A-z - Animals

7 Adorable Wrinkle Dog Breeds

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When it comes to adorable breeds, wrinkly dogs are hard to beat. Some are covered in leather bags, others just have wrinkles on their faces, but either way, this feature makes them look precious. But unfortunately, as wrinkles appear, the folds collect dirt and debris. As such, the breeds have different grooming needs, such as frequent cleaning of the folds to avoid infection.

There are several breeds of curly-coated dogs, but they vary in size and personality. So if owning a wrinkly puppy is your dream, keep scrolling to find out which of these 7 adorable wrinkly dog breeds is right for you.

1. Shar Pei

Shar Peis are the most notorious wrinkled dog breed in the world because their entire body is rolled up. Also known as Chinese Shar Peis, the second most distinctive feature of these dogs is their thick, wide snouts. In addition, the Shar-Pei has short and thick hair, which is why their name translates to "sandpaper skin".

Shar Peis were bred to be guard dogs and fighters, so they can be aggressive. Also, they are a dominant and independent breed, so it can be difficult to train them. However, this aggressive breed needs training and socialization as soon as possible, as they don't get along well with other dogs and are very wary of strangers. Left to their own devices, these dogs can exhibit unpredictable behavior that can be dangerous. Therefore, the Shar Pei is not a recommended breed for first-time dog owners.

reproductive statistics

  • Height – 16-12 inches
  • Weight – 44-60 lbs
  • Lifespan – 8-12 years
  • Temperament – independent, loyal, calm
Chinese Shar Pei puppy playing in the garden
Chinese Shar Pei puppy playing in the garden.

©Waldemar Dabrowski/Shutterstock.com

2. Pekingese

Pekingese pugs are considered a toy breed because of their diminutive stature, only six to nine inches tall. These adorable rumpled dogs have long manes that cover most of their bodies. However, they just have rolls on their faces

Read more  marmot

Pekingese are dignified and worldly in their demeanor, sincerely believing that they are the king or queen of the castle. Although they are playful, they do not like rough play, so this breed is not a good choice if you have young children. Instead, they thrive in single care homes, where they are the only pets.

Variety Statistics

  • Height: Six to nine inches
  • Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
  • Temperament: Loving, aloof, intelligent
Happy pekingese dog standing on white background
Pekingese pugs originated in ancient China, where they were bred as companions by the Chinese royal family.

3. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is by far the most famous of the wrinkled dog breeds, with wrinkles all over the body and loose skin that adds to the effect. Many people confuse the French bulldog with this robust breed, but the English bulldog has smaller, floppy ears, while the French bulldog has large, erect ears. Furthermore, they are much larger than the latter. Another distinguishing feature is their teeth and jaws. They have an underbite, which causes their lower teeth to protrude into the upper jaw.

The English Bulldog is gentle, playful, and loving. Plus, they love human attention, and even though they can weigh up to 55 pounds, they insist on being pugs. These adorable wrinkly dogs don't need a lot of exercise. So a daily walk around the block will give their bodies a boost. However, owners need to keep them away from hot temperatures, as they have short snouts and can overheat quickly, making it difficult to breathe.

Variety statistics

  • Height: 11-16 inches
  • Weight: 40-55 lbs
  • Lifespan: 8-10 years
  • Temperament: Lazy, quiet, dependable
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog
Three english bulldog puppies sitting on the grass.

© Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

4. Pug

Pugs are small but muscular and have wrinkled noses. Additionally, this breed has a very distinctive curly tail. They are playful dogs and can pull up a lot of mischief if left alone for too long, but are usually meant to please those they love. With proper care, pugs are highly adaptable and can thrive in any household. Plus, they're a great breed to introduce to other pets.

However, pugs are prone to obesity and owners must ensure they maintain a strict diet. Like the English Bulldog, these small dogs require only moderate exercise because they are brachycephalic and can struggle to breathe when exerted too much.

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Variety Statistics

  • Height: 10-13 inches
  • Weight: 14-18 lbs
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Temperament: Playful, charming, affectionate
pug in blanket
Pugs are great family dogs because they are gentle and affectionate.

© 220 Homebrew Studio/Shutterstock.com

5. Dogue de Bordeaux

Also known as the French Mastiff, the Bordeaux is a large, intimidating dog that can easily fend off threats to protect its family. While they don't have saggy skin on their faces, they do have wrinkles around their short noses. Additionally, these magnificent dogs have strong muscles and medium sized floppy ears. Stubborn and difficult to follow orders, the Bordeaux requires a disciplined and patient hand when training.

Variety statistics

  • Height: 23-27 inches
  • Weight: 99-110 lbs
  • Lifespan: 5-6 years
  • Temperament: Sweet, docile, stubborn
The largest dog breed_ Dogue de Bordeaux
One of the largest dog breeds, the Bordeaux, is shown on the beach and makes excellent companions who are very loyal to their families.

© otsphoto/Shutterstock.com

6. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff's drooping lips and wrinkled face are the epitome of cuteness. These huge dogs are notorious for avoiding strangers due to their strong build and intimidating appearance. However, when it comes to their family, they are loving and gentle, making them great pets for older children. Unfortunately, due to their large size, Neapolitan Mastiffs need a lot of room to roam and exercise. So, they are definitely not suitable for apartment living.

Variety statistics

  • Height: 26-30 inches
  • Weight: 110-150 lbs
  • Lifespan: 8-10 years
  • Temperament: Gentle, quiet, protective
greyhound breed
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient Italian breed known for its enormous size and extremely wrinkled coat.

©Dioniya/Shutterstock.com

7. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a wrinkled breed known for its stubborn disposition and high-pitched bark. Their noses and foreheads are adorned with cute rolls, but the rest of their stout bodies are covered with a smooth, single coat. The French Bulldog has broad shoulders, similar to the English Bulldog, but with less wrinkling and more prominent bat ears.

Like their larger cousins, these adorable rumpled dogs don't need much exercise, making them excellent apartment dogs. Frenchies are very playful and do well in a family setting. But sadly, they are notorious for health issues like breathing problems and ear infections that can add up to veterinary bills.

Variety statistics

  • Height: 11-12 inches
  • Weight: 20-28 lbs
  • Lifespan: 10-14 years
  • Temperament: Friendly, gentle, outgoing
Read more  mandrill
french bulldog
The French Bulldog will twist its whole body to make up for the lack of a tail.

©dezy/Shutterstock.com

Caring for Wrinkled Dog Breeds

Caring for wrinkled breeds requires daily cleaning and care, as the folds between their rolls can become infected. However, that doesn't mean you need to bathe them every day. Instead, you can use wrinkle wipes and paste to disinfect the area. You can also use these wipes to remove tear stains from your face. Plus, alcohol-free wipes are great for allergy-prone or sensitive breeds, like French bulldogs.

Wrinkle creams prevent infection by creating a waterproof barrier, stopping fungus, bacteria, and moisture from building up. Some of these balms are hypoallergenic, so if your pup has sensitive skin, it can provide comfort and protection by clearing the barrier.

Also note that when you have a wrinkled dog, you'll want to keep a towel with you when you're out and about to wipe your dog clean when it gets wet. For example, if it's raining and your puppy hits a puddle, you'll need to clean his puddles as soon as possible. This is due to bacteria and yeast blooming in humid climates (i.e. damp folds).

next

  • 10 Shortest Dog Breeds
  • Discover the longest haired dog breeds
  • 6 Black Dog Breeds

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about the author


I'm a 33 year old creative and professional writer from South Africa. Wildlife is one of my greatest passions and it has made me the writer I am today. I have been fortunate to work with a large number of wild animals (mainly big cats) and to capture my unique experiences in my writing. But I wanted to take it a step further, so I ventured into the world of freelancing. Now, I'm taking the time to write about animals; what could be better?

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are those wrinkly dogs called?

Shar Peis are the most notorious wrinkled dog breed in the world because their entire body is rolled up. Also known as Chinese Shar Peis, the second most distinctive feature of these dogs is their thick, wide snouts.

Are Shar Peis good family dogs?

Left to their own devices, these dogs can exhibit unpredictable behavior that can be dangerous. Therefore, the Shar Pei is not recommended for first-time dog owners or families with children.

What dog has a wrinkled face?

There are several dog breeds that have wrinkled faces, namely the Pug, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Bordeaux and Pekingese.

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source
  1. Hills Pet (1970) www.hillspet.com
  2. American Kennel Club (1970) www.akc.org
  3. Pet Finder (1970) www.petfinder.com