Dogs With Wrinkles - Dog breeds that are wrinkled

Dog Breeds With Wrinkles

There is something so distinctive and endearing about breeds with wrinkles! We can’t seem to resist their amusing expressions when we pass by them on the street. You may not know that with the wrinkles come some special needs. The skin inside the wrinkles can harbor dirt, making a perfect home for yeast and infections. Thus, owners of these breeds need to spend a little extra TLC in caring for their dogs hygiene, including cleaning the wrinkles! If you are willing to go the extra mile and just can’t resist the looks of all of that extra skin, one of these breeds might just be for you.

Pugs:

The Pug may have come by its name from the Old English word “Pugg” which means Little Devil or Monkey, though the breed originates as a lap dog for Chinese royalty. The Pug is a wonderful companion, as they are incredibly playful and affectionate! They are usually wonderful with children and other animals. Pugs are brachycephalic (they have an extremely flat muzzle) and cannot tolerate hot temperatures. Their wrinkles often give them a concerned look, which is a humorous balance to their clown like personalities!

Shar Pei:

The Shar Pei is a medium sized breed (40-60 lbs) that has a unique looking muzzle – it is often compared to that of a hippo! Shar Pei’s were bred in China to serve as guard dogs for royalty as well as fighting dogs. The extra skin was useful during dogfights, as the Shar Pei could turn around to strike at its opponent even if it had a hold on its wrinkles. These days Shar Pei’s are kept as companions. As puppies, they are extremely wrinkled! As the dog grows, the wrinkles spread over the dog, with the majority resting on the head and neck. Shar Pei’s are one family dogs due to their nature as guard dogs. They don’t take well to strangers and are generally quite territorial.

Neapolitan Mastiff:

The Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the most unique looking canines out there! These giant (110-200 lbs) Italian dogs were believed to have fought lions in gladiator arenas during the Roman times. Neo’s are wrinkled as puppies, and as they grow, their wrinkles do as well! Especially the ones on their face and neck (dewlap). Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to drooling. Neo’s are not a pet for the beginning dog owner. They are extremely strong and have a very dominant nature. Males hardly ever get along with other male dogs and have a tendency to be quite aggressive if placed in a situation with unknown canines. As a family dog, the Neo is generally gentle with children and protective of the ones they love. Neo’s can’t stand the heat and must be kept cool on warm days.

Dogue De Bordeaux:

The Dogue De Bordeaux always stands out in a crowd and not just because of their massive size. These red French Mastiffs have some of the most impressive heads in the entire dog world and they’re wrinkled to boot! The DDB was bred in France to protect the home, herd and hunt large game. The breed has an even temperament and is known for its natural guarding instincts. They are generally stable dogs that do well with children and other animals as long as they are socialized with them properly. Most of the Dogue’s wrinkles lie on the head and neck. Like many of the other breeds on this list, Bordeauxs can’t tolerate excessively warm temperatures.

Bulldog:

The Bulldog is a low set, stocky dog that usually weighs between 40-60 lbs. The breed originated in England and was bred for blood sports (bull and bearbaiting) and many of its distinct physical features come from this barbaric history. However the Bulldogs of today are beloved companions. Their humorous under bites, wrinkled faces and serious expressions all make them one of the most popular faces in the dog world! The bulldog is a wonderful family pet. They do well with children and other dogs, but have a tendency to be a bit stubborn and even lazy! They are extremely sensitive to the heat.

Bloodhound:

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound that was bred for its ability to follow a trail. The breed is said to have originated in Belgium in a monastery. Bloodhounds have an unrivaled ability to track a scent and are used in police and search and rescue work. They have heavy wrinkles under their lips and neck and around their eyes. Puppies appear more wrinkled than adults. Bloodhounds are gentle, friendly dogs but they can be big and awkward! They are quite drooly and like to get dirty! Bloodhounds can be stubborn during training and require a great deal of patience. They are also strong pullers as they are always hot on the trail of a scent!

French Bulldog:

The French Bulldog is a small (16-28 lbs) companion dog that originated in France during the 1800’s. These short little dogs are chubby puppies with more wrinkles when they are young. As adults, they are limited to the facial area. Frenchies are brachycephalic and need to be kept cool on hot days. They are ideal apartment companions and do well in urban settings. They are affectionate and playful, but should be socialized with other dogs at an early age. Male Frenchies have a tendency towards same gender aggression.

English Mastiff:

The English Mastiff is truly a giant of the dog world! This breed weighs-in between 140-200+ lbs. It is believed that these dogs are the oldest British breed, dating back to 6 century BC. Originally they were bred for bull bating as well as other barbaric dog sports. This history is a far cry from the Mastiff of today! These giant dogs stand out with their wrinkled muzzles and massive heads. The breed is known to be a calm and stable family companion who will not fail to take action if his home or family is threatened.

Pekingese:

The Pekingese is a toy breed weighing in between 7-14 lbs. They were bred as companions for Chinese royalty over 2000 years ago. Pek’s have a deep wrinkle in their face and are flat muzzled (brachycephalic). Care must be taken to keep them cool in hot weather. Pekingese have unique temperaments and are usually one-person dogs. They generally do not put up with strange dogs and can be aggressive (they don’t have a sense of their small size). They are also quite stubborn to train and do not do well in homes with small children.

Bullmastiff:

The Bullmastiff is the last wrinkled giant on our list, weighing in between 100-160 lbs. The breed originated in England during the 1800’s and was nicknamed “ The Gamekeeper's Night Dog”. They were bred to guard land and game from poachers and were a combination of the Old English Bulldog and the English Mastiff. Bullmastiffs make great family dogs and do well with children. They need early socialization with other dogs. The Bullmastiff is an excellent guard dog, it’s sheer size is usually enough to deter an intruder!