Do you love to wrap your fingers around rolly polly wrinkly puppy skin? Do folds and rolls send your cute-o-meter into overdrive? Does a wrinkle and crinkle on the nose of a pooch make you want to give it a smooch? Whether you are looking to adopt a roll-covered pup of your own or just want to rejoice in the cuteness that comes with wrinkly dog breeds, keep scrolling. This collection of adorably wrinkled dog breeds is for you!
See below for tips on the special grooming and care some wrinkly breeds require.
Does your wrinkly pup have a dry nose? Check out the 10 Best Snout Soothers for Dogs.
# 1 – Chinese Shar Pei
When you think of wrinkly dog breeds, you think of the classic king or queen breed of rolls, the Chinese Shar Pei. This breed is positively covered in wrinkles from the nose to the toes. The wrinkles work their way down every inch of their legs all the way to their adorable toes. Their faces are a riot of wrinkles. They have backs that resemble tiny ripples of waves. There is no breed more wavy and wrinkly than the Shar Pei. Thinking about getting a Shar Pei? Here are some breed stats from the American Kennel Club.
- Known to be loyal, independent and calm.
- Grow to 18-20 inches tall and weigh 45-60 pounds.
- Life expectancy of 8-12 years.
#2 – Bulldog
Bulldogs are short, stout, and covered in wrinkles. They are one of the most popular of wrinkly dog breeds. One of the most adorable wrinkles on the Bulldog sits right atop his or her nose. The skin flops right over the nose giving the Bulldog an irresistible charm. If you plan to share a bed with your dog, beware. Bulldogs have a reputation for loud snoring. They can’t help it! Their snouts are short so they are prone to respiratory difficulties. The American Kennel Club says that Bulldogs:
- Have a face that is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity.
- Are friendly, courageous, and kind.
- Stand 14-15 inches tall and tip the scales at 40-50 pounds.
- Have a life expectancy of 8-10 years.
#3 – Pug
Is there a breed that is as cute and full of spunk as the Pug? Pugs are known for their big personalities. They are also a fine example of wrinkly cuteness. Pugs are mischievous little creatures who are driven by the desire to love and be loved. No wonder they make such great companions! Pug faces are adorned with rolls and wrinkles. The chest and back are also prime spots for wrinkles, although they are a bit larger on those areas than on the face. They also have a twirly tail that further adds to their charm. The American Kennel Club has the following quick facts about this crowd-pleasing breed:
- Charming, mischievous, loving.
- Stand 10-13 inches tall and weigh 14-18 pounds.
- Life expectancy of 13-15 years.
#4 – Bloodhound
The Bloodhound shows off all of his or her wrinkles on the face, especially in the eyes. Their eyes are droopy and loose, emoting a wrinkly effect in and of themselves. It’s impossible to look at a Bloodhound and not be drawn right in by those endearing eyes. Their oversized and dangling ears add to the overall effect. They have famously loose jowls. When a Bloodhound drinks water and goes for a shake, watch out! It can be a messy situation. Bloodhounds make you want to reach out and snuggle them up. Hound dogs are revered for their sharp sense of smell and the Bloodhound is no exception. In fact, they are regarded as the best breed for finding lost people! They make excellent hunting and service dogs but are widely adopted into families as nonworking companions because of their gentle and loving nature. Fast American Kennel Club Facts:
- Friendly, inquisitive, and independent.
- Large dogs that grow from 23-27 inches tall and weigh 90-110 pounds.
- Life expectancy of 10-12 years.
#5 – Neapolitan Mastiff
This breed has been intimidating potential invaders since Ancient times. They have historically been employed as guard dogs due to their imposing size and unique physical characteristics. Modern Neapolitan Mastiffs are weary of strangers but they are gentle and loving with known family members and friends. They are profusely wrinkly from head to toe. Drooping eyes, massive jowls, and leg rolls give them a distinct and adorable appearance. If you are looking for a sweet, giant, and wrinkly friend the Neapolitan Mastiff is for you. The American Kennel Club sized them up as:
- Loyal, dignified, watchful.
- Giant at 24-31 inches tall and 110-150 pounds.
- Life expectancy of 7-9 years.
#6 – Dogue de Bordeaux
This loose-skinned large breed rose to popularity following the release of the 1989 Tom Hank’s film, Turner and Hooch. Their very large heads are delightfully wrinkled, particularly around the nose and eyes. They have huge necks with loose and rolling rolls that carry on to their tall backs. The Dogue de Bordeaux breed is the oldest French breed, predating the establishment of France itself. These gentle giants are wonderful companion dogs who will protect and love family members loyally. The American Kennel Club states that Dogue de Bordeaux dogs are:
- Affectionate, loyal, courageous.
- Very large at 23-27 inches tall and 99-110 pounds.
- Expected to live 5-8 years.
#7 – French Bulldog
Frenchies are a very popular breed. Their hallmark wrinkled faces and bat-like ears make them super cute and hard to resist. The smaller stature and social nature of French Bulldogs makes the breed fairly portable for those who like to take their dogs everywhere they go. They make great companions in urban settings and are happy to trot around the city alongside their favorite human. They are adaptable and can figure out how to fit in, in any setting. Their steady temperament helps them adjust and settle in quickly, even in new and strange environments. The American Kennel club offers these quick stats about French Bulldogs:
- Adaptable, playful, smart.
- Stand 11-13 inches tall and weight up to 28 pounds.
- Life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Tips for Caring for Your Wrinkly Dog
Having a wrinkly dog breed means you will always have rolls to sink your face into. It also means you will have to take special care of those rolls to avoid problems. Here’s the deal. Those wrinkles and folds that make your heart go pitter patter are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, yeast, and debris. Rolls are adorable. A funky smell coming from them? Not so cute.
Avoid skin infections, nasty odors, and discomfort for your dog by performing regular cleaning and care. How regular? Experts say daily is best. That being said, every dog is different. Some dogs are super sensitive and require daily cleaning. Others can get by with a cleaning a few times a week. The bottom line? Keep your pup’s wrinkles and folds dry and clean. Prevention is the best medicine!
- Use baby or dog wipes to gently wipe inside folds and wrinkles.
- Use a clean, damp washcloth if you prefer a more sustainable method.
- For more stubborn or tight spaces, use a Q tip to remove dirt or build up.
- Check for skin irritations such as redness, scaliness, sores, or smells.
- See your vet if your dog has itchy, irritated, smelly, or broken skin between folds.
Wrinkled and rolled dog breeds are nature’s reminder that cuteness comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. As humans, we go to great lengths to keep our skin tight and wrinkle-free. Perhaps we can look to our adorably wrinkled companions to see that wrinkles can be desirable after all.
Toledo, United States.
