Whether big or small, old or young, dogs with wrinkles always look adorable. It’s no wonder that so many people want a wrinkly dog of their own. So here are some of the top wrinkly dog breeds you’ll want to learn more about.
English Bulldog
For many people, the lovable English Bulldog is probably the first canine that comes to mind when thinking about wrinkly canines. In the past, the facial wrinkles of the Bulldog which help to give the breed its characteristic look had an important purpose. Originally the Bulldog was used to fight bulls in a sport known as bull-baiting.
When the dog bit into the bull the facial wrinkles of the Bulldog helped the blood to drip down the muzzle and towards the ground, instead of getting into the dog’s eyes. While wrinkly bulldogs are cute their wrinkles need care. They must be kept clean and dry to prevent infections and other skin problems.
While some English Bulldogs only need their wrinkles cleaned a few times a week others may need cleaning each and every day. It depends on the individual dog.
Pug
The Pug is not just one of the most popular small wrinkly dog breeds, but one of the most popular dogs in the world. They are ideal for apartment living and make loving companions. The original developers of the breed in China believed that the wrinkles on the dog’s face were very important.
Wrinkles which looked as if they formed the Chinese symbol for the word “prince,” were the most sought-after. This is known as the “prince mark.” Before potential owners purchase a cute and wrinkly Pug puppy they should keep in mind that this is considered to be one of the stubborn small dog breeds.
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei could be the most wrinkled dog breed of them all. Its entire body is covered in wrinkly folds of skin. It is considered to be an ancient dog breed and like the Pug, it originated in China. The Shar-Pei’s wrinkles are no accident. The breed was created to be wrinkly not for cuteness, but for defense.
Because the Sharpei was developed as a fighting dog, the wrinkles helped to protect it from being injured. When bitten, the opponent usually only got a mouthful of extra skin. This is a breed recommended only for experienced owners. And like many other types of wrinkly dogs, their skin folds need to be taken care of on a regular basis.
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is considered by many to have the best sense of smell of any breed on the planet. Its superior tracking ability is the reason it is the dog of choice for many hunters, search and rescue teams, and police forces.
The Bloodhound’s wrinkled face actually helps the breed to catch scent particles in the air making it easier for it to follow a scent trail. It is also known as the St. Hubert’s Hound since it was developed by the monks of the St. Hubert monastery in Belgium.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a truly giant dog breed. The Mastiff has been used as a war dog, fighting dog, and guard dog. While the breed is much more peaceful today it is still wary of strangers and protective of its family. Despite its massive size, the Mastiff is actually quite sensitive.
Therefore during training, positive praise and rewards generally work best. One thing you may notice about the Mastiff is that while its coat comes in several colors, this big wrinkly dog breed always has a black muzzle.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very large and ancient dog. One look at the Neo is all it takes to see that this is a really wrinkly dog breed. It is also a natural guardian that is fearless and will defend its family at any cost.
The wrinkles, hanging skin, and jowls, which are characteristic of the breed, are believed to have been purposely developed to give the dog a frightening appearance to help scare off intruders. Due to its guarding instincts, it’s incredibly important that the Neapolitan Mastiff is socialized from an early age.
Dogue de Bourdeaux
The Dogue de Bourdeaux is also known as the French Mastiff. It’s a stocky dog with a huge head. In fact, relative to its body, it is considered to have the largest head of all dogs. This powerful canine is a descendant of ancient war dogs and is a fierce family protector. It’s also a dog breed with a lot of wrinkles.
Potential owners should keep in mind that this is a dog that does drool excessively. And also that Dogue de Bourdeaux’s wrinkles need to be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth to prevent infection in the folds of the dog’s face.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a favorite with fans of wrinkled face dog breeds who prefer a pet that is more compact in size. The Frenchie is a dog known for its clownish antics, deeply pronounced facial wrinkles, and upright bat-like ears.
Despite the breed’s name it actually originated in England however it was popularized in France. The French Bulldog is typically excellent with kids and makes a great watchdog as well since it usually only barks when there’s actually something important to bark about.
Basset Hound
There is no mistaking the Basset Hound for any other breed. It has long floppy ears, a wrinkly face, and an elongated body, that is set on top of very short legs. The Basset is a top-notch hunting hound that was developed to hunt rabbits. And similar to the Bloodhound and several other scent hounds the wrinkly Basset Hound’s face helps to capture scent.
The Basset is believed to have the second-best nose of all dogs. That is after its cousin the Bloodhound of course. The Basset Hound is a dog that needs to be kept on a leash at all times, and in a securely fenced-in yard when outdoors, as it will not hesitate to follow after an intriguing scent.
Boerboel
Also sometimes called the South African Mastiff the Boerboel is one of the extra-large wrinkly dog breeds. It was developed by the Dutch settlers in South Africa. They used imported dogs such as Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Greyhounds, and Pointers, along with a handful of others which were then interbred with native African dogs as well.
The Boerboel was created to work as a farm dog and more specifically as a guardian. And it’s still used today to defend against both human intruders and dangerous wildlife such as lions.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Dogs With Webbed Feet
Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do...
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Danish Dog Breeds
The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...