Wrinkly Dog: 9 Breeds With Adorable Furry Folds

Humans have been trying to get rid of their wrinkles for centuries, but some dog-lovers simply love wrinkly faces. 

In recent years, wrinkle-faced dogs have gained popularity all over the world. The cute folds of fur give them character that more and more people love. From the super-cute Chinese Shar-Pei to the amazing Mastiff, dogs with wrinkles can make great pets.

Wrinkly dog breeds, and why they're popular

Here are some of our favorite wrinkly dog breeds and what makes them so unique. So put down that wrinkle cream and embrace the cutest wrinkle-faced dogs around.

#1 Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei doesn't just have wrinkles; it IS wrinkles!

• This breed has such an air of dignity, and it seems to carry those wrinkles with pride.
• Since it's one of the more expensive dog breeds costing upwards of $2000, the dignified look makes total sense!
• Chinese Shar-Pei comes in a range of colors, including a beautiful grey which makes it an excellent choice for those who always wanted a grey wrinkly dog. 

#2 French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is world-renowned as an ideal pet for urban dog lovers.

• Their smaller size and their minimal exercise requirements mean they can quickly adapt to city life.
• With wrinkly skin and bat-like ears, these dogs are super-cute. 
• Smaller than the Shar-Pei and slightly easier to care for, the Frenchie is a popular choice.
• Another reason why these wrinkly dogs are so popular is that so many celebrities are getting them as pets. Even the NFL began using a Frenchie as a support animal! 

#3 Bloodhound

We all know that image of the sad-looking Bloodhound sitting on the front porch, contemplating chasing a squirrel passing by. These dogs are great trackers, but they also have a gentle nature and calm disposition. 

• The Bloodhound's unique features makes its looks legendary. If you're looking for an interesting dog with wrinkly skin, you'll find the Bloodhound a loveable and loyal choice.
• Like all other wrinkly dogs, the Bloodhound requires some necessary cleaning when it comes to its wrinkles.
• Their long jowls may contain food particles and water, even after shaking it loose (as they do). A thorough check after meals will help keep bacteria at bay. 

#4 Pug

Pug and the term cute go hand in hand.

• The folds in their foreheads give them a scrunched-up face and a concerned look, making them appear helpless and in need of a human's love.
• Pugs are indeed social and one of the friendliest of the smallest dog breeds. 
• Like the Frenchie, Pugs are great apartment dwellers. Their flat little faces make exercise difficult. So shorter walks are best for these breeds.
• Keep in mind that you should keep the walks regular. This breed turns into a couch potato relatively quickly.

#5 Neapolitan Mastiff

This lovable big wrinkly dog breed weighs around a whopping 150 lbs! These large lumps of love make loyal companions, great guard dogs, and phenomenal foot warmers.

• Unlike the Pug, the Neapolitan Mastiff does not like apartment living.
• Because of its size, this dog needs room to roam around, so it doesn't become a fat wrinkly dog.
• Even Mastiff puppies need a bit more space than the smaller wrinkly dogs.

#6 Dogue de Bordeaux

Another large and slobbery dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux breed, became famous with Tom Hanks in a movie called Turner and Hooch.

• This dog isn't just super-wrinkly; it also has a super-sweet personality, even though it can be strong-willed!
• Dogue de Bordeaux dogs have beautifully colored coats and are quite large. The males are around 27 inches high and weigh about 110 lbs which is not surprising because this breed has the largest head in the canine world! 

#7 Mastiff

Another great big dog with a heavy weight and a cute wrinkled brow is the Mastiff.

• Known for their excessive slobbering, the Mastiff is gentle, loyal, and loving.
• However, Mastiffs have to be well-trained and socialized from an early stage in their life. 
• Early training will turn your Mastiff into a better adult dog and make it more manageable.
• Since a fully grown Mastiff will weigh more than their human counterparts when fully grown, training is crucial.

#8 Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff gets its wrinkly looks from its breeding.

• A Bulldog and a Mastiff hybrid, this dog is as large as a Mastiff but looks more like a Bulldog.
• The Bullmastiff can be tough to train, but once taught makes a great protector.
• With a fearless, calm, and obedient personality, these dogs are excellent companions and guard dogs.
• Bringing them up in a family-friendly environment will make for a large and friendly furry friend full of folds!

#9 Pekingese

Originally known as lion dogs or as a toy dog in ancient China, the Pekingese has really deep wrinkles on its face.

• Along with those cute wrinkles, the Pekingese also has a flat muzzle and long undercoats, which require additional grooming.
• Pekingese have fiery personalities and can be dominating and controlling, despite their small size.
• This breed is not incredibly obedient but is loving and affectionate to its pet parents. 

The most common problems for wrinkly dogs

Because of dirt and moisture collecting in the folds, your poor wrinkly pooch can develop problems:

• Itching – A dirty or wet wrinkled dog may become itchy. If you notice Spot scratching at his face, it may be because all of the gunk has settled in his folds and has made him itch. It could even begin to bleed if left unchecked.
• Odor – If you don't clean your wrinkly dog's wrinkles regularly, it could become rather smelly. This usually means that bacteria or yeast are cultivating in those areas. A thorough cleaning of the area will remove the bacteria and also the horrible smell it produces.
• Irritation – Once dirt or food particles get caught in Fluffball's deep wrinkles and folds, it could irritate the area and cause it to be inflamed and develop red bumps. 
• Infection - If you don't treat irritations immediately, Freddy's folds could become infected. A visit to a vet will remedy the situation with medications and proper cleaning tips and advice.

If you notice any of these issues, it is best to get a vet's advice. It may be as simple as cleaning the area out, but it may also be something a little more serious, like an infection. 

Simple tips for cleaning your furry friend's folds

To care for your wrinkly canine, keep on top of the grooming every day. Keeping the area clean and dry is crucial. If you're unsure, talk to your vet about a skincare routine suited to dogs with folds and products that will help, for example:

• Canine wipes – A special wipe made specifically for cleaning a super-wrinkly dog.
• Baby wipes – Hypoallergenic and alcohol-free, these wipes are made for babies but can be safely used to clean your pet.
• Q-tips – An excellent instrument for getting into all of those nooks and crannies.
• Sterile gauze – Used for wrapping wounds for humans, gauze is also handy for cleaning dirt and grime from your wrinkled dog's skin.
• Cotton balls – Also great for cleaning and picking up a lot of dirt.

Look out for any skin problems like infections or inflammation. Gently clean each wrinkle with swiping motions until all of the dirt or food is removed. 

Once you have thoroughly cleaned the area, make one last check to see all Fido's folds are clean, and pat the area dry. Move from wrinkle to wrinkle so that you do not miss a single spot.

Wrinkly dogs: the final fold

Whether you opt for a small wrinkly dog like a cute little Chinese Shar-Pei, or a beautiful Bullmastiff, wrinkly dogs make interesting pets. However, these adorable furry friends with all their folds will require more attention than non-wrinkly dogs. 

To keep them nice and clean and infection-free, all you’ll need to do is pay a little more attention to their skincare. With proper care, you’ll have a healthy, wrinkly pooch who’ll show everyone that wrinkles are beautiful.