’re now adored around the world as great companions for families everywhere. 

Like nearly all wrinkly breeds, the French Bulldog’s wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent dirt buildup that can lead to infections, though — so make sure you’re on top of this as a pet parent. Give them exercise and love and you’ll have a friend for life!

Read more about the French Bulldog in our in-depth breed profile. 

This giant breed is most commonly known for its loose, hanging wrinkles and folds, especially around its face and neck. Originating from Italy, these mastiffs are known for their vigilant nature and an innate ability to protect their home and family. Despite their striking appearance, they’re shockingly gentle and loving with their family members, often showing a soft side to those they trust.

These dogs are not ones who thrive on alone-time — they value interaction with their human family, and their living space should be big enough to accommodate their large size. Be sure to give them enough room to move freely and relax comfortably. 

Read more about the Neapolitan Mastiff in our in-depth breed profile. 

In case you didn’t already know, the Bloodhound is a true scent trail superstar, renowned for its unmatched tracking abilities thanks to its powerful nose (which is among the best in the canine world). The iconic loose skin that hangs in deep folds around their face and neck isn't just for show; this actually helps capture scent particles in the air, aiding them in their tracking work.

While they’re relentless and determined when on a scent trail, Bloodhounds transform into gentle giants at home, often at peace just sprawling out for a good nap after a day's work.

But those adorable wrinkles require some maintenance to keep the Bloodhound healthy and happy. The deep folds around their face can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria — it’s important for Bloodhound owners to perform routine checks and gently clean between these folds with wipes or a damp cloth.

Despite their laid-back nature at home, Bloodhounds need regular exercise to maintain their fitness and mental well-being. An active lifestyle awaits with a Bloodhound as part of the family!

Read more about the Bloodhound in our in-depth breed profile. 

Pugs tend to be known as the clowns of the canine world; small in size but overflowing with personality and charm. With their distinctive squished faces and deep wrinkles, they have a way of expressing a wide range of emotions that can keep their owners endlessly entertained. These dogs are not just about looks; they're incredibly sociable and thrive on human interaction, making them fantastic companions for both families and singles. 

Being a Pug’s pet parent comes with important responsibilities, especially when it comes to their health. Pugs tend to love their food a little too much, which can easily lead to obesity if not carefully managed with a diet and regular exercise. In addition to keeping a close eye on their wrinkles for cleaning, keeping your Pug healthy and happy is pretty straightforward — the most important thing is to maintain a balance of good nutrition, gentle exercise, and plenty of affection. 

Read more about the Pug in our in-depth breed profile. 

Your dog’s health matters! Regular wellness plans are an important investment for pet parents. Carve out time for health check-ups and proper care, and enhance your dog’s quality of life. 

The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, may look like it's perpetually deep in thought, thanks to those deep, striking wrinkles and a serious, contemplative expression. But underneath that stoic exterior is a heart of gold — these dogs are affectionate and form deep bonds with their families. This breed’s loyalty is unmatched, sometimes even sticking close to their owners like a shadow.

Caring for this gentle giant involves more than just regular cuddles; their physical maintenance is crucial to their well-being. Despite their relaxed nature, they need regular exercise to manage their weight and keep their joints healthy. A carefully controlled diet is also essential to prevent gaining too much weight and to support their overall health. 

Read more about the Dogue de Bordeaux in our in-depth breed profile. 

With their long droopy ears and sad-eyed expression, Basset Hounds are the epitome of a laid-back pooch with an added twist of fanciness. These dogs are known around the world for their mild and easygoing nature, often happy to lounge around the house for hours. But don’t let their leisurely demeanor fool you; Basset Hounds have a keen sense of smell — second only to the Bloodhound — that can sometimes take them on unexpected adventures, following their noses wherever exciting scents may lead!

Managing a Basset Hound's health involves paying special attention to their unique physical traits. Their long ears, which can drag on the ground and pick up dirt, need regular cleaning to prevent infections. Similarly, the skin folds that give them their characteristic wrinkled appearance can also trap moisture and debris, meaning routine checks are important to avoid skin issues. 

A balance of gentle exercise is important too, as it helps keep them fit without putting too much strain on their short legs and long backs. 

Read more about the Basset Hound in our in-depth breed profile. 

The Pekingese is a dog breed steeped in imperial history. Originally bred to grace the laps of Chinese royalty, these small dogs carry themselves with a sense of dignity and elegance. With their long, flowing coats and distinctive pushed-in faces, Pekingese are not only charming but also quite the head-turners. Their luxurious mane and broad, flat face framed by deep wrinkles make them one of the most distinctive toy breeds you can find.

Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to keep them looking their best. Like the Pug, Pekingese dogs can be prone to breathing difficulties, especially in hot or humid weather, so it’s important to keep them cool and provide a stress-free environment. Their spirited and loving personality makes them the perfect pal, especially in a calm household where they can be adored — almost as much as they might’ve been in ancient times. 

Read more about the Pekingese in our in-depth breed profile. 

The Bullmastiff is another gentle giant, blending strength with a mild temperament. Known for their broad, wrinkled foreheads and imposing bodies, Bullmastiffs have a quiet confidence to them. Originally bred to guard large estates, they’re fearless and protective, naturally taking their role as a family guardian seriously. But the best part is, when it comes to their human family, especially children, they show a softer side, showing patience and gentleness that make them excellent family pets.

Bullmastiffs aren’t overly energetic, but they do need daily walks and some playtime to keep them fit and entertained. Training should start early — their large size and protective instincts means that they should understand and respect boundaries from a young age. 

Read more about the Bullmastiff in our in-depth breed profile. 

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